WESTFIELD – The St. Mary High School boys’ soccer team postseason has come early.
St. Mary’s surge for a surprise playoff spot continued Tuesday with a 2-0 shutout of McCann Tech at Westfield Middle School North. With the victory, the Saints (6-8-1) are just five points away from a tournament berth.
MATT MASCIADRELLI
“Hopefully we can push for a playoff spot,” said St. Mary coach Bill Lamirande, whose team has already well surpassed last season’s one win. “No matter what it’s still been a very successful year.”
Matt Masciadrelli has been an integral influence on the ball movement between the defense and forward positions. On Tuesday, Masciadrelli set up both goals, one each from freshman Jack Lamirande and sophomore Aaron Blanchard.
Blanchard scored the eventual game-winner, and Lamirande tallied the insurance goal.
St. Mary goalie Jake Butler continued his excellence in net, recording 22 saves for a shutout. Drew Collins, Jack Masciadrelli, Gio DePergola, and Kevin Rockwal led the defensive charge.
“It was probably one of our best all-around game,” coach Lamirande said.
The excitement level will likely be at an all-time high on Friday when St. Mary hosts Pioneer Valley Christian on senior night at Westfield Middle School North. The game begins at 4 p.m.
Gators shut out Cybercats
Gateway 2, Sci-Tech 0
Joe Coon scored on a corner kick from Evan Lee, and Joel Sanaske tallied a goal on a penalty kick in Gateway’s home victory.
Gateway goalie Shane Mastello (4 saves) recorded a shutout. The Gators improved to 9-3-3.
Tigers tie
Westfield Technical Academy 0, Franklin Tech 0
Anatoliy Suprunchuk made five saves to earn a shutout for Westfield Tech at home.
Sheil, Rams top Mustangs
Southwick 2, Monson 2
Mike Sheil scored two goals to lead Southwick. Rams’ Connor Geddis and Matt Daley each had one assist.
GOLF
Rams cap sensational (regular) season
Southwick 20.5, Easthampton 3.5
Southwick completed its regular season schedule 16-2 overall Tuesday as unbeaten Bi-County West champs. The Rams went 12-0 in the Bi-County West, extending their league win streak that to 29.
“It’s been a great run,” Southwick coach Al Selden said. “I just hope this is the year we put it all together for Western Mass.”
Southwick seventh grader Matthew Garrity, who shot a 42 Tuesday at Edgewood Country Club, completed a season in which he went 16-0 in head-to-head matches.
“As a seventh grader, you’re usually lucky just to make the team, never mind not losing,” Selden said.
Southwick junior James Longhi, who started the season on fire, finished with the round with 41. Rams’ junior Chris Baker, who has been eased into the fifth slot, shot a team-low 38. Teammates Bradley Durand and Chris Molta, shot a 44 and 45, respectively.
Southwick will seek to extend its good fortune next Monday in the Western Massachusetts Division 2 championships at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
Bombers turn back Terriers
Westfield 164, West Springfield 173
Jack Hogan shot a 1-over-36 to lead Westfield to victory against West Side. John Danahey and Liam Whitma each shot 42s for the Bombers (11-5) and Liam Webster finished with a 44.
Willenborg top golfer
Hampshire 16, St. Mary 8
St. Mary’s Luke Willenborg leading all golfer with a 6-over 42 at Tekoa Country Club.
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Bombers outpace Falcons
Westfield 22, Minnechaug 33
In 2015, Westfield ran to a lop-sided victory over the Falcons at home. But this year’s version of the Minnechaug team has improved greatly, with top times very similar to the Bombers’ recent best times.
Minnechaug started more than 60 girls, but Westfield found just enough opportunities to move ahead on the unfamiliar 3.1-mile course that wound around the high school campus and through the surrounding wooded land.
Westfield’s Sophie Gronbeck finished first overall in 21:36, followed by Bombers’ Mia McDonald (3rd overall, 22:38), Moira McDonald (5th overall, rookie season best time of 23:00), Mary Philpott (6th overall, 23:00), and Libby Irwin (7th overall, 23:13).
Westfield sophomore Hannah Jury turned in a rookie season best run of 23:58. The Bombers’ final victory of the dual meet season also resulted in a winning record of 4-3.
The cross country postseason begins with a series of championship meets in the coming weeks, starts with the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championship meet on Oct. 29 at Stanley Park.
Rams sweep 1-8
Southwick 15, Gateway 50
Southwick swept the top eight spots with Becca Drohen (22:26) leading the way. Reece Couture and Maggie Drohen finished in second (23:43) and third (24:14) respectively.
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Carroll, Rams down Gators
Southwick 22, Gateway 33
Southwick’s Bill Carroll won the race in 18:48. Jack Davis claimed second (19:22).
Gateway’s Brandon Daniels finished third overall (19:28), followed by Gators’ Calvin Rioux (4th, 20:22).
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Bombers’ sensational senior sweep
Westfield def. Chicopee Comp, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19
Westfield seniors McKenzie Chaban (9 kills, 5 aces, 5 digs), Meg O’Brien (2 kills, 1 ace), Kaitlyn Moran (2 kills, 4 aces), Carey Marshall (12 assists), Jenna Edgley (2 digs), and Sabrina Hawks (6 digs) shined on senior night.
FIELD HOCKEY
Rams hold off Red Raiders
Southwick 2, Athol 1
Emily Martin and Erica Pickard each scored a goal to help Southwick down visiting Athol.
JV BOYS’ SOCCER
Southwick 5, Monson 0
Evan Clarke and Vincent Diaz scored one goal apiece for Southwick. Rams’ Luke VanderVliet had one.
Paul Whalley had two assists, and Eric Haynes, Ben Marek, and Clarke had one apiece.
Southwick improved to 8-2-3.
