Westfield’s Dakotah Moynihan (20) breaks through the defensive line on his way to a touchdown against Longmeadow at Bullens Field. (Photo by Marc St. Onge)
WESTFIELD – The defending West Sectional champion Westfield High School football team has taken their lumps this season – that’s often what happens when you are playing with a bulls-eye on your back – but continues to fight back everything Western Mass has to offer.
On Friday, Westfield welcomed 5-2 Longmeadow to town and nearly turned the Lancers upside down. The Bombers, who entered the contest 0-6, lost a hard-fought battle, 23-18.
Westfield rushed ahead from the outset when Dakotah Moynihan took a carry 20 yards into the end zone, scoring with 3:06 remaining in the opening quarter.
Longmeadow quickly responded with a first quarter, 27-yard touchdown run from Joe Cosenzi. After the extra point, the Lancers led 7-6.
Westfield answered back.
Early in the third quarter, Moynihan scored again, this time on a two-yard touchdown jaunt to go up 12-7 with 10:25 left in the half.
Longmeadow would not settle for a halftime deficit, scoring on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Carlo Calabrese to Nick Mishol and adding a 62-yard score from Clay Moseman, just before the half.
Mike Nihill connected with Bailey Collier for an 8-yard TD pass in the waning seconds of the game.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Tigers scare off Cybercats
Westfield Technical Academy 4, Sci-Tech 0
Four different players scored and Westfield Tech shut out Sci-Tech Friday.
Freshman Jess Bush opened up the scoring, tallying a goal off an assist from freshman Christina Mosijchuk. Captain Sydnie Brock hit net off a direct kick well outside the 18-yard line. Captain Liliya Stepanchuk scored off a penalty kick. Freshman Chelsey Krupa netted a goal off a pass from Brock.
Westfield Tech keepers Chelsey Krupa and Kiaraly Serrano combined for five saves.
“My girls are ready for two days off before we end the regular season on Monday,” Westfield Tech coach Lyle Washington said. “We were a little slow the first half and missing quite a few opportunities but the girls came out strong the second half.”
Westfield Tech looks to extend its winning streak to four games on Monday when the Tigers host the Putnam Beavers at Jachym Field at 4 p.m.
After that, Westfield Tech will begin preparing for the first round of the Western Massachusetts tournament, expected to begin later in the week.
Bombers cruise past Pacers
Westfield 5, Chicopee 2
Bella Rinaldi scored two goals, and three others (Mackenzie Liptak, Alanna Barzola, and Chandler Pedolzky) had one goal and one assist apiece as Westfield cruised past Chicopee.
Bombers’ Caitie Bean and Lindsey Kiltonic also added assists.
Adrianna Arona earned the victory in net for Westfield.
Goodreau nets goal
Putnam 4, St. Mary’s 1
Allie Goodreau scored for St. Mary’s. Chloe Lussier assisted.
FIELD HOCKEY
Bombers’ seniors shine
Westfield 2, East Longmeadow 0
Senior Madeleine Fortier scored twice – both off of passes from Hannah Jarvis – and senior goalie Gwen Smith (12 saves) recorded a shutout in the final games of their high school careers on senior night.
Senior captain Fiona Cioch played phenomenally as well in the midfield.
All nine seniors, eight of whom are four-year players, played the full 60 minutes with Westfield coach Linda Rowbotham rotating in the remaining varsity players throughout the game.
Seniors Kelsey Oleksak and Kailey King also delivered strong play in the midfield. Kiele Bryant, Delia Smith, and Julia Visconti were solid on “D.”
“What an incredible bunch of young ladies,” Rowbotham said. “It was real neat to see how they finished their high school career. …Smiles and tears – it was a real fun, nice ending.”
Rowbotham said it was exciting to see a large crowd, and thanked the players, family and friend for making the day a special one.
Rams net tie
Southwick 0, Palmer 0
Southwick keeper Clare Stratton (1 save) earned a shutout. The Rams, who finish the regular season with a record of 10-6-2, unleashed nearly a dozen shots at the Palmer net but none squeaked through.
BOYS SOCCER
Tigers complete sensational regular season run
Westfield Technical Academy 3, McCann Tech 0
Westfield Tech completed its regular season 15-2-1 with a shutout of McCann.
Senior goalie Anatoliy Suprunchuk recorded his 13th shutout of the season, senior Yeremy Kovylyyk recorded his sixth goal of the season, and senior Ruvim Suprunhuk continued to provide unparalleled leadership with a strong presence in the midfield and on defense.
“(It was) a great season no matter what happens tournament time,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said. “Our boys are locked in for tournament. They are hungry and ready and are going to put everything they have out there and let the chips fall where they do.”
“We are hoping our experience with the help of luck and fortune will push us into more games to be played. We know were are guaranteed two more games but we want to be in four, five, or six more.”
Westfield Tech will next play in the state vocational tournament, beginning Tuesday at home at 6 p.m.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Rams edge Franklin
Southwick def. Franklin Tech 19-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-19, 15-11
Allie Methe (9 aces, 3 kills, 7 digs), Monique Lemire (7 kills, 1 ace, 1 assist), Kayla Andrade (8 assists, 3 aces, 4 kills, 3 digs), Chloe Emond (7 digs, 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 assist), and Sarah Cerone (4 blocks, 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 assist) fueled a win for Southwick in a five-set thriller.
JV FIELD HOCKEY
Westfield 1, East Longmeadow 0
Carina Franco and Hannah Bean connected for the game-winning goal, and Danielle Coe made three saves in a shutout for Westfield.
