Softball 4/4 - King Philip @ Milford
The Breakdown:
It is a rematch of the 2010 state title game, a battle of the two heavy favorites to be Hockomock League champions, and a match-up of two consistently successful D1 programs. Games between KP and Milford have become must see events, especially now that the Hawks have joined the Warriors in both the Hockomock and the D1 South sectional.
This may be the first time that they have faced each other as league rivals but the players on both teams are very familiar with each other from playing together on some of the best summer league teams in the area. Friendships aside these are two very talented teams that will want early season bragging rights.
Softball is a pitching dominated sport and the Hawks have the best pitcher in the state stepping into the circle every game. Shannon Smith, who earned her second Gatorade Player of the Year award while leading Milford to the state title last year, will be the focus of every team she faces this season. Everyone wants to take their shot at the University of Kentucky-commit. Smith knows that she has to be at her best every time out, especially against KP.
The Warriors will be very familiar with Smith having faced her several times in the past few seasons, including the aforementioned 2010 final. But, this is a Warriors squad that saw a lot of turnover from last year's sectional final team. Anna O'Neill takes over the pitching duties and will be expected to follow in the footsteps of Meg Rico, who is pitching at George Washington this year. The Warriors lost eight players from last year's team, including Rico's batterymate Olivia Godin, but senior Tori Constantin returns to lead a still potent offense.
It's a shame that this game has to take place in the first week, while the teams are still getting into the flow of the season. These are teams that have not only a league title in their sights, but also a state championship. With Smith and O'Neill in the circle, expect this game to be decided by one or two runs.
This may be the first time that they have faced each other as league rivals but the players on both teams are very familiar with each other from playing together on some of the best summer league teams in the area. Friendships aside these are two very talented teams that will want early season bragging rights.
Softball is a pitching dominated sport and the Hawks have the best pitcher in the state stepping into the circle every game. Shannon Smith, who earned her second Gatorade Player of the Year award while leading Milford to the state title last year, will be the focus of every team she faces this season. Everyone wants to take their shot at the University of Kentucky-commit. Smith knows that she has to be at her best every time out, especially against KP.
The Warriors will be very familiar with Smith having faced her several times in the past few seasons, including the aforementioned 2010 final. But, this is a Warriors squad that saw a lot of turnover from last year's sectional final team. Anna O'Neill takes over the pitching duties and will be expected to follow in the footsteps of Meg Rico, who is pitching at George Washington this year. The Warriors lost eight players from last year's team, including Rico's batterymate Olivia Godin, but senior Tori Constantin returns to lead a still potent offense.
It's a shame that this game has to take place in the first week, while the teams are still getting into the flow of the season. These are teams that have not only a league title in their sights, but also a state championship. With Smith and O'Neill in the circle, expect this game to be decided by one or two runs.
Poll:
The Pick:
HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
Ryan Lanigan |
Josh Perry |
Dan Libon |
John Botelho |
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HockomockSports.com Staff | ||||||||||
King Philip @ Milford Thursday, 3:30 |
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Total | Lanigan 0-0 | Perry 0-0 | Libon 0-0 | Botelho 0-0 |
Local Experts: