MassLive released its girls soccer Top 20 on September 27. Get to know more about the Western Mass. girls soccer outlook by checking out the Super 7 and league snapshots at the bottom of the article.
- Minnechaug (6-1)
- South Hadley (6-1-1)
- Belchertown (3-1-2)
- West Springfield (3-2-1)
- Westfield (3-2)
- Hampshire (6-1)
- Monson (5-0)
- Pope Francis (7-0)
- Longmeadow (4-1-2)
- East Longmeadow (3-2-1)
- Ludlow (1-4)
- Agawam (2-4-1)
- Chicopee Comp (3-4-1)
- Mount Greylock (6-0-2)
- Palmer (3-0-2)
- Monument Mountain (4-1-2)
- Amherst (4-0)
- Easthampton (5-1-2)
- Southwick (2-4-2)
- Northampton (3-4)
After their previous season ended during the Division II Round of 16, the Minnechaug girls soccer team is back on track for the season’s first rankings. Following back-to-back wins against Westfield and West Springfield to begin things, three of the Falcons’ next four matchups were against Central Mass. opponents.
Aside from a 1-0 loss against Westborough earlier this month, Minnechaug hasn’t allowed a goal during its five wins. Thanks to strong defensive efforts from Super-7 elect Kylie Ray, who recently verbally committed to Seton Hall University upon graduation, the Falcons are 6-1 overall.
Next on the list is an impressive South Hadley team that hasn’t lost in its last six decisions. Aside from a prior one-goal defeat against the Terriers, the Tigers have beaten some of the region’s best in Chicopee Comp, Agawam, and Hampshire -- not to mention a 1-1 tie against Longmeadow last week.
Like the Falcons, South Hadley is also paced by a pair of Super-7 talents in Lauren Marjanski and Emma Sanford. Marjanski currently leads the team in goals (14) and assists (six), while Sanford has recorded two or more points in three of their eight games.
Aside from that duo, though, the Tigers are also equipped with an impressive goalie tandem of Drew Alley (27 saves) and Rylee Suchenicz (25), who’ve only allowed nine combined goals and posted two shutouts thus far.
Belchertown, meanwhile, rounds out the top three with a record of 3-1-2.
Don’t let the record misguide you because those same Orioles finished just two wins shy of claiming the Division III state championship last year. Belchertown has won three of its past four games against teams like Ludlow, East Longmeadow, and Southwick.
Just like the previous teams, Belchertown is well-represented on this year’s Super 7 list with the addition of Aida Name. Aside from being recognized as an All-State, All-League, and All-Western Mass. recipient last year, the senior defender is undoubtedly a strong reason why the Orioles haven’t allowed a goal during their past five games.
After recording a career-high 66 points last season, Isabella Meadows is close to matching those records, as the junior currently leads eighth-ranked Pope Francis with 40 points (31 goals, nine assists) through seven games. What’s more impressive is how the Cardinals’ offensive unit has outscored their opponents by an impressive margin of 65-1.
Even though the Colts are No. 13, don’t sleep on them because of two names: Alexis Boulanger and Taryn Corriveau.
Through eight games, Corriveau leads the Colts with 13 points (nine goals, four assists), while Boulanger is next with nine (six goals, three assists). It’s not just about the figures, though, as this duo remains one of the quickest strikers in the region.
“I think when we showed up, I could tell our team was ready to play,” said Chicopee Comp coach Matt Mosher following his team’s recent loss to Longmeadow. “We certainly got some opportunities during the first half. Alexis (Boulanger) is one of the better players, and she ultimately put it in the right spot.”
Despite four consecutive losses, Northampton rounds out the final spot with a record below .500 at 3-4. But like the Colts, don’t let the Blue Devils’ record tell the whole story, mainly since they compete in a crowded Central Conference alongside ranked teams like Monson, Monument Mountain, and Southwick.
Northampton has been outscored by its opponents, 14-4, during its last four games. Aside from that, Carolynn Skubiszewski leads the team with seven goals, while teammate Katelyn Kozlakowski is next with three assists.
But to keep pace in the Central League, Northampton must take care of business on the road against Holyoke on Wednesday, Sept. 28., at 5 p.m.
Other essential games to keep an eye on this week is Monson welcoming West Springfield to town on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., while Belchertown competes against Minnechaug on Friday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m.
Related Content:
- Super 7
- Girls Soccer Top 20
- League Snapshots: Bi-County | Central | Coombs | Grieve | Kurty/Fielding | Pioneer North | Pioneer South | Tri-County
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