H.S. field hockey: Southwick defeats South Hadley 2-0 in Western Mass. Class B final

WEST SPRINGFIELD — As the South Hadley field hockey team walked together off the field, senior Elise Gingras slipped to the back of the pack to seek out a hug from coach Nicole Casolari.

The Tigers were just handed the runner-up trophy at the Class B Western Massachusetts championship, and the two embraced for a moment as Southwick celebrated in the background.

Gingras is the lone senior for the young Tigers. They had beaten the Rams twice during the regular season, but on Saturday at Clark Field, Southwick held firm for a 2-0 victory.

“It was a really tough game, but I think both teams played really well,” Gingras said. “It was great to play against them.”

The fourth-seeded Rams (11-7) scored a goal in each half to upend a higher-seeded opponent for the second time. Southwick upset No. 1 Belchertown in double overtime in the semifinals.

During the regular season, South Hadley won 3-2 in September then 2-0 just over two weeks ago.

In the postseason, however, Southwick found another gear.

“I think they played a little more aggressive than they usual do,” Gingras said. “They clearly wanted it, both teams did. They played great and had great passes.”

Casolari added, “they came out hungry for the win, you can see them stepping to the ball on every opportunity they had. They were winning the 50-50 balls. I give them a lot of credit.”

The third-seeded Tigers (12-6) eliminated No. 2 Smith Academy in the semifinals, scoring two goals in the fourth quarter for the comeback win. When Southwick struck first late in the second quarter, Casolari delivered a message that served as a reminder.

“After that first goal, I think I said it directly; we’ve been here, we’ve done that, we’ve taken care of business,” Casolari said. “I think there were some nerves in here that we couldn’t necessarily battle past, but they worked hard.”

The teams played evenly through the third quarter until Southwick added a second goal with 3 minutes, 39 seconds left. The Rams pressured following a corner as Kirra Fraser scored from Mireille Goodman.

The Tigers (12 corners) pressed and worked the sidelines throughout the fourth. Sophomore Nora Vaughn sent crosses for classmates Ella Haber or Sam Harrison, but passes didn’t connect.

Midway through the fourth, Harrison made a run up the middle and pushed the ball forward to Vaughn, but Vaughn couldn’t gather it for a shot.

With under four minutes remaining, Haber and Harrison each had shots off corners that went wide of the net. Harrison’s attempt hit the side of the cage.

South Hadley’s best opportunity came late in the first quarter when Harrison broke free from midfield and was one-on-one against goalie Ava Lightcap. Harrison attempted the five-hole, but Lightcap (six saves) dropped quickly to make the stop.

“Usually, we try to get out wide and open up the field,” Casolari said. “I think some of the nerves coming into the game was just, get to goal. Once they settled a little bit, we could see that movement, unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalize.”

Southwick (three corners) took a 1-0 lead with 2:46 left in the second. Mila Albano worked a bouncing ball past Gingras then beat goalie Sofia Cestero (four saves).

“Those (bouncing balls) are a little hard, especially since you are trying to focus on getting the ball from that player, and making sure the goalie is doing the job as well,” Gingras said. “It gets a little hard when it’s a perfect run away.”

The Tigers, who won their only sectional title in 2010, returned to varsity status after two years at the junior varsity level. A huge senior class graduated a few seasons ago and left the program young. Those young players, following a successful Class B Tournament, are expected enter the state postseason this week.

“Watching my team play throughout those two years and seeing their improvement, I definitely believed in my team a lot,” Gingras said.

The State Division 4 Tournament bracket will be announced on Tuesday. The Tigers are 26^th in the power rankings. The top 32 teams qualify for the tournament.

“When we started the season, the goal was to get into the Western Mass. Tournament,” Casolari said. “When we finished up together, I reminded them we have far surpassed that goal and now as we head into states, keep your heads high and continue to fine tune our play together.”