Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
On an unseasonably warm late October evening, the Walpole Porkers geared up for their final regular-season competition. With their sights set on a promising postseason, the Porkers aimed to extend their impressive eight-game winning streak. However, this night held extra significance as it was not only their last regular-season game but also an occasion to honor their 14 seniors on senior night. Their formidable opponents, Needham High, were on the horizon, and in a well-fought match, the Porkers emerged victorious with a final score of 5-1.
The game kicked off with the Needham Rockets displaying exceptional energy and determination, quickly sneaking a goal past the Walpole Porkers' defenses. With seven minutes remaining in the first quarter, Needham took the early lead. However, the Porkers did not waver in the face of adversity. Rather, they regrouped and maintained their confidence on the field. With less than two minutes left in the first quarter, senior Taylor Carter received a pass from Kerin Birch, and Izzy Adams scored to level the game at 1-1.
The second quarter passed without any additional scoring, setting the stage for a dynamic third quarter. The Porkers seized the initiative, netting three consecutive goals against the Rockets' defense. Sophomore Kendal Cusak capitalized on a pass from Izzy Adams, delivering the second goal for the Porkers. Shortly thereafter, Kate Schneider received a pass from Emma Bianculli and unleashed another powerful strike that reverberated as it found the back of Needham's net, extending the Porkers' lead to 3-1. Izzy Adams added to the tally, making it 4-1 with four minutes left in the quarter.
As the fourth quarter commenced, the energy from the crowd was palpable, and the Porkers fed off this excitement. The Needham Rockets continued to battle valiantly against Walpole's formidable skills. However, it was Kate Schneider who provided the finishing touch, securing the fifth goal for the Porkers with just three minutes remaining.
As the clock wound down, a jubilant celebration erupted in the Walpole camp. The regular season came to a close with optimism for the postseason that lay ahead.
Head coach Jen Quinn shared her thoughts on the evening’s match.
“I think Needham is a very good team, they are fast, they are physical, they are great, so we were geared up and ready to go. It was a nice team win, all my seniors were able to play which is always great, they deserve it. Being a Porker is something that any kid growing up in town strives to be a Porker. It has a lot of meaning, tradition, and history that goes into the program. A lot of times we refer to it as a sisterhood, I’ve run into former players, and they always tell me that they’ve been watching and following the season. It never goes away, once you are a Porker you are always a Porker,” said Quinn.
The Walpole Porkers graduate Elena Govoni, Gabby Aluigi, Taylor Carter, Megan Famiglietti, Emma Bianculli, Susie McAdams, Kerin Birch, Cam McMann, Kaitlin Oles, Gracie Bianculli, Katie Colleran, Bella Jolley, Sophie Falzone, Abby Johnson.
