On Tuesday, September 19th, Holyoke faced Palmer for their fourth game of the season. The Holyoke varsity team has been undergoing some changes this season. Between a new coach, goalie, and captains, they have their work cut out for them. This game exemplifies the team’s hard work despite the changes.

One of the biggest differences that affects this year’s team was losing their goalie. The previous goalie and captain Isabella Murphy was a senior and had over 275 career total saves after starting her sophomore year. The team also lost their highest scorer of the last 4 years. Samantha Brennan had 28 career total goals and 19 assists. Their two coaches who had been coaching the team for years and founded the program, had to step down. But the team faced these challenges with courage.

Beginning in mid-August the team had begun their pre-season. They got introduced to their new coach, and started their training immediately. With many new players, the team had a lot of work to get through, but fortunately succeeded. We have successfully trained 2 new goalies, and the former players have been flexible trying new positions out. This has been a hard, but rewarding season so far, with the adjustments made. The team got to show their training on September 19th when playing against Palmer. 

For this game the team came together for a great win against Palmer. The team was able to score 11 points, which is their highest score since a 2016 win against Central (11-0). 

During the game the team had an offensive breakthrough that was previously lacking. Juniors, Kylie Blaha and Siobhan Armstrong scored 2 goals and each had an assist. Since the team was winning by such a great deal the coach decided to switch people around. New positions were tried during the game including defenders playing forward. Three of those defenders scored their  own goals. Aiden McCarthy, Sage Vermes, and Ava Tellier, all defenders, scored a goal each. Brenna Phillips, a midfielder scored as well and defender Marialis Camacho assisted. Gracie Chesmore, a junior and forward, finished the game off with 4 goals. 

The team will face Palmer again at home on October 10th at 6:oo PM, for their annual cancer awareness night. The game is held in remembrance of Heather McMahon, a former player. All admission fees will count as donations to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.