By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Porkers charged into the second round of the MIAA Division 1 Playoffs with fire. They faced off against the Acton-Boxborough Revolution to advance into the Round of 8. A fourth quarter tie score created high tensions but Walpole was able to overcome with a 3-1 win.
In the first quarter, Walpole set off to show their power across the field. Junior Kate Schneider was an offensive force, forcing Acton-Boxborough to tighten their defense, Senior Abby Poirier was right by her side. Senior Captain Sophia Fruci fought hard to keep possession of the ball and send plays into the scoring zone. With just under five minutes left in the quarter, Schnieder was assisted by Junior Emily Hagan and Senior Captain Caitlyn Naughton. Walpole took their 1-0 lead into the second quarter.
Acton-Boxborough tightened up their defense, trying to block Walpole from scoring again. Junior Kendal Cusak put up a huge shot on goal trying to extend the lead. Senior goalie Aideen Smith shut down countless attempts by the Acton-Boxborough’s offense. Hagan worked with Senior Jenna Wong to strengthen the defense and push the opposing team backward.
The third quarter saw no change in the score, but Walpole fought to keep control of the ball. Sophomore Caroline Handwerk got involved in the Acton-Boxborough plays, fighting with opposing players for the ball. Wong proved herself on defense again, digging into the offense and turning them back to their own zone. Junior Emily Hagan added to the defensive wall, giving Walpole a leg up on the competition.
The fourth quarter had the most action. Acton-Boxborough put a goal in at 10:20 left to play, tying the game. Walpole kicked up their game to try and keep Acton-Boxborough from scoring again and winning the game. Sophomore Riley Halloran put up a good defense to keep the opposing team from putting shots on goal. With 4:04 left Caroline Handwerk netted a goal, assisted by Junior Kate Schneider. Once play resumed Schneider scored her own goal, assisted by Wong to push Walpole to a 3-1 win.
The Walpole Porkers took this energy and carried it into their next game against the Franklin High School Panthers. They beat the Panthers 3-0 on November 9, to advance into the Final Four. Walpole looks to take the State Championship for a second year in a row and face off against Winchester next.
