Belchertown made a statement about its present, and Evan Fournier made a statement about his future Tuesday.
The Orioles boys soccer team defeated Frontier Regional, 3-0, to open both teams’ season in Whately.
Fournier had a goal and an assist and verbally committed to UMass after the game.
“I think UMass is the school for me. It has good academics, and I love the coaching staff and the players. They’re a very good team,” Fournier said. “I’m excited for the future, and I’m excited for this season.”
His goal came in the second half and cemented Belchertown’s lead at 2-0.
Joseph Bianco scored to put the Orioles (1-0) up in the first half, and Corey Houle tied the bow with the third goal. Tony Martel added an assist.
Chris Tilton made five saves for Belchertown, including one near the end of the first half diving to the corner on a shot that could have tied the game at 1.
“We know we’re going to see this team in November more likely than not,” Belchertown coach Zach Siano said.
Before Southwick beat Belchertown in the final last year, the teams combined to win the previous six Western Massachusetts Division 3 championships.
Siano picked up his first career win as a head soccer coach, taking over for Tony Almeida after a 22-year career.
David Bronke stopped four shots for Frontier (0-1).
Amherst Regional 2, Mount Greylock 0 — Brayan Rivas Martinez took a forward pass from Ammar Abdel-Maksoud, cut back to beat two defenders then beat the goalie to the right midway through the first half for the Hurricanes’ first goal.
Liam Carpenter-Shulman then netted a penalty kick for an insurance goal. Jaydon Perez was taken down in the box after taking a through ball on net.
Lucas Morales-Fernandez made five saves for the season-opening shutout.
Smith Academy 2, Granby 1 — Sam Dadmun headed in the winner off a bouncing ball in the second half. Wyatt Jeffress lofted a cross that didn’t find a home, and Dadmun finished the job for Smith Academy.
Patrick Lavelle initially put the Falcons (1-0) ahead in the first half assisted by Ryan Herlihy.
Jeffress and Ryan Belina made two saves each.
Ryan Shaw tied the game for Granby (0-1).
Monument Mountain 3, Hopkins Academy 0 — Erik Berg made nine saves, but the Golden Hawks (0-1) opened the season with a home loss.
They began the game with only one returning starter because of injury and graduation.
Smith Vocational 1, Pioneer Christian 0 — Tom Doyle stopped eight shots, including one in the last minute to seal the season-opening home win.
Zachary LaChance scored the winner for the Vikings (1-0) four minutes into the second half assisted by Cameron Perry.
Northampton 1, Wahconah 0 — Tommy Harte collected a rebound after Ben Gomes-Rapoza hit the crossbar and buried the shot for a season-opening road win. Gomes-Rapoza picked up an assist for Northampton (1-0). Jarrett Borer made five saves.
Hampshire Regional 1, Wahconah 0 — Katie Taylor kept a clean sheet with 18 saves in the Raiders season opener.
Olivia Aldrich scored the winner in the first half assisted by Emma Kuntz.
Hampshire (1-0) put six shots on goal.