Don't be surprised if he these South Shore girls hockey teams pull off an upset in MIAA tourney
The MIAA will be releasing the state tournament brackets for hockey and basketball on Saturday.
And let's be honest, the greatest aspect of sports is the unpredictability, especially when it comes to tournament time. So while there will be the top dogs ranked the highest, we can never underestimate the hungry and young teams that have nothing to lose.
Whether it's teams that we haven't seen in the playoffs for a long time or just have the right matchups, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a team a 'sleeper'. And with how hockey works, it only takes one goal to change the trajectory of a season. By no means should these teams on this list be taken lightly, no matter the team they'll be going against.
More:These South Shore high school boys hockey teams could be sleepers in the MIAA tourney
Let's take a look at some girls hockey teams that have a chance to go further than their seed might suggest.
Hingham
One name to know: Caroline Doherty
The case: As of Thursday, the Harborwomen are the No. 7 seed in Div. 1 with a 12-5-2 record. That means they aren't necessarily at the top of the pack, yet they need to be respected in the Division 1 tournament. We might be stretching our definition of a sleeper, but there's some heavy favorites at the top of Div. 1. First-year coach Courntey Turner has Hingham on seven-game winning streak heading into the tournament. The team is also young, with sophomore Caroline Doherty scoring left and right, plus freshman Isabel McGarr defending the net at a high level. And there's nothing scarier than a team that just gets better every time it hits the ice.
More:Scoring milestones and shutouts: Vote for the High School Girls Hockey Player of the Week
Milton
One name to know: Lila Chamoun
The case: It seems criminal for a one-loss team to be ranked this low (No. 12 in Div. 2). The Wildcats are going to be a tough out, especially with Chamoun between the pipes. She enters the postseason with 10 shutouts this season as Milton has allowed the second-least goals in all of Div. 2 (19, behind only Duxbury's 13). You can't forget the Lovett sisters (Mary and Molly), who have good chemistry on the ice.
More:Milton High girls hockey player Mary Lovett has 'more dog in her than anybody else'
Pembroke
One name to know: Jenifer Birolini
The case: Coming in as the No. 14 seed in Division 2, the Titans are sneaking under the radar. Pembroke is one of the youngest teams in the state with a roster that includes one senior (Elizabeth Gallagher) compared to six eighth-graders. That youth has brought some inconsistency, but at their best, the Titans can play with anybody. Birolini is only a sophomore, but she's already got well over 100 point in her career. Junior Maria Cantino is no slouch either. This team is young, fast, and has no care in the world about seeding. Watch out for them.
Braintree
One name to know: Meghan Ceriani
The case: The six-game win streak the Wamps pulled off in the middle of the season shows the potential they possess. Braintree's record was dampened by an injury to goaltender Eva Surrette, the Wamps lone netminder, but she's back in the crease. Braintree is looking mighty dangerous as a No. 25 seed in Div. 2. Captains Ceriani and Fiona Holland lead the way for this group.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: South Shore girls hockey teams that could surprise in MIAA tourney
