Westfield’s Erin Gour taps home plate for a run against Northampton. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – On a frigid day that had softball fans rushing to gulp down a few hot coffees and hot chocolates and bundle up in blankets and winter gear, there was a hot spring of sorts welling up in the outskirts of the Whip City.
The Northampton High School softball team generated a lot of warmth Thursday, swinging a red-hot bat to down host Westfield 11-3 in a season opener.
The Blue Devils hit four extra base hits, including a home run from Anna Kerwood. Kerwood went 3-for-5 with a double, homer, 3 RBIs, and a run scored.
Anna Connly (3-for-5), Abby Pelis (3-for-5, double, 2 RBIs), and Kately Ramdath (4-for-5, double, 3 runs, 3 RBIs) also had big days at the plate for Northampton.
Still, Westfield was upbeat after the defeat.
“It was a good start,” first-year Westfield head softball coach Brenda Signor said. “We saw some things we had to work on.”
Although Westfield’s Hayley Moniz was hit hard, the senior pitcher finished with six strikeouts. Morgan Zabielski belted a triple deep to the outfield, and Erin Gour went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, and run scored.
“We have a tough schedule but we’re looking to hit the ball hard and have a really positive season,” coach Signor said. “We’re looking to build the program.”
Westfield will again look to lay down the first building block when the Bombers host Hampshire Friday at 4 p.m.
Bombers chase Terriers
GIRLS LACROSSE
Westfield 11, West Springfield 10
Hannah Jarvis had five goals and one assist to lead Westfield in a tightly-contested game. Bombers’ Jordan Kowalski (1 goal, 2 assists) and Mackenzie Liptak (2 goals, 1 assist) collected three points apiece, and Alexis Wood scored two goals.
Teaghan Hall led West Side with four goals
“It was way too cold to be playing lacrosse,” said Westfield coach Paul Fenwick, whose team warmed to playing by posting a win.
Bombers post shutout
BOYS TENNIS
Westfield 5, Holyoke 0
Westfield’s No. 1 singles player Jalen Bodendorf played very well on a cold, windy afternoon, and the Bombers shut out visiting Holyoke. Bodendorf swept Purple Knights’ Joe Cavanaugh, 6-0, 6-0.
Westfield’s second singles’ Marty Keane posted a convincing win over Marty Keane, 6-0, 6-1.
Jimmy Knapik and Sean Mitchell, and, Joey Burzynski and Donald Chang won for Westfield at first and second doubles, respectively, by the scores of 6-2, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-0.
