SPRINGFIELD - The Northampton girls lacrosse team's hopes for a title came to an end Wednesday, as the fourth-seeded Blue Devils were ousted in the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament semifinals against No 1 Minnechaug, 17-3 at American International College.

"It was very disappointing how the season ended," said Hamp coach Susan Biggs. "We had a great year, but it was tough on everyone, considering how hard we played."

Northampton finished the season 15-8, as the Falcons (18-0) move on to face No. 3 Longmeadow (15-3) for the championship Saturday at 11 a.m. at AIC.

The Falcons found their offensive stride early when Sarah Martin (three goals, assist) connected for Minnechaug's first two goals in the opening five minutes of the contest. Riley Brennan capitalized on her shots in the first half, sending home back-to-back goals to build a 4-0 lead.

Northampton had offensive opportunities early in the game. Emily King (two goals) and Molly Scaife got good, quality shots on net with good passing, but weren't able to capitalize as goalkeeper Emily Castleman stifled the Blue Devils with her quick reaction.

Trailing 6-0, King got Northampton on the board late in the second half, when she slid past the left defender at the net and beat Castleman.

"Emily is so good," said Biggs. "I think that we had the fastest wing in western Mass."

Shortly after King's score, Amber Tobin (three goals, three assists) nailed down a shot going left-to-right near the front of the net, making it 7-1 in favor of Minnechaug, which led 11-1 at halftime.

In the second half, the Falcons scored off fast-break transitions, off loose balls in their offensive zone and from seeing open lanes in the direction of the net. Minnechaug scored five straight goals before King added her second.

Lauren Weston then scored midway through the second half when she banked home a shot to the right of the net as Hamp trailed 16-3.

Senior cocaptains King, Weston, Scaife, Sierra Heart, Joanna Fleming, Elisa Pasche and Lauren Durfer played their final game for Northampton.

The strength of the Blue Devils was their leadership and skill on attack.

"When you have seven seniors and a lot of speed out there on the field, it can make a world of difference," Biggs said. "We had a lot of talent this year. We have three or four players going on to play in college, and that's something to be excited about for them. They've all grown a lot."

Hamp defeated South Hadley and East Longmeadow among its 15 victories this season.

"They are really good competition, and we felt like we could run with them," Biggs said. "We were able to split with both of them, but in the games we won, I felt like we were able to run well."

The Blue Devils look forward to next year with a young team and a lot of room to grow.

"We have a lot of building to do," said Biggs. "But, we'll see what the future holds."