St. Mary’s Hannah Schipano (7) has her sights set on the ball. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The St. Mary High School girls’ soccer team got off to a rip-roaring start with a 2-1 win over Pathfinder 2-1 Wednesday at Westfield Middle School North.
Junior striker Lexi Shedd and freshman Jess Crosby each tallied a goal for St. Mary. Saints’ seventh grader Allie Goodreau and freshman Mary Tubolski had one assist apiece.
“Our Lady Saints had a great first outing against Pathfinder,” St. Mary coach Andy Lussier said. “The girls played solid and really worked well together despite the small practice window before (the) season start.”
Shedd took a pass from Goodreau, and made a great run up the middle to complete a nice first-half scoring play.
Pathfinder answered back early in the second half with a goal from Hannah Montanez.
St. Mary regrouped.
Senior defensemen Sam Manchino and Jenna Turrini created movement up the right wing, where Turbolski fed Crosby for a shot outside the 18-yard line over the Pathfinder keeper’s head.
“It was a great goal,” coach Lussier said.
Senior Aisling Butler had a fantastic game in goal for St. Mary, shutting down several Pathfinder scoring opportunities and collecting 23 saves.
“She has a great sense of where to be in net and works well with her defenders,” Lussier said of his keeper’s phenomenal effort.
St. Mary eighth grader Bella Scarpa and Turbolski broke up several runs through the middle of the field to help out their fellow keeper.
Said Lussier: “We still have a lot of work to do but are really excited about finally having some depth, a strong front line and some promising new players on the team.”
Montagna, Shean carrie Brownies
Agawam 5, Southwick 1
Alyssa Montagna (2 assists) and Caitlyn Shean (1 assist) scored two goals apiece to lead Agawam, which rallied from a one-goal deficit with five unanswered goals, at home.
Alex Mello put Southwick out front early with the game’s first goal. Rams’ goalie Tori Richburg finished with 13 saves.
Tigers blanked
Renaissance 4, Westfield Technical Academy 0
Westfield Tech suffered a tough loss in its season opener at Jachym Field. Tigers’ goalie Diana Solokhina made six saves.
Bombers be’Deviled
Northampton 2, Westfield 0
Alexandra Bertuch-Wallace scored two goals to lead host Northampton.
Herman nets shutout; Gators earn tie
Gateway 0, Pope Francis 0
Becca Herman (7 saves) earned a shutout in net for Gateway on the road at Rivers Park. The Gators netted a tie.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Rams sweep Renaissance
Southwick def. Renaissance 25-11, 25-14, 25-19
Caroline Methe (2 aces, 3 digs, 1 kill, 9 assists, 1 block), Emily Lachtara (1 dig, 4 kills, 3 aces), Mckinley White (1 dig, 4 aces), Allie Methe (7 aces, 1 kill), and Chloe Emond (2 aces, 1 kill, 1 dig) led Southwick to a season-opening victory at home.
GOLF
Longhi, Rams roll
Southwick 21.5, Palmer 2.5
James Longhi shot a team-best 37 to pace Southwick at Edgewood Country Club. Rams’ Bradley Durand (39) and Chris Molta (42) had solid matches for the Rams, as well.
Mustangs topple Saints
Monson 22, St. Mary 2
Monson’s Cam Kratovil shot a 43, edging St. Mary’s No. 1 golfer Luke Willenborg’s 45 in the top spot, and the Mustangs defeated the Saints at Quaboag Country Club.
