By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
The undefeated defending Division 1 state champion Walpole Porkers field hockey team continued their journey to another state championship on Monday September 16, 2024 under the lights at Walpole High School, where the Porkers found a 8-0 victory over Needham.
The undefeated, defending Division 1 state champion Walpole Porkers field hockey team continued their march toward another state title on Monday, September 16, 2024, under the lights at Walpole High School, securing an 8-0 victory over Needham.
Needham entered the game with a 2-2 record, having soundly defeated Weymouth and Braintree but losing to Brookline and Westwood. Walpole, sitting at 4-0, was ranked second in the Boston Globe's weekly poll, just behind Watertown.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Needham’s goalie would be busy, as Walpole relentlessly attacked the net. Despite the pressure, the Porkers managed just one goal in the first quarter after Caitlyn Naughton's impressive stick-handling set up Abby Poirier, who scored with an assist from Kate Schneider.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter, with Needham struggling to cross midfield. Walpole quickly doubled its lead with a goal by Caroline Handwerk, assisted by Schneider. Moments later, Schneider scored again, assisted by Emily Hagan, sending Walpole into halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Riley Halloran added the fourth goal, assisted by Schneider, early in the third quarter. Needham nearly registered a shot, but it was turned aside by Hagan. Kendal Cusack then scored off an offensive corner, followed by Schneider’s second goal, assisted by Hagan, to make it 6-0. Two final goals from Kryssia Swanson in the fourth quarter sealed the 8-0 win.
This marks Coach Jen Quinn’s seventh year at the helm of the Walpole field hockey team. A veteran of 10 of the program’s 13 state championships, either as a player or coach, Quinn has helped set a high standard for the Porkers. Last year’s team finished ranked 10th in the nation.
Quinn’s team knows the importance of learning from the past without dwelling on it, recognizing each season as a new opportunity with new players. Field hockey in Walpole is a passion, embraced by everyone from the 10-year-old ball girls to the captains who lead the team on and off the field. During games, Quinn often stays quiet, letting her players take charge.
Walpole’s next challenge comes at home against #8-ranked Norwood on Friday, September 27, followed by a highly anticipated October 2 matchup with Division 4 powerhouse and three-time defending state champion Uxbridge.
