WESTFIELD – And they’re off and running…
No, that’s not the thunderous footsteps of thoroughbreds approaching the final leg of the hollowed “Triple Crown,” but the opening salvo in the race for the Central-West Division 1 boys’ lacrosse championship.
No. 6 Westfield put together a solid all-around effort in the opening round of the D1 boys’ lax tourney, charging past 11th seeded Nashoba 12-4 Tuesday night at Westfield High School.
“We continued our momentum that we had at the end of the season,” Westfield coach Mark Cavallon said. “We have improved week by week. At this point, I’m not only pleased with our work ethic but the time on the practice field working is paying off.”
Westfield’s Landon Reyes nudges the Nashoba defender aside during Tuesday’s first round West/Central playoff game at Westfield High School. (Photo by Bill Deren)
Zach Gentle led Westfield’s offensive attack with four goals and one assist. Bombers’ Max Maggipinto and Matt Bonsall each finished with two goals and two assists, Landon Reyes had two goals and one assist, and, Chris Ward and Kohl Lunardini collected one goal apiece. Mitch Weiss and Gavin Carzello each contributed an assist.
“We were moving the ball well,” coach Cavallon said. “We have five to six guys who can score.
Westfild goalie Alex Beauchemin made 19 saves.
“It was one of Alex’s best games of the year,” Cavallon said. “Impressive.”
Mitch Weiss was stellar defensively, causing turnovers and ground balls with clears and slides. Carzello and Kris Meneses at close defense, and defensive middies Zach Cree, Tyler Shrewsbury, Dan Antonellis, and Mike Buscupic led a strong defensive effort.
“Our defense was very aggressive (against Nashoba),” Cavallon concluded. “We had a lot of positives that I hope will continue.”
Westfield (12-7) advances to Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup against host Minnechaug (14-5), the tournament’s third seed, in Wilbraham. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
BASEBALL PLAYOFF NOTES:
Westfield (14-6) was rewarded for navigating an extremely challenging schedule this season, receiving the top seed in the West Division 1 tournament. The Bombers will play the winner of No. 8 Longmeadow (12-8)-No. 9 Pittsfield (11-9).
In Division 4, second-seeded St. Mary will also receive a bye and play the winner of No. 7 Turners Falls (9-11)-No. 10 Pathfinder (13-7). The Saints and the tournament’s overall one seed, Ware, finished the season tied with the division’s top records at 18-2.
SOFTBALL PLAYOFF NOTES:
Westfield (12-7) drew the fifth seed in the D1 softball tournament, and will play at No. 4 Northampton (16-4) on June 5. Time TBA.
No. 2 Southwick (16-4) will take on No. 3 Wahconah (14-6) in a D2 semifinal June 6.
TENNIS PLAYOFF NOTES:
The Westfield Bombers were seeded third in the upcoming Western Massachusetts Division 1 tournament. They will host No. 6 Minnechaug (8-8) Friday at 4 p.m.
