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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
After earning the number 2 overall seed in the 2016 MIAA Division One South State Tournament, the Walpole Porkers are on to the state semifinals after two hard fought victories over Oliver Ames (2-1) in the opening round on Friday and Franklin (6-1) in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Alexis Rodia (21) hauls in a pass and moves the ball up the field for the Porkers. Photos by Tim Hoffman
Despite facing 15-seeded Oliver Ames in round one, who had played their preliminary round game against Durfee (2-0) just a day prior, the Rebels found themselves in a dogfight with the Tigers on Friday evening and the game required overtime.
Melanie Weber propelled the Porkers to round two and saved them from a potential upset with a goal midway through the overtime period off of a swift pass from Alexis Rodia.
On Sunday against Franklin in the quarterfinals, the Porkers came out determined not to let their opponent catch them by surprise like OA did in round one, jumping all over the Panthers with early goals coming from Melanie Weber and Christine Murray to put Walpole in command early.
Christine Murray (11) gets ready to send the ball out to teammates on a penalty corner. Photos by Tim Hoffman
Tight defensive play and stellar goalkeeping allowed the Porkers to maintain their multi-goal lead at the half and Walpole was able to hold the Panthers off the scoreboard until midway through the second half of play.
The Porkers added some insurance late in the second half and extended the lead to five late to go up 6-1, a score that would turn final. Walpole now advances to the state semifinals. At the time of printing, the Porkers are just two wins away from a South Division Championship.
