Pioneer Valley Regional and Athol High schools had little on the line Wednesday evening, but that didn’t take way from the intensity of this contest.
The Red Raiders held the upper hand in the first half and led at the break, but the Panthers rallied for a pair of markers to post a 2-1 in the PVIAC Western Division and season finale Wednesday evening at O’Brien Field in Athol.
“I can honestly say this was the best game my team has played all season,” said Athol head coach Sarah King. “They fought until the end and I couldn’t have been prouder of them. We knew it would be a good matchup going in and the kids really stepped up.
“Every single player on that field gave it their all and left it all on the field, which is exactly what a coach wants to see,” she added. “This team has improved so much throughout the season.”
Athol jumped out in front when Lexi Cucchi scored unassisted with 12:01 left in the first half.
The Raiders were able to hold onto the lead until the 8:45 mark of the second half, when Sydney Unaitis tied it with her unassisted tally.
Pioneer (7-10-1 overall, 7-5-0 West) continued to pressure the Athol goal and Makayla Glazier scored the go-ahead tally 2:12 later with an assist from Jessica Scoville.
Stephanie Scoville helped the lead stand up by blanking the Red Red Raiders the rest of the game. She finished with 4 saves.
Joslyn Jaillet was credited with 4 saves for Athol (3-14-0, 3-9-0 West).
Pioneer held a 9-5 edge in penalty corners.
King also announced that this was her final game as coach.
“I teach at the middle school and, between not being in the building and truly feeling like it’s time to have a new person lead them, it’s time for me to go,” she said. “It’s been a great 11 years with Athol field hockey, the past four years as the head coach, but I think they need new blood to motivate them. The middle school team is rebuilding and has an awesome core of sixth- and seventh-graders, so I’m sure we will see Athol field hockey on top again.”