Westfield High’s Loeiz Briand competes against Ludlow’s Ian Dansereau during Tuesday’s first singles match in Westfield. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Although the Ludlow High School boys’ tennis team won a pair of doubles matches Tuesday in the Whip City, the hometown Bombers swept singles play to win the team match, 3-2.
Westfield senior foreign exchange student Loeiz Briand (France) won at first singles 6-0, 6-0; junior Chris Unger stumbled early in second singles before posting a strong recovery for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory; and, No. 3 singles player Jacob Barbieri, also a junior, won 6-0, 6-0.
“We have a real legitimate number one player, and our number two and three guys are good and strong,” said Westfield coach John Morizio. “If we can squeak out an extra point from singles and doubles, we’re going to do pretty good as the season goes along.”
Unger proved to be the difference against Ludlow, recovering from an early deficit.
“Hard drilling practices helped (Unger) to overcome that first set loss,” Morizio said. But he is not the only one showing that ability early on this season, the Bombers coach explained.
“Our whole team is stacked with hard-working young men, boys,” he said.
While Briand is sure to make some noise as the season progressed, Morizio said he is not alone. Westfield also has a German foreign exchange student on the roster.
“It adds some nice depth,” he said.
Westfield will next host Chicopee, also 3-2 winners over Ludlow. The match will take place Thursday at 4 p.m.
St. Mary 4, Sci-Tech 1
St. Mary swept the singles’ matches – Zach Brown (6-0, 6-1), Zach Slepchuk (6-1, 6-1), and Austin Goye (6-1, 6-2) won at first, second, and third singles, respectively – and Corey Clemente and Matt Benoit won at first doubles for the Saints (1-1), who suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat in their home opener against Turners Falls Monday.
SOFTBALL
Southwick 22, Ware 4
It was a spectacular day for Southwick’s offense.
Morgan Harriman and Jenn Yellin each went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIS, and Nicole McClellan clubbed a 3-run homer to lead Southwick.
Pitcher Jordyn Willey struck out eight batters on the mound for the Rams.
Westfield 10, Belchertown 1
Westfield continued its hot start, belting the Orioles in Belchertown Tuesday.
Kate Menard led Westfield with seven solid innings on the mound, scattering four hits, striking out five, and allowing just three walks. She also delivered at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a single, double, and triple, and five RBIs.
Jules Sharon (2-4, RBI), Maddy Atkocaitis (2-3, RBI), Syd Ezold (hit, RBI), Macee Candiano (hit), and Lexi Minicucci (hit) all delivered at the plate for the Bombers.
Westfield Voc-Tech 25, Dean Tech 0
Megan Illnicky pitched a one-hitter, striking out eight for Voc-Tech. She helped herself out at the plate with three hits in three at-bats.
Amber Lindsay also went 3-for-3 with a triple, Eliza Colson had a bases-loaded triple, and Brandi Vangelder went 3-for-4 with 5 RBIs.
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
East Longmeadow 18, St. Mary 2
Elena Martin scored a team-high six goals to lead East Longmeadow at Stanley Park.
Lauren Chapdelaine and Andrea Watson scored one goal apiece for St. Mary. Saints’ Bella Butler contributed an assist.
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Northampton 17, St. Mary 1
Zach Brown scored the lone St. Mary goal.
