The Bishop Hendricken soccer team has won three straight matches to climb to sole possession of first place in the always competitive Division I field.
The Hawks most recently beat Central Falls 8-1 on Tuesday. Charlie Urso led the way with a hat trick while Jack Mefford also netted a pair of goals. Hendricken has also picked up big wins over North Kingstown and Portsmouth. The team’s only loss came against rival La Salle Academy.
“I was unsure of how the team was going to look this year, but what happened was they gelled really quick together. I put that down to a lot of the seniors that we have playing. They just got into a groove going up against other tests and tactics and have been able to get through it. It’s a pleasant surprise,” said Hendricken coach Mickey Rooney of the team’s recent win streak.
Leading the team this year has been returning senior Brent Karpowich, who currently paces the Hawks in goals (8) and assists (7).
“Toward the end of last year he started playing really well. As a forward, confidence builds confidence. When you score a goal, you’re confident that you’ll score another. He has done really well with that,” said Rooney of Karpowich’s breakout season.
The team did need to address the goalie position, which was vacated by last year’s standout Angelo Roca. The Hawks have deployed a three-man rotation to this point and have been pleased with the results. Getting time in net have been seniors Quinn O’Connell, Michael Carreiro and Zach Adams. Through nine games, the Hawks have only allowed four goals, three of which came against the Rams.
“We’ve been rotating them and it’s been working. There’s very little between the three of them. One of them might be very good at high balls and high crosses, the other might have good reflexes. They play a little bit different, but when you look at it overall, there’s really not a big difference in their play and their skills,” Rooney said.
The back half of the schedule will not slow down for Hendricken, who will be facing Moses Brown twice. The Quakers are currently in second place and nipping at the heels of the Hawks.
“There’s been the usual culprits. There’s a whole bunch of people that can make the playoffs and then anything can happen from there. (The matches against Moses Brown) are definitely going to be battles, there’s no question about it. There’s not a lot of teams that we’re going to be up against where we’re thinking, ‘we should beat this one.’ Anybody can beat anybody, particularly in soccer,” said Rooney.
After two straight trips to the semifinals, the Hawks are relying on their experience as they look to maintain control of first place and set up another deep postseason run.
“That’s what I’m hoping for. That those kids can use that experience from last year and put it in their brains. For them to be thinking, ‘OK, I’ve done this,’’ Rooney said. “That’s the amazing thing about this team, they’ve realized what they have to do and know how they’re going to do it.”
The Hawks will be back in action on Thursday when they take on Cranston West.