AMHERST – The 100-point club gained a brand new member Wednesday night.

Amherst junior Maddie Hockman came into the contest two points away and erupted for a first-half hat trick – her sixth game of three or more goals this season – as the Hurricanes defeated Granby 3-0 under the lights on senior night.

Hockman is now at 28 goals this season and has been a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain – the Rams being no exception. Amherst head coach Don Fraser has had the pleasure of coaching Hockman for her entire varsity career, and praised her ability to always score in key moments when the ‘Canes most need it.

“Since her freshman year, Maddie has always scored first. She gets it going,” Fraser said. “And when we really need the goal in a big game, she’s there. She always delivers. You can see from tonight, too, she’s not only thinking about herself, she moves the ball around really well. It’s not just the points, it’s the leadership. It’s everything else. She’s just been terrific to coach.”

Hockman got the scoring started 17 minutes into the game. She dribbled down into the box, set herself up near the end line and sent a ball toward goal. It deflected off a Granby defender and scooted by Rams keeper Meredith Bartosz. 

Her second goal – one of similar fashion – came eight minutes later. Hockman made a cut with the ball at the top of the 18, freed herself for a shot and ripped it in Bartosz’s direction. Again, a Granby defender got in the way, but again it still ricocheted into goal.

There was confusion between the officials and the scorekeeper as to whether or not the goals would be awarded to her or be ruled as own goals. The officials decided to award both to Hockman, giving her 100 for her career – which still has another full season left.

“I thought they counted, but I wasn’t sure,” Hockman said. “When I realized it did, it was fun. I don’t even know how to put it into words yet. It was definitely one of the most amazing soccer experiences I think I’m gonna have. Being able to experience such an amazing moment with all my favorite people means a lot to me.”

While eclipsing the century mark was no doubt the highlight of the night, Hockman was thrilled that Amherst went home victorious. She knew the night was about the seniors, so to win the game was also very special to her.

“I’m very glad we got the win, because it’s senior night and I wanted the seniors to have a win and have something more to celebrate,” Hockman said. “They all mean so much to me.”

Hockman added a beautiful header off a perfect cross from senior Zola Higham – the only assist recorded on Wednesday – with 12 minutes left in the first half to cap off the scoring.

In the second half, Granby came out with more intensity. The Rams held the Hurricanes scoreless but also generated several scoring opportunities of their own. Granby has played its best soccer of the season over the past few weeks. Earlier this year, the Rams lost 6-0 to Amherst. They looked much better on Wednesday.

“They’re a group that just doesn’t give up,” Granby coach Bob Weaver said. “They’re in every game. They just will not give up no matter the score. But credit to [Hockman], she’s a hell of a player. And she’s only a junior, I have to deal with her again next year.”

Bartosz was on top of everything in the final 40 minutes for Granby as well, as the freshman keeper stopped everything coming at her. Bartosz bravely challenged Amherst attackers and made a few stellar saves in the process. Weaver applauded his goalie’s efforts in the box.

“She was outstanding tonight,” he said of Bartosz. “She’s 5-foot-4 and as fearless as they come. She works on getting the balls that are above her head, and she’s got some solid defenders in front of her.”

Both team are likely to make both the Western Mass. and state tournaments in their respective divisions. Granby (4-10) is comfortably within the top 32 and still has two more regular-season contests left (starting with Friday against SICS), while Amherst (10-4-1) has automatically qualified for the postseason and has one game remaining before then (Saturday against Chicopee).