Franklin October 2018

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Page 24 Franklin Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com October 2018 Sports McGrath A Catalyst for Franklin High’s Volleyball Team By KEN HAMWEY, Staff Sports Writer Lauren McGrath is the sparkplug that drives the engine for the Franklin High girls’ volleyball team. A four-year varsity player, the 5-foot-4 McGrath started as the Panthers’ setter as a sophomore and quickly made her mark. She won the Hockomock League’s Underclassman of the Year Award as a sophomore, then earned league all-star honors last year. McGrath, who’s played club volleyball for six years, not only knows the intricacies of playing setter, but she’s also adept at controlling tempo and allowing her hitters to excel. “Lauren is versatile, confident and has great court awareness,’’ said coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She knows how to slow down the tempo and when to speed it up. She’s a captain who has a dominant presence and she works to make our hitters dominant.’’ The 17-year-old senior, who also competes in indoor track in the hurdles, long jump and high jump, has a passion for volleyball, and she’s extremely comfortable playing a position that has its share of pressure attached to it. “I like setting because you’re active, always touching the ball,’’ McGrath said. “To be effective a setter has to lead, be enthusiastic, focused and able to rely on good skills and technique. Resiliency is also a key because so often a setter may make a poor pass or use bad judgment. It’s important to fix the play quickly by being strong, positive and resilient.’’ McGrath has a variety of strengths that include athleticism, quickness and speed, a high volleyball IQ, an aggressive style, an instinctive nature and confidence running an offense. But, she’s acutely aware that her game can always improve. “My serving could be more consistent,’’ she emphasized. “And, my sets could be smoother. I work on those areas a lot in practice.’’ McGrath’s desire to take her game to a higher level coincides with her goals for her final year. She firmly believes the Panthers can compete for the Sectional title. So far, Franklin is off to a good start, winning its first three matches. “Winning the Sectional championship is realistic as long as we stay sharp, positive and committed,’’ she emphasized. “We’ve got nine seniors and our sophomores and juniors are improved. We’re talented and we’ve also got lots of potential.’’ McGrath is bullish on Franklin’s other senior captains — middle hitter Maggie Doyle and defensive specialist Shannon Gray. She also admires senior libero Riley Marino. “Maggie knows the game, is a strong hitter and has a very high volleyball IQ,’’ she noted. “Shannon is athletic, quick and mentally tough. Both are good leaders. Riley is very skilled, tough and vocal.’’ Weymouth, who took the coaching reins this year from Kate Horsmann, is a fan of McGrath’s leadership style. “I like the way Lauren leads by example and also by being vocal,’’ Weymouth said. “She’s supportive, and she’s also willing to offer help or advice. Lauren has been a dominant asset in our 3-0 start. She’s excelled in setting, but with her on the attack, she takes advantage of setting from the front row when our opponent isn’t expecting that. Her positive energy lifts her teammates.’’ McGrath admits that she enjoys getting her teammates into a high-compete mode. “I like getting our players hyped for our games,’’ she offered. “I can be loud, but that’s because I want us to succeed. I always strive to encourage and to be an effective All Halloween Décor are 25% OFF communicator.’’ A good example of McGrath’s ability to be a catalyst was evident in games against Mansfield and Bishop Feehan last year. But, her efforts in the Panthers’ tourney opener against Wachusett were superb. After compiling a 15-5 record, Franklin entered tourney play and squeaked out a 3-2 win over Wachusett before bowing to Hopkinton. “I’d rate the Wachusett game as my best,’’ McGrath said. “I played an all-around game, and my setting was strong. Our team stayed motivated and focused. It was a great team effort.’’ McGrath enjoyed competing 121 Mechanic St. Bellingham, Ma. 02019 508-966-0639 www.brianscountrygreenery.com DELIVERY AVAILABLE Remember Flowers Raise Spirits So Get Your Spook on At Brian’s Country Greenery Florist October 10th 7:00 pm Pumpkin Arrangement Create a stunning table piece with fresh and dried flowers that will be the envy of the neighborhood $30.00 Oct 24th 7:00 pm Silk and dried Thanksgiving Arrangement $30.00 All Classes are limited so call ahead to register. Check out our fun selection of fresh arrangements geared to the Halloween spirit in all of us. Lauren McGrath has a firm grip on competitive perspectives. The all-star player and forceful captain is also a top-notch team player who usually provides the spark that propels the Panthers’ volleyball fortunes. for Horsmann the last three years and calls her “a coach who was positive and a fine role model.’’ Weymouth also gets high marks from McGrath. “I’ve been fortunate to play for two excellent coaches,’’ McGrath said. “Coach Weymouth knows the game and still plays it. She’s knowledgeable and very motivating.’’ An honor student, McGrath isn’t sure where she’ll attend college but she plans on majoring in either education or business. Whether she’ll play volleyball at the collegiate level remains in doubt. “If I don’t play varsity volleyball, I’d likely play at the club level in college,’’ she said. But, as she heads for the finish line at Franklin High, McGrath will continue to rely on a solid competitive philosophy and also keep learning valuable life lesson from athletics. “When I compete, I try to be the best I can be and reach my potential while still having fun,’’ she emphasized. “If I succeed in those areas, then winning will follow. Sports have helped me to learn some great life lessons. Leadership is one, and others include being responsible and accountable, being able to overcome adversity, and to work as a team and be unselfish.’’
October 2018 Franklin Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com Page 25 Tougias to present King Philip’s Indian War at the Franklin Historical Museum NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias will give a slide presentation on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76 at The Franklin Historical Museum at 1:15 Sunday, October 14th, as part of the Museum’s Second Sunday Speaker Series. Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip’s War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict. The first part of the presentation will discuss the Indian way of life, Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war. The second part covers the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation’s history. Slides include battle sites, period sketches, historic markers, maps, and suggestions for visiting road-side history. Tougias also discusses Native strategy during the war and the challenges of writing a historic novel. Former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Massachusetts and member of the Wampanoag Tribe, Edith Andrews, is quoted on the novel’s back cover, commenting that Until I Have No Country “captures the essence of the Native American.” The novel includes adventure, romance, and intrigue while staying true to historical facts. A book signing will follow the presentation. Tougias is the author and coauthor of 21 non-fiction books including the national bestsellers Rescue of the Bounty, A Storm Too Soon, Overboard! The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue (to be a Disney movie), Derek’s Gift, The Cringe Chronicle and his award-winning book, There’s A Porcupine In My Outhouse! (Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe). His book, Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do is the recipient of the American Library Association “Editor’s Choice” award. More about the author can be found at www.michaeltougias.com . The Norfolk Community Federal Credit Union is Teaming Up with Call our office for more details (508) 528-3360 Or visit our website www.norfolkcommunityfcu.org Set up an appointment today with Mass Save 1-866-527-7283 or visit their website at www.masssave.com for future questions. Chinese Restaurant 508-376-8868 FOR 0% FINANCING LOAN NC ORFOLK OMMUNITY Federal Credit Union Telephone: 508-528-3360 206 Main Street, Norfolk, MA 02056 Pleasureable Dining and Take Out Service Open Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11 - 9:30 p.m. Fri & Sat: 11- 10:30 p.m Sunday: Noon - 9:30 p.m. Online Ordering AvAilAble www.lilachousema.com $5.00 OFF The Purchase of $35 or more (one per table) Not valid with other offers Valid thru 11-30-18 34 Milliston Road, (Millston Common), Millis MA 02054 PROFESSIONAL TREE SERVICE Shade Tree Pruning • Tree Removal Ornamental Tree Pruning Bucket Truck Service Call the certified arborists at Destito Tree Services for an evaluation. The name you have trusted since 1984. Massachusetts Certified Arborist - Fully Insured Nicholas Destito 781-551-0266 508-699-4532 www.destitotreeservices.com Our Roofs will weather the storm! FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED Blackstone Valley’s 1st Choice! Deal directly with the owner Rob Chaille, No outside salesman! Roofing • Vinyl Siding • Windows Residental & CommeRCial Free Non-prorated Extended Warranties Covering Labor & Material from 30 to 50 Years with TAMKO or CERTAINTEED Shingles! Chimney Repair & Rebuilt • Seamless Gutters Over 26 years experience CS#69907 HIC#160483 ~ NO OUTSIDE SALESMAN ~ 508-NOR-EAST / 508-667-3278 Fully Insured www.NoreasterRoofing.com Uxbridge, MA
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Franklin October 2018

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