The Holyoke High School girls’ soccer team was one among ten teams to qualify for the Division 1 playoffs. The Lady Knights hung with some of the best during their regular season, tying and beating top teams.

Chicopee, the number 4 team in Western Massachusetts, was arguably the hardest competition Holyoke faced over the course of the season. The first time the two teams met was at Szot Park on September 29. Chicopee quickly took the lead scoring two goals. In the second half, Holyoke came together and put two on the board, a penalty kick from Jamie Robert ’17 and a goal off a goalie punt with 1:30 left on the clock by Mary Glasheen ’19. Final score for the game: Holyoke 2, Chicopee 2.

Another good matchup for Holyoke came on October 6, when Holyoke took on Southwick at their home field. Lauren Ryan ’19 had the lone goal that led Holyoke, ranked No. 19, to upset Southwick, No. 13. This was a necessary win as they needed 18 points to make the tournament. The final score: Holyoke 1, Southwick 0.

The next day Holyoke took on No. 9 Agawam. Emily Leblanc ’17 and Jamie Robert ’17 both scored for Holyoke. After holding Agawam off for most of the second half, Holyoke let up a late goal allowing Agawam to tie the game up. The final score: Holyoke 2, Agawam 2.

The second time Holyoke met Amherst on the field the game got rowdy. Jamie Robert ’17 not only netted one for Holyoke but got into an altercation with an Amherst player resulting in a yellow card leaving her ineligible to play in her next game. Amber Lempke ’17 also found the back of the goal. Amherst and Holyoke each had a goal in the first and second half. The final score: Holyoke 2, Amherst 2.

After tying Palmer, Holyoke needed to gain a point in their last game of the season against Chicopee Comprehension High School. On Chicopee Comp.’s senior-night Holyoke played their game, scoring one in the first half, two more in the second and held Comp. off the entirety of the game. This win allowed Holyoke to qualify for the tournament. The final score: Holyoke 3, Chicopee Comp 0.

Holyoke defeated Pittsfield in the first round of the playoffs and head on to Ludlow on Sunday, November 8 at 6:30 pm.