Two goals in the first five minutes took the edge off. The South Hadley field hockey team experienced some nerves before its playoff opener Thursday against No. 4 Mohawk. Those went away with the multiple-goal advantage.
“That really helped to settle their nerves,” South Hadley coach Tara Cole said.
The No. 4 Tigers didn’t slow down in a 5-0 win. They reached the semifinals for the third straight season, where they’ll face top-seeded Greenfield in the semifinals at a time and site to be determined. The Green Wave are the two-time defending champions and beat South Hadley twice this year by a combined score of 13-3.
“We certainly know where their strengths are,” Cole said.
Savannah Sudyka had a hat trick for South Hadley (12-5-2), while Kayla Carleton added a goal and an assist. Bella Yee distributed two assists, as Emma Rahilly and Gabi Moroney found the net.
Brooke Blair made three saves in the first half, and Maddie Fontaine stopped three shots in the second.
Belchertown 25, Commerce 6 — Joe Doullard ran for 64 yards and a touchdown, as the Orioles opened non-playoff action with a win.
Belchertown’s defense kept Commerce off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
Joel Wyzik had two sacks, while Ben Gatesman made a fumble recovery and six tackles.
Bradley Lovett ran six times for 36 yards.
John Flink completed 6-of-10 passes for 104 yards and a score. Matt Fournier caught for of them for 41 yards and the 23-yard touchdown.
The Orioles won their second straight game.