Western New England College goalie Briana Kubik, of Blanford makes a save. (Photo courtesy of Bill Sharon/Spartan SportShots)
SPRINGFIELD – Although Western New England University junior goalkeeper Briana Kubik, a Blanford resident and former WHS Bomber, has been hailed for stellar defense this season, she garned a hat trick, of sorts, in the awards department.
BRIANA KUBIK
Western New England College women’s soccer
(Photo courtesy of Bill Sharon/Spartan SportShots)
For the third time this season and the fourth of her Golden Bears career, Western New England University junior goalkeeper Briana Kubik (Blanford/Westfield High School) was recently named the Commonwealth Coast Conference Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week. Kubik also earned the award on Sep. 2 and Sep. 22 as well as once last year.
Kubik tallied 10 saves in a tough 1-0 overtime loss to CCC rival Endicott. Despite facing a barrage of shots that favored the Gulls by a 19-3 margin, Kubik’s play helped force the 10-minute extra session. Earlier in the week, she made two saves in a 1-0 win at MCLA, notching her conference-second-leading sixth shutout of the season to tie a career high set during her sophomore year of 2013.
The elementary education major had current CCC ranks of No. 1 with 89 saves entering play less than two weeks ago, and was No. 2 with an .881 save percentage and No. 4 (tied) with a 0.89 goals-against average.
Mount Ida field hockey Lexi Minicucci sets up for a shot. (Photo courtesy of Sportspix LLC)
Minicucci fuels historic run
WINTHROP – Earlier this season, Mount Idea freshman Lexi Minicucci (Westfield/WHS) was recognized by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference as the conference’s “Rookie of the Week.”
LEXI MINICUCCI
Mt. Ida Field Hockey
(Photo courtesy of Mount Ida Athletics)
Minicucci led Mount Ida to its first-ever victory in its inaugural season, 6-0, over Bay Path by a pair of goals. She then added a goal and an assist in a GNAC home contest against Anna Maria.
Minicucci is rated as one of her team’s – and the conference’s – best in terms of scoring and assists through a good portion of the season. She is currently first in goals (14) and points (34), good for second in the GNAC.
Catholic University of American football player Billy Smith, right, of Westfield, stands alongside his cousin, Jamie following a college football game during the 2014 season. (Photo courtesy of Mike Smith)
Smith a two-sport star
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Westfield native Billy Smith is representing the Whip City well in the nation’s capital.
Smith, a sophomore at Catholic University of America (Division 3), opened his college career with a solid start for the school’s football team, blocking a punt and catching a 35-yard touchdown earlier this season against Anna Maria College.
The former Westfield Bombers quarterback also played both defensive back, and returned a kickoff.
Smith, who graduated from WHS in 2012 and Deerfield Academy in ’13, will play baseball for CUA next spring.
