AGAWAM — The Northampton field hockey team battled Longmeadow, but were unable to score against a tough defense during its 3-0 loss in the Western Massachusetts Division 1 semifinals at Agawam High School Wednesday night.
Fourth-seeded Northampton finished 11-6-3.
No. 1 Longmeadow (17-2) will play for a sixth straight championship on Friday when it plays No. 2 Minnechaug (11-3-5) at West Springfield.
“It’s always tough to play Longmeadow,” said Northampton coach Sarah Williams, “but we showed up to play today.”
The Blue Devils kept the game close early, preventing any scoring opportunities thanks to a determined defense deep in their own territory.
“We expected a lot of pressure,” said Williams. “Our defense was able to react to that pressure and be successful getting the ball out.”
Northampton senior defender Summer Zackaricz closed in on quick Longmeadow players with force, playing the ball into open space, allowing for Northampton to regroup and push offensively.
“Summer has been a rock in the back defense and she’s someone we’re going to miss next year,” said Williams.
Zackaricz suffered an ankle injury later in the game. She missed some time, but eventually returned.
“It’s unfortunate Summer got hit and needed to come out for a little bit, but she got right back in there and played,” said Williams. “She comes up with a lot of great saves.”
The game was scoreless until Longmeadow netted its first goal with 11:36 remaining in the first half.
“I think we played well even though it was a tough game,” said Zackaricz. “There were a few downhill moments, but other than that I think we did excellent.”
Teammates Olivia Lombardi and Lily Lieberman-Bachman contributed defensively as well, working with midfielder Abigail Baldwin and forward Megan McCarthy to move the ball away from the Blue Devil net.
“Olivia and Lily did really well tonight,” said Williams.
The Lancers made it 2-0 with just 2:34 remaining in the first half.
“We didn’t stop playing until the game was over, and that’s what I’m most proud about with this group of young women,” said Williams. “Their collective team effort and desire to help each other improve is what they’ve done since the start of the season.”
Junior goalkeeper Dani Parent had nine saves for Northampton.
Longmeadow’s final score came nine minutes into the second half.
It was the final game for Northampton seniors Zacharicz, McCarthy, Ava Cronk and Hannah Sledzieski.