WESTHAMPTON — Lindsay Marjanski and Alexa Blaney each scored as the South Hadley girls soccer team beat Hampshire Regional, 3-1, Thursday.
The two were involved in front of the net throughout the game and created multiple scoring chances. Blaney also had an assist as the Tigers qualified for the postseason.
South Hadley coach Eric Wood knew the pair was going to have a good game given how often they have the ball at their feet.
“The key thing with those two is that they feed off of each other very well,” Wood said. “A lot of people tend to get them the ball upfront.”
Alexa’s sister Olivia also got involved in the scoring for the Tigers (9-1-1), putting the third goal in during the last 10 minutes of play. The Tigers put 13 shots on net, but Wood thinks the team can improve on its ability to stretch the field.
“If we can swing the ball and move the ball from side to side that will make us a better team because we’re pretty deep on the outside,” he said.
Emma Kuntz scored for the Raiders (5-5-0) shortly before the end of the first half.
Hampshire had only six shots on net and spent a majority of the game in the defensive zone.
“In terms of positional play, we could’ve been better,” Raiders coach Gareth Flitcroft said. “In terms of when we were on the ball it was a bit odd because it seemed like we just weren’t off to the races.”
Kate Taylor was busy in net for the Raiders with 10 saves, but she was tested much more with several shots flying wide of the net and one ringing off the crossbar.
With six games remaining, the Raiders need six points to qualify for the postseason. Starting on Monday, Hampshire will play three games in five days.
“Now is the time for some of our players to step up and show the quality they have,” Flitcroft said. “We’ve got some very good players on this team and after today’s game now is the time to for them to show the player they are.”