Last winter, the Walpole Girls Varsity Hockey team ended their season in the quarterfinals during a shootout against Falmouth. Despite this heartbreaking loss, the Girls Hockey team was able to end the season with the title of Herget Division Champions and an impressive record of 16-3-3.
This year, the girls are hoping to reclaim that title and progress even further into the postseason.
The team graduated only two seniors last season, with one being captain Cori Donahue. Junior Delaney Harrop and sophomore Maddie Torgerson both transferred to private schools this fall, and two players decided not to return. Donahue, Harrop, and Torgerson were all starters for the Rebels last season. Stepping up to the plate as captains for this upcoming season are junior Brooke Matherson and seniors Bethany Welch, Michaela Tosone, and Ally Russo. This is Welch’s second year as captain.
Although there were several losses on the team, the girls still believe that they will be able to have a successful season.
Six freshmen will be joining the team and will hopefully help to fill in some of the gaps on the ice.
Welch said, “I think we will be successful this season. We have many returning players who will hopefully step up.”
Strengths for the Lady Rebels include a strong first line of offense that will remain unchanged from last season, which includes Tosone, junior Rachael Barry, and sophomore Olivia Knight. The defense is also expected to be strong with some returning starters such as Russo, Matherson, and senior Annie Yonker. A key component to the success of the Rebels this season will be Welch, as this will be her fourth year as Varsity starting goalie.
The girls are aiming to improve from last season and believe they can do so especially with the help of Head Coach Joe Verderber. Although it may be slightly challenging to adjust to the loss of some starters, the Lady Rebels are hoping to meet their high expectations. Tosone said, “[The season] looks pretty positive. We have a lot of experienced players and a goalie that has started all four years so our chances this year look hopeful.”
