High schools: South Hadley, Belchertown settle for 1-1 draw in girls soccer opener (PHOTOS)

South Hadley goalie Olivia Athas gains possession of the ball during the Tigers’ 1-1 draw against Belchertown in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley.

South Hadley goalie Olivia Athas gains possession of the ball during the Tigers’ 1-1 draw against Belchertown in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

Belchertown’s Madelyn Philpott, left, looks for an open teammate while Gwen Marion, of South Hadley, moves in during the second half of the teams’ 1-1 draw in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley.

Belchertown’s Madelyn Philpott, left, looks for an open teammate while Gwen Marion, of South Hadley, moves in during the second half of the teams’ 1-1 draw in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

South Hadley’s Margo Watkins (20) shields Maya Tellier of Belchertown during the first half of season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley.

South Hadley’s Margo Watkins (20) shields Maya Tellier of Belchertown during the first half of season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

Brianna Ribeiro of Belchertown tries to get the ball past Margo Watkins of South Hadley during a 1-1 draw in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley.

Brianna Ribeiro of Belchertown tries to get the ball past Margo Watkins of South Hadley during a 1-1 draw in season-opening action Monday afternoon in South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

Belchertown’s Avery Cooper moves the ball down field in the second half against South Hadley on Monday afternoon at South Hadley.

Belchertown’s Avery Cooper moves the ball down field in the second half against South Hadley on Monday afternoon at South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

South Hadley’s Allison Fleury, right, tries to get the ball past Allison Morris of Belchertown during a game Monday afternoon at South Hadley.

South Hadley’s Allison Fleury, right, tries to get the ball past Allison Morris of Belchertown during a game Monday afternoon at South Hadley. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS

Staff Report

Published: 09-02-2024 7:26 PM

Modified: 09-03-2024 6:58 PM

A battle between two of the top teams in Hampshire County ended in a draw during season-opening action in South Hadley on Monday.

Both South Hadley and Belchertown notched second-half goals, and the two rivals settled for a 1-1 draw in girls soccer action to open the 2024 campaign.

Locked in a 0-0 game at halftime, South Hadley’s Kate McArdle scored for the hosts while Gabriella Slovack netted a goal for Belchertown.

Margo Watkins picked up an assist for the Tigers (0-0-1), and Alexa Karabetsos notched the helper for the Orioles (0-0-1).

Olivia Athas made 13 saves in net to pace South Hadley, and Belchertown goalie Jill DeBarge stopped 12 shots.

South Hadley heads to Agawam on Wednesday while Belchertown will open its home schedule Friday against Ludlow.

Weekend results

Girls volleyball

A weekend on Cape Cod saw the Frontier Regional girls volleyball team open its 2024 season with a pair of eastern Mass. opponents. The Redhawks went 1-1 on Sunday, sweeping Nauset 3-0 while dropping a 3-1 decision to Dennis-Yarmouth.

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“I think we smoothed out some  things this weekend and we’re ready to get back in the gym this week and keep working hard,” Frontier coach Courtney Parent said. “I’m proud of the girls for fighting hard this weekend. We had a mostly new lineup from last year out there and I’m really excited to see what they can do this season.”

Abigail Hernandez powered down 11 kills to the Redhawks’ 25-15, 25-13, 27-25 sweep over Nauset. Greta Hale followed with six kills, and Olivia Machon added five in a balanced offensive attack.

Cadence Martin (14 assists) and Parrish Stilla (11) combined on a solid outing from the setter positions, while Hannah Davis (six digs), Hernandez  (five) and Sophia Pinardi (five) guided the defensive effort.

Frontier opened with a 25-19, 15-25, 25-20, 25-13 loss to Dennis-Yarmouth. Hernandez put down 10 kills to pace the offense, and Machon scooped up 11 digs.

The Hawks will take to the road for a match at Westfield on Wednesday.