Walpole Secures Third Consecutive State Championship with 1-0 Win

The Walpole field hockey team achieved a remarkable feat on November 4, 2023, by defeating Franklin 1-0 in the Div. 1 state final held at Burlington High School. This victory marks Walpole’s 15th Div. 1 state title and solidifies their status as the best in the state, achieving a third consecutive championship.

The match started with a strong defensive performance from Franklin, particularly from goalie Devon Barry, who recorded 13 saves. Walpole, the top seed, faced significant challenges but finally broke through in the third quarter. A well-executed corner led to the decisive goal, scored by Emily Hagan with just over three minutes remaining in the quarter.

Walpole had been a favorite throughout the season, aiming for a three-peat last accomplished from 1994 to 1996. The team consisted of 20 seniors, four of whom—Kate Schneider, Kendal Cusack, Emily Hagan, and Grace Hagan—contributed to all three championship wins. Cusack assisted on the game-winning goal, highlighting the importance of teamwork and experience.

Walpole head coach Jen Quinn praised her team’s composure, noting that their familiarity with the pressure of championship games was instrumental in their success. “Those four have been here four straight times, and this is their third win,” Quinn said. “They were composed. They knew what to do; they were confident in themselves.”

The match was tightly contested, with Franklin making its inaugural appearance in the state final. The Panthers’ defense, led by Barry, was formidable, as they kept the first half scoreless. As the clock ticked down without a goal, Walpole faced mounting frustration. However, their persistence paid off during their seventh corner of the game.

Hagan described the pivotal moment, saying, “I’m not really aiming for the goal; I’m more aiming for the far post. That one just happened to go in, so it felt good.” Following the goal, Franklin ramped up its offensive efforts, drawing two corners and nearly equalizing, but Walpole maintained its composure under pressure.

Cusack emphasized the importance of perseverance: “We knew we had to get it in the back of the net.” Hagan echoed this sentiment, stating, “There was a focus on staying composed. Just know that we were in their end a lot; just keep pushing, and one of them is going to go through eventually.”

With many seniors graduating, this championship serves as a poignant farewell for the team. Only two other programs in the history of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) state championships have achieved three consecutive wins, further highlighting the significance of this accomplishment.

“It’s really sentimental for all of us,” Cusack reflected. “We’re all a big team, and we’re all a family, so I feel like we all wanted to go out with a big win at the end.” Walpole’s victory not only adds to their legacy but also sets the stage for future generations of players to aspire to similar heights.