WESTHAMPTON — The Hampshire Regional girls soccer team held a team meeting recently.
It wasn’t about soccer.
“It was for team bonding. The girls spoke about their lives,” Hampshire coach Gareth Flitcroft said. “What they have been through.”
Senior Sam Tersavich shared a memory about a relative who served in the military.
Tersavich’s cousin, Anthony Lembo, was a Navy Seal who served in Afghanistan. Upon returning from his service, Lembo, 27, took his own life on Nov. 8, 2010.
“He came out of deployment with PTSD,” Tersavich said. “Ever since then I have worked with different organizations to help prevent suicide in the military.”
Tersavich has worked with multiple organizations, including 22Kill, that provide resources for veterans.
Flitcroft, after speaking to Sam’s mother Joanne, decided the Raiders should honor members of the military and veterans before their Wednesday night game against Holyoke.
“I thought it would be brilliant to raise suicide awareness for veterans,” Flitcroft said.
With only 24 hours notice, 11 veterans showed up to be honored before the game on the first ever Military Appreciation Night.
“With such short notice I was worried,” Tersavich said. “When I saw them it was so touching. I loved the fans cheering for them.”
The veterans received free admission and food at the Raider Shack.
Before the game the veterans gathered at midfield, where both teams shook their hands and thanked them for their service.
Sam’s brother, Tyler Tersavich, is also a veteran.
“I wanted to honor my brother, all veterans and my cousin as well,” Sam Tersavich said. “It’s very close to me.”
Late in the first half, a corner kick from Sophie Aldrich found Tersavich, who headed it in for a 3-0 lead for the Raiders.
“I pointed right up to the sky,” Tersavich said.
Hampshire beat Holyoke, 4-2.
The Raiders (6-6, 3-3 Central) need four points in their last four games to qualify for the postseason.
The Raiders dominated possession and scoring opportunities on the first half.
Katelyn Pickunka’s assisted on a goal by Sophie Aldrich in the 27th minute to open the scoring,
In the 22nd minute, Olivia Aldrich scored on a penalty kick to make it 2-0.
In the second half, Sydney Shumway scored for the Raiders, with an assist coming from Emma Kuntz.
Katie Taylor made five saves for the Raiders.
Adamaris Torres and Kylie Desmarais scored for the Purple Knights (2-9-1, 0-5), with both goals coming in the second half.
