Westfield goalie Garrett Matthews (30) attempts a save against Longmeadow Wednesday night at Amelia Park Ice Arena. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The going is beginning to get tough for the defending Western Massachusetts Division 3 champion Westfield Bombers High School hockey team.
The target, associated with being the defending champs is currently growing, as witnessed by Wednesday night’s 3-3 tie with Longmeadow at Amelia Park Ice Arena.
“I’ve got to get it through to these kids that everybody is out to get us,” Westfield coach C.B. “Moose” Matthews said. “It’s a big ‘win’ to tie the Bombers.”
Westfield fell behind 2-0 from the outset of the contest, but rallied. The Bombers received goals from Max Bengston, Liam Whitman, and Sean Moorhouse.
According to Matthews, his team has not played consistently for 45 minutes all season.
“We’ve got to start playing three periods,” he said, “not picking and choosing what period to play in … We’ve got to put our nose to the grind, and start playing hockey for three periods.”
Westfield’s next opportunity will come Saturday when the Bombers travel to South Hadley to take on the Tigers at Fitzpatrick Ice Arena at 6:30 p.m.
Saints hit road block
Wahconah 6, St. Mary 1
St. Mary’s was able to manage 24 shots on net on the road, but was only able to find the back of the net once, when senior Jared Rogers scored to tie the game at 1-1. He was assisted by freshman Quinn Powers and junior Colan Rock. The Saints were unable to get any closer the rest of the game.
One of the highlights of the game for the Saints were the 10 blocked shots by the team.
“We have not been able to get in a rhythm this season for prolonged stretches,” St. Mary coach Don Goodreau said. “Tonight was another example of that. This is a tough week for us, four games in six days, the longest road trip of the season and the boys are taking mid-terms as well. We can’t make any excuses, we have to be ready to play Friday night.”
St. Mary’s (4-8) hosts Belchertown on Friday night at Amelia Park. The game is scheduled to start at p.m.
GIRLS’ HOOPS
Mastello, WHS prevail
Westfield 31, Chicopee 27
Karly Mastello netted a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds) to lead Westfield to a big comeback in an independent contest Wednesday night at home. The Bombers outscored Chicopee, 17-4, in the fourth quarter.
Westfield’s Becca Sullivan scored seven points, including a big 3-pointer and two free throws in the waning minutes.
Alyssa Manna contributed five points, and provided key rebounds for the Bombers (6-5, 1-0).
“It was just a really tough, hard-fought – somewhat ugly – win, but a big win for us,” Westfield coach Ralph Loos said.
Loos said it was especially important because the Bombers were playing on consecutive nights.
Westfield travels to Ludlow to take on the Lions Thursday night. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
Saints trounce Dean
St. Mary 26, Dean Tech 14
The Saints managed to double up Dean Tech with a balanced effort. Karissa Foley led St. Mary with six points, followed by Lauren Chapdelaine and Alissa Easton (4 apiece), and Alison Stanlewicz and Carly Woodruff (3 each). Francesca DePergola, Tessa Kielbasa, and Elisa Kosinski had two apiece.
BOYS’ HOOPS
Tough mountain to climb
Mt. Everett 65, St. Mary 25
Steve McKenna (6 points), Andrew Illnicky (5), Drew Collins (5), and Nick Garde (4) led St. Mary in offensive production Wednesday night at Westfield Middle School South.
