Players from Southwick’s girls’ soccer team participated in drills at a recent practice. (Photo by Chris Putz)
HUNTINGTON – The Gateway Regional High School girls’ soccer team began practice earlier this week as a blistering 47 student-athletes attempted to make the cut.
But even before the dust settled, longtime Gateway coach Steve Estelle already had envisioned two seniors emerging as the clear-cut leaders this season.
Estelle said much will be expected of goalie Brooke Fairman and forward Jamie Pease. Both players have been instrumental in Gateway’s recent postseason successes.
But, of course, the tournament begins on Day One of the regular season as the team attempts to build chemistry, show improvement, and chalk up wins. A .500 record or better, or first or second in their league guarantees a Western Massachusetts tournament berth.
Gateway opens up the 2012 fall girls’ soccer season with two consecutive home games. The Gators host Easthampton Sept. 5 and Granby Sept. 7. Both games will start at 6 p.m.
They will encounter a challenge shortly thereafter with a five-game road trip against Hopkins Academy (Sept. 11), Ware (Sept. 13), Holyoke Catholic (Sept. 17), and
Players from the Gateway Regional High School girls’ soccer program sit during orientation prior to a recent practice. (Photo by Chris Putz).
Smith Academy (Sept. 20).
Gateway returns home for two straight home games – Mahar (Sept. 24), Greenfield (Sept. 26) before another five-game road trip.
RAMS REGROUP: After having lost eight seniors to graduation last season, the Southwick-Tolland girls’ soccer team is trying to mold a new team as well.
“I think we have a solid 12-13-14 players,” Southwick coach Todd Downie said. “But as it is every year, we’re going to rely on our seniors.”
Southwick qualified for the Western Massachusetts Division II tournament last year, but lost in the semifinals to Belchertown 4-0.
“I would like to do something similar to last year,” Downie said. “Obviously, we don’t ever want to do worse than the year before.”
