WEST SPRINGFIELD – The final score may have heavily favored the Ludlow High School boys hockey team in the end as the Lions upended Southwick 6-1 at the Olympia Ice Rink, but for the Rams it was another step up the ladder for their first year-varsity program.
Aidan McBride (2 goals, 1 assist) and Cole Moutinho (1 goal, 2 assists) scored three points apiece and Humberto Terrinca had one goal and one assist to lead Ludlow.
“In no way, shape, or form does the score reflect how well we played today,” said Southwick coach Chris D’Angelo, whose team fell victim to some awkward deflections.
After a nice rush up ice, Southwick’s Evan Iglesias takes a high shot on goal against Ludlow Thursday night at the Olympia Ice Rink in West Springfield. (Photo by Bill Deren)
Evan Iglesias scored the lone goal for Southwick, which trailed in shots on net just 32-27. Nate Gendron assisted.
“From beginning of the year until now, our players have made tremendous strides,” coach D’Angelo said. “They’ve shown significant improvement defensively, more net presence, good team offense, good team defense, starting to play the body, doing more of the little things to set themselves up for the future.”
Points against Southwick’s defense have decreased since Week 1.
In addition, Southwick displayed several highlight-reel worthy moments, including: Teagan Stannard’s sharp skills, Nick Ensign’s wall-to-wall stick-handling, Iglesias hustle, Paul Whalley’s marked improvement, and freshman John Lacey’s improved vision, especially getting back on defense to help out.
“John is showing promise for a bright future,” coach D’Angelo said. “All I can ask for is continued improvement by (all of) them.”
Southwick’s next step will be to take on Mount Everett at Berkshire School Monday at 7 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Second-half surge propels Tigers
Westfield Technical Academy 58, Gateway 42
Westfield Tech outscored Gateway 39-24 in the second half to cruise past visiting Gateway. Derrien Wilson Grant, Darryl Reopel and Josh Bush each stepped up in the fourth quarter, following David Tikhonchuk’s early departure from the game after fouling out. The three Tigers combined for 20 fourth-quarter points.
“It was great to see the guys come together and fight through some frustrating frames during the game,” Westfield Technical Academy boys basketball head coach Kyle Dulude said. “They kept their composure, stuck to the game plan and got the job done.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Falcons ground Bombers
Minnechaug 72, Westfield 35
Kaela Mochak led Westfield with 14 points. Bombers’ Emma Pedolzky had nine.
Shea nets all-time high
McCann Tech 42, Southwick 37
Kathleen Shea scored a career-high 14 points to lead Southwick. Rams’ Hannah Burke chipped in with 11.
Southwick’s Michelle St. Jacques added her first varsity points (3), and delivering outstanding defense.
Saints win again
St. Mary’s 51, Smith Voke 43
St. Mary’s went on an 18-5 run to begin the game, and never wavered. The Saints produced three double-digit scorers – Madie Donais (17 points), Jessica Crosby (11), and Amelia Willenborg (11).
Bucko, Gators prevail
Gateway 34, Commerce 27
Peyton Bucko drained four 3-pointers and finished with 14 points in leading Gateway to victory. Gators’ Becca Herman had seven points, Hannah Duggan had five, and Grace Van Buren, 4.
