Hailey Smith of Martha’s Vineyard took the first Cape Cod and Islands High School Field Hockey Player of the Week award this season after receiving 50.2% of the votes. Smith scored two goals and added an assist in her team’s 4-0 victory over Mashpee/Wareham/Bourne. The poll opened on Friday and ran through Thursday, with fans casting their votes exclusively on the Cape Cod Times website.
Smith’s performance stood out among a competitive group of candidates who made a strong case for the title in last week’s poll. This week’s nominees include several players who contributed significantly to their teams’ recent matches. Cate Buckler of Barnstable scored one goal and provided two assists in a 3-3 draw against Nantucket. Emery Cappallo from Monomoy set up three goals in a 6-0 win over St. John Paul II, while her teammate Mia Zimmerman scored a hat trick in that same match.
Sandwich also had two contenders: Sadie Clarkin and Elisabeth Stutzman. Clarkin had three assists in a 4-1 win over Cohasset, and Stutzman scored three goals in that same game. Dennis-Yarmouth’s Leah Woodward found the net twice and assisted once in a 6-0 victory over Dartmouth. St. John Paul II’s Talia Panepinto recorded 24 saves in a loss to Dennis-Yarmouth, highlighting her defensive efforts even in defeat.
The weekly poll allows unlimited votes but only accepts submissions via the Cape Cod Times digital platforms, excluding email and social media. Winners are announced every Friday alongside the launch of the new poll, creating a consistent rhythm for local fans to follow standout performances in the region.
Courtney Jacobs, the Sports Editor for the Cape Cod Times, oversees the poll. He can be reached at cjacobs@capecodonline.com and is active on X as @coolinwithCJ. The poll is part of the Cape Cod Times’ commitment to covering local high school sports, made possible through subscriber support.
As the field hockey season continues, these weekly recognitions offer a window into the players making an impact on the pitch across Cape Cod and the Islands. The next round of voting is now open, giving fans their say on who will earn the Player of the Week title following the most recent matches.
According to Yahoo Sports.