This year’s Hanover girls soccer squad, coached by Michael Fraser, could end up being more dangerous than you think. However, there are some negatives that may slow them down: injuries. Junior scorer Kayleigh LaFreniere recently tore her ACL for the second time in as many seasons. Junior defender Kate Joy started the season off with a MCL injury, however she is recovering. Junior Meaghan Bishop dislocated her hip, and sophomore Marissa Shoulla tore her MCL; both will miss some time. These, along with several injuries to knees and ankles, have caused many of the girls to miss practices. The girls team also plays a brutal schedule. Tough teams in Notre Dame Academy and Whitman-Hanson Regional both dealt Hanover tough losses early in the year, putting their overall record at 3-5.

However, there are just as many positives that make it too early to rule out tournament play. This Hanover team returns many of its players from a young team last year that took down powerhouse Duxbury High 1-0 last year, the first defeat by Hanover over Duxbury in 25 years. Led by senior captains Great Barry (goalie), Emma Devine (center back), and Kaleigh Polatta (center back), this Hanover team hopes to overcome a tough early schedule and the slew of injuries in order to make a run at the league. Another huge positive for this team is their togetherness on and off of the field. “We work well together in all aspects,” says Joy. “We’re one big happy family and our team chemistry is undeniable.” This will be an immense advantage for the girls as the season goes on, especially if they can make the state tournament.

As the team takes on Plymouth North High next game, a league game, this will be an important stretch for the girls. Pay attention to this team, ladies and gentlemen. They just might end up ruling the fall season.