The Walpole High School girl’s field hockey team defeated two-time defending division one state champions on Columbus Day with a final score of 3-0. Two years ago Andover defeated Walpole in the EMass Finals in double-overtime, so the Porkers went into the game with hopes of redemption after that heartbreaking loss.
Walpole started the game strong, drawing several offensive corners within the first ten minutes. Although, the Porkers were unable to convert any of these offensive opportunities into goals, they continued to keep a majority of the play down in Andover’s defensive end. Despite Walpole’s scoring chances, the half ended tied at 0-0. “It was frustrating not being able to execute our corners and turn them into goals in the first half,” said junior Brooke Matherson, who ended up scoring all of the Porker’s goals.
Yet again, the Porkers came out strong, but with success this time. Matherson tipped a shot from junior Caroline Feeley into the net to put Walpole up 1-0. Shortly after, Matherson scored again with a pass from Feeley. The Porkers’ momentum created more offensive corners, one of which Matherson had her third goal on with 7:39 left in regulation time, capping off the scoring for the game.
Senior goalie Molly Breen played exceptionally well, with six important saves, which made this game her twelfth consecutive shutout. “I’ve always known my defense was good, and in some games I don’t even get tested, so it gives me a lot more confidence that even in a big game like this, they can play so well” said Breen regarding the outstanding play of Walpole’s defense.
Prior to the game, the Golden Warriors were ranked second in the state, and the Porkers were ranked fourth. Due to the victory, Walpole moved up two ranks while Andover moved down to the number five spot. The Porkers are currently ranked number one in the state in division one, and have scored 78 goals thus far in the season with only have one goal against. They have the highest goals-scored percentage and the lowest goals against percentage in the state. Walpole has an undefeated record of 12-0, and hope to keep the win streak alive in their remaining games.
“They rose to the occasion [Monday] and really played well” said coach Marianne Murphy, pleased with how her team played versus such good competition. “After the game, we have a good sense of where we stand among the best teams in the state, and it helps us to learn what we have to fix to better prepare ourselves for the post-season” explained senior Captain Michaela Tosone. The Porkers will face Notre Dame of Worcester on Sunday, which is another important non-league game that will help Walpole ready themselves for the tournament.
