WESTFIELD – In 300, a bombastic, over-the-top war film released in 2006, King Leonidas leads 300 Spartans into battle against Xerxes in the Persian Wars’ Battle of Thermopylae.
In the Whip City, there is a man who goes by the name of “Moose,” a high school boys’ ice hockey coach who for nearly three decades has gone into his arena (the rink) some 300 times and come out with a win of epic proportions, locally.
The Hollywood story continues for Westfield hockey coach C.B. “Moose” Matthews, who recently enjoyed his 300th victory as coach of the Bombers.
C.B. “Moose” Mathews watches his high school boys ice hockey team during the 3rd period of their 7-2 win against Agawam Thursday at Amelia Park Arena. The victory marks the 301st of his coaching career with the Westfield Bombers. (Photo by Bill Deren)
On Thursday, Matthews and the Westfield High School boys ice hockey team became the first Berry Division team to record its 10th win of the season as the Bombers improved to 10-2-1 with a dominating 7-2 win over Agawam at Amelia Park Ice Arena.
Westfield’s latest battle featured 2-goal efforts from freshman Aidan Fitzgerald and senior Max Maggipinto. Three others performed admirably, producing one goal apiece for the Bombers – Ryan Moorhouse, Scotty Bussell, and Danny Antonellis.
So with win No. 300 in the rear view mirror, wins 301, 302, 303, and beyond continue to heighten the drama sure to unfold over the final stretch of the season, which includes a regular season finale against Longmeadow, and a likely finals rematch against the Lancers come championship time.
“I’m very proud of this team,” coach Matthews said. “I didn’t realize I even had 300 wins. Someone told me about (it). All the kids of Westfield deserve (each of these wins). Together, we’ve brought this program a long, long way.”
There’s still a little bit longer to go.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Rams fall short
Mahar 49, Southwick 39
Emily Martin and Maura Wurster led Southwick with eight and seven points, respectively, as the Rams lost a close one at home.
In JV action, Mahar prevailed 33-23. Michelle St. Jacques and Malleigh McGivney led a strong defense effort.
Red Raiders chase Tigers
Commerce 29, Westfield Technical Academy 11
Denashia Stohes (13 points) made four 3-pointers, and Pajee Chinyee finished with 10 points to lead Commerce.
Emily White (4) led Westfield Tech.
Blue Devils turn back Bombers
Northampton 73, Westfield 28
Amanda Mieczkowski (18 points) and Emma Tanner (15) combined for 33 points and Northampton overwhelmed visiting Westfield.
Olivia Hadla and Chandler Pedolzky pumped in eight points apiece to lead Westfield.
Gators edge St. Mary’s
Gateway 36, St. Mary’s 29
Gateway went on a 21-1, second quarter run to overtake St. Mary’s at Westfield Middle School North. The Saints rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Gators 19-7 before running out of time.
Becca Herman led Gateway with 14 points. St. Mary’s Madie Donais scored a team-high eight.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Butler paces Saints
Mohawk 55, St. Mary’s 30
St. Mary’s Jake Butler scored a team-high nine points. Jack Lambert finished with six for the Saints.
SKIING RESULTS
O’Connor, Saints take first
Westfield’s Grace O’Connor led the way in the latest PVIAC girls ski race at Berkshire East in Charlemont. O’Connor finished first with a time of 25.26.
St. Mary’s Matt Masciadrelli tied Longmeadow’s John Burger for second in 34 seconds flat. The duo were nipped by East Longmeadow’s Cameron Ottoson, who recorded a 33.51 finish.
The Saints’ boys led the South Division with a total team time of 151.58.
