Gateway’s Josh Baillargeon, left, leads one of several attacks as Hopkins goalie Ben Pitta makes the save. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
NORTHAMPTON – The Western Massachusetts Division IV semifinals held form, much to the chagrin of the Gateway Gators’ boys’ soccer team.
Top-seeded Hopkins Academy edged No. 4 Gateway in a 2-1 heartbreaker Wednesday night.
Hopkins netted the game-winner in the 70th minute when a strong offensive push resulted in a goal from Paul Dellamy. Jacob Kosakowski assisted on the play.
Gateway (14-5-2) made a furious push to score in the game’s final minutes, but Hopkins(18-1-1) thwarted the effort.
The game opened with Hopkins taking the first lead in the 36th minute. Tyler Szymkowicz took a pass from John Martinez and hammered home the goal.
Gateway sent a wave of attacks at Hopkins after falling behind. Hopkins withstood the first effort as its goalie, Ben Pitta, leapt high above the Gators to snatch away a bounding ball. Pitta also blocked a shot near the top of the goalie box.
The effort finally paid off for Josh Baillargeon, who helped spearhead those offensive series. Baillargeon emerged from a scrum out in front of the Hopkins net, punching the ball through in the waning seconds of the first half to tie the game 1-1. Nick McClafflin earned the assist.
It was the Gators’ only goal.
GATORS GET ANOTHER CHANCE: The Gateway soccer program will get another opportunity to crack the finals’ card when the girls’ team takes on Cathedral Friday at Szot Park, beginning at 7 p.m.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: The new state football playoff format will be put to the test Friday night when the No. 2 Westfield Bombers host the third-seeded East Longmeadow Lancers in a Division II semifinal game at Bullens Field at 6 p.m.
In the other D2 game, top-seeded Central takes on No. 4 Longmeadow in Springfield. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
MEET STRETCHED OUT: The Westfield Bombers gymnastics team’s final regular season meet against Hampshire and Minnechaug has been rescheduled for this Friday, November 8 at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham. The meet is set for 6 p.m.
