The Westfield High School softball team, once known for its powerhouse squads, has risen up the ranks again.
Westfield earned a number two seed in the Western Massachusetts Division I softball tournament. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Conference unveiled the brackets yesterday.
No. 2 Westfield (17-3) will host a quarterfinal game Monday, June 4 at 4 p.m. The Bombers will play the winner of No. 7 West Springfield (12-8)/No. 10 Central (13-7), to be decided Friday.
“There were no big surprises,” Westfield coach Joe Stella said regarding the field of seeds. “With Minnechaug winning the league (title), I figured they would be number one.”
Stella said number two suits his team well.
“This team – they get it,” the Bombers coach explained. “They respect the game.”
If Westfield advances to the semifinal round, a potential rematch with third-seeded Agawam (14-6) awaits. The Brownies must avoid an upset to No. 6 Chicopee (14-6).
Westfield swept West Side 2-0, but lost to Agawam twice this season. Something has to give if the Bombers are to succeed in the postseason.
“It’s very tough to beat a team three times,” Stella said. “We are going to have our hands full, no question.”
Minnechaug received the tournament’s overall top seed with a record of 17-3.
In Division II, No. 10 Southwick-Tolland Regional (10-10) travels to seventh-seeded South Hadley (7-13) on Thursday for an opening round matchup. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.
The winner earns the chance to play No. 2 Hampshire Regional (16-2). Palmer is seeded first overall (19-1).
In Division III, No. 10 Westfield Voc-Tech (9-9) earns a second trip to No. 7 Pathfinder (15-5) – where the Pioneers rallied to stun, and, ultimately sweep the Tigers – for a first round game. The winner earns the right to travel to No. 2 Mount Everett (16-4) in the quarterfinals.
In their first meeting, Pathfinder shut out Voc-Tech 15-0. But in their second matchup, the Tigers closed the gap, losing just 6-5. Pioneers’ pitcher Jenna Maska struck out 13 batters on the mound, and delivered at the plate, smacking the game-winner in the bottom of the seventh.
“When you get to the tournament, anything can happen,” Voc-Tech coach Kyle Dulude said. “Defense will be the key, (our pitcher) Megan (Illnicky) will need to throw strikes, and the girls will have to make as few errors as possible – and get some runners on.”
