St. Mary’s Andrew Blanchard, center, scores a first-half goal. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – On one hand, St. Mary’s goal to turn around its misfortunes of a year ago is mission critical. In just 80 minutes of boys’ soccer action it was nearly mission accomplished.
St. Mary rallied from an early 2-0 deficit, only to be held off in the closing minutes of a season-opening 4-3 loss to Smith Vocational Thursday at Westfield Middle School North.
Smith Voke stunned the St. Mary faithful, scoring two goals in the game’s opening minute-and-a-half.
“Our guys look like they were shell-shocked,” St. Mary coach Billy Lamirande said. “Then we actually fought.”
St. Mary fought back, tying the game at 2-2 and 3-all.
“Once we settled down after that first minute 20 seconds, we actually outscored them,” coach Lamirande said. “Unfortunately it was too much too soon.”
Aaron Blanchard scored two goals to lead St. Mary. Saints’ Matt Masciadrelli had one. Jack Lamirande earned two assists, while Drew Collins had one.
St. Mary goalie Jacob Butler finished with 27 saves.
“It was not a bad first game if you take away the first minute-and-a-half,” coach Lamirande explained. “It was a good sign that our guys won’t give up … Down 2-0 early with a young team, we could have gotten blown out.”
“Hopefully we will learn from this and step up our game,” he added.
St. Mary will step on the field again Monday at home against Commerce at 4 p.m.
Tigers tie McCann
Westfield Technical Academy 0, McCann Tech 0
Freshman Dan Kontsimal and David Tikhonchuk delivered solid efforts from the outside fullback positions, Ruvim Suprunchuk covered a lot of the field, and Anatoliy Suprunchuk (9 saves) pitched a shutout in net for Westfield Tech.
“We played much better today,” said Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude, whose team suffered a 12-0 loss to Lenox Tuesday. “We’re still trying to figure things out and only see this year’s young team getting stronger as younger players get more experience. It was definitely a great effort.”
Castor, Rams down Panthers
Southwick 3, Palmer 1
Brandon Castor scored two goals, Nicholas Doyle had one goal and one assist, and Nick Chambers made five saves to propel Southwick at home.
Jared O’Connor and Connor Geddis had one assist apiece for the Rams.
Gators post shutout
Gateway 2, Granby 0
Nick Cooper and Evan Lee connected on two goals with each player finishing with a goal and assist in Gateway’s victory. Gators’ goalie Shane Mastello (5 saves) earned a shutout.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Hurricanes sweep Bombers
Amherst 3, Westfield 0
McKenzie Chaban (2 kills, 3 digs), Maddie Robitaille (2 kills), Autumn Moccia (1 ace, 4 digs), and Stephanie Sgueglia (6 digs) contributed for Westfield.
GOLF
Schwartz, Bombers prevail
Westfield 164, Belchertown 180
Ari Schwartz shot a one-over 38 to lead Westfield at Shaker Farms Country Club. Ryan Towle finished with a 2-over 39.
FIELD HOCKEY
Brownies blank Bombers
Agawam 3, Westfield 0
Nina Bruno had a hand in all three scores against Westfield, scoring two goals and assisting on another for Agawam.
Agawam goalie Nikki Bates (3 saves) earned a shutout in net. Westfield keeper Gwen Smith finished with nine.
