A trip to Wilbraham is typically a long, arduous task during the regular season for any Westfield High sports team. But when it comes to the postseason, any game – home or away – is welcomed with open arms.
No. 5 Westfield routed 12th-seeded Lee 19-2 in the first round of the Western Massachusetts Division II boys’ lacrosse yesterday at home to advance to Monday’s quarterfinal at Minnechaug. Game time is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m.
“There are not a lot of negatives to talk about,” Westfield coach Mark Cavallon said after Westfield quickly disposed of Lee.
The Bombers (13-7) scored the first goal 17 seconds in, notched their fourth goal before the halfway mark of the first quarter, and led 17-2 heading into the third quarter, a quarter dominated by mass substitutions.
“We prepared hard – we didn’t know anything about them,” Cavallon said. “I’m happy we executed. All 30 players contributed.”
Nick Weiss had two goals and three assists to lead Westfield, which also received two goals apiece from Sam Scarfo (assist), Andy Marrotte (assist), Craig Ward (assist), Matt Lacroix (assist), and Ryan Wilson.
Lacroix and Ward were instrumental in winning 18 of 24 faceoffs.
“That’s always a factor in maintaining possession,” coach Cavallon said.
Kevin Papineau (2 assists), Zack Kuzon (assist), D.J. Moltenbrey, Noah Swords, Ryan Jones, and Max Miller each scored a goal for Westfield. Bombers’ Zack McCormick had an assist.
Westfield’s Jake Cupak (4 saves) and Justin Halls (2 saves) earned the win in net, and the Bombers’ defense stifled the opposition for nearly all of the 48 minutes.
Lee did not score its first goal until the sixth minute of the game, and managed to tally just one goal the rest of the way.
“We’re going to work the next two days and get ready for Minnechaug,” Cavallon added. “It’s going to be a physical game.”
