Somerset Berkley rolls over Walpole in Div. 1 South field hockey

While the Somerset Berkley field hockey team may seem unbeatable, if there is one program in the state that knows that’s not necessarily the case, it’s Walpole.

The fact that the No. 3 Porkers hold the last win over the top-seeded Raiders lent some intrigue to Saturday’s Division 1 South final matchup of undefeated squads at Taunton High, but it only lasted so long. Behind a hat trick from senior Lucas Crook, Somerset Berkley posted its 41st consecutive victory, a 3-1 triumph, to repeat as sectional champions.

“It’s a lot of pressure coming in with no losses and no ties,” said Somerset Berkley coach Jen Crook. “But we are just taking it one game at a time and whatever happens, happens, and look to our next opponent.”

The 22-0 Raiders, who ousted Walpole in last year’s final as well on their way to the Div. 1 state title, advance to face North champion Andover in Tuesday’s state semifinals (site/time TBA).

All three of Cook’s goals were unassisted and a result of tremendous efforts. On the first, he burst up the middle and popped one in after whiffing on the initial attempt for a 1-0 lead with 11:44 to play in the first half. On the second, he stole the ball at the top of the circle and skillfully deposited it with a quick flick of the wrist to make it 2-0 with 3:05 to go before halftime.

It stayed that way until midway through the second half when Crook struck again, this time on a penalty corner. Defender Taylor Riley kept one bid out, batting it off the line out of the air with her stick, but Crook found the cage with his follow-up.

“Just trying to stay composed and stay with the play until it’s over,” said Lucas Crook. “It’s kind of a sigh of relief, but we know we are not done and still have another game to play on Tuesday.”

Somerset Berkley has been a lightning rod recently because of its dominance and co-ed makeup, and Saturday’s performance isn’t likely to quiet things down as the Raiders’ second male player, senior Alex Millar, was a force at center back, limiting Walpole opportunities with his defensive range and powerful hits.

Walpole (18-1-2) did not have a shot on net in the first half and was outcornered 7-1 for the game. The Porkers did break through for the first goal scored against Somerset Berkley in the tournament and just the fourth all season with 6:49 to play when sophomore Caroline Whelan swept one in at the left post, making the two-goal final margin the smallest for the Raiders this year.

“We knew they were good, a pretty solid team all the way around, and I think my kids just rose to the occasion and they had a great game,” said coach Crook. “We knew Walpole wanted to play Somerset again and that they were going to be up for this game.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/34ML4Ly