Nine Hampshire County girls soccer teams qualified for the Western Massachusetts playoffs that begin as early as Friday.
In Division 3, Granby is the only defending Western Mass. champion.
The Rams found out that former coach Jessica Boardway was leaving two weeks before the season started.
Bob Weaver took over the team and guided the Rams to a 13-2-3 record.
“I am more nervous than the girls are,” Weaver said. “Everyone is confident. We are as healthy as we have been all year.”
The Rams lost Kate Sullivan and Kate Sarnacki to ACL surgeries but battled to earn the second-seed.
Granby has a bye in the first round and plays either No. 7 Sabis or No. 10 Renaissance in the quarterfinals.
University of New Have commit Erin Mikalchus has two Western Mass. championships during her career and said before the season that her goal was to get the elusive state championship.
“We are ready to get this thing going,” Weaver said.
Summer Molin and Nora Young led the Rams with 10 goals each.
UConn commit Vissi Rizos and Hampshire Regional (9-5-2) have the fifth seed and travel to the Berkshires to play No. 4 Wahconah.
Megan Hufnagel and Sam Tersavich provide the scoring for Hampshire.
South Hadley (12-4-2) drew the sixth seed. The Tigers’ Sophie Gatzounas is a dynamic goalie who is very difficult to score against. Alexa Blaney led the Tigers with 14 goals.
In Division 4, Gateway (12-2-4) is the second-seed. The Gators have an explosive scoring tandem in Samantha Belardo and Jessica Van Heynigen. Juliana Dickenson is a force on defense for Gateway.
The Gators play No. 7 McCann Tech in the quarterfinals.
“We feel positive,” Gateway coach Steve Estelle said. “I am glad they are coming to us.”
Monson (18-0) is the top seed in Division 4 and is the overwhelming favorite.
“No weakness on their team,” Estelle said. “Quite a group of seniors.”
Leading scorer Samantha Jenks (11 goals) and Hopkins Academy is the fifth-seed and will play No. 4 Lenox.
Gabby Petlock and her 22 goals helped Smith Vocational lock down the sixth seed for the Vikings. Smith Voke plays No. 3 Mt. Everett.
In Division 1, fifth-seeded Belchertown has the highest seed for a local team. Kayla Henry ripped nets all season for the Orioles, scoring 26 goals. Belchertown plays at No. 4 East Longmeadow in the quarterfinals.
Ninth-seeded Amherst (9-5-4) plays No. 8 Chicopee Comp in the first round. Sage Dichaira scored 24 goals for the Hurricanes.
The Northampton Blue Devils (8-5-5) and first year coach Vanessa Patry are the sixth seed in Division 1. The Blue Devils play at Minnechaug.
Emma Tanner led Northampton with 10 goals.
