Local Athletes Shine in Fall College Sports Season Kickoff

The fall sports season is in full swing, and local athletes from several towns are making their mark in collegiate athletics. From soccer fields to cross-country trails, these athletes are showing their talent and representing their communities with pride.

This blog post highlights their achievements and offers a guide to following their progress throughout the season.

Local Soccer Stars Shine on the Field

Soccer is a major highlight this fall, with several athletes from the region making important contributions to their college teams. Zoey Lazzaro, a sophomore from Peterborough, plays forward for the Norwich University Cadets women’s soccer team.

Last season, she appeared in 16 games and scored twice. The Cadets have opened the season strong with a 1-0 record.

Norwich University Cadets

Another standout for the Norwich University Cadets is Kelsey Crouse from Lyndeborough. Crouse, a junior forward and defender, helped the Cadets secure a victory over VSU-Johnson in their season opener.

Smith College Bears

Clara Wilsher from Francestown is a freshman midfielder for the Smith College Bears women’s soccer team. The Bears tied UMass-Boston in their season opener and will play at Cortland on Saturday.

Franciscan University of Steubenville Barons

Zach Burgess from Peterborough represents the Franciscan University of Steubenville Barons men’s soccer team as a senior goalkeeper. The Barons lost to Wittenberg in their opener, but they’ll host Messiah on Saturday.

Football Players Gear Up for the Season

Football fans will have plenty of reason to follow local players making their mark on the gridiron. Mikey Gonzalez from Peterborough is a freshman fullback for the Norwich University Cadets football team.

The Cadets will open their season against St. Lawrence on Friday.

University of New Hampshire Wildcats

Bishop Benham, also from Peterborough, is a freshman offensive lineman for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. The Wildcats opened with a 28-14 loss to UAlbany and now prepare for a challenging game at Syracuse on Saturday.

Cross-Country Runners Hit the Trails

Cross-country fans will be watching Emma Schaumloffel from New Ipswich, a junior at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She competes for the Leopards women’s cross-country team, which opens its season at Suffolk on Saturday.

University of Maine-Farmington Beavers

Another local runner to watch is Amelia Hill from Jaffrey, a freshman at the University of Maine-Farmington. She runs for the Beavers women’s cross-country team, which will begin its season at the NCAA East Regional Preview meet on Saturday.

Volleyball Players Serve Up Excitement

Volleyball is another sport where local athletes are making an impact. Ivy Armstrong-McEvoy from Peterborough is a freshman middle back for the Franklin Pierce University Ravens women’s volleyball team.

Despite a 1-3 start, the Ravens are heading to Southern Connecticut State for a tri-match on Saturday.

NHTI Lynx

Ashlynn Williams from Greenfield is a freshman outside and middle hitter for the NHTI Lynx women’s volleyball team. Her performance could be crucial as the Lynx look to make their mark this season.

Field Hockey Players Take the Field

Field hockey fans can follow several local athletes this season. Sophia Spingola from Jaffrey is a freshman midfielder for the Colby-Sawyer College Chargers.

The Chargers won their opener 3-2 against Wellesley and will face Worcester State on Saturday.

Thomas College Terriers

Emily Battisti from Jaffrey is a sophomore midfielder for the Thomas College Terriers. The team faced a difficult start with a 7-1 loss to Shenandoah, but Battisti’s skills will be important for the Terriers this season.

Western New England University Golden Bears

Kaelyn Samuelson from Francestown is a freshman forward for the Western New England University Golden Bears. The Golden Bears won their season opener by beating Smith 2-1 and will take on WPI on Saturday.