Girls hockey preview and picks – Boston Herald

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It’s only fitting that a member from each of arguably the two toughest leagues are set to face off for the Div. 1 girls hockey state final at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at TD Garden.

It’s only more compelling that it’s a private school versus a public co-op, and that it’s the nightcap of a wild day.

Top-seeded St. Mary’s of Lynn (25-1) has been the consensus choice all year to reach this stage, returning for the first time since winning in 2013. Jenna Chaplain (200-point scorer), Maggie Pierce (100-point scorer) and Amanda Forziati form an electric attack further bolstered by Gabbi Oakes and Tia Picardi, while depth across the board is a huge strength. Head coach Frank Pagliuca preaches defense, which is even better: senior goalie Angelina Catino has allowed just 18 goals through 25 games.

The Spartans are the favorite, but No. 3 Shrewsbury (20-2-2) is as fit as any to challenge for the title within a different storyline.

Having never reached this stage before, coach Frank Panarelli’s Colonials gritted through two tasking matchups to finally make it after losing in the state semifinals last year. Maddie Mrva, Yasmine McKenzie and goalie Risa Montoya anchor a formidable defense, allowing more than two goals in a game just three times. Taylor Ryder, Mia Ryder and Katherine Vona have big-play ability, looking for just enough to jump ahead and hold on.

Early risers get a similar treat in the Div. 2 title game at 9 a.m. to kick off the action, as former and current dynasties collide within a highly-anticipated final matchup.

Second-seeded Duxbury (23-1-2) is back for the first time since winning a fourth straight title in 2014, despite ranking among the best teams almost every year. It squares up with a No. 4 Canton (19-2-4) program that upset it last year amid a run to this game, now appearing for a fifth time in the last six years with just one championship (2020 co-title) to show for it.

It’s as good of a matchup as any two teams could get, too. Defense should rule in this one. Anna McGinty and Carolyn Durand stand as two of the best goalies in the state, while McKenna Colella (Duxbury) and Maya Battista (Canton) anchor blue lines that don’t allow much on their All-Scholastic netminders. Both can play fast and physical. Scoring runs deep for both, too, but the Dragons might have the edge despite Audrey Koen’s exceptional year for Canton.

It’ll be few and far scoring between regardless, with a high chance for overtime. What a day.

PICKS

Div. 1 – St. Mary’s (L), 3-1

Div. 2 – Duxbury, 2-0



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