The Bulldogs carry their undefeated season into the postseason after clinching the South Coast Conference crown on Friday with their 40-33 win over the SCC Small Champion Case Cardinals. Old Rochester Regional, ranked first in Division 6 South, will host No. 8 Bishop Stang on Friday at 7:00 pm.
Coming off their closest game of the season, the Bulldogs are not only assessing their opponents, but also making adjustments to their own game. Although ORR enters the contest as the favorite due to their superior record (7-0), the Spartans (4-3) have faced challenging competition every step of the way.
“We have to get a lot better everywhere to be successful in this game,” ORR football coach Justin Kogler said. “We’re still not as good as good as we can be – not even close yet. We’re still making mistakes, so we have to tighten some things up. We’ll have to play really well to beat them.”
Although ORR volleyball was most recently on the wrong end of a 3-0 finish against New Bedford, the Bulldogs were coming off wins over Case (3-0), Falmouth (3-2), and Tabor (3-2). In the win over Case, Natalia Wierzbickihad 10 kills, nine digs, and four blocks. She also had 16 kills and six blocks against Falmouth.
Delaney Soucywas 16 for 17 passing and had 25 digs against Case and went 45 for 50 passing against Falmouth and had 35 digs. Maggie Brogiolihad 13 kills and three blocks against Falmouth, and Michelina Ditatahad 37 assists.
“The difference between our team earlier in the season and now is that we always knew we had great individual talent, but these last two weeks, we’re really started coming together as a team in all facets of the game,” Old Rochester coach Jimmy Oliveira said following the win over Falmouth. “We’re starting to be a cohesive group. Beating those two teams this week will definitely give the team some confidence.”
Old Colony
Oddly enough, Old Colony football starts tournament play in the Div. 8 South Sectionals against the very same team they face to end the regular season, Upper Cape Cod Tech.
No. 2 Upper Cape (5-2) won their previous meeting 13-6, but the Cougars were only a few plays away from flipping the script.
“It’s interesting, this is the third year in a row we’ve gotten in the playoffs and played an opponent we’ve already played in the season. Interesting draw,” Old Colony coach Brandon Mendez said. “It’s going to be a challenge; they’re a good football team. I think our guys are going to be excited to have another chance, but it’s certainly not going to be easy.”
Given No. 7 Old Colony (4-3) hasn’t surrendered more than 14 points in a game this season, there’s still a chance to upset the Rams. But the offense will need to make a few changes if that’s going to happen.
“We stalled out a few times (on offense),” Mendez said. “Plus, there will be adjustments. I’m sure they’ll make adjustments, too. Little things, though. I’m sure it will be a very similar type of game. On the defensive side of the ball, we had a very, very good day. We only let up two long runs and that was really the difference in the game. On the offensive side of the ball, we need to execute better and finish off drives.”
Tabor Academy
Tabor field hockey had no trouble handling St. George’s School in their recent matchup, winning 7-0 on Saturday. Ashley Clarkled the Seawolves with three goals in the win. Ava Jadul, Olivia O’Brien,Cindy Giandomenico, and Annie Berryeach had one goal apiece in the win, as well. Christine Steegefinished with three saves in her shutout in net.
High School Sports Update
By Nick Friar