Westfield’s Rachel Gelina, left, attempts to ward off Longmeadow defenders in a race to the ball. (Photo by Chris Putz)
LONGMEADOW – As much as things change, there is still one thing that remains the same – the mighty Longmeadow Lancers.
The Longmeadow High School field hockey team once again overpowered Westfield in a field hockey contest, defeating the visiting Bombers 6-1 Tuesday afternoon at Russell Field.
Despite the tough outing, Westfield managed to shine brightly at times like when Diana Shia scored from Leighanne Sullivan or backup goalie Gwen Smith’s 18 saves (she allowed three goals against).
It was only the second time a team had scored against Longmeadow this season, the other being Minnechaug.
BOYS’ SOCCER
Stepanchuk nets hat trick; Tigers win again
Westfield Technical Academy 5, Commerce 1
Alex Stepanchuk netted a hat trick, and Sergiy Kabysh and Vitaliy Melnik scored one goal apiece as Westfield Tech recorded yet another victory – on the road.
Melnik, Stepanchuk, and Tyler Hall each earned assists for the Tigers.
Westfield Tech built a 2-0 first-half lead, and led 3-0 at the 60th minute before a miscue in the backfield cost the visitors a shutout. The Tigers responded with two goals in the next three minutes.
“The guys seemed a little tired today, but did a great job possessing the ball on a small field,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
Underclassmen propel Gators
Gateway 3, Greenfield 1
Freshmen Anthony Palazzi (2 goals) and Alex Webb (1 goal) notched Gateway’s scores, and Shane Mastello made three saves in net for the Gators.
Gateway’s Nick Cooper had two assists, and Ben Jameson collected one.
The Gators improved to 4-3-2.
Daley, Rams surge
Southwick 4, Athol 1
Matt Daley recorded a hat trick-plus one, scoring four goals in Southwick’s big road victory at O’Brien Field. Ryan Todesco had two assists for the Rams.
Southwick goalie Nick Chambers made five saves.
Beavers topple Saints
Putnam 6, St. Mary 3
Three players scored one goal apiece for St. Mary – Aaron Blanchard, Drew Collins, and Padraig Smith.
GOLF
Tigers upend Easthampton
Westfield Voc-Tech 17, Easthampton 7
Matt King shot a match-best 43, and Matt Puffer finished with a 44 to net Westfield Voc-Tech its first club victory of the season. The Tigers improved to 1-7 with the win at East Mountain Country Club.
Mustangs double up Saints
Monson 15.5, St. Mary 8.5
Will Lucardi shot a team-low 43 for St. Mary (2-5) at Quaboag Country Club.
Falcons swoop past Bombers
Minnechaug 161, Westfield 170
Sean Murphy and Jack Hogan both shot 41s for Westfield, which fell to 6-4.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Johnstone, Bombers soar
Westfield def. East Longmeadow 25-10, 25-19, 25-21
Kelsey Johnstone recorded 15 assists, 14 aces, two kills; McKenzie Chaban delivered nine kills; and Katie Howard finished with seven kills, two blocks, and two aces as Westfield swept visiting East Longmeadow.
