KP Girls Soccer Team off to a Solid Start

When the girls soccer team at King Philip Regional upset undefeated Mansfield in the first round of tournament play last year, it just might have been an omen that coach Gary Pichel’s youthful squad could soon be a powerful force in the Hockomock League.
It’s almost a year later and the Warriors not only are more experienced, but they’re also solid in a variety of areas. And, their won-loss record in the first quarter of this season is stunning—5-0 with triumphs over Bishop Feehan, Milford, Walpole, Foxboro and Canton.
“We’ve got the talent to contend for the Kelly-Rex Division title,’’ said Pichel, who’s in his sixth year coaching the Warriors. We’re fielding the best team I’ve ever had at KP.’’
Pichel, who’s no stranger to building championship teams, led Nipmuc Regional to a pair of state crowns in 2005 and 2006. He knows the sport and he’s acutely aware of the ingredients needed to compete at a high level.
“One of our goals this season is to battle for the division title and if we win that crown, then we will have qualified for tourney play,’’ Pichel said. “If we don’t win the division, we can still qualify for the tourney with a winning record. We’ll also strive to get a high seed and advance as far as possible.’’
Although KP upset Mansfield and completed a Herculean task in the tourney’s opening round, it failed to get past the second round, bowing, 2-0, to Oliver Ames. The Warriors, who finished last year’s regular season at 11-8-1, were not in a favorable bracket because of their low seeding.
The 2017 season, however, should produce better tourney matchups because the Warriors are strong in so many phases.
“Our experience is very good because we’ve got eight returning starters, four of whom were freshmen,’’ Pichel emphasized. “Our depth is decent, we’re athletic, instinctive and we’ve got players with a high soccer IQ. My prime concern this season is to generate more offense. To bolster our attack, we’re using three forwards instead of two and our style will be up-tempo. We’ll push the ball and we’ll attack.’’
KP’s senior captains are a dynamic group—Emma Corcoran at fullback, Julian Massarone in midfield and Emma Durant in goal. Corcoran is a three-time Hockomock League all-star and an Eastern Mass. all-star selection.
“Emma has deceptive speed, she’s skilled and she anticipates and reacts quickly,’’ Pichel said. “She’s a leader by example. Julian is small but very tough. Her foot skills and passing ability are excellent, and she’s great in transition. Emma Durant is committed to being a first-class goalie. She plays club soccer and has a personal trainer. She’s got good instincts and she’s fearless. A student of the game, she’s improved her skill level and fitness.’’
Sophomore Makayla Griffin joins Massarone, giving the Warriors a formidable tandem in midfield. “Makayla is like the energizer bunny,’’ Pichel said. “She’s got lots of energy and endurance, and she’s a great passer who’s very capable in transition.’’
Sophomores Chloe Layne and Avery Snead and junior Abby Baker are a strong trio on the forward line. Layne, who led KP in scoring last year with 6 goals and 12 assists, has committed to play at Fairfield University and Snead has already committed to Providence College.
“Avery is our most all-around and talented player,’’ Pichel said. “Our top goal-scorer last year (14), her ability heading the ball is the best I’ve ever seen. She’s got superb foot skills and endurance and she’s an exceptional finisher. Chloe is our best ball-handler. She’s wily and elusive. Her footwork is great and she’s an extraordinary passer. Abby is one of our most aggressive players going to the ball. Her shot is hard and it’s accurate. She’s worked to improve her foot skills and conditioning.’’
So far, Snead has 7 goals and an assist while Lane has 7 goals and 3 assists.
Junior Lauren Anderson and sophomore Olivia Berry are teamed with Corcoran, giving the Warriors a potent defensive lineup that’s allowed only six goals in five games. “Lauren is an offensive fullback who’s very adept at ball control,’’ Pichel said. “She knows how to advance the ball. Her dribbling ability is strong and she can pass effectively. Olivia is tenacious on defense and no doubt will succeed Emma after she graduates. Olivia is strong to the ball, has good foot skills, is upbeat and relaxed.’’
Pichel, who’s guided KP to three tourney appearances in five years, is a firm believer in competing hard to win. “If we’re winning, then our players are having fun and also reaching their potential,’’ he noted. “Reaching one’s potential is important but it must mesh with team chemistry.’’
Pichel also likes to use soccer as a laboratory for learning life lessons. “Overcoming adversity, accepting responsibility, and being a quality leader are just a few lessons that sports teach,’’ he emphasized. “If I send a player to the jayvees, she may quit or she may strive to improve. There’s always life lessons to learn. We’ve won the Hockomock League’s sportsmanship award the last two years because we focus on being gracious in victory and dignified in defeat.’’
Pichel is fully aware that Mansfield and Franklin will again be strong contenders to win the Kelly-Rex title. “They’ve got great town programs and the players commit to club soccer,’’ Pichel noted. “And, Kevin Smith at Mansfield and Tom Geysen at Franklin are outstanding coaches.”
Whether KP can achieve its prime objective of winning the division will be decided soon. The Warriors, nevertheless, are off to a superb start and definitely in the mix.