AARON BLANCHARD
WESTFIELD – Several student-athletes from St. Mary High School sat through a long history lesson but it was well worth it.
St. Mary senior Aaron Blanchard recorded his 100th career point in the 66th minute of the Saints’ 4-3 loss to the Pathfinder Pioneers Friday at Westfield Intermediate School Field.
It was the first time in nearly a quarter century that a boys’ soccer player at the school produced 100 points or more, in fact, 24 years to be exact.
“I was ecstatic,” Blanchard said. “It felt really good after four years of trying to edge towards it every day.”
Blanchard entered Friday’s contest needing two points. He notched the first by working his way into the box and crossing a pass to junior Jack Lamirande, who buried a shot in close in the 19th minute for the equalizer of a 1-1 game.
Four minutes later, St. Mary’s peppered the Pathfinder goal with a series of shots. A rebound kicked out to Lamirande. The junior forward found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead.
Then, with 14 minutes remaining, history was made.
Blanchard ripped the ball away from a defender, turned around, and shot the ball far side for a 3-1 advantage and his 100th point.
It’s an amazing accomplishment for an amazing athlete,” St. Mary boys soccer coach Bill Lamirande said. “I was there his freshman year for his first point, senior year for his hundredth point. My two sons (Jack and Billy) were probably 80 percent of all those so that’s very exciting for our family for him to get it.”
Blanchard played one season with Billy during Billy’s senior year. The following season, Jack entered into the fray as a freshman. For three seasons, the duo has torn up the competition.
“It’s just great,” Blanchard said. “We’re so close even though we’re not in the same grade. We’ve really come to bond together. It’s just the way it goes – he’s a good teammate.”
Together, the two players have combined for 46 of the team’s 49 goals this season. Lamirande has scored a point in every game so far this year.
Unfortunately for St. Mary, Pathfinder went on a late scoring rampage. The Pioneers netted three goals in the final 12 minutes.
Pathfinder tied the game with two minutes remaining, and won it in the final minute.
“I wish the team could have pulled off the win, but it’s still good,” said an upbeat Blanchard.
St. Mary’s junior goalie Hayden Lussier finished with 19 saves, including several key stops throughout the game. Lussier has totaled 205 saves this season.
