Eddie Martinez, right, places his hands on the back of Gateway wrestler Mike Scuderi in a matchup of 132-pounders Wednesday night in Huntington. Martinez earned a second-period pin. (Photo by Chris Putz)
HUNTINGTON – Despite yet to field a healthy full squad, the Southwick High School wrestling team won a back-and-forth tussle with Gateway.
Southwick won three contested matchups by pin to escape the Gator Pit with a 36-28 win over Gateway Wednesday night.
Chris Kibby (126 pounds), Eddie Martinez (132), and Obi Ezevgwn (138) each won by pin for Southwick (4-7).
Martinez pinned Gateway’s Mike Scuderi midway through the second period. With the win, Martinez improved to 17-3 this season. It was only Scuderi’s seventh loss of the season as the Gator fell to 17-7 overall.
Southwick coach Ed Martinez said his son, Eddie, has succeeded with an aggressive style thus far this season. Although pleased with his wrestlers, coach Martinez said the team will get a much-needed boost when Miguel Gonzalez returns from injury next week. Gonzalez, who boasts a stellar 9-1 record, has not wrestled in nearly two weeks.
Gateway wrestler Joe Jones (170 pounds), top, controls the match against Southwick’s Tyler Orban. Jones won 13-9. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“We just need to stay healthy for Western Mass.,” coach Martinez said.
Gateway enjoyed pins at the top and bottom of the lineup – 106-pounder Olivia Clark pinned Southwick’s Cody Brown and Trevor Bruno (195) toppled Rams’ Trevor Deruissseaux – both in the first period.
Gateway’s Joe Jones (170) defeated Southwick’s Tyler Orban, 13-9. Jones improved to 17-5. Brandan Daniels won by forfeit at 113 pounds to run his record to 20-3.
Gateway fell to 4-8.
“We are looking for continued improvement,” Gateway coach Mike Forand said. “Even when you get beat, you have to keep working hard. We’re going to keep pushing these kids to get through these tournaments, and then on to Western Mass., and states.”
Bombers overcome odds
Westfield 36, Longmeadow 33
Westfield overcame five forfeits to post a big win on the road. The Bombers had several key contributors.
In his first action of the season, Michael Pacheco dominated his match, eventually winning by pin. Cole Cannady (120 pounds) had another good showing, winning 6-1 over Dominic Jones. Trevor Lucia (126) pinned Matt Freda in 1:34. Richard Jablonski (145) controlled his match against Leo Sierra, winning by pin at 5:39. Dennis Sevostyanov won a hard-fought battle against Sam Byrne, 14-9. Mike Malinowski, also returning from a season-long injury, pinned Adam Brocke 17 seconds into the second period for the win.
BOYS’ HOOPS
Rams rise to challenge
Southwick 61, Dean Tech 35
The Southwick High School boys’ basketball team is taking its level of game play to new heights.
“It was our best effort of the season,” Southwick coach Dylan Dubuc said, following Wednesday night’s rout of visiting Dean Tech. “Everybody chipped in and did a little bit of something whether it was defense, offense, or rebounding. I am so proud of the guys effort and energy tonight.”
Southwick established a 14-4, first-quarter lead, and led by 29-15 at the half. The Rams cruised from there.
Ryan LeClair (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Nick Huff (12 points, 11 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for Southwick. Rams’ Nick Chambers and Matt Daley scored eight points apiece.
BOYS’ HOOPS
Krom mounts late charge
Mount Everett 52, Westfield Technical Academy 45
Mount Everett rallied behind Kenny Krom, who went 5-for-5 from the field in the final four minutes, for the road victory.
“(Our) boys did almost everything right and unfortunately ended up with a loss,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said. “(Krom was) hitting little bunny after little bunny. We tried everything we could to knock the ball out of his hands and prevent the entry pass, but their six-foot-whatever was just too tall.”
Krom also finished with 19 rebounds and was a preeminent shot blocker throughout.
“I was so impressed with our guys ball movement and ability to battle back,” coach Dulude added. “There was not lack of effort tonight. Things just didn’t go our way in the end.”
BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY
Metallo, Porter propel WHS
Westfield 6, Ludlow 1
Mario Metallo (2 assists) and Ryan Porter each scored two goals to lead Westfield. Bombers’ Zach Jarvis (2 assists) and Sullivan Webster (1 assist) chipped in one goal apiece. Sean Moorhouse collected two assists.
Westfield goalie Cameron Parent finished with 16 saves.
GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY
Lancers ice Auburn
Longmeadow (WHS Co-Op) 5, Auburn 1
Karalyn Jones recorded a hat trick, and Katelyn Joyal and Madison Pelletier (3 assists) scored one goal apiece for Longmeadow. Lancers’ Bailey Tymeson had four assists.
Longmeadow goalie Lexi Levere made 24 saves.
