SOUTH HADLEY — Two seasons ago, the South Hadley field hockey team did not have a varsity program. After losing a large senior class followed by a tough one-win season in 2022, head coach Nicole Casolari decided it was best for the young program to develop as a junior varsity squad.
Now in their second year in the a return as a varsity team, the Tigers are two-for-two in making it to the Western Mass. championship game.
In its third meeting against Smith Academy, South Hadley got a third quarter goal from junior Ella Haber that turned into what was the game-winning goal. Despite winning the first two meetings by a combined 7-0, the Tigers won Wednesday’s meeting 1-0.
“This one is very significant,” Haber said. “It’s an awesome one for all of us. I’m just proud of all my teammates and I’m so glad we’re were.”
The two teams opened and closed the regular season against each other. On Monday, South Hadley won 3-0. With just one day of practice in between, both squads went to work to prepare for round three, knowing the stakes were high.
“We had to be aware that they saw some of our plays,” Casolari said. “Rework some of what we’re used to doing in the regular season. We had to change up some of our usual methods.”
Unlike the first two matchups, shots did not come nearly as often for South Hadley. After registering 34 shots earlier in the week, the Tigers got 12 shots on net on Thursday.
That made Haber’s goal after halftime feel all the more important.
The junior sprinted up the middle of the field and received a pass from the left wing by Sam Harrison. Haber quickly turned around and fired the shot from close range for the score. It was her team-leading 11th goal of the season
“She’s the definition of hungry,” Casolari said. “Hungry for the ball, hungry to make the play happen. She’s one of the playmakers on the field.”
It was the first time in nine games a team held South Hadley to one goal. Falcon’s head coach Karlie Baranoski credited her defense of Gianna Morales, Sofia Robinson, Kaleigh Fallon, and Maggie Moynihan for stepping up in the circle.
“If the clear out or carry out wasn’t there, they were finding South Hadley feet,” Baranoski said. “That was allowing us to take quick self starts and try to catch South Hadley out of their press.”
Goalkeeper Chloe Avery made 11 saves on the night.
To prepare for another game on turf, the Falcons practiced on the indoor field at Smith College on Tuesday.
The Tigers defense also limited Smith Academy to just four shots. The team recorded its fourth consecutive shutout. Caraghan Wartel stopped the three shots on net.
“They are patient. That’s a word we use a lot,” Casolari said. “They’re patient to make the right play.”
After a strong 12-7 season in its return to varsity last fall, South Hadley took another leap forward with a record of 14-1-1. The team has won seven straight games.
Wednesday was also a rematch of last year’s Class B semifinal. South Hadley won that game as well 2-1, thanks to two goals by Harrison. The Tigers fell to Southwick in the championship.
Entering the year, Casolari felt confident the team would be above .500 thanks to a majority of returning players. But a one-loss season didn’t even cross her mind. It’s a quick rise for a program that seemed lightyears away from a champioship.
“That’s a testament to their strength,” Casolari said. “They’ve worked hard together to keep this program not only alive, but thriving.”
The Tigers await either Southwick or Belchertown in the championship on Saturday. The game is at West Springfield and will start at 2 p.m.
Smith Academy’s Gianna Morales defends South Hadley’s Nora Vaughn during the PVIAC Class B semifinal on Oct. 28, 2026. Jack Belanger / Staff Photo 
The South Hadley defense lines up for a corner penalty against Smith Academy during the PVIAC Class B semifinal on Oct. 28, 2026. Jack Belanger / Staff Photo 
Smith Academy’s Sophia Jagodzinski is defended by South Hadley’s Lily Harrington during the PVIAC Class B semifinal on Oct. 28, 2026. Jack Belanger / Staff Photo 
Smith Academy sophomore Elise Murray fires a pass in the midfield against South Hadley during the PVAIC Class B semifinal on Oct. 28, 2026. Jack Belanger / Staff Photo
WMass girls soccer
Class D semifinal
Hopkins 4, Palmer 0 — The second-seeded Golden Hawks punched their ticket to their third consecutive Class D final after blanking the Panthers.
Olivia Earle scored twice, while Cassie Dion and Morgan Augustin also found twine. Ephie Vissas recorded two assists as well for Hopkins, which will play the winner of No. 1 Granby and No. 5 Ware for the title.
