SOUTH HADLEY – If you happened to blink during Thursday’s high school girls’ lacrosse game featuring Westfield and South Hadley, you might have missed a whole heck of a lot.
Olivia Chaoush exploded for three goals in the span off 33 seconds late in the first half to spark Westfield to a 20-5 win over South Hadley on the road.
Chaoush’s three goals came with about five minutes remaining in the first half, and gave the Bombers a six-goal cushion. She finished with four.
“The whole game changed from there,” Westfield coach Paul Fenwick said. “It turned upside down as we opened the floodgate.”
Eight different Westfield players finished with multiple goals, including Hannah Jarvis (4 goals, 1 assist), Rachel Gelina (4 goals, 1 assist), Sam Kane (2 goals, 2 assists), Aliya Yacteen (2 goals), Lexi Wood (2 goals), Kat Cepek (2 goals), and Sydney Brady (2 goals).
Westfield’s Kohl Lunardini (17) leads the scramble for a loose ball against visiting Northampton Thursday. (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
Although the offense churned out several points, Westfield’s defense was on point as well.
Westfield defense, led by starters Marissa Otero, Miranda Boudreau, Sam Martin, and Janice Christian, silenced South Hadley’s attack.
“We got great play from our defense,” coach Fenwick said. “That is the key to our success going forward.”
Lexi Levere (4 saves) and Yvonne Headley (5) split time in goal for Westfield (4-6).
“We hadn’t beaten South Hadley in a long time and they’re in the upper division now so it was good,” Fenwick said. “They came in on a roll … We put an end to that run.”
Said Fenwick: “Hopefully this will end our roller coaster ride.”
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Bombers down Blue Devils
Westfield 12, Northampton 5
Westfield improved to 7-3 overall with a win over Northampton. The Bombers were led by Matt Chlastawa (3 goals, 2 assists) and Zach Gentle (4 goals).
