Westfield’s Rachel Gelina (18) carries the ball against Belchertown. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – Belchertown scored 11 of the final 12 goals in a girls’ lacrosse game Monday to hand Westfield a heartbreaking loss 23-14.
The Orioles’ offensive explosion occurred following a timeout.
“From that point forward, we just didn’t seem to take the field again,” Westfield coach Paul Fenwick said.
Rachel Gelina led Westfield with seven goals and two assists, Olivia Chaoush netted three goals, and Bombers’ goalie Lexi Levere made seven saves in the second half.
“This loss puts in a tough spot,” said Fenwick, whose Bombers must now win out to earn a playoff berth.
BASEBALL
Rams blank Panthers
Southwick 9, Palmer 0
Southwick pitcher Bob Hamel tossed a two-hitter, and the Rams offense enjoyed another solid effort at the plate to help the team improve to 15-2.
Hamel struck out six batters and walked two.
“Bob really pitched well today,” Southwick coach Tim Karetka said. “He was in control of all of his pitches.”
Eddie Martinez (2-for-4), Dan McClellan (2-4, 2 triples, 2 RBIs), Vinnie Fortini (2-3, 2 RBIs), and Jake Goodreau (1-3, 2 RBIs) led the Rams on offense.
LeClerk’s 2 HRS sinks Tigers
Pathfinder 9, Westfield Voc-Tech 3
Austin LeClerk homered twice to lead Pathfinder to a big home victory.
Jake Parsons, Nate Boulay, Boyden, and Hart each had hits for Voc-Tech.
“We really need to bounce back (Tuesday) versus Smith Voke,” Tigers’ coach Kyle Dulue said. “We need to learn from (this loss) if we want to have any type of postseason.”
Saints batter Cybercats, punch tourney card
St. Mary 15, Sci-Tech 1
A total of 11 players delivered at least one hit apiece in St. Mary’s offensive onslaught at Forest Park Monday.
Ryan Gendron (double, run, RBI), Matthew Hannoush (3 runs, RBI), and Billy Lamirande (double) had two hits apiece for the Saints.
St. Mary’s pitcher Nathaniel Bonini scattered four hits, struck out eight batters, and walked one over six innings. He allowed just one run.
The Saints improved to 10-6, but, more importantly, qualified for the postseason with the win.
Westfield captain Sam Scarfo makes a move past a Minnechaug defenseman. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Westfield 15, Minnechaug 6
Westfield exploded for seven runs in the second quarter to take a commanding lead against Minnechaug.
Zach Gentle had seven goals and two assists to lead Westfield. Sam Scarfo (3 goals, 2 assists), Matt Chlastawa (2 goals, 6 assists), Anthony Sullivan (1 goal, 2 assists), Mason Balch (assist), Max Maggipinto (goal), and Pat Liptak (goal) also contributed for the Bombers.
Westfield goalie Jake Cupak finished with 12 saves.
Craig Ward helped key the victory, winning 18 of 22 face offs. The Bombers also stood their ground defensively, thanks to strong play from Mitch Weiss, Kane Miller, Garrett Matthews, Joe Graydon, Mario Metallo, and Aric Laplante.
SOFTBALL
Bombers clobber Hurricanes
Westfield 13, Amherst 1 (6 inn.)
Seven of Westfield’s nine batters in the lineup spots produced RBIs, and the Bombers scored in every inning, save for the first in a big win over Amherst Monday.
“This was huge for us and showed what we are capable of,” Westfield coach Mary Seid said. “After leaving the bases loaded in the second inning, I told them that we had to reduce the number of runners left on base and convert base runners to runs. This is what good teams do, and they definitely executed. I’m proud of them for being able to make that kind of adjustment. They definitely made me a proud coach tonight.”
Lachtara, Rams edge McCann
Southwick 4, McCann Tech 2
Emily Lachtara struck out 13 batters on the mound for Southwick (16-1).
Williams, Lee no-hit Gators
Lee 12, Gateway 0
Lee pitcher Kendra Williams tossed a no-hitter.
BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL
Bombers sweep Rams
Westfield def. Southwick 25-8, 25-15, 25-13
Westfield improved to 16-1 with another sweeping victory.
Ryan Bucko (12 kills, 4 blocks), Eric Shilyuk (13 assists, 2 blocks), Igor Belokopytov (5 kills), and Dmitriy Doroshenko (16 digs) led the Bombers.
Tim Giancola (4 assists), Dylan Buscemi (4 digs), and Jack Lebo (4 kills) were tops for Southwick.
LATE RESULTS
BASEBALL
Gateway 18, Sci-Tech 4
Gateway’s Ethan Gamble and Joe Jones combined for a four-hitter. Jones struck out seven batters over 4 2-3 innings. Gamble allowed three runs on two hits and three walks. He struck out three.
Jayden Marge (3-for-5, 2 triples, 3 runs scored), Ethan Gamble (3-4, 3 runs, 2 RBIs, stolen base), Brett Turban (4-5, double, triple, 6 RBIs, 2 runs), Tyler Heeter (3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, SB), Tom Ruffo (triple, walk, 2 runs, SB), Tom Jones (double, run, 2 RBIs), and Joe Jones (2-3, 2 walks, 4 runs, SB) all enjoyed terrific days at the plate for the Gators.
In softball action Saturday, Sabis escaped with a 17-15 win over Gateway.
Suffield (Conn.) 6, Southwick 4
Pat King went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI for Southwick in an independent contest. The Rams suffered from base running blunders and fielding errors.
Westfield 5, Amherst 2
Westfield’s Craig Lacey scattered seven hits, two runs, and struck out eight batters late Friday night.
Chris Sullivan went 2-for-4 and belted a two-run home run for Westfield. Bombers’ Colin Dunn (1-for-3, 2 runs), Dan Plasse (2-4), and Austin St. Pierre (3-4, triple, 2 runs) were also solid at the plate.
BOYS’ TENNIS INDIVIDUAL POSTSEASON NOTES: Westfield’s Tristin Viale made a valiant run to the third round of the Western Massachusetts individual championship tournament, losing to Agawam’s second singles player, Alex Sours, 7-6, (7-5), 6-2 over the weekend.
