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~  2007 Cranx  ~
Article Archive
 
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Cranx fall in PVLL playoffs
Season ended by Shocker 13-11
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 26, 2007
 
(Somers, CT)  Good, just not good enough.  The Westfield Cranx lacrosse season ended sooner than its players wanted it to on Thursday night.  The 6th-seeded Cranx gave 3rd-seeded Shocker of Connecticut all it could handle, but fell short by a score of 13-11 in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League quarterfinals.  Westfield performed admirably, but like most of their losses this season, a few too many mistakes and a few too many lost face-offs added up to an almost, but not quite.
    
     “Looking back, you can point at several bad passes, several bad drops, and too many pipes” said player/coach Chris Roberts.  “That was a hard one to swallow.  We had our chances, the ball just didn’t bounce our way it seemed.”  Like their last game against Springfield, Team Cranx lost the all-important battle at face-off X, winning just 8 of 28, costing them valuable possession time, and tiring their defensive unit a bit.  And with seven shots hitting the goal pipes, Westfield was just a half step behind the whole game, but could never take that giant leap.
   
     Shocker would strike first and second, before Roberts’ doorstep tally off a pass from Adam Cherry made the score 2-1.  After Shocker’s third goal of the game, Zack Sondrini would fire in a goal going hard to his right and picking the top corner.  Next, Cherry passed through a double team to John Funaro who stuck it home, knotting the game at 3-3.  Shocker would answer right back, taking a 4-3 lead late in the quarter, and carrying over a man-up to start the second quarter.  Cranx defenseman Chris Paige was tagged with a slashing penalty, and when questioning the call, was flagged for an unsportsmanlike.  Not happy about the call or about the refs, Paige made his opinions known. 
     “These refs were just awful" he lamented.  "They (Shocker players) were talking (bleep) all game—we're the ones who held back.  If the ref is gonna call me for politely disagreeing with him, then he needs to flag all those Shocker punks for talking the trash they were talking.  If not, those refs need a new pastime…I’d recommend Jenny Craig.”
     Taking advantage of Paige’s 2-minute penalty, Shocker made it 5-3 to start the second.  Attempting to slow the pace down a little, the Cranx held the ball well on their next two possessions, both times resulting in goals.  Roberts corralled a rebounded shot and put it in, and then Justin Bard found the net unassisted two minutes later to tie the game 5-5.  But once again, Shocker would take away that momentum, scoring late in the period to take the halftime lead at 6-5.
    
     “We were doing a decent job at that point” said Roberts.  “Our defense was doing fine, just seeing too much action.  We needed to get more shots on goal at the other end.”  Defensive captain Mike Burque was doing his part.  Burque was assigned the task of shutting off and shutting down Shocker’s top scorer, Brian "Bender" Bendig.  In the regular season meeting between the two teams (a 13-10 Connecticut win), Bender scored five goals.  In this game, he scored only once, and that was off a broken play.  “Burkee took him right out of the game – he did great” said goalie Matt Hoffman.  “He didn’t let him breathe all game.”
    
     Scoring first and scoring last in each of the first two quarters was repeated again by Shocker in the third period.  Adam Cherry would roll-dodge his way to his first goal of the game, and WNEC teammate Sondrini would again net in a sweeping shot, this time bouncing one top shelf.  Shocker’s last goal of the quarter, their third, would send the game to the fourth with Westfield down 9-7.  For the rest of the game, the two teams would alternate scoring, and being scored upon.  With each Cranx goal cutting the lead to two, a Shocker goal would put it back up to three.
    
     Staying true to form and staying dominant at the face-off circle, Connecticut scored on its first possession of the fourth period to quickly extend the lead to 10-7.  Breaking out of his scoring slump, which saw him scoreless his previous two games, Cherry answered with his second goal of this game, making it 10-8.  Once again, however, it seemed every time Westfield would get themselves in position to take that next move, down by only two, Shocker would negate that with a goal of their own.  A perfectly placed Bard goal made it 11-9, and an EMO goal by Roberts off a Funaro assist made it 12-10 with 3:10 left.  A tally by Shocker a minute later to make it 13-10 all but sealed it for the cocky and whiny team from across the river.  Cranx midfielder Anthony Dimaio would not be denied with the ball behind the cage, wrapping around a one-handed goal with two defensemen draped all over him.  It would be the final goal of the game, and the final goal of the Westfield Cranx 2007 season.
    
     Team Cranx ended the season at a clip of 8-6, a drop from last year’s 10-5 semifinalist squad.  This year, however, the competition and parity has improved in the league’s upper echelon of teams.   “It was a pretty good season” said defenseman Geoff Moore.  “I think with what we have, compared to the talent level of the top teams in the league, we hung pretty well with the other teams.  Plus, we were the only team to beat (14-1) Glastonbury.  That's something we can hang our helmet on."
     Paige, who may have played his last game in a Cranx uniform, added, “We’re a team that’s not getting any younger.  We’ll look to find some really good college players to help us out.  We’re just a couple pieces away from a championship caliber team.”  The ninth year veteran has accepted a high-powered job in New York City - the place where Red Sox fans are frequently found dead in dumpsters and floating along the Hudson River.  Maybe his unsportsmanlike behavior this last game was his way of preparing himself. 

Westfield        3       2       2       4
Shocker          4       2       3       4

Scoring
Goals: Roberts 3, Cherry 2, Sondrini 2, Bard 2, Funaro, Dimaio
Assists:  Cherry 2, Funaro, Roberts

Goalie Saves
Hoffman 12
CRANX CORNER
An estimated Cranx Faithful of 18 made the trip to Pinney Field….. Unofficial counts of crying, whining, swearing, and general punk-ness by Team Shocker players reach a minimum total of 74….. Team Cranx furnished The Still after the game, though no autographs were sought….. Rich Borsari looked awkwardly out of place sharing company with a pair of attractive women….. Cherry appears to own nothing to wear outside of his Cranx jersey….. A final thanks to Doug Moore for keeping scoring statistics throughout the year. He has graciously stepped down from the position….. Thanks also to Cherry’s girlfriend for taking pictures at the game. They can be found in the Photo Albums section….. George Skovera – photographer for The Reminder - was at the game shooting (sample photo above and a second in PA section) Pictures are scheduled to be in the August 8th edition….. A team party is scheduled for players & their wives/girlfriends for next Saturday (8/4).  The details will be posted once they are finalized….. Also, September 15 is our scheduled Cranx/Bomber reunion game….. Stay tuned to our site for all things Cranx!   
 
                                                                                 
Springfield topples Cranx 16-9
Cherry's scoring slump continues
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 24, 2007
 
(Somers, CT)  The Westfield Cranx lost their final regular season game Tuesday night, falling to Springfield Tastee Treat 16-9.  The loss drops the Cranx record to 8-5, leaving them in a three-way tie for fourth place with Springfield and Simsbury.  More importantly, the loss left Westfield with a 6-seed in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League playoffs and a first round away game Thursday against 3-seed Shocker.  Had the Cranx won Tuesday, that would have instead earned them a first round home game as a 4-seed.
     “That’s what’s most disappointing” said midfielder Matty Richards.  “We have the best fans and the most fans in the league—nobody’s even close.  On behalf of the team I’d like to apologize to the Cranx faithful for not getting a home game for them (for the playoffs).”
    
     After sitting out last game with off the field injuries, Justin Bard showed no signs of competitive rust.  The midfielder led the Cranx with five goals, and began the scoring a minute into the game.  Springfield quickly answered, scoring two straight to take the lead 2-1.  John Funaro next fed Bard on an EMO situation to tie the game, however Springfield scored again just before the period ended, making it 3-2 after one quarter.
     Springfield’s lead extended to 5-2 quickly at the start of the second quarter.  Zack Sondrini next made a nice feed  to Funaro for an easy goal.  Two minutes later, LSM Rich Borsari began a fastbreak, found Adam Cherry, who found Funaro, who found the back of the net, cutting the lead to 5-4.  But Team Cranx would get no closer the rest of the game.  The deficit increased to 7-4, and after another EMO goal by Bard and a laser tally by Sondrini, Springfield led at halftime 8-6. 
    
      “The biggest problem for us was time of possession” said sideline coach Dave Metcalf.  “They dominated face-offs and controlled possession all night.  And when we did get possession, we rushed way too much.”  Sideline assistant Buddy Schaetzer concurred: “We were way too bunched up out there.  When we did have the ball, our spacing was poor and they doubled easily.  We didn’t get enough shots.”
     And with limited shot attempts, making the most of those shots is key.  Bard hit the pipe twice and Chris Roberts hit the pipe once.  Cherry wasn’t even close.  The rocket-shot attackman went scoreless for the second straight game, with all seven of his shots missing the cage.  “I don’t know what it was” WNEC's All-American and all-time leading scorer said afterward.  “After the first couple shots, it got into my head and it just got worse.”  That it certainly did, as evidenced by shots that had both chipmunks and bluejays running for cover. 
     “We need both Bard and Cherry each to score three or four goals per game” said Metcalf.   “Bard is doing his part, but Cherry hasn’t been lately.  We need his scoring”
    
     To start the second half, not a lot changed in the game.  Springfield continued to win face-offs and dominate possession.  Sharpshooting and plenty of it was fired at Westfield goaltender Matt Hoffman, and the Cranxmen continued to struggle offensively.  Team Cranx managed to hang tough in the third quarter, though, with Roberts feeding Bard and Jeff Baillargeon feeding Anthony Dimaio for goals.  Bard’s fifth goal of the game came unassisted, and after three quarters it was Springfield on top 12-9.  A fourth quarter shutout, abound with missed shots, missed ground balls, and too little ball possession, turned a close game into a final 16-9 rout.
    
     “Hopefully we learned from this game” said Metcalf.  We’ve got to play smarter and take our time more when we play Shocker.  We can play with them, but we have to go at it hard for four quarters.”  In their regular season meeting, Shocker beat the Cranx 13-10.  With better ball possession, better shooting, and Cherry hopefully back on track, Team Cranx are looking for retribution.  This time the stakes are higher.  It’s either win and move on, or lose and wait til next year. 

Westfield        2     4      3     0
Springfield     3     5      4     4
 
Scoring
Goals:     Bard 5, Funaro 2, Sondrini, Dimaio
Assists:    Funaro 2, Roberts 2 Sondrini, Cherry,  Baillargeon
 
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 9
 
CRANX CORNER
With Jay Vantassel (DL), Paul Fenwick (DL), Dave Metcalf, Kevin Clark, and Buddy Schaetzer on the Cranx sideline, Westfield seemed to have as many coaches as the NE Patriots….. Springfield won 15 of 19 faceoffs….. 13 of the Cranx faithful made the trip to the game….. Thanks always to Doug Moore for again logging stats of the game, and also for Mrs. Moore for taking pics, which can be found in the Photo Albums section….. In the first game vs. Shocker, Cherry scored one goal…Hoffman made 17 saves.
 
                                               
    
Dietert leads Cranx over Agawam 11-1
Roberts not happy despite win
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 19, 2007
 
(Agawam) The Westfield Cranx upped their PVLL record to 8-4 Thursday night, as they coasted to an 11-1 victory against Agawam.  With the win, the Cranx are now tied with Simsbury for fourth place in the league, with Simsbury losing to East Longmeadow by forfeit last night. 
     One would think with the easy win against Agawam (2-10), Team Cranx would be a happy group of laxmen, but that wasn’t necessarily the case.  Not at least when player/coach Chris Roberts opined about it.  “There were too many guys out here not playing hard at all” he said.  “I don’t mind guys having fun, but not at the expense of getting after it.  Too many guys didn’t seem to care, and that’s unacceptable.”  With quotes like the following, Robo may have a point:
    “I figured this game wasn’t real important, so I’m resting up for my trip to San Francisco.” –Anthony Spagnoli
    “Nobody really cares about playing today.” –Zack Sondrini
    “I feel bad for these guys (Agawam).  I know most of them and like them all.” –John Funaro
 
     Whatever the attitude was with the Cranx players, they did manage to coast to the victory, so much so that several players played different positions than they usually do.  Defensemen played midfield, attackmen played defense, and goalie Matt Hoffman was able to play some attack, netting two goals himself.  “It was fun” said Hoffman.  I’m a little disappointed, though.  I missed my typical hat trick.”   A plausible reason for that missed hat trick may have been because of the broken shaft (purchased at Stixx & Stones) Hoffman endured early in the fourth quarter.
 
     The game’s big story was the exceptional play of Cranx midfielder and backup goalie, Ryan Dietert (pictured above left).  With Hoffman moving to attack for the second half, and the Cranx leading 5-0, Dietert manned the cage to deny shot after shot taken by Agawam.  With only one late game goal allowed, Dietert showed Hoffman-like skill, making nine saves while also excelling within the clearing game.  “I’ll have to admit, I was pretty damn good in there” he said.  “I was like Tom Brady coming in for Drew Bledsoe.  Robo should probably make the switch and start me from now on.”
 
     Not to be totally outdone, Dietert’s counterpart in the Agawam goal, Zach Demers (pictured above right), had a pretty good game himself.  The ’07 captain for AHS had never before played between the pipes.  With the team in need, it was the hard-nosed defenseman volunteering to step in and stop the rocket shots of Adam Cherry, Zack Sondrini, and Funaro.  Well…at least Funaro’s.  The Cranx captain and former coach of Demers was held scoreless, being denied by the substitute goalie on at least four occasions.  Demers ended the game with a respectable 12 saves.  About stuffing his former AHS coach several times, Demers said, “All I can say is…he’s a better coach than he is a player."
 
     Roberts, led the Cranx with five goals one assist, while Hoffman and Sondrini each added a pair of goals. 
    
     The Cranx face a tough opponent in Springfield Tastee Treat (7-5) next Tuesday in their final regular season game.  With a win, the Cranx would end up with either a 4th or 5th seed in the 8-team playoffs.  If the Cranx lose, they will end up as a 6th seed.  Only a Cranx win and a Simsbury loss Tuesday at South Hadley will give the Cranxmen a 4-seed and a first round home game next Thursday. 

Westfield        3     2     4     2
Agawam         0     0     0     1
 
Scoring
Goals:   Roberts 5, Sondrini 2, Hoffman 2, Bonavita, Borsari, Vantassel,
Assists: Roberts, Martin, Cherry, Vantassel, Funaro
 
Saves
Hoffman:  6
Dietert: 9
CRANX CORNER
Justin Bard is currently on the disabled list (body).  His status is day-to-day….. Nick Bonavita played in his first game this season..... Former Agawam Brownie and Cranx player, Anthony Dimaio, was heckled throughout the game….. Adam Cherry played longpole D for approximately twenty seconds, long enough to sideline an opponent and earn a penalty…..  Anthony Spagnoli will miss next week's games, as he will be vacationing in San Francisco for a week ..... Zack Sondini is registered at Kawasaki.com for anyone interested in making a donation.
 
                                                     
Cranx rebound big with 13-5 win
Upset upsetting for Glastonbury
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 17, 2007
 
(Westfield)  Coach Norman Dale spoke to his players during a pre-season practice: “Five players on the floor functioning as one single unit: team, team, team – no one more important than the other.”  Gene Hackman’s portrayal of the fictional Hickory High basketball coach in the movie Hoosiers and his words of instruction in this memorable scene embodied what would become the success of the team.
     The Westfield Cranx played with that same script-like philosophy Tuesday night.  Except instead of five players, it was 10…on a lacrosse field.  The Cranxmen made a 180-degree turnaround from their previous game, a 14-6 drubbing at the hands of Simsbury, to destroying first place and previously undefeated Glastonbury, 13-5. 
 
     “We were firing on all cylinders”, said sideline coach Dave Metcalf.  “It was a total team effort.  Everyone played a part in this win.”  Indeed it was, and indeed they did.  From point-blank saves, to helicopter stick checks, to 42-year old rookie goals, the Cranx proved on this night that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  And that the concept of teamwork is more than a catchphrase that’s posted in locker rooms. “From last game to this game, was like night and day” said defenseman Chris Paige.  “This is what we’re capable of – tenacious D, unselfish offense, and four quarters without a letdown.  We’re pretty good when we focus and play hard for four quarters.”
    
     Adam Cherry’s unassisted laser began the scoring in the first.  A man-up goal by Chris Roberts off a John Funaro assist made the score 2-0.  Next, it was Roberts feeding newly acquired Jeff Baillargeon, who found the back of the net with a rocket shot of his own.  It was the first career goal for the 42-year old Crank, who last played competitive lacrosse as a WHS Bomber in 1982. After one quarter, Westfield had a 3-0 lead.
 
     Two more unanswered goals led off the second quarter, one by LSM Ansel Garvey on a fastbreak, followed by Justin Bard off a Cherry assist, making the score 5-0.  Glastonbury (10-1) attempted to crawl back into the game when they finally scored their first goal midway through the quarter, but the Cranx defense would hear nothing of the sort.  Led by the sound footwork of Geoff Moore, Todd Young’s doubling dislodges, and take-away checking by Paige, Rich Borsari, and Mike Burque, Westfield’s suffocating defense frustrated the visitors, and kept them scoreless the rest of the half. 
    
     Meanwhile, Joe “Panther” Martin dominated the face-off battle all night.  After clawing away and scooping up a face-off, Panther promptly fed Cherry for a fastbreak goal, making it 6-1.  After Burque served up a helicopter check leaving his attackman stripped naked, Roberts inside-rolled a tally, followed by Funaro stuffing home a beautiful cross-crease pass from Zack Sondrini, closing out the half with the Cranx on top, 8-1.
 
     “Although we were up big at the half, we knew they were an explosive team” said Roberts.  “We expected a run out of them.”  But that run never came.  Because the Cranx unit refused to bend.  Westfield was outscored in the third quarter 3-2, however any explosion forthcoming by Glastonbury would involve their temper, not their play.  Frustrated by the stellar goaltending of Matt Hoffman (15 saves) and the all-around solid play of utility players Matty Richards, Anthony Spagnoli, and Anthony Dimaio, the visitors imploded instead.  Bard and Funaro would assist each other for Westfield’s two third quarter goals, bringing the lead to 10-4 heading into the fourth quarter.  Then the implosion commenced.
 
     A plethora of R-rated language directed at the officials led to the ejection of one Glastonbury midfielder and a 3-minute penalty.  Later, another penalty by a whiny goalkeeper allowed the Cranx two EMO goals and control of possession most of the quarter.  After said goalkeeper was laughed at trying to chest-bump and entice Cherry into a fight, the WNEC All-American decided to add insult to embarrassment by taking a Funaro pass and scorching a rocket past the netminder’s head and into the net.  Bard buried the already nailed coffin into the ground with the game’s last two goals, finalizing the score at 13-5.
 
     The Cranx record now stands at 7-4, with two more regular season games before the PVLL playoffs begin.  On Thursday, Westfield travels to Agawam (2-8 before last night) and then to Springfield’s Tastee Treat (5-5) next Tuesday. 
     “Again, if we can play with this type of intensity, this type of composure, we could be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.” Said Roberts.  “Being consistent is key.”  And so is every player functioning as one single unit.  One unit that’s capable of beating the best in the league. 

Glastonbury   0     1     3     1 
Westfield       3     5     2     3
 
Scoring
Goals:     Bard 4, Cherry 3, Roberts 2, Funaro 2, Baillargeon, Garvey
Assists:   Funaro 3, Roberts, Bard, Sondrini, Martin
 
Goalie Saves
Hoffman  15
CRANX CORNER
Prior to this game, Glastonbury had beaten their opponents by an average of 11 goals..... The vocal Cranx faithful of 34 at the game weren't shy expressing their disgust at the Glastonbury behaviors on the field..... Former Bomber ladylaxer superstars Jordan Baillargeon & Katie Warner were in attendance..... Jim Crean once again failed in his Cranx scoreboard duties, showing his continued irresponsibility..... On the disabled list for the game were Craig Carpenter (mononucleosous), Jay Vantassel (foot), and Paul Fenwick (wrist)..... Roberts & Funaro played despite severe colonostopographical inflammation and torn menisci, respectively..... Baillargeon has served military tours in both Afghanistan & Iraq. 
 
                                                                       
Simsbury throttles Cranx 14-6
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 12, 2007
 
Simsbury      5   1   2   6
Westfield      2   1   2   1
 
                                                      
Cranx down South Hadley 17-10
Richards and Funaro defy the odds
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 10, 2007
 
(Westfield) The Westfield Cranx have had little trouble putting the ball in the net this season, averaging over 15 goals per through nine games.  Tuesday night's game was no exception, as the Cranxmen torched the nets again against South Hadley, winning 17-10.  The win ups the team's record to 6-3, who hope to make it four straight Thursday night against Simsbury's Rip It, 2nd in the league at 8-1, at the dome in East Windsor, Ct.
    
     Against South Hadley, Westfield was threatened little, leading 6-1 after one quarter and 10-4 at the half.  Unlike their earlier season game against Somers, where a 6-1 lead ended in an overtime loss, the Cranx weren't about to let deja vu' sneak up on them this night.  Instead, they maintained at least a five-goal lead for more than three quarters.  No matter what South Hadley tried defensively--man, zone, mone--the Westfield offense always seemed to find an answer. 
     "We repeatedly talked about not letting up" said player/coach Chris Roberts.  "Our three losses so far have been because we had strings of poor lapses.  Tonight we didn't let that happen.  Hopefully (against Rip It) we can do the same thing."
 
     Justin Bard once again began the scoring off a Roberts pass, followed two minutes later by a Roberts to Zack Sondrini goal, and the Westfield scoring machine was quickly underway.  Sondrini would complete his first quarter hat trick, while Bard would score his second of the quarter, again off an assist from Roberts.  Roberts, who finished the game with a goal himself, seemingly played with more than just one pair of eyes, totaling a team high seven assists in the game.  
    
     What was clearly the highlight of the first quarter, if not the entire game, was a blistering lefty goal on the run by Matty Richards.  Not known as big time goal-scoring threat, the GCT (Goal Challenged Trio) member nearly brought the Westfield bench and all of Westfield Stadium to bedlem with a second lazer the South Hadley goalie never saw coming.  But unfortunately, the cannonball  just missed the pipe.  "Matty had the eye of the tiger out there tonight" said teammate Chris Paige.  "I think I saw him doing one-armed push-ups on the sidelines between shifts."
     The second noticeable Cranx boost came when captain John Funaro entered the game late in the quarter.  Seeing his first action since injuring his knee in game one, the attackman promptly assisted Sondroni's  EMO goal just before the first quarter ended.  Having just gotten an MRI hours earlier, Funaro appeared noticeably hobbled and limited in his mobility, but was given the greenlight to play by orthopedic MD and teammate Hank Casagrande. 
     "I told him, I'll be seeing you (for arthroscopic surgery) probably next week anyway, so go ahead" said Casagrande.  "Those words were music to my ears--like a beautiful Springsteen ballad" said Funaro.  "I haven't been that excited to get back on the field in a long time.  And when Zack finished that pass--that felt great."
 
     While Cranx goalie Matt Hoffman made one terrific save after another, the offense continued to put up numbers.  Adam Cherry (3 goals 1 assist) and Bard (5 goals) each scored twice in the second quarter, while Funaro scored twice in the third, making the game 12-7 in favor of Westfield after three. 
     Continuing their "don't let up" mantra, longstick midfielders Ansel Garvey (goal) and Rich Borsari (assist) aided the offensive cause in the fourth quarter as five more goals were scored, including Funaro's third tally of the game. 
    
     "It was good having Johnny back", said Paige.  "We thought we had missed him a lot, until he started yelling at everybody like he usual does.  Then it was like, well--maybe we didn't miss him that much."  Cherry, who fed Funaro instead of easily scoring himself, said of his unselfish act:  "I felt bad for him.  He's old and gimpy.  He's obviously about ten steps shy of his prime, so I just wanted to boost his confidence a little bit."  Paige added, "With Matty scoring and Johnny back suiting up, that's a good sign that this team can defy the odds.  What's the line in Vegas against us winning it all?" 
 
     Well, with a record of 6-3, the Westfield Cranx are currently in 5th place out of the 14-team PVLL.  And with four regular season games left before the 8-team playoffs begin, the Cranxmen are confident in their post-season hopes, however realize that consistent play is key.  "Four quarters" said Roberts.  "We've got to play hard and smart for four quarters without lapses.  If we do that, we have a chance to beat anybody."  
    
     A lofty perspective and a difficult task for sure lie ahead for Team Cranx.  But this team has historically always been there at the finish line challenging for it all.  Maybe they can defy all the odds this year and cross that line.  Stay tuned. 
 
South Hadley      1   3   3   3
Westfield            6   4   2   5
 
Scoring
Goals:      Bard 5, Sondrini 3, Funaro 3, Cherry 3, Roberts, Richards, Garvey
Assists:    Roberts 7, Funaro, Cherry, Borsari, Bard
 
Goalie Saves
Hoffman:   13

CRANX CORNER
Cranx Hall of Famer and AAAG (all-around awesome guy) Will Pierce was up from Maryland cheering on his Cranx comrades..... A season low home crowd of 27 attended the game..... Superfans Mr &Mrs Moore were again conspiciously absent from the sidelines, jeopardizing their standing within the Cranx fanbase..... Thanks go out to sincere superfans Mr & Mrs Cherry for suppling the team with a cooler filled with Gatorade..... Sideline coach and former Cranxman Dave Metcalf continues to excel from the bench..... Wmass legend and superstar professional soccer player Rachel Leduc was in attendance at the game, watching her significant (and significantly less athletic) other, Hank Casagrande..... Yesteryear Cranx member, Kevin Clark, has rejoined the team and added to its depth..... Game photos courtesy of Will Pierce can be found in the Photo Albums section..... Cranx award-winning columnist, Buck Naeked, has returned from vacation and resumes his duties as beat reporter..... Thanks and fine job kudos go out to Buck's replacement, Holden McGroin, for his excellent (without deadline) write-ups. 
 
                                              
              

Bees go Down, Without a Net

Cranx show no mercy against East Longmeadow, 23- 7

by Holden McGroin
WC Times

July 9, 2007

 
 
(Westfield) It surely looked like rain on Thursday afternoon and things didn’t look much better for the East Longmeadow Killer Bees having to go head to head with the Cranx. The Cranx put on an impressive showing on Tuesday and they had every intention of a repeat. “This wasn’t a repeat of the Mad Dawg game, we actually did a lot more with what we had today. Bard sure as hell did!” says Chris Roberts referring to stellar yet relentless play of Justin Bard. Whether it was the electrifying play of the Cranx or the lack a worthy opponent many spectators are left wondering if East Longmeadow was the victim or the crime.

 

It comes with no surprise that the start of the game would be featuring an impressive goal from Westfield’s very own Justin Bard. If there was anyone that missed the goal assisted by Chris Roberts they would have plenty opportunities with the two all stars finding each other a total four times throughout the game. Tim Gaylord would follow Bard in scoring using his blinding speed to drive to the cage. Aside from the two goals scored by the Bees the rest of the quarter would feature goals from attackman Adam Cherry, and a few more from Roberts and Bard. Cranx would end the first with the score in their favor 6-2.

 

The second quarter would not be as eventful for East Longmeadow but just as successful for the Cranx. Bard would find both Roberts and Cherry for a goal putting one of his own in for the quarter. Sondrini tacked on his second assist for the game feeding Cherry just as he did in the first. Once again Cranx’s defense would make an appearance on the offensive side of the field with rookie Ansel Garvey scoring one for the home team. The Cranx defense would also claim this quarter theirs shutting down the Bees leaving them with a giant goose egg. “They should have made a rule to just hand the ball over to us when they got it,” says defensive starter Chris Paige, “cause we would just take it from them anyway.”

 

The second half would start with the Cranx up on the Killer Bees, 11- 2. Nine goals is more than enough of a lead to take a step back but some Cranx players thought otherwise. Cranx offense continued to rain down upon their opponents with Cherry, Bard, Roberts, and Gaylord all scoring on the bruised and battered Killer Bee defense. The immeasurable offensive talents of the Cranx would continue to be showcased through the end of the game. Even assists became a form of art with Zach Sondrini, Craig Carpenter, and Joe Martin all delivering precise passes resulting in goals. When the storm over the heads of East Longmeadow players cleared they cold only amount 7 goals to the staggering 23 put up by the Cranx. Another impressive score with the win taking them into next week with South Hadley and Simsbury waiting. Chris Roberts looks at the reality of things, “Tonight went well for us but we are on the cusp of not making it to the playoffs. The really challenging portion of the season has yet to come and we need to stay focused.”

Westfield                     6   5   7   5
East Longmeadow     2   0   2   3

Scoring:  Goals:    Bard 7, Cherry 6, Hoffman 3, Roberts 3, Gaylord 2, Garvey, Sondrini
   Assists:   Bard 3, Roberts 3, Sondrini 3, Gaylord 2, Martin 2, Carpenter, Cherry 

 

Goalie Saves:  Hoffman 14


CRANX CORNER

36 fans were lucky enough to see the incredible display at Westfield’s home field.....Despite the dozens of beautiful women across Italy begging for John Funaro to stay with them, we all anticipate the return of the famed Cranx Vet and his stories form afar.....Any Cranx fans out there are encouraged to bring any memorabilia they may want signed by Hall of Famer Will Pierce for Tuesday’s game against South Hadley..... As Award- winning columnist Buck Naeked travels to parts unknown any Questions, Comments, Concerns can be sent to Bostman25@yahoo.com or posted on the Cranx Guestbook

 
                             

Mad Dawg, Bad Dawg

Westfield puts down Mad Dawg 16-4

by Holden McGroin
WC Times

July 4, 2007


(Somers) The Cranx take the field with surprisingly high spirits considering the massacre they suffered against Shocker on the next field over just days prior. “It’s the holiday tomorrow so these guys have BBQ and beer on the brain,” say Chris Roberts, “I would enjoy my 4th of July much more coming off a win.” That is exactly what happened with the Cranx offense destroying Mad Dawg 16- 4. The Westfield’s surgical tactics on the net was not the only excitement fans would get with emotions running high, livestock running amuck and even allegations of unsportsmanlike play.

 

Cranx wasted no time taking a lead with go- to midfielder Zack Sondrini drawing first blood followed by another bullet from Justin Bard. Mad Dawg had a few unsuccessful attempts at keeping the ball to look for an opportunity; Cranx defense would allow no such thing. Midfielders would be lucky to make it to the box line before being axed by one of the many defensive threats. The first quarter was closed out with attackman Jay Vantassle stepping up and putting a goal in followed by an assist to Adam Cherry leaving the Cranx ahead 4- 0. While the excitement starts to build on the field the fans were greeted by a permanent resident of Pinney Field. The cow, that will remain nameless, seem to there to simply enjoy the game just as everyone else. Later on the cow’s true intentions would come into sight.

 

Westfield continues to dominate with the second quarter leaving minimal opportunity for Mad Dawg to gain a pulse. Adam Cherry pounded in a goal to start things off and the Cranx would control the ball for almost the entire of the quarter. Roberts was up next putting away a feed from Justin Bard. Cherry returns to set up midfielder Craig Carpenter for a goal placing Mad Dawg down 7- 0. Mad Dawg would sneak in a goal to end the half but not before Sondrini would set up Bard for the most electrifying goal of the game. Amongst the slaughter fest that was once a friendly lacrosse game Mad Dawg’s players were forced to use dirty play. Their mistake was they tried it on the wrong man, player/ coach Chris Roberts. “They were throwing butt ends in the pile. We were all going for a ground ball and I felt something jab into my ribs and it was clearly intentional.”

 

Cranx were up 8- 1 at the beginning of the third and it seemed the events of the first half only fueled the fire that is the Cranx. “I don’t know about you but that cow is up to no good,” says midfielder Ant Spagnoli, “I’m keeping my wits about me now. I am not being fooled, not again.” Bard would assist Robo for the first goal of the third and earn himself three more for the game totaling five. Sondrini beamed one more in before Mad Dawg could get themselves two goals in the third. The forth quarter would leave Mad Dawg down 12- 3.

 

No big surprises in the forth quarter as far as scoring. Bard, Roberts, and Vantassle would all have goals and a few nice looking assists from Borsari, Cherry, once again Roberts. What threw a wrench a works though was not a wrench at all, but that blasted cow again. It was back and it was clearly a Mad Dawg fan. The beast casually walked on to the field halting all play and leaving everyone wondering what to do next. Cranx could not claim their victory until the cow was gone. Their were many failed attempts to take control but in the end the cow left on it’s own merit. Once the cow caught word of the score being 16- 4, she knew there was nothing she could do and slowly went to the parking lot. The Cranx walk away the victors and await their home game against the Killer Bees.

 



Westfield                4   4   4   4   

Mad Dawg              0   1   2   1  

 

Scoring

Goals:      Bard 5, Roberts 3, Vantassle 3, Cherry 2, Sondrini 2, Carpenter

Assists:    Bard 3, Roberts 2, Cherry 2, Carpenter, Sondrini, Vantassle

 

Goalie Saves

Hoffman 14


CRANX CORNER

A pretty good turn out for a humid day at Pinney Field with 14 family and friends showing up.....Rumor has it Adam Cherry is taking legal action against the cow for mysterious vandalism to his car.....A reminder to Cranx players that throwing strawberries on the field is not appreciated, they were harvested with love..... As Award- winning columnist Buck Naeked travels to parts unknown any Questions, Comments, Concerns can be sent to Bostman25@yahoo.com or posted on the Cranx Guestbook
 
                             

Cranx fall short…again

Shocker takes 13- 10 victory over Cranx

by Holden McGroin
WC Times

July 3, 2007

 

     (Somers) Many amazing things can happen at the lacrosse field of dreams and the Cranx were hoping a win would be one of them. Unfortunately Shocker had other plans. The Cranx continued this season’s theme with many missing at game time and sluggish play early on to give Shocker everything they need to walk away victorious. Fans were kept in suspense all four quarters with the Cranx battling tooth and nail to stay on the heals of the powerhouse team. Apparently player/ coach Chris Roberts doesn’t grade on effort, “That was a tough one. We all have things to work on for next week.” With a record at .500 for the second time this season the Cranx enter next week bruised and beaten.

 

The first quarter was the ugliest with Shocker taking an early 5-2 lead. It seemed goal after goal came before the Cranx defense knew that the game even started. “The hole time we knew we had to change something” says defensive captain Mike Burque “we just didn’t know what that was.” Offense was also far from it’s strongest with missing players and a very physical Shocker defense thwarting the attack. “Those guys like to go to the body, especially mine! HaHa” says Justin Bard who only managed 2 goals and 2 assists for the day, surprisingly low stats for the dominating midfielder. The same could be said for many others, except one.

 

Although the loss leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth the was a personal battle won today. Cranx’s famed veteran Matty Richards scored a goal for the Cranx late in the game shattering the many rumors that he had nothing left. After the game and celebrating (or as much celebrating as one would find after a hard loss on the road) Matt Richards was found and asked to comment. “……..(awkward silence)………Hey, where’s Johnny? Does anybody know where Johnny is?”

 

The third quarter would show some promise with many of the missing arriving and tactics changed to dilute the potent Shocker offense. “It seemed like there was way too much going on right in front of the crease. Hoffman wasn’t even getting a chance,” Says Roberts who made the decision to lock off one of Shocker’s most lethal attack. “It worked for a while but it was too little too late.” Shocker would continue to fire goals in the net despite efforts by Cherry and Sondrini to minimize the lead with some lasers of their own. By the end of the game the Cranx were out of time and ideas and left with long drive home.

 

 

Shocker           5   2   3   3   

Westfield         2   4   2   2

  

 

Scoring

Goals:    Roberts 3, Bard 2, Vantassle 2, Cherry, Richards, Sondrini

Assists:   Bard 2, Roberts 2

 

Goalie Saves

Hoffman 17

 

Dogs Stolen

Richards 0


CRANX CORNER

Thanks to those who made trip out to Somers to show support.....Cranx historians are currently checking the archives to find out when the last goal by Richards was made.....Players hope to receive courtesy tick checks from Cherry after the game against Mad Dawg..... As Award- winning columnist Buck Naeked travels to parts unknown any Questions, Comments, Concerns can be sent to Bostman25@yahoo.com or posted on the Cranx Guestbook
 
                             

 

Cranx Burn em Up

Cranx offense scorches Longmeadow, 19 to 6

by Holden McGroin
WC Times
June 27, 2007

 

(Westfield) In the dark cloud that has fallen over the Cranx a silver lining appears in the hard fought victory over the Lancers. The heat was on almost everyone’s mind yesterday with tempatures in the high 90’s. That is until the Cranx offense took to the field and set fire to Longmeadow’s defense with an impressive 19 goals to the Lancers 6. “We wanted to turn up the heat” said player/ 8th grade championship coach Ant Spagnoli, “We thrive on offense… hot, nasty, badass offense.” The win puts the Cranx at 3 wins and 2 losses.

 

With a blazing hot sun overhead the game starts with the majority of key players missing. Despite yet another depleted roster the Cranx draw first blood with a goal from Justin Bard assisted by Joe Martin. This would just set the pace and theme for the rest of the game. One of the new rising stars at midfield Craig Carpenter would find the net next with his relentless ferocity on the field. Player/coach Chris Roberts found his spot in the offensive onslaught firing one in from yet another feed from Joe Martin. Bard would ring up another goal with an assist from Matty Richards, leaving the door open for Chris Roberts to put on more in before the end of the quarter. Longmeadow could only answer back with 2 unassisted goals against the stonewall defense leaving the score at 5- 2 going into the second.

 

Amongst the missing there were faces that have not been seen as of late and were welcomed back. Hank Casagrande returned from his military obligations and flipped the switch from providing freedom to dominating attackmen. With Lancer attackmen at the mercy of the Cranx close defenders a hole was found within the midfield. Longmeadow put in three unassisted goals relying on isolations and transition but that was short lived with defensive midfielder Rich Bosari creating some friction of his own with support from rookie Ansel Garvey stepping up and filling in for missing Jim Crean. Bard would assist both Roberts and Jay Vantassle with a goal for each maintaining a 2 goal lead at the half. A fan new to the Cranx sideline would later comment on the dazzling Bard to Roberts goal, “There wasn’t a lot of goals in the second quarter but that one with the behind the back pass from Bard and Robo rippen net in the upper right corner, was awesome! It’s good to see the fans get their moneys worth.

 

Just as the Cranx flame starts to cool off Longmeadow thought that there was still chance. What they didn’t think was that Golden Bear Zach Sondrini’s dinner with his girlfriend would not go as well as he expected and he would show up at half time just after powerhouse teammate Adam Cherry. “I still don’t know how I got here before him” questions Cherry in a post game interview. With the replenished Cranx roster both offensive and defensive dials would be turned up considerably. Goals were a plenty in the third quarter from the likes of Vantassle, Roberts, Bard and Cherry. The 8 total goals for the quarter were made possible by the precise passing of many ranging from rookie midfielder Tim Gaylord to veteran Ant Spagnoli. Apparently the defense became bored with holding Longmeadow to a goose egg in the third because even long- stick midfielder Rich Bosari would see some offense feeding Bard for a goal and would start off the forth quarter with a goal of his own.
 
With a goal from one of Westfield’s top defenders to start the forth quarter Longmeadow would only fall further behind. Adam Cherry would blast his third and forth goals in for the game and Vantassle would add one more to the total. The Lancers would only score one more goal in the game and the Cranx will walk away with the sweet taste of victory. “We looked strong out there” says Defenseman Chris Paige “but the real test is Thursday. It is not going to be this easy, we’re on the road and Shocker is a tough team. We should learn a lot about where we stand this week.” There has been much talk about the absence of team captain John Funaro and what the missing leadership will do to the 3- 2 Cranx. Player/coach Chris Roberts comments, “We could use Johnny at Shocker. Not so much for his physical abilities, cause ya know, he’s old and all that. More for his what he knows. His kind of wisdom would be really valuable on the field. If I wasn’t going to be there I might be a little worried.”

 


Westfield                5   2   8   4   

Longmeadow         2   3   0   1   

  

 

Scoring

Goals:    Vantassle 5, Bard 4, Cherry 4, Roberts 4, Bosari, Carpenter

Assists:   Bard 4, Martin 2, Roberts 2, Bosari, Gaylord, Richards, Sondrini, Spagnoli

 

Goalie Saves

Hoffman 12

Dietert     1


CRANX CORNER

With the sun being almost as hot as the Cranx players themselves an impressive 37 fans came to support the team.....We welcome Hank Casagrande back to the team and thank him for all that he does.....An award will be given to Craig Carpenter for getting a girls phone number at the westwood while wearing a sleeveless T..... As Award- winning columnist Buck Naeked travels to parts unknown any Questions, Comments, Concerns can be sent to Bostman25@yahoo.com or posted on the Cranx Guestbook

 
                        

 

Cranx Implode
Somers weathers storm; win 12-11 in OT
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 21, 2007
 
(Westfield)  Dark days have fallen on the Westfield Cranx all of a sudden.  And it has nothing to do with the weather.  The changing and unsettled climate conditions during Thursday night's game seemed to parallel the play of the Cranxmen, and that's not a good thing.  The Cranx lost their second straight game, falling miserably to Somers in overtime, 12-11.  The loss brings the Cranx early season record to 2-2.  Unlike their hard-fought, heartbreaking loss Tuesday to Wilbraham, this loss was a long way away from being tolerable.  "Just an awful display" said player/coach Chris Roberts.  "There's nothing more to say than that.  Just awful."
    
     It all started under impending stormy conditions.  Under sunny skies, Westfield's Joe "Panther" Martin bounced in an outside shot to begin the scoring, which was next followed by a tally by Roberts off an assist by Adam Cherry.  As the sky turned dark and steady rain came down, the Cranx appeared to thrive under the conditions, scoring three straight goals into the second quarter.  The Roberts/Cherry connection struck again, then it was Justin Bard scoring off a nice assist from Andy Liptak, making the score 4-1 after one quarter.  Cherry found Bard for his second goal of the game, followed by a tally by Jay Vantassel, giving the Cranx a lead of 6-1 in the second quarter.  Somers scored late in the period, before play was suspended several minutes due to lightning.  Waiting out the stormy conditions, halftime came with Westfield up 6-2 and seemingly in control of the game...that was until, the weather conditions improved.
 
     As a magnificent raindow shown over the backdrop of the playing field, and the rain ended, the Cranx control of the game ended as well.  Starting the third quarter, Somers play was revived, and Westfield's play suddenly lacked a pulse.  Somers rallied for five straight goals while Westfield made mistake after costly mistake.  Just like that, Team Cranx went from being up by four goals to losing by a 7-6 count. 
     "After that stupid rainbow came out, it seemed we just lost our intensity" said Matt Richards.  "Something about a rainbow kind of emasculates you" the midfielder said.  "That's bull****" said Roberts, responding to Richards' comments.  "We just sucked.  Bottom line, we just sucked."  Whether the weather gods had an impact on the Cranx intensity or not, there was no doubt that their play was dreadful.
     Cherry put a band-aid on the Somers onslaught with an unassisted goal tying the game at 7-7, followed by Bard's third goal of the game, matched quickly by another goal by the visitors, ending the third quarter at 8-8.
     
     Poor passing, dropped balls, and missed ground balls continued in the final quarter, as the two teams fought to an even draw, each scoring three times.  Tim Gaylord, Craig Carpenter, and Cherry tallied for Westfield, Cherry's goal tying up the game at 11-11 with 2:05 remaining.  The Cranx had two grand chances to break the tie, however had to settle for an overtime period.
     Starting with possession and a man-up situation in overtime, the Cranxmen could not capitalize.  And as par for the course the entire second half, missed opportunities and mistakes led to a Somers game-winning goal 1:50 into sudden-death.
    
     "We didn't deserve this game"  said Cherry.  "Somers just kicked our asses because this team thinks it can just cruise along and win games.  Obviously, we can't."  Cherry's harsh criticism didn't stop there.  Angered by the absence of the Cranx top midfielder, and his teammate at WNEC, Cherry spoke about Zack Sondrini:  "It's ridiculous he wasn't here tonight, there's absolutely no excuse for that.  Obviously, his priorities lie elsewhere, and that's just not acceptable.  That's not what being a Crank is all about."  Unwilling to go on record, many other Crank members voiced their disappointment with Sondrini's no-show as well.  But again, the Cranx didn't need Sondrini to win this game.  What they needed was the lightning bolt drive and tenacity they had early on to continue for four quarters.  That didn't happen.  Instead, the rainbow-like feel good approach they played with in the second half cost them the game.      
 
Somers         1   1   6   3   1
Westfield      4   2   2   3   0
 
Scoring
Goals:     Bard 3, Cherry 2, Roberts 2, Martin, Vantassel, Gaylord, Carpenter
Assists:   Cherry 3, Martin, Liptak, Gaylord
 
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 10

CRANX CORNER
Despite the harsh weather, a continued loyal fanbase of approximately 35 attended the game..... Defenseman Hank Casagrande has finished his summer military commitment at Fort Devin and should be back in action for the Cranx next game..... Kudos goes out to new Cranxfan Crista, for being able to hang with Team Testosterone at the Westwood..... Award winning Cranx columnist, Buck Naeked, will be on vacation for two weeks.  A worthy replacement is being sought among dozens of applicants..... Photos from the night can be found in the Photo Albums section..... Newly posted photos of current & alumni Crank members taken at Will Pierce's wedding is in the Classic Cranx photo album.  
 
                                         
 
Cranx D gets spanked.
Wilbraham beats Cranx 13-12
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 19, 2007
 
     (Westfield) The start of the 2007 season has shown that the Westfield Cranx are capable of putting the ball in the net.  With the combined score of 28-6 in their first two wins, the Cranx appeared equally able in keeping the ball out of the net.  That was until they met a potent offensive Wilbraham team Tuesday night.  Wilbraham player and Umass attackman Tim Balise was terrific, pumping in six goals to lead the visitors to a 13-12 win over Team Cranx.
     "They had some good offensive weapons, and some really hard shooters" said player/coach Chris Roberts.  "Our first two games weren't good preparation for the strong offense they had".  
 
     The game was close from start to finish, with six ties and four lead changes, but it was a Wilbraham goal making the score 13-11 with 4:25 remaining in the game that ended up being the game winner.  A goal by Adam Cherry one minute later brought the Cranx within one, but Wilbraham was able to control possession the rest of the way to secure the win.  "We did a decent job offensively" said Roberts. "But they dominated time of possession.  It made it tough on our defense.  (Goalie Matt) Hoffman made some great saves, but he saw too much action."  
 
     The game was highlighted by a Brady vs. Manning type performance courtesy of Cherry and Balise.  The two attackmen each dominated on the offensive end, with Cherry's seven goals surpassing Balise's total by one.  Unable however to regain possession late in the fourth quarter to give Cherry one last chance to knot up the game, the total that mattered most was the final 13-12 score.
    
     Balise started the game off with an unassisted tally, followed by, of course, one by Cherry.  Two more goals by Cherry, (one assisted by LSM Rich Borsari), closed out the first quarter with the Cranx ahead 3-2.  In the second quarter, Zack Sondrini found the net and Joe "Panther" Martin pinpointed an assist for Cherry's fourth goal.  But the quarter belonged to Wilbraham, as they scored four goals to take a 6-5 lead into halftime.
     "It was a dogfight" said defenseman Mike Burque.  "We knew at halftime that we had very little room for error the rest of the way."  Indeed.  With the stick skills of the attack and midfield positions of Wilbraham, the visitors were able to rack up four third quarter goals to Westfield's three.  Cherry and Roberts tallied, and Justin Bard, seeing limited action at attack due to a hamstring injury, finished off an assist from Roberts.  After three, Wilbraham was up 10-8. 
 
     It looked good in the fourth.  Two unanswered goals by Jay Vantassle and Cherry tied up the game 10-10.  Both goals came off beautiful assists by Borsari and Roberts, respectively.  A rocket-shot goal by longpole Jared Pabis put Wilbraham up 11-10.  Next, Anthony Spagnoli found Roberts, who tucked in a goal to tie it at 11-11.  At 13-11, Cherry's seventh goal at 3:25 and the game's last goal would leave the Cranx just short of their third win. 
    
     "This was a great test for us" said Roberts.  "Wilbraham's a top team in the league.  They'll be there in the end, like us, fighting for the league title.  We just came up a hair short today."  Despite the loss, close defenders Chris Paige, Geoff Moore, Todd Young, and Burque played well, just not well enough.  "We now know how much better we need to play to compete" said Paige.  "We'll get better." With the win, Wilbraham (3-0) has beaten Springfield Tastee Treat, Shocker, and the Cranx each by one goal.  Westfield (2-1) hopes to rebound Thursday against Somers at Westfield High School.
 
Wilbraham      2   4   4   3
Westfield         3   2   3   4
 
Scoring
Goals:      Cherry 7, Roberts 2, Sondrini, Bard, Vantassle
Assists:     Borsari 2, Roberts 2, Martin, Spagnoli
 
Goalie Saves
Hoffman:  11
 
CRANX CORNER
No penalties were called in the game..... Hometown refs Joe Nassar and Jim Warner appear to have anti-hometown bias..... This was the first time Wilbraham has beaten Westfield since joining the league in 1992..... Johnny Fun coached Balise at Minnechaug Regional High School..... Several WNEC players play for Wilbraham and have unsuccessfully tried to procure Sondrini & Cherry.....  A season high estimated crowd of 52 attended the game..... WHS coach and Cranx alum Mark Cavallon was in attendance..... Sitting out this season, Crank Nick Bonavita was on the Cranx sideline..... Congratulations to the Westfield 8th Grade Team who recently won their league championship - They were guided by head coach Anthony Spagnoli and assistants Matty Richards & Burkee..... The Cranx extend well wishes to Sondrini's girlfriend, Jen, who broke her foot on a keg of beer Tuesday (??)    
 
                                
              
Depleted roster? Deplete this!
Cranx roll past Northampton 12-3
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 14, 2007
 
      (Westfield)  "Where's Waldo?" is an often asked question among many children of the world whose parents have bought into the ridiculousness of the popular best-selling books.  Instead of Waldo, the questions asked during Thursday night's Westfield Cranx game were "Where's Richards?....Where's Burque?....Where's Casagrande?....Where's Funaro?....Where's Bard?...."  With a roster short of ten Cranx players, the pre-game talk was one of concern and of strategy.  Player/Coach Chris Roberts voiced his concerns about whether the team would be able to compete against Northampton.
    
     "We knew before the game that we'd be short guys.  We talked about ball possession, slowing things down, keeping control of the game" said Roberts.  Once the game started, though, any pre-game worries were squashed like a bug trying to invade upon your watermelon at a picnic.  The Cranx defense picked up where it left off from the first game's stellar performance, Matt Hoffman was awesome in goal, and the Golden Bear Brothers led a solid offensive onslaught.  The result: a dominating 12-3 victory.
     "If our offense can get to double-digits, our defense will take care of the rest." said defenseman Chris Paige.  A bold and confident statement considering that Paige, Geoff Moore, and Justin Bost played the entire game at defense without the luxury of substitutes.  But that's exactly what the trio did, giving few chances to the Northampton attackmen to put the ball into the net.  Add to that14 saves by Hoffman, several nothing short of spectacular, and the Cranxmen will be tough to beat every night this season.
 
     Westfield's Justin Bard turned a full field clear into an unassisted goal three minutes into the game to begin the scoring, but the good came at a bad price.  He came down with a hamstring injury on the play, which sidelined him for the rest of the game.  With attackman John Funaro already out with a knee injury, four WHS Bombers attending their sports banquet along with coach Paul Fenwick, Hank Casagrande away fulfilling military obligations, and Mike Burque, Matt Richards, and Anthony Spagnoli coaching their Westfield Youth League team, the patched up Cranx lineup needed someone to emerge as an offensive cannon.  And with Adam Cherry (6 goals) firing his typical cannonballs into the net, it seemed only fitting that his WNEC teammate fired a few of his own. 
     Zack Sondrini, apparently inspired by his #1 female fan watching on the sideline pumped in three goals, and twice assisted his Golden Bear comrade.  After a subpar performance in the first game, Sondrini came to play this game.  "Jen (Sondrini's girlfriend) didn't get to see me score much at WNEC, just because I'm not a real good goal-scorer.  But I wanted her to see that I am capable, that it's not just all about Cherry."
 
     Sondrini scored twice in the first quarter, Cherry once, and after one it was Westfield on top 4-1.  The Westfield defense held Hamp scoreless in the second, while Cherry and Joe "Panther" Martin tallied, making the halftime score 6-1.  Hamp would score the first two goals in the third quarter, making it 6-3, but that was the closest they would get, as the Cranxmen would score the game's last six goals. 
     Unable to catch several of his teammates passes all night, Jay Vantassle was able to snag an outlet pass from the Northampton goalie and put it in the back of the net.  Later Roberts would feed Cherry for his third goal of the game to close out the third quarter 8-3.  Cherry would next score three straight in the fourth, assisted by Craig Carpenter and twice by Sondrini, respectively, and then be promptly benched.  "I knew it" Cherry said coming to the sideline with a smile on his face, after making the score 11-3.  Funaro, acting as sideline coach, had seen enough of the All-American for one night.  Sondrini would close out the scoring on a pass from Roberts.
 
     Now at 2-0, and with tough upcoming opponents in Wilbraham and Somers next week, the Cranx seem poised to continue their dominating play, especially with a replemished roster.  Funaro will likely be out of action until the ninth game of the season, but Bard promises a quick recovery.  "I'll be back for Tuesday" he said.  "I'll take time off of work to rest, get some steroids from (Jim) Crean's supply, and I'll be ready."  Whether depleted, or at full strength, all signs look good enough for a championship caliber season for the Cranx.  Solid defense, awesome goaltending, capable scoring power, depth, young legs.... Stay tuned...good things should come. 
 
Northampton      1   0   2   0
Westfield            4   2   2   4
 
Scoring
Goals:      Cherry 6, Sondrini 3, Bard, Martin, Vantassle
Assists:    Roberts 3, Sondrini 2, Carpenter
 
Saves
Hoffman:  14
 
CRANX CORNER
Team Cranx gathered to celebrate the start of the home season at the Westwood with good attendance..... Spags, Richards, and Burkee bragged all night about their coaching playoff win..... After deserved praise for his play on the field, Sondrini lost some respect by no-showing, and for keeping his hot girlfriend away from the team..... The sacrifice & dedication award of the night goes to Anthony Dimaio for cutting summer class at WSC in order to make the game..... Thanks to Mr. Moore for once again scorekeeping during the game..... A nice estimated crowd of 43 attended the home opener, including Cranx alumni Dave Metcalf, Mike Balch, and Kevin Clarke..... Thanks and kudos to Katelyn for snapping game photos and for being able to hang with the overload of testosterone at the Westwood..... Photos from the night are in the Photo Albums section of the site.
 
                                
         
Cranx rout Franklin County 16-3
Defense tenacious in season opener
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 12, 2007
 
     (Deerfield) The Westfield Cranx lacrosse season has finally begun...and with a bang.  Ten months after a 10-5 record in 2006 which saw the Cranx lose their fourth straight Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League semifinal game, the wait is over.  And if their first game is any indication, Team Cranx appears ready and able to break that semifinal streak and extend their season one more game to the PVLL championship. 
     "That's our goal" said player/coach Chris Roberts.  "It always is, but I think our increased talent and depth is better than it's ever been.  We're optimistic." 
 
     The Cranx visited Franklin County (FCLC), and after a sluggish start, easily handled their opponent 16-3.  "Defense was our strong suit today" said Roberts.  "We scored a lot, but it was our D that shined the most."  After FCLC opened the game with two quick goals for a 2-0 lead minutes into the first quarter, Westfield's defense was relentless the rest of the game, allowing just nine shots on cage and one goal the remaining 3-plus quarters.  Chris Paige, Geoff Moore, Mike Burque, and Justin Bost suffocated the Franklin attackmen, while LSM's Rich Borsari and Todd Young manhandled the midfielders.  "Not just our longpoles, but our shorties played great D too.  Hopefully it'll continue all season."  Roberts had questioned whether the team's defense was substandard during spring training, something he's still cautious about: "One game is only one game, and we've got tough opponents ahead of us.  It's a good start though".
 
     After the 2-0 deficit, WNEC's All-American Adam Cherry (3 goals 2 assists) scored three of the Cranx five first quarter goals, and Justin Bard (4 goals 1 assist) scored three of his game high four goals in the first half, as Westfield cruised to a 10-2 halftime lead.  Bard's third quarter tally was the only Cranx goal in the period and put Westfield up 11-3.  A 5-0 blitz in the fourth completed the 16-3 victory.
     Jay Vantassle connected for a hat trick while Roberts had two goals and one assist.  John Funaro (3 assists), Craig Carpenter, Zack Sondrini, and Matt Hoffman each added singletons.
 
     The Cranx play Northampton Thursday in their home opener at Westfield High School @ 6:15pm. 
 
Westfield   5   5   1   5
Franklin     2   0   1   0
 
Scoring
Goals:      Bard 4, Cherry 3, Vantassle 3, Roberts 2, Funaro, Carpenter, Sondrini, Hoffman
Assists:    Funaro 3, Cherry 2, Roberts, Bard

Goalie Saves
Hoffman 6,  Dietert 2
 
 CRANX CORNER 
Superfans Mr./Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Cherry were back again on the sidelines for the game (each thinking their son is the best player on the field, no doubt).....Even though Anthony Spagnoli could not make the game, he still is tied with Matty Richards in goals scored.....If you haven't seen Joe "Panther" Martin's must-see wrestling highlight clip yet, copy & paste: video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7485364448155845937 .....There are substantiated rumors that Sondrini's supersexy galpal, Jen, will be in attendance Thursday night  .....Johnny Fun has been put on the disabled list due to a knee injury.....The Cranx home game Thursday is their first home game played at WHS since 1997.
 
                             
 
 
 
 
      2007 Westfield Cranx Roster
No.         Player                     Position   Year 
1            Nick Bonavita              M           6
4            Matt Hoffman*            G            8
5            Matt Richards              M           10
6            Chris Strycharz            M           10
7            Rich Borsari               LSM         3
8            Craig Carpenter           M           2
9            John Funaro*               A           23
10          Mike Burque*               D           11
14          Anthony Dimaio           A            2
14          Kevin Clark                   M           7
16          Chris Roberts*             A           21
17          Anthony Spagnoli        M            8
18          Adam Cherry                A            6
21          Justin Bard                  M            3
24          Geoff Moore                 D            8
25          Ansel Garvey                D            R
27          Joe Martin                    M           R
26          Dave Metcalf                D            7
28          Paul Fenwick                A            7
29          Chris Paige                   D            9
31          Zach Sondrini               M           3
35          Jay Vantassel               A            3
36          Hank Casagrande         D            5
38          Justin Bost                   D            2
43          Jeff Baillargeon            M           2
46          Jim Crean                   LSM          4
47          Ryan Dietert                 G            R 
49          Todd Young                  D            R
With the 2007 season upon us, Player-Coach Chris Roberts sat down for an exclusive interview with the Westfield Cranx Times:
 
Tell us, Coach Roberts, any predictions for the upcoming season?  Well it's hard to say, because the league has strengthened this season.  There are probably six or seven teams that will be extremely competitive, compared to three or four in recent years. 
It's usually been  Shocker and Glastonbury playing for the PVLL championship the last few years, and Westfield typically just behind them.  Can the Cranx compete for a championship this year?  We're always competitive.  I think we have enough talent, it's more a matter of whether we have enough heart.  Sometimes, that counts just as much as talent: heart and the will to win.  Also, whether or not our supportive cast can contribute - that's key for us.  So, yeah, I think we have a pretty good shot.
The WNEC Brothers, Adam Cherry and Zach Sondrini, are they the keys to your offensive production?  Moreso Cherry than Sondrini.  We know Cherry is a scoring machine, and we expect him to be.  After him, though, there's a big question mark at our attack position. 
Talk about the rest of the offense.  We have about four or five guys that can score, it's not all Cherry.  We have a good mix of younger and seasoned players, come really good complementary players.  I think we should be able to put up some pretty good numbers.  It's our defense I'm concerned about.
Would you consider your defense weak?  Well, not weak, but it's not a big strength either.  I mean, (Chris) Paige has become a weak link for us, and he may not get as much playing time as he thinks he should, and he'll whine about that.  He may play the "I'm a veteran" card and try to bully playing time, but I won't have it.  He used to be terrific, but he's slipped a bit.  Our worst part at defense, I think, is our transition game.  We really lack guys who can clear the ball well or start fastbreaks.  Hopefully (Sacred Heart rookie aka bizzario Pige) Todd Young will help us.  But seriously, we thought we were losing Paige to a job in Manhattan, then he told me he was going to be around til mid summer. It would have hurt to lose Paige, he is possibly our best one-on-one defender and clearer.
All-Leaguer Matt Hoffman is back as your veteran goaltender.  How important is he to the team?  He's a dime-a-dozen...a dime-a-dozen...easily replaceable (laughs).  No, Hoff is a top-notch goalie.  Definitely the backbone of our team.
So, even though he's been playing attack in practice, he's still your goalie?  Hoff's an All-Star, he can do whatever he wants.
What would you consider the strengths and weaknesses of your team?  Hopefully our heart and determination will be our strength.  Weaknesses?  I guess that would be consistency.  We'll typically play a half here, a half there.  We have trouble putting together two good halfs.  And we need to stick with fundamentals more, which we don't always do.
It seems like a Cranx player is a very distinct breed.  When you recruit players, is it more than just talent that you look for, are there other things?  Definitely.  I've always wanted teammates, not just players playing on the team.  It's important we have guys that are commited to good times, to being a part of the Cranx brotherhood.
Is that why guys like Matty Richards and Spagnoli are on the team?  Yeah, no doubt.  It sure as hell isn't because of their scoring ability.  They're what Cranx Nation is all about, man!
For the past twenty years, you've been everything Cranx: a player, a coach, team organizer, team sponsor.  What would say are the biggest changes or differences between Cranx Nation now compared to the early years?  Well, the talent pool is much better without a doubt.  Not just with our team, but the whole league.  Players are just better now--there are more players competing.  The biggest disappointment would have to be, that now, the younger players don't bring any hot chicks to the games or to our parties.  There was never a shortage of females around when I was young and single.
To what do you attribute that?  I don't know...what are you implying, a John Ameachi/Greg Louganis-type generation?  I couldn't tell you.  Whatever the reason, it's very discouraging.
On a personal level, how does your wonderful wife, Michelle, put up with all the time you devote to lacrosse?  She's great about it.  She realizes that playing and working go hand-in-hand, that it helps out business-wise.  Networking is key with the whole thing, so she's cool with it.
Let's do some player word-association.  Okay?
Burkee:  Injury-prone
Paige:  Not living large
Fenwick:  Incredibly dedicated
Moore:  Solid teammate
Bost:  Wall in the passing lane
Funaro:  Pain in the ass with equipment
Spagnoli:  Faceoff genius
Richards:  Gets hit more than he should
Hoffman:  Backbone
Cherry:  Ham
Sondrini:  Cheese
Sondrini's Girlfriend:  Single in the summer
Okay, good luck this season.  Any last thoughts?  Yeah - We're in it to win it.
Didn't you use that mantra last year...unsuccessfully?  (Bleep)-you!
 
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