The Porkers came into the 2014 season as defending state champions, and had the potential to repeat. However, with the loss of nine seniors, they were hard-pressed to replace the key pieces that helped their championship run.

“At first it was hard for everyone to adjust to their new roles on the field, especially with the seniors from last year gone,” said senior Captain Lauren Hirshom, “but as the season went on people got used to their new positions and we saw a lot of improvement.”

Walpole began the season 7-0-1 until their marquee matchup with Herget rival Norwood. At the time, the two teams were battling for first place in the Herget division.

The game ended deadlocked, 1-1, which left both teams wanting more. Senior goalie Jenna Alessandro scored Walpole’s goal on a penalty stroke.

The second matchup with Norwood was a bigger spectacle, as the victor took the Herget title. Walpole jumped to an early lead and won 3-1, retaining their Herget crown.

Walpole finished the regular season 15-0-3, and had the #1 seed in the Division 1 South.

Their first matchup was the winner of #16 Wellesley and #17 Nauset, but misfortune had it that Wellesley won and faced off against Walpole. Wellesley had been tough for Walpole the two times they played previously, tying 0-0 the first time, and falling only 1-0 the second time.

Wellesley went into defensive lockdown against the Porkers, and their strategy worked to perfection as they won 4-3 on penalties, ending Walpole’s season in the first round.