The best four teams left in Western Mass. and the bright playoff lights at a neutral site? That would be uncharted territory for the Mahar Regional School girls soccer team.
For the first time in program history, the Senators will play in the Western Mass. Division 3 semifinals Tuesday at Holyoke High School.
Third-seeded Mahar takes on No. 2 Hampshire (13-3-2) at 5 p.m. on the turf at Roberts Field.
The active roster has just one senior for Mahar (17-1-2), but the team’s youth hasn’t mattered throughout the season.
“These girls just don’t know any better,” Mahar coach Chad Softic said. “They are just too young. They are just out here playing. I haven’t sensed any stage this year that they felt really uncomfortable.”
The Red Raiders boast a seven-match winning streak heading into Tuesday’s tussle with the Senators. Hampshire hasn’t been to a sectional final since 2005, when it beat Belchertown, 1-0, in overtime for the Division 2 title.
“They are just good all over the field,” Softic said. “Really strong up the middle. Just a real solid team. You can’t fall asleep on anyone.”
Hampshire beat Putnam, 12-0, in the first round before a 4-0 win over Monument Mountain in the quarterfinals.
Jocelyn Salomao netted her first career hat trick in the win over Putnam.
If the Senators feel it necessary, they will use Natalie Belloli to shadow a Hampshire player. The move usually works, with Belloli marking a player one-on-one.
The chemistry of the Mahar team improved as the season progressed, and it has shown on the field.
“I think it’s because we are such a young team and we all come from somewhere different,” Belloli said. “In the end it all comes together and it makes a great team. Nobody expected us to work together this well. We can be even better next year and the year after.”
All-time leading scorer Delaney Parker is ready for plenty of attention from the Hampshire defense.
“We are all nervous but excited at the same time,” Parker said. “I am not sure yet, but I am planning to be man-marked. I’ve gotten used to it, but I am not sure if that’s part of their strategy. I am going to have to use my speed to beat them.”
The Senators are not content with their accomplishment of just reaching the semifinals.
“I do think if we bring our ‘A’ game and show up to play and not just to be there because it’s a game on the schedule then I think we can win,” Belloli said.
Mahar’s defense, led by sweeper Gracie Rich, is ready to face some of the better offensive players it has seen all season.
“We just need to keep doing what we’ve been doing all year,” Rich said. “Just play our best game.”
Rich has Mackinley Drew and Kendrah Doane with her as wings on the defense.
“As we progressed into the season I grew really close with the girls,” Rich said. “We have our own bond now. We play really well together and understand how each other play.”
Rich leaves her position on defense to take corners and direct kicks for the Senators.
Mahar will have Belloli begin the game at center midfield, leaving the possibility open to her moving to a shadow position if the Senators can get a lead.
The other semifinal between two-time defending champion and top-seeded South Hadley (18-0-1) and No. 5 Monson (14-4-2) will be played in Holyoke on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The WMass Division 3 final is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Springfield Central High School’s Berte Field.
