On a Westfield Tech corner kick with David Bulatov (7) on the doorstep, goalie Preston Coffey (55) backhands the ball into a safe area. (BILL DEREN PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – One Westfield Technical Academy student-athlete found out that there truly is a first time for everything.
Westfield Tech junior David Bulatov scored two second half goals using his left foot for the first time – – he is primarily a right-footed kicker – – and the Tigers held off the Gateway Gators 3-2 Wednesday at Jachym Field.
“I’m usually not a lefty and this time I took my chance with a left foot and something came out of it,” Bulatov said. “My coach keeps telling me to use it and I guess he was really right because I did end up getting two goals with my left foot.”
Bulatov’s first scoring effort came off a pass from Steven Velazquez in the opening minutes of the second half. His second score was a thing of beauty, taking a pass from Owen Carpenter and dribbling the ball past a wall of defenders before chipping it over the goalie, who attempted to come out of net and make a save. The goal came with 31 minutes remaining in the second half.
The game was far from over.
Gateway regrouped, scoring in the 55th and 58th minutes with goals from Ryan Keach and Owen Przybyla. Landon Richard and Ryan Morin each earned an assist.
“I guess we kind of relaxed after we got the lead but then after they got two goals back we kind of starting pushing again,” Bulatov said.
Now clinging to just a one-goal lead, Westfield Tech went on the offensive. Bulatov stole the ball in the Gateway zone and seeking a hat trick, attempted a shot on net – – but the ball went high. Tim Lezhnyak soon earned a direct kick for the Tigers but that chance was thwarted.
As time in the second half waned, Westfield Tech began kicking the ball far upfield or out of bounds.
“We were more focused on defending at that point and really trying to get that last gasp we had in us,” said Bulatov, admitting he began to cramp up late. “I was just trying to clear everything, make sure they didn’t get another goal.”
Westfield Tech’s defense made a final stand in the closing seconds. Tigers goalie Liviu Mocanu made the initial stop on a Gateway shot but with the ball dangling out in front of an open net, Lezhnyak stepped in and safely cleared it away.
It was an impressive win for Westfield Tech, who was shorthanded for various reasons. Tigers freshman Mason Jaquier came off the bench to provide key minutes up front. Bulatov, who normally plays striker, was moved to center-halfback on Wednesday. Senior captain Alec Smith continued to provide a key leadership role for a relatively inexperienced starting unit. And, of course, Nick Povar scored the only first half goal off a feed from Logan Gendron, which went a long ways in determining the final outcome.
“We are dealing with adversity … but I thought our kids did the best they could,” Westfield Tech boys soccer coach Kyle Dulude said.
Westfield Technical next hosts Smith Vocational Friday at 4.
Pioneers hand Saints first loss of season
Pathfinder 4, St. Mary’s 0
St. Mary’s suffered its first loss of the season with a hard-fought game on the road. Two unfortunate penalty kicks put things out of reach, but overall, the Saints played well against a deep Pathfinder squad.
Pathfinder held St. Mary’s to just six shots on goal. Saints goalie Thomas Baillargeon finished with 15 saves.
St. Mary’s will attempt to bounce back Friday at home against Ware. The game begins at Westfield Intermediate School at 4 p.m.
GOLF
Falcons clip Bombers
Minnechaug 174, Westfield 170
Joey Calderella and Brian MacIntosh each shot a team-low 42 at Wilbraham Country Club. The Bombers, who need four wins to qualify for the postseason, will return to the links Monday against Ludlow at Tekoa Country Club at 3 p.m.
Garrity, Johnson lead Rams to convincing victory
Southwick 160, Ludlow 182
Southwick’s Matthew Garrity and Jesse Johnson each shot a match best 2-over on the par-36 at Ludlow Country Club. Rams’ Andrew Morris (40) and Matt Coviello (44) rounded out the scoring.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Rams sweep
Southwick def. Smith Vocational, 25-17, 25-15, 25-17
Gillian Borque (11 aces, 7 assists), Lina Carr (4 aces, 2 kills, 4 digs), Aniya Kamara (4 kills, 3 digs), Georgiana Andrade (3 aces, 4 kills), Mia Pompi (14 aces, 2 kills, 1 dig), and Emily Buchter (3 aces, 5 digs) led Southwick to a sweeping victory.
Tues., Sept. 21
GIRLS SOCCER
Byrnes, Bombers prevail
Westfield 1, West Springfield 0
Riley Byrnes scored on a free kick from 35 yards out midway in the second half to lift Westfield.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Slack leads WTA
Westfield Technical Academy vs. Holyoke, Granby, Hampden Charter
Senior Carter Slack led Westfield Tech with a personal best time of 21:03. He was followed by James Thibeault (21:15), James Coach (22:18), Henry Wildman (22:21), and Xavior Barros (22:22.13).
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Hawley paces Tigers
Westfield Technical Academy vs. Holyoke, Granby, Hampden Charter
Westfield Tech’s Kaylin Hawley came in first overall with a time of 23:47. She was followed by Morgan Chaffee (30:53), Ashley Metcalf (30:55), Ava Montavonni (32:14), Merideth Ploof (35:03), and Kayden Drupa (35:20).
