It was a field hockey season unlike any other, as Franklin County schools navigated the fall waters to the best of their abilities in order to complete a season during a global pandemic.
While it was not a traditional season by any means, local coaches did hand out awards, with Franklin County schools voting on their All-League roster for 2020.
Greenfield High School led the way with six selections, as the Green Wave went undefeated during the fall campaign thanks to impressive balance throughout their lineup. Senior Katie Haselton paced that charge, as the midfielder recorded her 100th career point this fall, becoming one of just five players in program history (Raegan Hickey, Audrey Bresciano, Kelly Doton, Jill Putnam) to accomplish the feat.
Haselton was joined on the All-League team by classmates Amber Taylor and Jenna Elwell, as well as juniors Kaylah Eggsware, Madyson Kuchieski and Tess Rancourt. Greenfield tallied a whopping 63 goals in nine games.
“First and foremost, the fact they got to play this season was huge, especially for my seniors,” Greenfield head coach Erin Thayer offered. “Most of them have been with me for six years. For them to get to play, and also enjoy some success this year, that was great.
“Their end goal is always to be in the Western Mass. final, fighting for a title so we had to look at goals a little differently this year,” she continued. “This year, the girls wanted to go undefeated and they were able to do that. I’m so proud of them in so many ways. Yes, the season was different but they never complained.”
Frontier Regional School checked in with four players on the All-League list, as the Red Hawks relied on a small experienced core to lead an overall youthful roster. Senior Alyson Barnes was joined on the list by juniors Emily DeMaio and Maeve Huit, as well as sophomore Lila Roche.
“We had a really young team this year so those four players, they came in with experience from being in tough games in the past and they were resilient,” Frontier coach Missy Mahar lauded. “They were good role models for the younger players this season. They all showed really good leadership capabilities and took the team under their wings.”
Mahar said that while the team did enjoy success on the field, the 2020 campaign was largely centered around just getting out and being together.
“They got an opportunity to have a chance to be out there competing with their teammates and I think that was really instrumental to their fall and return to school,” the coach said. “Although it was different, I think it did give them some sort of normalcy.”
Turners Falls High School was one of the true success stories of the fall season, as the Thunder finished second in the Franklin County League behind Greenfield and beat Frontier for just the second time in program history. The Powertown had three seniors recognized for their achievements on the All-League squad, as Haleigh Greene, Brynn Tela and Taryn Thayer earned spots on the list.
Mohawk Trail senior Abby Sinistore and junior Stella Clark represented the West County squad on the All-League list, as did Mahar seniors Mattie Budine and Jasmine Vezina. Athol juniors Sadey Lehtomaki and Christa Cucchi were the Red Raiders’ representatives on the All-League team, while Pioneer senior Charlotte Kahler and eighth-grader Riley Thayer also earned those honors. Franklin Tech’s Emmy Thurston was the lone selection from her squad.