WMass Lacrosse Tournament: Top-seeded Northampton boys, girls both dominate in Class B semifinals (PHOTOS)

SOUTH HADLEY — The pouring rain didn’t seem to slow down the No. 1 Northampton boys lacrosse team on Thursday afternoon at South Hadley High School, as the Blue Devils used goals from seven different players and a monster defensive effort to cruise past No. 4 South Hadley in the Western Massachusetts Class B semifinals.

Northampton now awaits the winner of Friday’s semifinal between No. 2 Amherst and No. 3 Pope Francis. After going a combined 3-37 from 2021-23, the Blue Devils turned things around in head coach Charlie Edwards’ first year with the program – winning 13 games in 2024.

This season, Northampton (16-2) has dominated its opponents. The Blue Devils started the season 13-0 before a pair of losses, and have since won their last three as they head to the Class B finals looking for a sectional crown.

Keller Mahoney and Jackson Oravec each potted hat tricks and added one assist apiece for Northampton on Thursday, leading the charge offensively. Bryce McGinn-Stevens (one assist), Nick Biddle, Ryland Breen and Mason Tait each added a goal while defenseman Eli Reid got into the mix with a goal and two assists.

Reid, Parker Christy and Kyle Vandeberghe helped hold South Hadley to one goal, as did goalie Henry Fallon, who stopped seven shots in the cage.

For South Hadley (3-14), its season is not quite over yet – as the Tigers’ strength of schedule currently has them inside the top 32 of the MIAA Division 4 power rankings and will compete in the state tournament next week.

Northampton is No. 24 in Division 3, but will first eye a Western Mass. trophy before turning its attention to the state tournament.

Girls lacrosse

Class B semis

No. 1 Northampton 16, No. 4 Chicopee 8 — The Pacers put up a valiant effort, as they trialed 9-8 entering the fourth quarter, but the Blue Devils showed why they came in as the No. 1 seed in the Class B with a massive final frame. Northampton outscored Chicopee 7-0 in the fourth to run away with a 16-8 victory in a game that was moved to Chicopee to play on their turf. ‘Hamp will now play the winner of Friday’s No. 2 Amherst and No. 3 Mount Greylock in the championship next week.

Imanni Power-Greene was stellar for the Blue Devils, scoring four goals and dishing four assists in an eight-point effort. Teagan McDonald added four scores of her own, Makayla Fydenkevez tallied a hat trick and an assist while Kaydence Braman notched four points (two goals, two assists). Jenna Talbot (two) and Ally Busone (one) combined for three goals to round out Northampton’s scoring in a well-balanced effort.

Ainsley Dawson was sharp in the cage, making five saves to help the Blue Devils hold onto their lead. Northampton led 5-1 after the first quarter and 9-4 at halftime. A 4-0 Chicopee run throughout the third quarter made the game close unitl the Blue Devils’ veteran squad shut the door.