Westfield’s Eduard Loboda makes a leaping serve against Agawam Monday. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – They’re baa-ack.
The Westfield High School boys’ volleyball team hit a road bump in the quest for a second straight West Sectional championship when the defending champion Bombers lost to the Brownies on their own home turf in Agawam.
Westfield reclaimed the mantle as the region’s top team, sweeping Agawam in three straight sets Monday night in front of a raucous home crowd to put the ball back in the Whip City’s court. The Bombers won 25-12, 27-25, 25-22.
“This was really a nice win for our program,” said Westfield coach Tyler Wingate, whose only loss came at the hands of Agawam this season. The Bombers are 9-1.
It was the first loss of the season for the Brownies (10-1).
Westfield and Agawam met at the net in a key matchup featuring two of the best teams in all of western Massachusetts Monday. The Bombers got even, tying the season series 1-1. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“We made the plays at the end of the sets with big blocks … and nice touches,” coach Wingate said.
Several Westfield players made impact plays and contributions, including: Shane Kiendzior (9 kills), Eddie Loboda (7 kills, 7 digs), Noah Kappel (6 kills, 5 blocks), Ryan Murray (6 kills, 1 block), Andrew Burrage (4 aces, 8 digs), Igor Belokopytov (4 kills), Tyler Stanton (2 aces, 11 digs), Scott Walsh (25 assists, 8 digs).
Burrage helped fuel Westfield’s attack from the outset, serving the Bombers to an 8-0 lead early. Agawam never recovered.
“We’re excited about the win,” coach Wingate said, “but we know we’ve got some work ahead of us.”
Southwick’s Melanie Desroches jumps for distance Monday. (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
GIRLS’ TRACK & FIELD
Rams run, throw, leap past O’s
Southwick 102, Belchertown 34
Ashley Consolini and Marissa Shaw won three events apiece in Southwick’s landslide victory.
Consolini took first in the javelin (74-5), 100 meter hurdles (17.0), and 400 hurdles (1:11.3). Shaw was the gold-medal winner in the long jump (15-6), high jump (4-10), and 400 meters (1:06.4).
Courtney Wheeler was also a multi-winner for Southwick, claiming the top spot in the triple jump (31-3) and 200 meters (29.0).
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Gelina paces Bombers in victory
Westfield 21, Granby 9
Rachel Gelina led Westfield with five goals and one assist, and Sam Kane (3 goals, 2 assists) and Olivia Chaoush (3 goals, 1 assist) each netted hat tricks for the Bombers.
Twelve different players scored for Westfield.
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Colts down Saints
Chicopee Comp 17, St. Mary 2
Max Rivera (6 goals) and Quinn Wesolowski (2 goals, 4 assists) recorded nine points apiece to lead Chicopee Comp.
Matt Wurster (1 goal, 1 assist) and Padraig Smith (1 goal) netted the lone points for St. Mary.
