WESTFIELD – Smith Voke exploded for three second-half goals to down the St. Mary Saints 4-0 in a high school girls’ soccer game Friday at Westfield Middle School North.
Gabby Petlock had a hand in three scores, notching two goals and assisting on one other. Shannon Ryan finished with one goal and two assists.
“Though I have only been working with this team for the last half of the season, this group of girls never ceases to amaze me,” said St. Mary interim head coach Andy Lussier. “The way that they have come together over the last few weeks is really extraordinary … The loss doesn’t reflect the positive changes that this team has made. The lack of substitutes again affected our ability to contain Smith Vocational in the long run. While we did a good job moving the ball and taking away the middle of the field, the lack of fresh legs caught up to us again. They fought hard … Even tired and hurt, they did not quit.”
Francesca DePergola delivered another heart-stopping effort in goal, collecting 22 saves, several of which were highlight reel efforts.
“She is incredible and shows poise and maturity no matter what is happening on the scoreboard,” coach Lussier said of his senior goalkeeper.
Jenna Turrini elevated her game to another level even making some runs deep into Smith Vocational territory.
Gateway Regional girls’ soccer senior Joanna Arkoette, center, shares an emotional moment during a pregame ceremony on “Senior Night” Friday in Huntington. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“The girls all stepped up things today and should really be proud of the progress that has been made in a few short weeks,” Lussier added.
Sam Mancino, Brianna Rivera and Steph Allen broke up several runs and though they controlled the middle of the field when Smith was on the attack, fatigue played a big factor in the second half. Jess Crosby had a few strong runs to the Smith goaltender with a number of solid shots, ringing the post a few times.
“This team never gave up even when the clock was running out,” Lussier said.
Smith Vocational goalie Maddison Atkinson stopped all eight shots.
Granby spoils ‘Senior Night’
Granby 2, Gateway 1
Gateway’s lone senior, Joanna Arkoette scored her team’s only goal on senior night. Unfortunately for the Gators it was not enough.
Becca Herman delivered a fantastic effort in goal for Gateway. Herman finished with 12 saves.
Lannon scores in Tigers’ loss
Putnam 3, Westfield Technical Academy 1
Heather Lannon scored Westfield Technical Academy’s lone goal in the team’s final game of the season. Lannon also played 10 minutes in goal, making four saves.
Tigers’ starting goalie Diana Solokhina had another incredible outing in net, making 21 saves.
Westfield Tech finishes the regular season 5-10-1 (league), 5-12-1 (overall).
Rams blank Sabis
Southwick 2, Sabis 0
Lydia Kinsman and Alex Mello each scored a second-half goal to lift Southwick in a home shutout. Kinsman also had an assist, as did Krista Girroir.
Rams’ goalie Tori Richburg made four saves.
BOYS’ SOCCER
Tigers tie Easthampton
Westfield Technical Academy 0, Easthampton 0
Westfield Tech battled hard, attempting several shots on “senior night” – all 10 seniors started – but came up just short of a game-winning goal.
Seniors Dominic Rosario and Roman Tikhonchuk played extremely well for the Tigers, according to their head coach Kyle Dulude.
FOOTBALL
Spartans stop WHS
East Longmeadow 61, Westfield 45
East Longmeadow built a 33-13 halftime advantage, and held a commanding five-touchdown lead after three quarters. Westfield rallied for 32 points in the final quarter.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
PVC survives Rams’ rally
Pioneer Valley Christian def. Southwick 25-23, 25-22, 10-25, 15-25, 13-15
Southwick rallied before losing a heartbreaker on the road. Caroline Methe (8 assists, 3 kills) and Taylor Keiderling (6 aces, 3 kills) were solid for the Rams.
JV GIRLS’ SOCCER
Southwick 4, Sabis 1
Emily Giancola recorded a hat trick, and Zelisa Madera tacked on another for Southwick.
Jodie Cahill, Camryn Hughes, Mikaila Davenport, and Clare Hanna each assisted.
The Rams capped off the season with a record of 7-5-4.
Check out our “Senior Night” sports photos and more at thewestfieldnews.smugmug.com.
