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CANTON — Ava Buckley wears many hats for the Stoughton High girls hockey team.
As the lone senior, she plays the role of a leader. With her experience, she’s become a second coach on the ice while patrolling multiple positions (center and defense). And with a young core of teammates, she’s happy to be the one teammates look up to.
“I’m more of a role model to them and I’m so proud of them,” said Buckely. “I can’t imagine being in eighth grade and how it feels being on a varsity team with a bunch of girls who are talented.”
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Speaking of hats, after Monday’s non-league win over Quincy/North Quincy, the senior captain added another with a Texas Hat Trick (four goals) in a 5-1 victory. That helped make for a memorable first win of the season for the Black Knights.
“We have small numbers and some kids who never played hockey before this year. So it’s great for them to get a W,” said Stoughton head coach Chad Kelley.
Buckley was all over the ice for the Black Knights. She scored on a wrist shot all the way from the blue line to put Stoughton up 2-1, a lead the Black Knights never relinquished. She made other scoring plays, like beating two defenders and burying a backhand shot.
“Ava’s great,” said Kelley. “This is her fourth year in our program and she was a captain as a junior. And she’s just talented. Every time she’s in the rink it’s just like that’s where she should be.”
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Although Buckley was the game’s leading scorer, it was an eighth-grader that dug the Black Knights after an early 1-0 hole. Q/NQ’s Ciara Folan put her team up early, but Stoughton’s Ella Cummings used to her speed to get by the defense and find a lane to score with 7:41 remaining in the first period. From there, it was all Stoughton.
“It was my second goal (of the season), It was really motivating, especially to tie it up,” said Cummings, who also had an assist.
Other Stoughton players who had assists were Amanda Reid (two), Leila Uchani, Megan McGowan and junior captain Molly Corvino.
Cummings is one of four eighth graders on the team. And with plenty of room to grow, she’s appreciative of having a talented senior to look up to.
“I love her, she’s always pushing us to try our best and work hard. I just love playing with her,” said Cummings of Buckley.
No matter the record, the scores, or results one thing stays consistent with the Black Knights – their attitude. Hitting the ice with high energy and gratitude is something that’s key for the Black Knights.
“Everyone helps each other work hard, we all support each other,” said Buckley. “As a senior and the one who scored most of the goals today, it’s definitely a confidence boost after having a bunch of losses.”
Stoughton’s goalie Sarah Scappaticci is also an eighth grader. Her and Cummings are both from Sharon High and developing as the season progresses. After giving up a goal early in the game, she was lockdown after that. Julia Henein and Nya’Lia Lindsey are the other eighth-graders playing on varsity.
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“I think Sara might be the best girls high school hockey goalie I’ve seen and she’s only an eighth grader,” said Kelley. “Some night she sees 60 shots and turns away most of them. Every team we play the other coach says, ‘Where’d you get that goalie?’”
As for the only senior on the team, she’s just enjoying her one last ride on the ice in a Stoughton uniform.
“Just to keep the energy, get another win, and have fun,” said Buckley. “Enjoy the rest of the season no matter the record.”
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