The Walpole Porkers have always dominated during the Division 1 tournament season, including this season. After losing in the tournament for two consecutive years, the Porkers have the opportunity to reclaim the championship title. The motivation of the players and coaches is what keeps the team starving for another big win.
“My motivation [for the season] was the desire for redemption. For the past two years I have experienced a loss in the D1 State championship and I am determined to change that pattern,” captain Katie Colleran said.
The Porkers began the tournament by playing Marshfield in the first round of 32. The first ten minutes of the game were recurrent corners, with two goals seamlessly in the net. Junior Izzy Adams brought the ball across the field time and time again. The next quarter wasn’t much different, with over 6 nail biting penalty corners but unable to be converted to goals.
As they entered the second half of the game, Walpole players knew the energy needed to get high in order to pull off the win.
“I really think this all depends on what type of energy we bring to the table as a team. If we come out flat then we won’t have a chance, but if we come together and start out each game strong then we will perform much better,” Colleran said.
Going into the second half with a 2-0 score, most teams would be satisfied with the score, but not the Porkers. The team produced offensive corners and repeated shots—but nothing could go behind the Marshfield goalie.
By the last 15 minutes of the game, the energy was the highest. Just over 30 seconds into what was soon to be the end for Marshfield, Senior Taylor Carter took a hard shot. In the cluster of sticks in the circle, captain Kerin Birch was right there, ready to rip a shot into the top right of the net.
The rapid speed of Walpole brought about yet another goal for Birch. Predictably, the Porkers sent the officials whistle blowing in circles with corner after corner and out of bounce balls but couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.
In an attempt to wrap up the game with nothing but goals, Marshfield brought the game to a halt with a timeout as there were only eight minutes left.
Coming back with stronger passes and more determination, Walpole’s pressure wore the rams down. Between the five corners and two goals after the timeout, the Porkers’ skills were reflected on the scoreboard with a 6-0 win. The legacy of Walpole Porkers D1 state champions is hopefully ending with satisfaction after nearly a seven year drought.
“If you look on the walls in the gym you can see the banners of all the women that have won state championships for the Porkers, including almost all the coaches we have today. I think as a Porker, it is important to carry on the legacy that these women have worked hard to maintain for decades, and live up to the expectations and tradition that have been in place for a very long time,” Colleran said.
Walpole’s future tournament games are coming up soon, and all of the Porkers program is looking for a win.
