The Bombers and Saints’ girls’ lacrosse teams hold a special pregame ceremony Friday at Westfield High. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – A strong contingent of local lacrosse players, coaches, and lax alumni gathered Friday at Westfield High School, not only to play a game between two city girls’ lacrosse teams but to remember a fallen inspirational community member.
The St. Mary Saints and Westfield Bombers high school girls’ lacrosse teams joined in a pregame celebration Friday, honoring Laurie Dwight-Beliveau who passed away earlier this year at the age of 52 after a courageous fight against breast cancer.
Beliveau was instrumental in the growth of girls’ lacrosse at all age levels in the City of Westfield, serving as a former president of Westfield Girls Lacrosse. She was also a committee member for the KEVS Foundation.
Westfield’s Hannah Jarvis, left, attempts to drive past the Saints’ defense Friday. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“She was a great competitor,” Westfield coach Paul Fenwick said in addressing the crowd prior to his team taking the field against the Saints. “She was an opponent and a friend, and I miss her.”
Beliveau’s actions have served as a blueprint for those associated with lacrosse in the city, helping put the sport on the map locally.
“She has definitely helped us out a lot,” St. Mary coach Dave Watson told those in attendance.
Despite the outcome – Westfield rolled to a 25-3 win – the game was played with outstanding sportsmanship by both teams.
Rachel Gelina (5 goals, 4 assists), Sam Kane (4 goals), and Sydney Brady (3 goals) fueled Westfield’s offensive attack. Jillian Watson provided two of St. Mary’s three goals; Erin Dow had the other.
Westfield High girls’ lacrosse Paul Fenwick addresses the crowd Friday. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“Our 13 players displayed an excellent effort despite being outnumbered by a much stronger Division 1 team,” coach Watson said, following the game. “I felt that our hard work honored the game of lacrosse and the extraordinary woman, Lori Beliveau, whose influence will always be felt by our team.”
The impact was evident in Friday’s game.
Despite the fact that St. Mary was trailing, one Saint, Lauren Chapdelaine turned to her teammates at the half and said, “This game is not about us. It’s about playing for a woman, Lori Beliveau, who supported and inspired us.”
Said coach Fenwick: “It was great to see all the people come out.”
Notes: On Thursday, St. Mary suffered a 21-8 loss to loss to Lee. In that game, Lauren Chapdelaine scored three goals, Jillian Watson and Aisling Butler (assist) tallied two goals apiece, and Erin Dow collected two assists. Olivia Mazza had one assist.
SOFTBALL
Lachtara, Rams chase Indians
Southwick 16, Ware 0
Southwick pitcher Emily Lachtara tossed a one-hitter. She struck out one 12 batters, and walked one.
Rams’ Sam Burzynski drove in three runs, Sydney Rogers and Jenn Yelin had two RBIs, Kate Sylvia went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, Steph Devine finished 2-for-2 with a double and two runs scored, and Alyssa Kelleher went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
Falcons elude Bombers
Minnechaug 6, Westfield 5
Westfield lost a heartbreaker to Minnechaug on senior day.
BASEBALL
Hamel, Rams blank Indians
Southwick 7, Ware 0
Bob Hamel scattered five hits and recorded eight strikeouts in a complete game effort on the mound for Southwick.
Vinnie Fortini (2-for-4, 3 RBIs), Patrick King (1-3, 2 RBIs), Travis Porello (2-3, RBI) let the Rams at the plate.
Southwick (17-2) closes out its regular season at Palmer Tuesday at 7 p.m.
JV BASEBALL
Southwick 2, Ware 1
Richie Alimberti went 1-for-2 with a triple, helping the Southwick JV squad edge Ware Friday.
Sam Parker put together a nice outing on the mind for Southwick, holding Ware hitless over five innings, and allowing no earned runs. He struck out two batters and walked two.
Bart Shea picked up the win in relief for Southwick. Shea allowed no runs over the final two innings.
The Rams improved to 9-10.
The St. Mary Saints, left, and Westfield Bombers’ high school girls’ lacrosse teams came together for a game, and a good cause Friday. The two teams honored Westfield native Laurie A. Dwight-Beliveau, who died of cancer earlier this year at age 52. Beliveau was instrumental in furthering the growth of girls’ lacrosse in the city. (Photo by Chris Putz)
