Somehow “rare” just doesn’t feel so uncommon anymore when it comes to the Watertown and Uxbridge field hockey teams.
Aside from the win streaks and individual accolades in recent years, they became the first programs in MIAA history to three-peat at the same time when Watertown finished atop Div. 3 and Uxbridge ruled Div. 4 last November. And now again possibly the state’s top two teams regardless of division, both enter this season as favorites to join the 2009-17 Watertown teams as programs to win at least four straight state titles.
Some big shoes are left to fill in Watertown, but the Raiders look fit to maintain the 75-game win streak they enter the year with. Third-year starting seniors Rachel Egan (midfield) and Adrianna Williams (defense) are two of the best players in the state. Seniors Caroline Andrade and Toria Dicker round out an elite defense, while fellow seniors Caroline Fleming and Nola Mackenzie are dangerous up top.
Watertown might again be the team to beat in Div. 3, but the path is never easy.
Sandwich comes off three straight trips to the Final Four, returning nine starters from a group that’s only lost to Watertown in that span. Khloe Schultz, Quinn Jordan and Alivia Barnes lead a deep attack, while Abby Cotter and Kyla Darmon anchor a strong defense. Sadie Clarkin and Julia O’Neil are also strong in the midfield.
Newburyport was the lone team to score against Watertown last year, giving it a major scare in an instant classic state final. It was hit hard by graduation, though Riley Lombard (midfield), Keira Garrity (midfield), Olivia Wilson (forward) and Cody Saboliauskas (goalie) lead a wealth of returning impact players.
Pentucket stands out behind a premier midfield of Cat Colvin, Katherine Flaherty and Morgan Gallant, as well as senior forward Kayla Murphy and defender Abbie Felazoni.
Dover-Sherborn and Foxboro were affected by graduation but remain strong. The Raiders will get contributions from all 15 members, bolstered by senior captains Evie Schneider and Lily Hatfield, as well as standout junior midfielders Avery Hadfield and Elise Posada. The Warriors have plenty of offensive firepower behind senior Jackie Connors, senior Laine Moore and sophomore Brynn Allen, while senior captain Izzy Leclair returns in the midfield and Erin Haney leads on defense.
Dedham and Medfield will be tough outs from the Tai-Valley League, too.
Much of the Northeastern Conference looks to reload after contending the last few years. Goalie Teagan Jewell returns for Gloucester, which is excited for its promising young talent. Danvers is positively impressed after losing 10 seniors, anchored by returning starters Emma Cross, Mia Lewis, Caroline Horn and Ava Patch. Swampscott will be competitive in the conference behind senior captains Maisie Russo and Chloe Puzzo, as well as midfielders Olivia Quagrello and Meg Baran.
St. Mary’s of Lynn looks to be a competitor early on, as does Hanover.
The Div. 4 field is a little more loaded at the top with more returning experience, yet Uxbridge hasn’t shown any signs of losing a grip on its dynasty.
Maryland-committed junior Kendall Gilmore is a top player in the state up front, joined by fellow premier scorers Ellie Bouchard (senior), Julianna Casucci (junior) and freshman Ava Rosborough. Junior Amelia Blood and sophomores Brooklyn Kaferlein and Aubrey Bouchard return in the midfield, while sophomore Addie Blood (sophomore), Madison Cammuso (sophomore) and Bailey Dzivasen (senior) are atop a strong defense in front of goalie Julia Okenquist (junior).
Monomoy is hungry to return to the state final for revenge against the Spartans, having graduated only one player. Sam Clarke, Emery Cappallo and midfielder Emily Layton return as three of the Sharks’ leading scorers from last year, while each phase of the field remains deep with high-level talent.
Sutton returns every player from last year’s Final Four team, ready to keep building on its experience in search of reaching its first state final. Three-year captain Cameryn Kinney (center-midfielder), two-year captain Kat Quill (center-forward) and Nicky Decell (defense) lead each level in front of goalie Alli Hastings.
Manchester-Essex is one of a few more teams to look out for from the CAL, ultra motivated despite a bit of a new look. Midfielders Abby Kent and Summer Demeo are reliable in the midfield, while the defense will be tough in front of goalie Brigid Carovillano. Lynnfield will also make some noise, bolstered by three-year starter Taylor Valiton, junior Izzy Fiorentino and dynamic midfielders Gia Marotta and Lauren Mattia.
Case looks to be a tough out, anchored by senior captains Maeve Richardson and Addie Carreiro on defense, and Skylar Demoranville and Cat Rousseau in the midfield.
Ipswich, Cohasset and Nantucket should also be competitive.