Lady Cougars Shutout Local Rival

Women's Soccer Led by Santos Hat Trick

(Springfield, MA) - Women's soccer earned their first win of the young season on Wednesday afternoon, shutting out local rival Springfield Technical CC. The Lady Cougars put forth a strong road performance on their way to a 4-0 victory. The Cougars have now defeated their rival 33 straight times, having not lost a game to STCC since 2008.

Sophomore midfielder Makayla Santos (South Deerfield, MA / Frontier Regional HS) spearheaded the offense, scoring Holyoke's first three goals to register a hat trick. Santos led the Lady Cougars in goals and points last season and leads the team in both this season. Sophomore defender Christina Pereira (Warren, MA / Pathfinder Regional HS) anchored the defense and tallied the fourth goal for HCC. Sophomore goalkeeper Donna Viel (Woronoco, MA / Gateway Regional HS) made five saves to earn the shutout, her and the team's first of the season. Sophomore defender Grace Downer (Easthampton, MA / Easthampton HS) had a pair of assists in the win and sophomore midfielder Emily Yan (Westhampton, MA / Hampshire Regional HS) and freshman midfielder Nora Goncalves (Williamsburg, MA / Ludlow HS) each notched one.

Women's soccer has a 1-1 regional record and a 1-3 overall record. They are scheduled to travel for their next four games before returning home to play on October 11th with a possible makeup game on October 8th. Let's go Cougars!

Photo: Santos dribbles the ball during an early season home game.