With a whistle and the start of the clock, Walpole Field Hockey kicked off its fall season; the Porkers defeated Newton North in their home opener, 12-0. The game took place on Wednesday, September 7 — a day that also saw the opening of many other Walpole sports seasons, such as both boys and girls soccer and both boys and girls cross country. At the end of the day, each Walpole team had a victory, but not one was by as wide a margin as the Porkers’.

Two and a half minutes into the game, the Porkers were the first side to capitalize with a goal from senior Emma Flynn. Dribbling down the left side of the field with the ball, Flynn then cut inwards toward the net and passed to junior Celia Walsh who stood at the top of the goal circle. Newton North’s goalie then stepped out to confront Walsh, who then drew back and quickly dished the ball back to Flynn at the post for the goal.

Flynn’s goal along with seven more Walpole goals, including two from Walsh herself and two from senior captain Melanie Weber, sent the Porkers into halftime with a commanding 7-0 lead over the Tigers. Coach Marianne Murphy substituted the three senior captains heading into the second half; however, the Tigers could not curb the Porkers’ offense. Eventually netting four more goals, Walpole ended the game with a decisive 12-0 victory.

“This win was a really strong way to start off the season, and considering we only beat Newton North 3-1 last year I’m excited to see the growth from last season” said senior captain Megan Fisher. “If we stay focused this year and work hard in every game I think we can be extremely successful.”

The Porkers take on rival Wellesley on Friday, September 9, at 3:45 p.m. at Wellesley High School.