The old adage of “just have to win by one” stings when you’re on the wrong end of the phrase.
Hopkinton found itself on the bad end of that statement in the most important game of the season last year, the Division III state championship, where it suffered a 12-11 loss to Derryfield and a long offseason. The standard for this season is pretty clear to those in and around the program.
Championship or bust.
Fourth year coach Mike Zahn is no stranger to taking teams to title games. Zahn is also the Hawks’ girls’ soccer coach and a quick crash course on those teams you’ll see that trophies reside comfortable in Hopkinton. The Hawks return vital players to the team including All-State selections senior Annie Higginbotham (middie), senior Olivia Cressy (defense) and junior Rose Finlayson (attack).
With key pieces in different parts of the field, it generates leadership and experience for a team that not only wants to make it back to championship Saturday, but to win it too.
CONCORD
Coach: Ashley Durepo (1st year)
Last year: 8-7, reached D-I quarterfinals
Returning starters: Emma Beaujouan, jr., M; Sophia Branch, jr., A/D; Colette Brochu, sr., D; Danielle Lemay, sr., D; Sarah Leuci, so., A; Mary Martinson, sr., M; Greta Norton, jr., M; Sofia Payne, so., A; Lily Savoy, jr., D
Top newcomers: Nadia Hannah, fr., M; Ally McGonigle, fr., M; Tess Mulkerron, fr., A
Outlook: Durepo – a 2005 CHS grad – is back at her alma mater and brings experience coaching (Merrimack College) and playing (UNH) at the NCAA Division I level, and is reunited with her former coach Terry Anderson (first coach in program history) who is serving as an assistant, and Molly Lanigan (JV coach), Durepo’s teammate from the 2002 championship squad. The Tide also returns an experienced lineup – led by senior captains Brochu, Lemay and Martinson.
“Our coaching staff is very excited about the team this year,” Durepo said. “The players have been willing to try new things and are working hard to get better every day.”
Teams to beat: Bishop Guertin, Souhegan, Bedford, Pinkerton
Coach: Kristen Cimino (2nd year)
Last year: 1-9, lost in D-II round one
Returning starters: Tobi Buehne, so., M; Libby Cillo, so., A; Camryn Hildreth, sr., D; Riley Jackson, jr., M; Fae Johnson, so., D; Morgan Koskela, sr., M; Kaitlyn Miller, sr., M; Ava Telehala, jr., D; Riley Trahant, jr., A
Top newcomers: Alexis Muse, fr., G; Olivia Wolthuis, fr., D; Caitlyn Frost, jr., A; Maggie Escabi, fr., M; Carolyn Clawson, fr., A; Alayna DeAngelis, jr., A; Lily Poulin, jr., A; Lily Wotton, jr., D; Molly York, sr., D
Outlook: “We are looking to improve on our record from last year and to make playoffs,” Cimino said. “I feel our strength is our defense. We worked really hard last season on building a strong defensive unit and we are continuing to build on that strength. Our focus at the beginning of this season is to improve our attack and midfield play. We have a strong group of returners that are showing great leadership for our newcomers.”
Coach: Samantha Weaver (3rd year)
Last year: 1-11, reached D-II prelims
Returning starters: Emma Edwards, sr., D/A; Emma Dobbins, jr., A/D; Riley Davis, jr., A; Elizabeth Hatfield, so., M; Melody Couturier, so., M; Lillea Perkins, so., M
Top newcomers: Ryan Mucci, fr., M/A; Kaycie Rhodes, fr., D/M; Natalie Lawson, fr., D
Outlook: “We’re a young group with a lot of athleticism and drive this year,” Weaver said.
Teams to beat: Portsmouth, Winnacunnet, Hanover
Coach: Kylee Yam (1st year)
Last year: 5-7, reached D-II prelims
Returning starters: Kendelye Prive, sr., D; Abby Forbes, jr., M; Colby Magoon, so., M; Sophie Leblanc, sr., D; Amanda Parrotto, jr., D; Emily Thomas, sr., D; Kylie Golden, sr., A
Top newcomers: Taylor Gionet, fr., G; Alyssa Brodeur, fr., M; Sydney Bailey, fr., M; Mackenzie MacDonald, sr., M
Outlook: “We have a lot of experienced returners mixed in with some fresh, new athletic talent,” Yam said. “Our offensive play will develop quickly as players gain more confidence with their stick skills. Defensively, we are aggressive and continue to be more organized. I am excited for the potential of this team.”
Teams to beat: Portsmouth, Winnacunnet
Coach: Craig Stam (1st year)
Last year: 10-5, reached D-II semifinals
Outlook: The Spartans have never played in a lacrosse championship and they fell short of their first appearance last year with a 16-5 loss in the semifinals to the eventual champions from Portsmouth. With Stam taking over the head coaching role, Pembroke hopes to remain competitive with the best in D-II.
Coach: Cherie Snow (2nd year)
Last year: 5-6, reached D-III prelims
Returning starters: Anna Beauschesne, so., A; Lydia Tremblay, so., A; Luiza Detwiller, so., M/D; Finley Hollenberg, so., A; Ava O’Brien, so., A; Alexandra Ridings, so., A; Bryana Sanuth, jr., M/A; Isabelle Lamm, jr., D; Isabella Cochrane, jr., A; Samantha Carson, jr., D; Michaella Savary, sr., D
Top newcomers: Morgan Casey, so., M/A; Mieke Rentsch, so., M; Kylee Potter, so., G
Outlook: The Giants are young – only one senior and 18 underclassmen on a roster of 24 athletes – but return a full starting lineup from last year.
Teams to beat: Bow, St. Thomas, Hopkinton
Coach: Chris Raabe (23rd year)
Last year: 10-1, reached D-III prelims
Returning starters: Lyndsey LaPerle, jr., D; Isabella LaPerle, jr., D; Jocelyn Webber, sr., D; Olivia Selleck, so., A; Sydney Mason, sr., D; Rylee Constant, sr., D; Sara Gagne, so.; Ava Kehas, sr., A; Alex Larrabee, jr., M; Stephanie Gosselin, sr., D; Jill Harpring, so., D; Addison Trefethen, sr., M; Elena Roy, jr., G; Jessica Chamberlin, sr., A
Top newcomers: Ella Gray, fr., A; Briana Fournier, sr., D; Mikayla Livingstone, fr., M; Kylie McKee, fr., M; Kate McGovern, fr., A; Madison Roberge, sr., D; Kendall Murray, so., M
Outlook: No team was hurt by the random tournament draw last year more than the Falcons, who were undefeated heading into the playoffs, but had to play champions Derryfield in round one.
“Team is looking very strong and fast,” Raabe said. “We are excited to have a complete season this year.”
Coach: Katherine Bucklin-Stearns (1st year)
Last year: 5-6, reached D-III prelims
Returning starters: Caroline Camp, sr.; Kate Dawson, sr.; Paige Hoegler, sr.; Devin Phyllides, sr.; Valerie Soule, jr.; Addison Whitty, jr.; Arden Rossi, so.
Top newcomers: Savannah Nestler, sr.; Eliza Cardillo, sr.; Maya Spiegel, jr.; Maddie Thorp, so.; Tori Wooten, fr.
Outlook: Bucklin-Stearns returns to her alma mater after coaching stints at Merrimack Valley and Bishop Brady, and inherits a veteran-laden roster with seven returning starters.
“I have returned to Kearsarge Regional High School (having graduated many years ago) and I look forward to coaching these competitive student-athletes this season,” Bucklin-Stearns said. “We have a senior class ready to compete and all team members striving to improve each day as the season progresses. A competitive 2022 schedule will bring challenges, as well as continued growth as a team.”
Teams to beat: Hopkinton, Bow, Derryfield