HSST-Putnam senior wide receiver Shadique Walker holds on to the ball after catching one of three touchdown passes thrown by senior quarterback Josh Ortiz Friday night against Westfield. (Photo by Chris Putz)
SPRINGFIELD – The High School of Science & Technology/Putnam High School football team turned to its senior quarterback, and turned back Westfield 20-7 Friday night at Central High School’s Berte Field.
Senior QB Josh Ortiz tossed three touchdown passes, including a long touchdown heave down the sideline to Javian Richardson as time expired in the first half.
It was the final dagger.
Westfield fell behind from the outset, 6-0, following an Ortiz TD strike, but rallied behind the arm and legs of Bombers sophomore quarterback Austin St. Pierre.
Westfield sophomore quarterback Austin St. Pierre plunges into the end zone for the team’s only score of the game. (Photo by Chris Putz)
St. Pierre ripped off a long run to get the Whip City into the red zone early in the second quarter. On the same drive, he ran a shorter one in for a score with 8:35 remaining in the first half. The extra point gave Westfield its only lead of the game, a slim, short-lived 7-6 advantage.
The CyberBeavers regained the lead with 4:05 left in the half on another Ortiz throw. The long scoring completion as time expired in the first half swung the momentum entirely in the home team’s favor.
Early in the third quarter, Putnam drove 85 yards before the Westfield defense stiffened to force a turnover on downs on their own 9-yard line. The Bombers held the CyberBeavers scoreless in the entire second half.
Westfield senior tight end John Bucko hauled in a Gronk-like catch near midfield, tearing a St. Pierre pass out of the air and dragging defenders several yards up the field before being taken down.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Southwick 1, Cathedral 1
Lydia Kinsman scored Southwick’s lone goal off a pass from Crysta Girroir. Rams’ goalie Tori Richburg preserved a tie with four saves.
Belchertown 2, Westfield 1
Tea Spellacy had one goal and one assist to lead Belchertown to victory. Lindsay Stefano notched Westfield’s lone goal on a penalty kick.
Bombers’ keeper Jessica Healey finished with 17 saves.
Pathfinder 3, St. Mary 2
Monica Peterson and Savannah Lubanski each tallied a goal for St. Mary. Alison Stanlewicz assisted on Peterson’s effort.
Saints’ goalie Francesca DePergola collected two saves before being relieved after an injury timeout in favor of Aisling Butler (8 saves).
Southwick’s Austin Leary, right, battles Andrew Mercer during Friday’s match at the Southwick Recreation Center. (Photo by FRederick Gore)
BOYS’ SOCCER
Gateway 3, Lee 1
Linus Bohlsen scored two goals, and Sam Bean added a score for Gateway. Gators’ goalie Spencer Rock had five saves.
Gateway improved to 4-2-2.
FIELD HOCKEY
Southwick 5, Palmer 0
Katy Corey had one goal and three assists to lead Southwick. Sarah Bodzinski recorded a shutout in net for the Rams. She finished with four saves.
Mahar 3, Westfield 1
Madison Brockney scored her first varsity goal of the season for Westfield. Leighanne Sullivan earned the assist.
Bombers’ goalie Karly Mastello made 18 saves.
In other games, Westfield’s JV unit won 6-1.
GOLF
Southwick 23, Holyoke Catholic 1
James Longhi shot a 1-over par 36 to sweep all four points for Southwick, Bradley Durand shot a 40 to collect three points, and Nick Labodycz finished with a 43 for all four points.
The Rams improve 8-2, 5-2.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Southwick 3, Holyoke 1
Caroline Methe (14 assists), Jackie Maziarz (7 kills, 3 aces), Emily Lachtara (5 aces), Olivia Diamond (7 digs) and Hannah Sitler (6 kills, 3 aces, 3 digs, 8 service points) led Southwick to victory.
JV BOYS’ SOCCER
Southwick 2, Chicopee Comp 0
Tim McGrath had one goal and one assist, Matt Daley scored a goal, and unbeaten Southwick recorded a shutout to improve to 8-0.
LATE RESULTS
JV GIRLS’ SOCCER
Agawam 1, Southwick 0
Kayla Bergendale made eight saves in net for Southwick. Rams’ midfielders Allysa Cournoyer, Paige Arsenault, and Maggie Sullivan, and forward Cassandra Bach also played well.
