Roundup: McCann Tech boys and girls soccer teams win season openers

PALMER — The McCann Tech boys soccer team got its 2026 season started on a positive note Tuesday afternoon.

It wasn't easy, but the Hornets eked out a 1-0 win over Pathfinder. It was a Bi-County crossover game, as the Hornets are in the Bi-County West and the Panthers are in the Bi-County East.

Ashton Solomon got the game's only goal, with the assist from Max Plekhanov.

"We had plenty of opportunities in the final 1/3, but was unable to find the back of the net," McCann coach Stephen McAllister wrote in an email. "Outstanding performance by our defensive line with four saves from Ben Harris.

"All around good outcome for our first game of the regular season."

The Hornets are off until next Tuesday, when they hit the road to play Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School.

PITTSFIELD — At Kirvin Park, Pope Francis got two goals from Carlos Vindas, one on a penalty kick, as the Generals dropped their season opener.

"We struggled to gain any momentum in the first half," PHS coach Ryan Wanek wrote in an email. "Our first touches weren't good enough. Our passes weren't good enough and we failed to create much. I do think that was more due to how Pope Francis is. They had a very good high press on us and their midfielders worked their socks off."

Reese Cook-Dubin had a solid game in goal for Pittsfield, recording nine saves.

The Generals will be at Lenox Friday night.

LENOX — The Millionaires dropped their season opener at home against a disciplined and physical Southwick squad.

Sophomore Julian Ticconi scored two goals in the loss with the first serving as his first varsity goal. Duke Jaehnig added a goal and keeper Michael McLaughlin made 10 saves in his first varsity action as goalie.

Lenox head coach Jedd Hall wrote in an email that it was a hard fought battle with his squad comprised of half freshman and sophomores and veteran players.

"We expect to see good things from this team having really only been together for less than two weeks and holding their own against a very competitive Southwick squad," Hall wrote.

Lenox will return to action against Moriarty League rival Taconic on Thursday at Berkshire Community College.

NORTH ADAMS — The Hornets came out buzzing in their season opener at home, pouring in six goals against local foe Taconic.

Three McCann players scored two goals, Alayna Bishop, Zoe Kratz and freshman Lanie Ameen. Lily Genton added two assists and keeper Bella Lefevre had four saves.

"Excellent and encouraging start to our season," McCann head coach Lindsay Lincoln wrote in an email. "I am incredibly proud of how we executed in every single phase of the game today, especially for our first game of the season. We played with heart, and we played for each other. This is a great group of girls with excellent chemistry and we are excited to see what comes next!"

McCann will host Springfield Central on Thursday. Taconic will be at Hampden Charter School of Science on Monday.

GREAT BARRINGTON — The Spartans won the season opener for both teams handily. The set scores were 25-11, 25-12, 25-13.

For Monument, Hazel Curletti had eight kills, five aces and two blocks. Anjani Talierecio had six kills and two aces, while Novella Taliercio chipped in with six aces and five kills.

The Spartans are home Wednesday against Granby. Drury will play Friday at home against Mohawk Trail.

PITTSFIELD — Back on their home course at Berkshire Hills Country Club, the Taconic golf team picked up its first win.

Ethan Bishop shot a 2-over-par 38 on the front nine to earn medalist honors for the Thunder. He beat Hoosac's Zach Mongeon by one stroke. Mongeon did have a birdie, on the par-3 third hole.

Taconic's Charley Driscoll and Troy Choquette both birdied the par-4 eighth.

The Thunder, now 1-1, will host Ludlow Wednesday at Berkshire Hills. Hoosac, also 1-1, heads to the Country Club of Pittsfield Wednesday for a date with the Generals.

Ethan Bishop 38, Charley Driscoll 42, Gavin Maffuccio 43, Brodi McCormack 44.

Zach Mongeon 39, Chase George 42, Braydin Clark 46, Luke Dix 49.

Birdies — T: Driscoll (8), Troy Choquette (8). T: Mongeon (3).