Westfield’s Ryan Towle makes a putt as an Agawam golfer, right, looks on Wednesday at The Ranch in Southwick. (Photo by Chris Putz)
SOUTHWICK – The Westfield High School golf team brushed up on some last-minute preparations for some upcoming individual championships, and the stretch run in Wednesday’s meet against Agawam at The Ranch Golf Club.
Although Westfield fell to Agawam 173-165, the Bombers, at 8-4 overall (6-1 league) remain on course to punch their ticket to the Western Massachusetts Division 1 championship. They need just one win.
Westfield’s No. 2 Jack Hogan follows through with a swing on the first hole. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“Our scores have been up and down,” said Westfield coach Chris Strycharz, pointing to solid rounds of golf from Ryan Towle and Jack Hogan Wednesday, “but for the most part … we’re doing well.”
Towle finished with a 2-over 38 against Agawam. Hogan shot a 41.
“Hopefully we can get a league title,” added coach Strycharz.
Westfield will resume its final push for the postseason, as a team, next Thursday against West Springfield at Tekoa Country Club, beginning at 3 p.m.
WESTFIELD BOMBERS
2016 Golf Team
First up, though, will be a test for senior Marissa Wills, who will make the trek to Franconia Golf Course in Longmeadow for Thursday’s Western Massachusetts girls’ golf championships. On Friday, Bombers’ senior captains Ryan Towle and Liam Whitman will represent the team at the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference championships at Southampton Country Club.
The West Division 1 championships will be held at The Ranch on Oct. 24.
Spartans down Rams
East Longmeadow 15.5, Southwick 8.5
East Longmeadow produced three of the best rounds of golf at Edgewood Country Club led by Noah Peterson (36), Kyle Richter (37), and Connor Piecuch (40).
Southwick’s Bradley Durand shot a 40, followed by teammates James Longhi and Jagger Turgeon, who each finished with 41s.
O’s top Saints
Belchertown 165, St. Mary 209
Belchertown’s Ryan Chrabascz led all golfers with a 40 at Cold Spring Country Club. St. Mary’s Luke Willenborg shot a team-best 44.
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL
Bombers sweep Rams
Westfield def. Southwick, 25-5, 25-21, 25-17
Westfield swept Southwick, thanks in large part to McKenzie Chaban (9 kills, 2 aces), Bella Kozciak (4 kills, 9 aces, 2 digs), Maddy LeBlanc (3 kills), and Madison Robitaille (6 aces).
McKinley White (2 kills, 1 block), Caroline Methe (6 digs, 1 block, 2 aces), Emily Lachtara (3 digs, 3 aces), and Allie Methe (2 aces) delivered for Southwick.
BOYS’ SOCCER
Nelson’s game-winner lifts WTA
Westfield Technical Academy 1, Greenfield 0
Brad Nelson scored the game-winner off a pass from Dave Tikhonchuk, and Westfield Tech held on for a thrilling one-goal victory at Jachym Field.
Westfield Tech’s bench sparked the play, forcing a turnover. Two passes later, the Tigers found the back of the net.
Westfield Tech goalie Anatoly Suprunchuk made two outstanding saves at the end of the game to preserve the victory. Tigers’ Ruvin Suprunchuk, Dan Kontsimal, and Tikhonchuk anchored the defense. Stefan Nikiel was solid off the bench.
“We were tired after last night’s game but were able to hang on for (the) win today,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
FIELD HOCKEY
Bruno, Brownies top Rams
Agawam 5, Southwick 1
Nina Bruno had a hand in four of five Agawam goals, scoring twice and assisting on two others.
Erica Pickard scored the lone Southwick goal. Rams’ goalie Sarah Power finished with 15 saves.
JV FIELD HOCKEY
Agawam 3, Southwick 0
Agawam scored all of its goals in the first half and cruised to a 3-0 shutout at home. Southwick fell to 2-3-2 overall, 2-0-1 league.
