2009 Game Articles
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Cranx Fall In PVLL Semifinal
Tastee Treat tops Westfield 9-8
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 28, 2009
(Somers. CT) The Westfield Cranx proved that their 20-2 regular season loss to Springfield Tastee Treat was a fluke of circumstance. Unfortunately, the Cranx came up just shy of turning that fluke into a trip to the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League championship. #2 seeded Springfield defeated #6 seeded Westfield in the PVLL semifinal game Tuesday night by the score of 9-8, ending the 2009 season for Team Cranx with a 10-5 record.
"We had a great season this year" said player/coach Chris Roberts. "This game went right down to the final minutes and we just got some bad breaks. It's disappointing, but we can hang our hats on the fact that we had quite a successful season."
In a game where solid defense and goaltending dictated play from both sides, Springfield opened up the scoring in the first, going ahead 2-0 midway through the opening quarter. Roberts tallied with 6:10 to play, which was followed by a redirected Tim Boersig goal to tie up the game at 2-2. Goalie Matt Hoffman turned away six shots in the quarter, and the first period ended in the tied score.
Tastee Treat scored first in the second quarter before Adam Cherry (pictured) found his way to the cage and fired one into the net, making it 3-3. Tastee Treat responded with two tallies to go up 5-3, and with 3:10 left in the quarter, a Tajh Russell goal made it 5-4, where it stood going into halftime.
"It was a rough, but clean game" said Roberts. "Our defense was doing a really good job, and overall it was a dogfight. Our type of game." Only three penalties were called the entire game, and action was hard and tense. What was cause for concern however, was a pulled hamstring that defenseman Nick Allegretti suffered in the first quarter, causing him to miss the rest of the game. But Nick McMahon and Mike Burque replaced Allegretti and played well, minimizing the loss of the defensive standout with the golden dome.
Chris Carpenter opened up the scoring in the second half on a sweep to the goal and a highlight behind-the-back finish to tie up the game once again at 5-5. But Springfield would score right back in their next possession to regain the lead 6-5. Defensive stops again dominated for most of the rest of the quarter, until a penalty put Westfield in an extra man situation. Roberts promptly deposited a goal off a John Funaro assist, tying the game for a fourth time at 6-6. For the fourth time Tastee Treat untied the game a few minutes later, and heading into the fourth quarter, it was Tastee Treat ahead 7-6.
"Every time we were right there on the doorstep, it seemed we just always got pushed off" said Rich Borsari. "We were always a shot, or a loose ball, or a face off away from taking the lead, but we just could never get that lucky break."
It was the unlucky breaks in the final quarter that seemed all too prevalent for Team Cranx. Tastee Treat scored early on to go up 8-6, and a defensive stalemate played out for several minutes afterward, with Hoffman (19 saves) making save after save. At the nine minute mark, Hoffman found Anthony Dimaio on a clearing pass, who carried the ball from end to end. Without stopping, Dimaio turned the clear into a slowbreak, taking his defenseman behind the cage before drawing and dishing a nice assist to Roberts, who made the score 8-7. Westfield's next face off and possession went to Team Cranx, and Roberts scored his fourth goal of the game off an assist from Russell, to tie the game again, at 8-8.
But unfortunately once again, Westfield's banging on the door would go unanswered. Joe Martin started a fastbreak off a face-off win and fed Cherry, who rocketed a shot--never seen by the Springfield goalie--off the inside pipe. Tastee Treat's next possession ended in a goal of their own, changing the tempo and the score, and giving the home team a 9-8 lead with 5:20 to play.
With plenty of time to tie the game again, Westfield would never get the chance. Tastee Treat took the face-off, and did an excellent job playing keep away for several minutes, attempting to run out as much of the clock as they could. With 2:25 to play, an opponent leveled Cranxman Joe Lancour from behind in an attempt at an errant pass. As Westfield prepared to take over possession after the blatant push on Lancour, no whistle was blown. None of the three officials made the obvious call, and instead Tastee Treat regained possession and ended up running out the clock to the end. Team Cranx would not get the chance to tie up the game a sixth time.
"It was a terrible way to end a great season" said Lancour afterward, showing the lasting mark of the opponent player's knee reddened on his back. "We could've still had a chance, we had plenty of time left." And with Westfield's comeback overtime win five nights earlier against Glastonbury still fresh in their minds, Team Cranx had the confidence they could do it again this night. But that last chance at the attempt just never came. "One call doesn't make a game" said an infuriated Roberts, "But it can go far at ending a season. This is not the way you want it to end."
In the other semifinal matchup, #4 seed Wilbraham beat #1 seed Rip It 14-11. The championship game between Wilbraham and Springfield Tastee Treat will take place Thursday at Fire House Field.
"We have to look back at this season as a whole" said Hoffman. "We were much improved from last year, and making it to the semifinals, one goal away from the finals, that's pretty good."
Pretty good indeed. As for what's in store for the Cranx in 2010, we'll start to find that out in approximately 304 days. Mark your calender.
"We had a great season this year" said player/coach Chris Roberts. "This game went right down to the final minutes and we just got some bad breaks. It's disappointing, but we can hang our hats on the fact that we had quite a successful season."
In a game where solid defense and goaltending dictated play from both sides, Springfield opened up the scoring in the first, going ahead 2-0 midway through the opening quarter. Roberts tallied with 6:10 to play, which was followed by a redirected Tim Boersig goal to tie up the game at 2-2. Goalie Matt Hoffman turned away six shots in the quarter, and the first period ended in the tied score.
Tastee Treat scored first in the second quarter before Adam Cherry (pictured) found his way to the cage and fired one into the net, making it 3-3. Tastee Treat responded with two tallies to go up 5-3, and with 3:10 left in the quarter, a Tajh Russell goal made it 5-4, where it stood going into halftime.
"It was a rough, but clean game" said Roberts. "Our defense was doing a really good job, and overall it was a dogfight. Our type of game." Only three penalties were called the entire game, and action was hard and tense. What was cause for concern however, was a pulled hamstring that defenseman Nick Allegretti suffered in the first quarter, causing him to miss the rest of the game. But Nick McMahon and Mike Burque replaced Allegretti and played well, minimizing the loss of the defensive standout with the golden dome.
Chris Carpenter opened up the scoring in the second half on a sweep to the goal and a highlight behind-the-back finish to tie up the game once again at 5-5. But Springfield would score right back in their next possession to regain the lead 6-5. Defensive stops again dominated for most of the rest of the quarter, until a penalty put Westfield in an extra man situation. Roberts promptly deposited a goal off a John Funaro assist, tying the game for a fourth time at 6-6. For the fourth time Tastee Treat untied the game a few minutes later, and heading into the fourth quarter, it was Tastee Treat ahead 7-6.
"Every time we were right there on the doorstep, it seemed we just always got pushed off" said Rich Borsari. "We were always a shot, or a loose ball, or a face off away from taking the lead, but we just could never get that lucky break."
It was the unlucky breaks in the final quarter that seemed all too prevalent for Team Cranx. Tastee Treat scored early on to go up 8-6, and a defensive stalemate played out for several minutes afterward, with Hoffman (19 saves) making save after save. At the nine minute mark, Hoffman found Anthony Dimaio on a clearing pass, who carried the ball from end to end. Without stopping, Dimaio turned the clear into a slowbreak, taking his defenseman behind the cage before drawing and dishing a nice assist to Roberts, who made the score 8-7. Westfield's next face off and possession went to Team Cranx, and Roberts scored his fourth goal of the game off an assist from Russell, to tie the game again, at 8-8.
But unfortunately once again, Westfield's banging on the door would go unanswered. Joe Martin started a fastbreak off a face-off win and fed Cherry, who rocketed a shot--never seen by the Springfield goalie--off the inside pipe. Tastee Treat's next possession ended in a goal of their own, changing the tempo and the score, and giving the home team a 9-8 lead with 5:20 to play.
With plenty of time to tie the game again, Westfield would never get the chance. Tastee Treat took the face-off, and did an excellent job playing keep away for several minutes, attempting to run out as much of the clock as they could. With 2:25 to play, an opponent leveled Cranxman Joe Lancour from behind in an attempt at an errant pass. As Westfield prepared to take over possession after the blatant push on Lancour, no whistle was blown. None of the three officials made the obvious call, and instead Tastee Treat regained possession and ended up running out the clock to the end. Team Cranx would not get the chance to tie up the game a sixth time.
"It was a terrible way to end a great season" said Lancour afterward, showing the lasting mark of the opponent player's knee reddened on his back. "We could've still had a chance, we had plenty of time left." And with Westfield's comeback overtime win five nights earlier against Glastonbury still fresh in their minds, Team Cranx had the confidence they could do it again this night. But that last chance at the attempt just never came. "One call doesn't make a game" said an infuriated Roberts, "But it can go far at ending a season. This is not the way you want it to end."
In the other semifinal matchup, #4 seed Wilbraham beat #1 seed Rip It 14-11. The championship game between Wilbraham and Springfield Tastee Treat will take place Thursday at Fire House Field.
"We have to look back at this season as a whole" said Hoffman. "We were much improved from last year, and making it to the semifinals, one goal away from the finals, that's pretty good."
Pretty good indeed. As for what's in store for the Cranx in 2010, we'll start to find that out in approximately 304 days. Mark your calender.
Westfield 2 2 2 2
Springfield 2 3 2 2
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Roberts 4, Boersig, Cherry, Russell, Carpenter
Assists: Russell 2, Funaro, Dimaio
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 19
CRANX CORNER
Cranxman Justin Bard was on the sideline with his team..... Team Cranx once again populated Chicago Sam's after the game. Joe Lancour was giving a sippy cup for his beer after he spilled and broke his beer glass..... Many Cranxmen are planning on attending the PVLL Final and heading to Chicago's afterward..... Photographer George Skovera was at the game again, shooting pics for The Reminder. The picture of Adam Cherry here is courtesy of George..... Thanks go to Dave Cherry for keeping stats all season long..... Rich Borsari will be testing out his new backyard grill on a date TBD for a Cranx party..... The 2009 Cranx/Bomber alumni game is scheduled for September 26. Further details will be posted on the website as they are finalized. Any former/current Cranx or former Bomber players who wish to play: "Join Our Email List"..... The Cranx wish Joe Nassar a speedy recovery from recent knee replacement surgery..... The Westfield Cranx would like to thank all their fans for supporting the team throughout the season..... Stay tuned to westfieldcranx.com for upcoming news and player updates all year long.
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Cranx Win Overtime Thriller 12-11
Carpenter leads Westfield to PVLL Semifinals
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 23, 2009
(Somers , CT Westfield was beaten by Glastonbury , and this year their opponent was again Glastonbury
But this year's team is a little different. A little younger. A little deeper. And a little hungrier. They also have Pete Carpenter. The rookie midfielder torched the net for five goals, including the game-winner in overtime, asWestfield
"Pete picked a good time to have a great game" said player/coach Chris Roberts. "All of his goals were pinpoint, like he was shooting against one of those goal targets, and he won."
Westfield Westfield
"We started off really well because we had good ball control and good spacing on offense" said Roberts. "Plus we minimized our mistakes and didn't force anything." But the second quarter proved to be a different script from the first.
Westfield Glastonbury (10-4) came back strong, scoring four times to Westfield
When the second half commenced, things got even worse for the Cranx. Despite several nice saves by goalie Matt Hoffman,Glastonbury continued its scoring onslaught, increasing their lead to 10-5 in the third quarter, Westfield Westfield
The Cranx scored first in the fourth, as Martin found Roberts for his second goal of the game, leavingWestfield Glastonbury Westfield Glastonbury
With 4:10 left in the game however, Cherry came through again as he so often does. His third goal of the game tied it up at 10-10. A great defensive stand led by Nick Allegretti, Rich Borsari, and midfielder Dan Balboni led to a terrific clear by the speedy Balboni. As the Cranx half field offense got set, it was Carpenter again who broke free, took a pass from Roberts, and fired home Westfield's sixth straight goal, giving Team Cranx the lead at 12-11 with 2:45 to play.
The game's next possession went to Glastonbury. Hoffman stopped Glastonbury's first shot attempt, but Westfield was unable to clear the ball, which led to the home team's next shot attempt, which tied the game at 11-11. With just over a minute to play, Team Cranx blew another golden opportunity--another man-up chance, and regulation ended in a tied game.
In the overtime, Glastonbury had the first good offensive possession, and appeared headed to the winners' circle when a Glastonbury attackman got the inside step to the goal. But Hoffman answered the call in a big way, stepping out to cut off a good shooting angle, and making a fantastic game-saving stop. Westfield cleared the ball, and on it's offensive end, Russell drew a holding penalty, giving Team Cranx another chance at a power play. This time the Cranx wouldn't waste their chance, and Carpenter would again prove his status as game MVP. With Glastonbury playing shut-off on Cherry, Westfield patiently worked the ball around the perimeter to Funaro behind the cage. Funaro passed to Carpenter who had taken Cherry's place on the wing. Carp split-dodged the oncoming defenseman, then fired a low shot past the Glastonbury goalie and into the net for the game-winner, his fifth goal on the night. And there was much rejoicing (pictured top left).
"I'm just here to help the team anyway I can" said a humble Carpenter afterward. "And the good Lord willing, if that means I'm in the position to score, then I'll try to score. Whatever it takes, offensively or defensively, I just want to win. It's also nice having Johnny Fun pat me on the back instead of yelling at me. That's a bonus."
The Cranx (10-4) will now play next Tuesday against Springfield Tastee Treat (12-2) in the PVLL semifinals again at Firehouse Field in Somers . #2 seed Tastee Treat beat #7 South Hadley 13-5 in their quarterfinal game. The Cranx were absolutely creamed by Tastee Treat in their regular season game 20-2.
In other quarterfinal action, #1 Simsbury Rip It beat #7 Newington 16-7, and #4 Wilbraham beat #5 Shocker 16-13.
"It's great to get this win" said Hoffman, who finished with 14 saves. "But we don't think we're finished. Hopefully we'll come out and play well against Tastee Treat. There's no way we can play any worse than when we played them the first time."
For Team Cranx, they survived the first round to advance to the next round. Maybe another upset is possible. We'll find out next Tuesday.
Westfield 4 0 4 3 1
Glastonbury 2 4 4 1 0
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Carpenter 5, Cherry 3, Roberts 2, Funaro, Martin
Assists: Martin 2, Cherry 2, Roberts 2, Russell 2
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 14
But this year's team is a little different. A little younger. A little deeper. And a little hungrier. They also have Pete Carpenter. The rookie midfielder torched the net for five goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as
"Pete picked a good time to have a great game" said player/coach Chris Roberts. "All of his goals were pinpoint, like he was shooting against one of those goal targets, and he won."
"We started off really well because we had good ball control and good spacing on offense" said Roberts. "Plus we minimized our mistakes and didn't force anything." But the second quarter proved to be a different script from the first.
When the second half commenced, things got even worse for the Cranx. Despite several nice saves by goalie Matt Hoffman,
The Cranx scored first in the fourth, as Martin found Roberts for his second goal of the game, leaving
With 4:10 left in the game however, Cherry came through again as he so often does. His third goal of the game tied it up at 10-10. A great defensive stand led by Nick Allegretti, Rich Borsari, and midfielder Dan Balboni led to a terrific clear by the speedy Balboni. As the Cranx half field offense got set, it was Carpenter again who broke free, took a pass from Roberts, and fired home Westfield's sixth straight goal, giving Team Cranx the lead at 12-11 with 2:45 to play.
The game's next possession went to Glastonbury. Hoffman stopped Glastonbury's first shot attempt, but Westfield was unable to clear the ball, which led to the home team's next shot attempt, which tied the game at 11-11. With just over a minute to play, Team Cranx blew another golden opportunity--another man-up chance, and regulation ended in a tied game.
In the overtime, Glastonbury had the first good offensive possession, and appeared headed to the winners' circle when a Glastonbury attackman got the inside step to the goal. But Hoffman answered the call in a big way, stepping out to cut off a good shooting angle, and making a fantastic game-saving stop. Westfield cleared the ball, and on it's offensive end, Russell drew a holding penalty, giving Team Cranx another chance at a power play. This time the Cranx wouldn't waste their chance, and Carpenter would again prove his status as game MVP. With Glastonbury playing shut-off on Cherry, Westfield patiently worked the ball around the perimeter to Funaro behind the cage. Funaro passed to Carpenter who had taken Cherry's place on the wing. Carp split-dodged the oncoming defenseman, then fired a low shot past the Glastonbury goalie and into the net for the game-winner, his fifth goal on the night. And there was much rejoicing (pictured top left).
"I'm just here to help the team anyway I can" said a humble Carpenter afterward. "And the good Lord willing, if that means I'm in the position to score, then I'll try to score. Whatever it takes, offensively or defensively, I just want to win. It's also nice having Johnny Fun pat me on the back instead of yelling at me. That's a bonus."
Matt Hoffman surveying the field
(pictures courtesy of George Skovera)
(pictures courtesy of George Skovera)
The Cranx (10-4) will now play next Tuesday against Springfield Tastee Treat (12-2) in the PVLL semifinals again at Firehouse Field in Somers . #2 seed Tastee Treat beat #7 South Hadley 13-5 in their quarterfinal game. The Cranx were absolutely creamed by Tastee Treat in their regular season game 20-2.
In other quarterfinal action, #1 Simsbury Rip It beat #7 Newington 16-7, and #4 Wilbraham beat #5 Shocker 16-13.
"It's great to get this win" said Hoffman, who finished with 14 saves. "But we don't think we're finished. Hopefully we'll come out and play well against Tastee Treat. There's no way we can play any worse than when we played them the first time."
For Team Cranx, they survived the first round to advance to the next round. Maybe another upset is possible. We'll find out next Tuesday.
Westfield 4 0 4 3 1
Glastonbury 2 4 4 1 0
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Carpenter 5, Cherry 3, Roberts 2, Funaro, Martin
Assists: Martin 2, Cherry 2, Roberts 2, Russell 2
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 14
CRANX CORNER
Cranx alumni Kevin Clark and Mark Cavallon made the trip to the game..... Many of Team Cranx celebrated at Chicago Sam's afterward..... Cranx fan and RN Crista served as an informative educator to team members, fielding many questions on a variety of subjects..... Photographer George Skovera shot the game for The Reminder newspaper. The two pictures posted here are courtesy of George. Additional photos are scheduled to be printed in the August 5 Westfield/Agawam edition of The Reminder..... The 2009 Cranx/Bomber alumni game will take place September 26. Further details will be forthcoming.
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Cranx Photos by George Skovera (below)
In the August 5th issue of The Reminder. The link to the pics online are in the menu.
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Simsbury Rip It beats Cranx 12-7
Westfield seeded #6 in PVLL playoffs
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 21, 2009
(Simsbury) The Westfield Cranx were shooting for an upset win and a subsequent #3 playoff seed when they travelled to Simsbury Tuesday night. Instead, a 12-7 loss to Rip It left the Cranx seeded #6 when the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League playoffs begin on Thursday night, and an opening round matchup at #3 seed Glastonbury. Westfield (9-4) beat Glastonbury (10-3) earlier in their regular season matchup by the score of 11-4.
Against Rip It (12-1), Team Cranx played a competitive first half against the first place and #1 seeded team, but the big difference in the game was the time of possession. Simsbury had most of it by a considerable margin. That put a lot of pressure on the Westfield defense, and in turn caused Westfield to rush a bit too much at the offensive end when gaining possession. Goalie Matt Hoffman faced a barrage of shots, and played well, making 20 saves. The Cranx had much fewer opportunities to score, but didn't help their own cause with some below average shooting.
John Funaro opened the game's scoring off a nice feed from Joe Lancour. Next, Jeff Baillargeon found Chris Roberts for a goal giving the Cranx a 2-0 lead five minutes into the game. But Rip It would answer with two goals of their own in the first quarter to tie it at 2-2 heading into the second period.
Simsbury scored first 3:10 into the second quarter to go on top, but another Roberts goal, this time off an assist by Joe Martin, tied the game back up a minute later at 3-3. Another broken tie by Simsbury was answered by an isolation move and goal by Cranxman Nick Shraft, knotting the game at 4-4. Rip It then settled into their slowed down, possession game, which started to pay off midway through the quarter. They scored twice more to give themselves a 6-4 lead. Cranx midfielder Tajh Russell tallied later to send the game into halftime with the home team on top 6-5.
"We were in pretty good shape at that point" said Roberts. "Especially seeing how some guys can't seem to read a map, or a schedule correctly." Roberts was referring to the fact that six Cranxmen drove to Somers for the game instead of knowing that it was to be played in Simsbury. Down one to the best team in the league was not a bad position to be in. The biggest dilemma was whether Team Cranx could gain and keep possession in their own end instead of allowing Rip It to continue its second quarter advantage in that capacity. "Unfortunately it didn't get any better in the second half. They did a very good job winning face-offs and playing smart ball control. And conversely, we didn't" said Roberts.
Simsbury began the second half as they ended the first, dominating time of possession. They scored three straight goals to extend their lead to 9-5. Adam Cherry, who missed most of the first half due to the aforementioned venue mistake, scored unassisted to narrow the deficit to 9-6. But another Rip It goal after several shot attempts closed out the third quarter with Simsbury out front 10-6. Cherry's second goal in the fourth quarter, and the team's second goal the entire half, closed out the scoring, and the final 12-7 result.
"It was a disapointing game, quite frustrating" said defenseman Rich Borsari. "We just couldn't get into any type of rhythm tonight. We're gonna' have to to execute much better Thursday." Westfield's game vs Glastonbury will be played at the Somers Firehouse Fields in Somers, CT.
Although the Cranx had a convincing win against Glastonbury in the regular season, there is no doubt amongst the players of the fact that that game is ancient history. "It means nothing" midfielder Ben McCarthy (pictured) said of the earlier 11-4 defeat of Glastonbury. "We played a very good game that day, plus we were at home. Plus there is one other cornchip to chew on--they spanked Rip It (11-4)."
On Thursday, the Cranx hope to win their first playoff game in three years. Their last playoff win was a quarterfinal win in 2006.
Westfield 2 3 1 1
Simsbury 2 4 4 2
Westfield Scoring
Against Rip It (12-1), Team Cranx played a competitive first half against the first place and #1 seeded team, but the big difference in the game was the time of possession. Simsbury had most of it by a considerable margin. That put a lot of pressure on the Westfield defense, and in turn caused Westfield to rush a bit too much at the offensive end when gaining possession. Goalie Matt Hoffman faced a barrage of shots, and played well, making 20 saves. The Cranx had much fewer opportunities to score, but didn't help their own cause with some below average shooting.
John Funaro opened the game's scoring off a nice feed from Joe Lancour. Next, Jeff Baillargeon found Chris Roberts for a goal giving the Cranx a 2-0 lead five minutes into the game. But Rip It would answer with two goals of their own in the first quarter to tie it at 2-2 heading into the second period.
Simsbury scored first 3:10 into the second quarter to go on top, but another Roberts goal, this time off an assist by Joe Martin, tied the game back up a minute later at 3-3. Another broken tie by Simsbury was answered by an isolation move and goal by Cranxman Nick Shraft, knotting the game at 4-4. Rip It then settled into their slowed down, possession game, which started to pay off midway through the quarter. They scored twice more to give themselves a 6-4 lead. Cranx midfielder Tajh Russell tallied later to send the game into halftime with the home team on top 6-5.
"We were in pretty good shape at that point" said Roberts. "Especially seeing how some guys can't seem to read a map, or a schedule correctly." Roberts was referring to the fact that six Cranxmen drove to Somers for the game instead of knowing that it was to be played in Simsbury. Down one to the best team in the league was not a bad position to be in. The biggest dilemma was whether Team Cranx could gain and keep possession in their own end instead of allowing Rip It to continue its second quarter advantage in that capacity. "Unfortunately it didn't get any better in the second half. They did a very good job winning face-offs and playing smart ball control. And conversely, we didn't" said Roberts.
Simsbury began the second half as they ended the first, dominating time of possession. They scored three straight goals to extend their lead to 9-5. Adam Cherry, who missed most of the first half due to the aforementioned venue mistake, scored unassisted to narrow the deficit to 9-6. But another Rip It goal after several shot attempts closed out the third quarter with Simsbury out front 10-6. Cherry's second goal in the fourth quarter, and the team's second goal the entire half, closed out the scoring, and the final 12-7 result.
"It was a disapointing game, quite frustrating" said defenseman Rich Borsari. "We just couldn't get into any type of rhythm tonight. We're gonna' have to to execute much better Thursday." Westfield's game vs Glastonbury will be played at the Somers Firehouse Fields in Somers, CT.
Although the Cranx had a convincing win against Glastonbury in the regular season, there is no doubt amongst the players of the fact that that game is ancient history. "It means nothing" midfielder Ben McCarthy (pictured) said of the earlier 11-4 defeat of Glastonbury. "We played a very good game that day, plus we were at home. Plus there is one other cornchip to chew on--they spanked Rip It (11-4)."
On Thursday, the Cranx hope to win their first playoff game in three years. Their last playoff win was a quarterfinal win in 2006.
Westfield 2 3 1 1
Simsbury 2 4 4 2
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Roberts 2, Cherry 2, Funaro, Shraft, Russell
Assists: Lancour, Baillargeon, Martin
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 20
The PVLL playoff seeding is as follows:
#8 Newington Hogs (4-9) @ #1 Simsbury Rip-It (12-1)
#7 South Hadley (6-7) @ #2 Springfield Tastee Treat (11-2)
#6 Westfield Cranx (9-4) @ #3 Glastonbury (10-3)
#5 Shocker (10-3) @ #4 Wilbraham (10-3)
* * * * *
Cranx Keep Rolling
Westfield whips Mad Dawg 15-4
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 16, 2009
(Somers, CT) The Westfield Cranx not only just keep on winning, but are doing so in dominating fashion. This one was over as quickly as it began. The Cranx scored seven unanswered goals to open up the game, en route to a 15-4 victory over Mad Dawg Thursday night. The win is Westfield's sixth straight, leaving them in a four-way tie for third place in the PVLL with a record of 9-3.
Inside the numbers, Team Cranx have won these last six games by an average score of 13-4. Their goals against average of 7 so far this season is tops in the league along with Springfield Tastee Treat. Only three times have their opponents scored in double digits, and Westfield has held opponents scoreless in 12 quarters.
The Cranx will face their toughest challenge and their toughest opponent in the season's final regular season game, Tuesday against first place Simsbury Rip It (12-1). Rip It's only blemish is a loss to Glastonbury by a score of 11-4. Rip It played two one goal games, wins against Tastee Treat (11-10) and South Hadley (10-9). A win Tuesday night will ensure at least a fourth place seed for the Cranx and a first round home game when the playoffs commence the following Thursday.
Against Mad Dawg, Chris Roberts led the first quarter barrage with three goals. Jeff Baillargeon (top left) scored once and dished out a pair of assists in the quarter, as the Cranx beat outmatched Mad Dawg into submission early and often. The home team finally got on the board late in the period, ending the first frame with Westfield on top 7-1.
While the defensive wall of Rich Borsari, Nick Allegretti, and Jim Crean held Mad Dawg scoreless in the second, Team Cranx put up three more scores on the board, including Roberts' fourth goal of the game and a tally by Paul Fenwick off a highlight-quality assist by Allegretti.
The 10-1 halftime lead extended to 13-1 after three quarters, as Adam Cherry, Tim Boersig, and Baillargeon's second goal of the game kept Mad Dawg not only out of any biting distance but far away on a tangled leash, surrounded only by their own dog poo. Mike Burque replaced Matt Hoffman in goal late in the period, quickly registering two saves. Burque finished with five saves total, Hoffman seven.
For the third straight game, Hoffman entered the game at attack a few minutes into the fourth quarter. And like each of the previous two games, it was the goal of Team Cranx to get Hoff a goal of his own. Hoff was flooded with passes from his teammates, obviously in a gesture of appreciation for his stellar goaltending all season long. In a brilliant coaching move, midfielder Dan Balboni was sent to take face-offs with a defensive longpole, allowing the look of a potential option in upcoming games. Balboni delivered, winning the face, scooping the ground ball, and starting a fastbreak. He fed Cherry, who fed Hoffman. Hoff got his goal off the break, but for good measure, got another one as well three minutes later. Cherry, who totaled four assists on the evening, assisted Hoff on both his goals. Balboni won all five of his face-offs.
Knowing that this was no doubt his last minutes of playing offense for the season, Hoffman was both pensive and appreciative afterward. "I'd like to thank Adam Cherry, the whole team, my parents, my beautiful wife..." Hoffman said after the game, in oscar award-winning fashion. "I'm flattered just to be nominated for a little playing time at attack" he said. "But to actually score, is something special."
"I did what I could" said Cherry, referring to his two connections with Hoffman. "We all know Hoff is the backbone of our team every year...he keeps us playoff bound. We gotta' respond with gratitude and love."
Already playoff bound, Westfield is now vying for that final regular season win and home field advantage. With a home record of 7-0, the Cranx have proved that playing on their own turf and in front of their home crowd gives them an advantage. But home or away, the Cranx will be ready.
"Hopefully we'll play well Tuesday, and get that win against Rip It" said Roberts. "Obviously it will be tough, we're definitely the underdog. But either way, come playoff time, I'm confident of our chances. When we're clicking, we have a good chance against anybody."
If the defense continues their stellar play, and the offense plays to their potential, the Cranx can be very, very good. Stay tuned.
Westfield 7 3 3 2
Mad Dawg 1 0 0 3
Westfield Scoring
Inside the numbers, Team Cranx have won these last six games by an average score of 13-4. Their goals against average of 7 so far this season is tops in the league along with Springfield Tastee Treat. Only three times have their opponents scored in double digits, and Westfield has held opponents scoreless in 12 quarters.
The Cranx will face their toughest challenge and their toughest opponent in the season's final regular season game, Tuesday against first place Simsbury Rip It (12-1). Rip It's only blemish is a loss to Glastonbury by a score of 11-4. Rip It played two one goal games, wins against Tastee Treat (11-10) and South Hadley (10-9). A win Tuesday night will ensure at least a fourth place seed for the Cranx and a first round home game when the playoffs commence the following Thursday.
Against Mad Dawg, Chris Roberts led the first quarter barrage with three goals. Jeff Baillargeon (top left) scored once and dished out a pair of assists in the quarter, as the Cranx beat outmatched Mad Dawg into submission early and often. The home team finally got on the board late in the period, ending the first frame with Westfield on top 7-1.
While the defensive wall of Rich Borsari, Nick Allegretti, and Jim Crean held Mad Dawg scoreless in the second, Team Cranx put up three more scores on the board, including Roberts' fourth goal of the game and a tally by Paul Fenwick off a highlight-quality assist by Allegretti.
The 10-1 halftime lead extended to 13-1 after three quarters, as Adam Cherry, Tim Boersig, and Baillargeon's second goal of the game kept Mad Dawg not only out of any biting distance but far away on a tangled leash, surrounded only by their own dog poo. Mike Burque replaced Matt Hoffman in goal late in the period, quickly registering two saves. Burque finished with five saves total, Hoffman seven.
For the third straight game, Hoffman entered the game at attack a few minutes into the fourth quarter. And like each of the previous two games, it was the goal of Team Cranx to get Hoff a goal of his own. Hoff was flooded with passes from his teammates, obviously in a gesture of appreciation for his stellar goaltending all season long. In a brilliant coaching move, midfielder Dan Balboni was sent to take face-offs with a defensive longpole, allowing the look of a potential option in upcoming games. Balboni delivered, winning the face, scooping the ground ball, and starting a fastbreak. He fed Cherry, who fed Hoffman. Hoff got his goal off the break, but for good measure, got another one as well three minutes later. Cherry, who totaled four assists on the evening, assisted Hoff on both his goals. Balboni won all five of his face-offs.
Knowing that this was no doubt his last minutes of playing offense for the season, Hoffman was both pensive and appreciative afterward. "I'd like to thank Adam Cherry, the whole team, my parents, my beautiful wife..." Hoffman said after the game, in oscar award-winning fashion. "I'm flattered just to be nominated for a little playing time at attack" he said. "But to actually score, is something special."
"I did what I could" said Cherry, referring to his two connections with Hoffman. "We all know Hoff is the backbone of our team every year...he keeps us playoff bound. We gotta' respond with gratitude and love."
Already playoff bound, Westfield is now vying for that final regular season win and home field advantage. With a home record of 7-0, the Cranx have proved that playing on their own turf and in front of their home crowd gives them an advantage. But home or away, the Cranx will be ready.
"Hopefully we'll play well Tuesday, and get that win against Rip It" said Roberts. "Obviously it will be tough, we're definitely the underdog. But either way, come playoff time, I'm confident of our chances. When we're clicking, we have a good chance against anybody."
If the defense continues their stellar play, and the offense plays to their potential, the Cranx can be very, very good. Stay tuned.
Westfield 7 3 3 2
Mad Dawg 1 0 0 3
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Roberts 4, Baillargeon 2, Hoffman 2, Martin, Dimaio, Cherry, Russell, Fenwick, Liptak, Boersig
Assists: Cherry 4, Baillargeon 2, Funaro 2, Roberts, Allegretti, Borsari
CRANX CORNER
Mike Piccin was on the sideline in street clothes (hamstring). His status is day-to-day..... Superfan Sue Cherry was not on the sideline. She was participating in a miniature golf tournament..... In good sportsmanship fashion, a few Cranx players actually reversed jerseys and played as teammates of Mad Dawg in the fourth quarter..... The Rip It game on Tuesday will be played at Henry James Middle School in Simsbury. Consult the schedule for directions.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Cranx beat Newington 12-4
Westfield cruises to 5th straight win
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 14,2009
WC Times
July 14,2009
(Somers, CT) The Westfield Cranx picked up their first victory away from home Tuesday night, and also extended their winning streak to five straight games with a 12-4 victory over the Newington Hogs. With the win, the Cranx upped their record to 8-3, and will look to continue their winning ways against Mad Dawg (3-8) on Thursday.
Westfield began the game sluggishly against Newington, with both teams playing a turnover plagued first quarter. Cranx midfielder Joe Martin opened the scoring for Westfield off an assist from John Funaro four minutes into the game. The Hogs tied the game on the next possession at 1-1 where it stood for more than eight minutes. Finally Adam Cherry broke the tie as he bulldozed his way to the cage while seemingly carrying three Hogs on his back. The 2-1 score carried into the second quarter, where thankfully for Team Cranx, better passing and better overall offensive play took over.
Defenseman Mike Piccin (pictured) galloped coast-to-coast and deposited his second goal of the season in the back of the net. On the very next possession, Cherry fed Funaro for a score, extending the Cranx lead to 4-1. Nick Shraft scored off a Ben McCarthy assist which was then followed by Chris Roberts' goal off a Martin assist. Next came Dan Balboni, who sliced through and past two Newington defenders to tally Westfield's fifth goal of the quarter, sending the game to halftime with the Cranx in control 7-1.
"We were finally able to get on track in the second quarter" said goalie Matt Hoffman, who finished with nine saves. "I always bring my short stick, hoping maybe to play a little attack" he said. "But after our first quarter performance, I wasn't sure I'd get the chance. But at halftime, I admit, I inspected the shooting strings on my attack stick."
Hoff's goal scoring chances increased when "Outlaw" Pete Carpenter opened up the second half scoring early, finishing on a loose ball pick up off a rebounded shot, Westfield's seventh straight goal. The teams traded a pair of goals the remainder of the third quarter. Shraft notched his second goal off a Tim Boersig assist, and Cherry plowed through the Hogs defense again for a score, as Team Cranx took a 10-3 lead into the fourth quarter.
Mike Burque took over the goalkeeping duties in the fourth, and allowed just one goal while making four saves. Cherry scored for a third time, promptly allowing Hoffman to enter the game in search of that elusive first goal. With 2:20 remaining, Hoff got it. He corralled a Boersig pass, tooled with it ever so briefly, and fired it past the Newington goalie, making the score it's final, 12-4.
"It's good to get that first one of the season" said Hoff afterward, who was held scoreless in two other offensive appearances this season. "After last year (which included a hat trick performance one game) I was expecting at least as many goals this year." If the Cranx continue playing at this hot streak pace, Hoff may still get his chance.
"We were finally able to get on track in the second quarter" said goalie Matt Hoffman, who finished with nine saves. "I always bring my short stick, hoping maybe to play a little attack" he said. "But after our first quarter performance, I wasn't sure I'd get the chance. But at halftime, I admit, I inspected the shooting strings on my attack stick."
Hoff's goal scoring chances increased when "Outlaw" Pete Carpenter opened up the second half scoring early, finishing on a loose ball pick up off a rebounded shot, Westfield's seventh straight goal. The teams traded a pair of goals the remainder of the third quarter. Shraft notched his second goal off a Tim Boersig assist, and Cherry plowed through the Hogs defense again for a score, as Team Cranx took a 10-3 lead into the fourth quarter.
Mike Burque took over the goalkeeping duties in the fourth, and allowed just one goal while making four saves. Cherry scored for a third time, promptly allowing Hoffman to enter the game in search of that elusive first goal. With 2:20 remaining, Hoff got it. He corralled a Boersig pass, tooled with it ever so briefly, and fired it past the Newington goalie, making the score it's final, 12-4.
"It's good to get that first one of the season" said Hoff afterward, who was held scoreless in two other offensive appearances this season. "After last year (which included a hat trick performance one game) I was expecting at least as many goals this year." If the Cranx continue playing at this hot streak pace, Hoff may still get his chance.
Hoffman celebrates his goal after the game
Team Cranx still have two tough regular season games remaining, Thursday's Mad Dawg game and next Tuesday against first place Simsbury Rip It (10-1). With a tight race atop the PVLL standings, playoff seedings will appear to be determined only after the final game.
Westfield 2 5 3 2
Newington 1 0 2 1
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Cherry 3, Shraft 2, Martin, Funaro, Piccin, Roberts, Balboni, Carpenter, Hoffman
Assists: Boersig 2, Funaro, Martin, Cherry, McCarthy
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 9, Burque 4
Westfield 2 5 3 2
Newington 1 0 2 1
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Cherry 3, Shraft 2, Martin, Funaro, Piccin, Roberts, Balboni, Carpenter, Hoffman
Assists: Boersig 2, Funaro, Martin, Cherry, McCarthy
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 9, Burque 4
CRANX CORNER
11 Cranx fans made the trip to Somers for the game, including Franklin & Pierce laxwoman Jordan Baillargeon..... Cranx Alum Zack Sondrini showed, obviously disheartened he no longer suits up with his former comrades..... Mike Piccin suffered a pulled hamstring and is doubtful for 5-7 days..... Adam Cherry scored one goal left-handed. His second such goal this season..... Mark "Chief" Raulin, Cranx alum from the '80s & early 90's, left a note on the Guestbook page..."Easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, Chief!" (see monkeyed vid).
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* * * * *
Cranx Swat Killer Bees 12-4
Westfield completes home record at 7-0
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 9, 2009
(Westfield) The Westfield Cranx lacrosse team have completed the most successful season in the history of the franchise. Well, at least partially. The Cranx beat the East Longmeadow Killer Bees Thursday night 12-4, completing their 2009 home schedule with an undefeated record of 7-0. It is the first time in the team's 25 year history that this feat has been accomplished.
At 7-3 and in 4th place in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League, Westfield still has three away games remaining in the regular season, with hopes of securing at least a first round home game when the PVLL playoffs begin July 23. The top four seeded teams open the playoffs at home, and although it is way too early to call, Team Cranx has an uphill battle ahead to remain in at least fourth place. First place and previously undefeated Simsbury Rip It's loss to Glastonbury Thursday night did not help Westfield's cause.
The Cranx face Newington (2-7) and Mad Dawg (3-6) next week, before meeting Simsbury Rip It in their final regular season game.
"Next week is big for us" said Cranx player/coach Chris Roberts. "It would be great if we can go into the Rip It game with two more wins. But it won't be easy. As we learned against Franklin County, anything can happen." Franklin (2-7) upset the Westfield earlier in the season, resulting in Team Cranx having to fight much harder for a home playoff game.
At 7-3 and in 4th place in the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League, Westfield still has three away games remaining in the regular season, with hopes of securing at least a first round home game when the PVLL playoffs begin July 23. The top four seeded teams open the playoffs at home, and although it is way too early to call, Team Cranx has an uphill battle ahead to remain in at least fourth place. First place and previously undefeated Simsbury Rip It's loss to Glastonbury Thursday night did not help Westfield's cause.
The Cranx face Newington (2-7) and Mad Dawg (3-6) next week, before meeting Simsbury Rip It in their final regular season game.
"Next week is big for us" said Cranx player/coach Chris Roberts. "It would be great if we can go into the Rip It game with two more wins. But it won't be easy. As we learned against Franklin County, anything can happen." Franklin (2-7) upset the Westfield earlier in the season, resulting in Team Cranx having to fight much harder for a home playoff game.
Against East Longmeadow, the Cranx had little trouble throughout, with a balanced scoring attack and their typical strong defensive play, which held the Killer Bees scoreless in both the first and third quarters. Goalie Matt Hoffman allowed only one second quarter goal and registered six saves while Mike Burque minded the net for the fourth quarter, making five saves.
Four different players scored Westfield's four goals in the first quarter, and their 4-0 lead extended to 7-1 at halftime, and 10-1 after three. Tim Boersig and Andy Liptak both notched their second goal each in the fourth quarter, finalizing the score of 12-4. Adam Cherry (two assists) and John Funaro (assist) both also scored twice for the Cranx.
Joe "Panther" Martin (goal, assist) again showed his dominating face-off play all game long, while Ben McCarthy (goal) and Dan Balboni (goal, assist) each led the lunch pail carrying midfield at both the offensive and defensive end of the field.
East Longmeadow 0 1 0 3
Four different players scored Westfield's four goals in the first quarter, and their 4-0 lead extended to 7-1 at halftime, and 10-1 after three. Tim Boersig and Andy Liptak both notched their second goal each in the fourth quarter, finalizing the score of 12-4. Adam Cherry (two assists) and John Funaro (assist) both also scored twice for the Cranx.
Joe "Panther" Martin (goal, assist) again showed his dominating face-off play all game long, while Ben McCarthy (goal) and Dan Balboni (goal, assist) each led the lunch pail carrying midfield at both the offensive and defensive end of the field.
East Longmeadow 0 1 0 3
Westfield 4 3 3 2
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Cherry 2, Funaro 2, Liptak 2, Boersig 2, McCarthy, Martin, Balboni, Baillargeon
Assists: Cherry 2, Liptak 2, Funaro, Balboni, Martin
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 6
Burque 5
CRANX CORNER
Game attendance: 32..... Cranx alumni Dave Metcalf & Buddy Shaetzner took in the game along with a few beers..... Alumni Zack Sondrini met the team for the post game parking lot meeting..... Borsari's slingshot toy was described as both juvenile and "way cool".
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Westfield beats Somers 12-4
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 7, 2009
(Westfield) The Westfield Cranx extended their unblemished home record Tuesday night by beating Somers 12-4. Team Cranx is now 6-0 at home this season and 6-3 overall, good for fifth place in the 14-team Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League. Westfield is looking to complete a home record sweep with their last regular season game at Westfield High School Thursday night against East Longmeadow (2-5).
Against Somers (2-6), Chris Roberts opened the scoring for
A pair of goals each by Justin Bard and defenseman Rich Borsari in the third quarter increased the Cranx lead to 9-4. Liptak, Bard, and Baillargeon would find the back of the net to complete the scoring in the fourth while the Cranx defense would shut out their oppoent, finalizing the score at 12-4.
Westfield 4 1 4 3
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Bard 3, Roberts 2, Liptak 2, Borsari 2, Fenwick, Funaro, Baillargeon
Assists: Baillargeon 3, Borsari, Roberts, Boersig
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 5
CRANX CORNER
Game attendance recorded at 19..... Rain and a few lightning bolts neither delayed nor postponed the game..... Midfielder Craig Carpenter drove in from Cape Cod to play his first game of the season..... Borsari returned to the field after returning from a vacation in Cali
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Cranx Throttle Glastonbury 11-4
Liptak propels win with longpoleby Buck Naeked
WC Times
July 2, 2009
(Westfield) Home has been sweet for the Westfield Cranx lacrosse team. On Thursday night, the Cranx not only won their fifth straight home game, but did so in comfortable fashion, beating second place Glastonbury 11-4. The win for Team Cranx improved their overall record to 5-3 while Glastonbury dropped to 6-2.
As impressive as the win and its scoring differential were, the Cranx also had to do it without the services of three of their top defensemen, Nick Allegretti, Rich Borsari, and Todd Young. No matter. Westfield scored first, scored last, and scored a lot in between. But it was the revamped Cranx defense that paved the way the entire game and dictated both defensive and offensive play.
"We were a little scrambled pre-game, trying to figure out who we would use as replacements" said player/coach Chris Roberts. "But after only a quarter it was obvious there wasn't going to be any drop-off at the position." Mike Burque and Dave Metcalf shared the defensive duties with Mike Piccin, and midfielder Andy Liptak (pictured) put away his short stick and picked up a longpole. It was Liptak's dominating overall play, both at the defensive end and in the offensive transition game that bolstered the Cranx through four quarters and to the very important win.
"Lippy was doing it all out there" said Roberts. "Stripping players, gobbling up loose balls, starting fast breaks. I think he may have even gotten a date out of Cherry's girlfriend in the interim."
John Funaro opened the scoring for Westfield off an Adam Cherry assist two minutes into the game. Joe Martin followed that up with a won face-off and a sprint, shot, and goal to make the game 2-0. After Glastonbury got on the scoreboard, Justin Bard scored two nifty isolation goals back-to-back to up the lead to 4-1. Glastonbury responded with a tally of their own to end the first quarter with Team Cranx on top 4-2.
Led by the defensive wall of goalie Matt Hoffman and company, the Cranx shut out the visitors in the second quarter. Funaro's second goal of the game and a fastbreak goal by Liptak and his six foot pole gave the Cranx some nice breathing room into halftime at 6-2.
"Anything can happen with a half left to play in a game against a good team" said Roberts. "We wanted to make sure we didn't have a let up like against Franklin County (an 11-10 loss)." They didn't. Pete Carpenter scored first for Westfield to open the second half, followed by a behind the back shovel shot by Roberts off a Funaro assist that gave the Cranx an 8-2 lead. Later, Bard's third tally of the game closed out the third quarter scoring and brought a 9-3 Westfield lead into the fourth.
A powder-puff Glastonbury goal was all that could be mustered and put by Hoffman to make the score 9-4 to begin the fourth period. Cherry and Roberts put the finishing touches into the scoring column leaving the result a resounding 11-4 final.
"We put together four solid quarters tonight" said Piccin afterward. "It's probably the first game in which we've done that, both on offense and defense." Piccin gave kudos to defensive mates Burque, Metcalf, and Liptak. "They came in and stepped up big...we didn't miss a beat." Asked whether regular starters Allegretti and Borsari were missed during the game, Piccin responded, "Not at all. I mean, we played just as good if not better without them. Maybe at this point, it could be that we may not even need those two anymore. But that's not my decision." Coach Chris Roberts would not comment on the issue, only saying "Whatever is best for the team."
"Lippy was doing it all out there" said Roberts. "Stripping players, gobbling up loose balls, starting fast breaks. I think he may have even gotten a date out of Cherry's girlfriend in the interim."
John Funaro opened the scoring for Westfield off an Adam Cherry assist two minutes into the game. Joe Martin followed that up with a won face-off and a sprint, shot, and goal to make the game 2-0. After Glastonbury got on the scoreboard, Justin Bard scored two nifty isolation goals back-to-back to up the lead to 4-1. Glastonbury responded with a tally of their own to end the first quarter with Team Cranx on top 4-2.
Led by the defensive wall of goalie Matt Hoffman and company, the Cranx shut out the visitors in the second quarter. Funaro's second goal of the game and a fastbreak goal by Liptak and his six foot pole gave the Cranx some nice breathing room into halftime at 6-2.
"Anything can happen with a half left to play in a game against a good team" said Roberts. "We wanted to make sure we didn't have a let up like against Franklin County (an 11-10 loss)." They didn't. Pete Carpenter scored first for Westfield to open the second half, followed by a behind the back shovel shot by Roberts off a Funaro assist that gave the Cranx an 8-2 lead. Later, Bard's third tally of the game closed out the third quarter scoring and brought a 9-3 Westfield lead into the fourth.
A powder-puff Glastonbury goal was all that could be mustered and put by Hoffman to make the score 9-4 to begin the fourth period. Cherry and Roberts put the finishing touches into the scoring column leaving the result a resounding 11-4 final.
"We put together four solid quarters tonight" said Piccin afterward. "It's probably the first game in which we've done that, both on offense and defense." Piccin gave kudos to defensive mates Burque, Metcalf, and Liptak. "They came in and stepped up big...we didn't miss a beat." Asked whether regular starters Allegretti and Borsari were missed during the game, Piccin responded, "Not at all. I mean, we played just as good if not better without them. Maybe at this point, it could be that we may not even need those two anymore. But that's not my decision." Coach Chris Roberts would not comment on the issue, only saying "Whatever is best for the team."
Allegretti and Borsari: Needed anymore?
With a perfect home record of 5-0, Team Cranx are in good position to finish strong. "It would be nice if all our games could be played here at home" said Hoffman, who finished with 16 saves. "Right now, we're confident we'll win our next two home games. But we need to step it up when we hit the road again, so we can put ourselves in position for at least one home playoff game." The Cranx face Somers (2-5) and East Longmeadow (2-5) at home next week before closing out the regular season with three road games.
Glastonbury 2 0 1 1
Westfield 4 2 3 2
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Bard 3, Funaro 2, Roberts 2, Martin, Liptak, Cherry, Carpenter
Assists: Cherry 2, Funaro
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 16
Cranx End Slide
Westfield tops Tolland 15-3
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 30, 2009
(Westfield) After a forgetable last week which saw the Westfield Cranx lose three straight road games, the laxmen returned home and returned to the win column with a 15-3 victory over the Tolland Shenanigans Tuesday night. The Cranx upped their record to 4-3, while Tolland dropped to 1-6.
A game against a younger and less experienced team was probably just what Team Cranx needed, after last week's losses to PVLL title contenders Shocker and Tastee Treat by a combined score of 29-8, and an upset loss to Franklin County 11-10. Tolland, only a second year PVLL team, competed hard from start to finish, but lacked the firepower to stay with the Cranx.
"We needed to get back on track after the abysmal week we had last week" said player/coach Chris Roberts. 'It's good to get this win, but the real test will be next game when we play Glastonbury." Last season, Glastonbury finished second in the league standings with a 13-2 record, and finished first at 12-1 and won the league championship the year before. They will be visiting Westfield Thursday night with a 6-1 record.
With a balanced scoring attack that saw ten players scoring goals, Joe "Panther" Martin (pictured) dominating face-off X, and the Cranx patented defense, Westfield started strong against Tolland and never looked back. After missing the previous two games because of Jimmy Buffett concerts and Nick at Nite cartoon marathons, Adam Cherry got things started by scoring the game's first two goals. Cherry's second tally came off an assist by Justin Bard, who made his 2009 Cranx debut as he is on leave for two weeks from military training in Arizona. Although somewhat rusty in his first lacrosse game in a year, Bard is expected to add some needed scoring punch in Westfield's next three games.
"It felt great getting out there and playing again" said Bard. "Hopefully I can find the net a little better next game." Bard did score a goal and handed out two assists, but did struggle finding his shot as his one goal came off of 10 shots. "I did look a lot like Cherry, missing the cage so much" he said, "but I'm sure that was just a one time thing."
The Cranx jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first quarter, and led 9-2 at halftime. The third quarter really broke it open for the home team, with Paul Fenwick scoring back-to-back goals and leading the five goal period, while the Westfield defense allowed Tolland very few scoring opportunities and shutting them out, giving the Cranx a 14-2 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Joe Lancour's second goal of the game finished up the scoring and the 15-3 final score. Other two goal scorers for Westfield were Roberts and JT Hoyt.
Goalie Matt Hoffman finished with seven saves, while Mike Burque finished up the netminding duties midway into the third quarter and the fourth, totaling four saves.
Tolland 0 2 0 1
Westfield 4 5 5 1
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Cherry 2, Lancour 2, Roberts 2, Hoyt 2, Fenwick 2, Balboni, Bard, Russell, Funaro, Carpenter
Assists: Funaro 3, Bard 2, Russell, Boersig, Martin, Young
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 7, Burque 4
CRANX CORNER
Game attendance recorded at 26, including Justin Bard's fiance Ashley..... Goalie Matt Hoffman played attack the fourth quarter. He was held scoreless on six shot attempts..... Former Cranx goalie Rich Harrigan is Tolland's netminder. He finished with 15 saves..... Westfield is 4-0 at home, 0-3 on the road.
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Cranx Demolished
Tastee Treat thrashes Westfield 20-2
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 25, 2009
GAME VIDEO:
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Cranx Lose Again
Shocker overpowers Westfield 9-6
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 25, 2009
(Somers, CT) The Westfield Cranx took it on the chin for the second time in as many nights, losing to Shocker Wednesday by a score of 9-6. The loss drops the Cranx record to 3-2 and leaves them faced with yet another tough opponent on Thursday night, Springfield Tastee Treat.
On this night, Westfield was outmatched from start to finish by PVLL powerhouse Shocker, even though the final score appears respectable. Credit Goalie Matt Hoffman and the defensive unit of Mike Piccin, Rich Borsari, and Nick Allegretti for that. All other aspects of play seemed a continuum from the previous night's game against Franklin County, which ended in an 11-10 upset loss. Team Cranx continued to make a plethora of mental and physical mistakes on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field, including riding and clearing. Turnovers, poor shooting, and transition defense especially plagued the team, as it did Tuesday.
"We are just not a very good team right now" said Cranx captain John Funaro. "And these last two games have proved just that."
Shocker held Westfield scoreless in the opening frame, while scoring three times itself for a 3-0 lead. After an early 4-0 second quarter score, Chris Strycharz finally got the Cranx on the board to make it 4-1. JT Hoyt and Chris Roberts would also score in the quarter and at the half Shocker maintained the lead 6-3. Another non-existent offensive display captioned the third quarter, with Westfield going scoreless again. Fortunately the Cranx defense didn't give up much ground, allowing only one goal as the game entered the fourth quarter with Shocker up 7-3. Westfield would get as close as 8-6 with 3:10 left, but too many turnovers and a failed extra-man opportunity leading to a shorthanded Shocker goal made their comeback attempt futile.
"We have two big problems that need to be corrected" said Funaro. "One is that we make too many mental mistakes. Simple recognition on offense, on defense. Making the smart pass, not forcing something that's not there, anticipating instead of reacting, playing to your strengths; things that automatically make you a better player, just by thinking and recognizing. The second thing is that our team play has been replaced with selfish, individual play. We have guys who seem more concerned about their own stats or reading their name on the (bleep)ing team website than they are about winning. We're not gonna' beat anybody if we continue playing this way and with that kind of attitude."
One offensive bright spot Wednesday night was Cranx veteran Chris Strycharz. A permanent member of the roster, though infrequently available, Strycharz played his first game of the '09 season, scoring three times and handing out an assist.
Westfield 0 3 0 3
Shocker 3 3 1 2
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Strycharz 3, Hoyt, Roberts, Funaro
Assists: Strycharz, Roberts, Carpenter
Goalie Saves
Hoffman 13
CRANX CORNER
A season low 18 players suited up for the game..... After missing the Cranx fundraiser because it was his girlfriend's birthday, Adam Cherry's excuse for missing this game was a Jimmy Buffett concert..... John Silvahy (DL-shoulder) was on the sideline in street clothes
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Cranx Embarrassed
Franklin County smacks Westfield 11-10
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 23, 2009
(Deerfield) Leads of 8-4 and 10-8 weren't enough for the Westfield Cranx to ensure their fourth win of the season and to stay undefeated. Instead, the Cranx played an uneven game the entire night, and ended up losing to the Franklin County Lacrosse Club in an upset.
Prior to Tuesday night's game, a common opponent of FCLC and Westfield was Simsbury II. Team Cranx stifled Simsbury 8-5 while FCLC got pummeled by a score of 20-6. Comparative results notwithstanding, the play of Team Cranx would have made it difficult to compete against a high school team on this night, let alone a PVLL team.
Prior to Tuesday night's game, a common opponent of FCLC and Westfield was Simsbury II. Team Cranx stifled Simsbury 8-5 while FCLC got pummeled by a score of 20-6. Comparative results notwithstanding, the play of Team Cranx would have made it difficult to compete against a high school team on this night, let alone a PVLL team.
The Cranx went scoreless the first quarter and found themselves down 3-0 heading into the second. Three second quarter goals notted the game at 3-3, which is where it stood at halftime. After the break, Westfield seemingly continued its avenue to victory with three more unanswered goals and a 6-3 lead. That lead extended to 8-4 before the third quarter ended at 8-5.
Franklin however never packed it in. As Westfield again found itself shooting poorly, FCLC took advantage of the Cranx accuracy woes and its mental lapses on defense. Two Franklin goals made the score 8-7 before alternating tallies brought the game to 10-8 in Westfield's favor. With less than five minutes to play in the game, FCLC rattled off three straight goals, the go-ahead with 1:30 left. Franklin controlled the ensuing face-off and maintained possession the rest of the way, securing the 11-10 victory and giving FCLC (2-3) their second straight win.
Westfield (3-1) will face Shocker (3-1) in Somers, CT on Wednesday. Shocker dismantled Mad Dawg 22-3 on Tuesday night.
Westfield 0 3 5 2
Franklin Cty 3 0 2 6
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Savorino 3, Liptak 2, Russell 2, Roberts, Cherry, Carpenter
Assists: Cherry, McCarthy, Roberts
Goalie Saves
Hoffman: 11
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A Message from Will Pierce:
Hello CRANX nation, This is CRANX hall of famer and AAAG Will Pierce reporting. With three games under their helmet this season the CRANX look to go 4-0 this Thursday vs a tough SHOCKER team, Can the CRANX pull it off? Who knows, but I do know one thing, I feel I have the winning recipe for a CRANX victory. Now just grab the basic materials listed below....
I would go with Hoffman, Cherry, Johnny Fun (limit one clone of johnny fun), Robo, (maybe with 2 robos we can get twice the discount at stixx and stones),a sheep, and again DO NOT forget Hoffman. Now why Hoffman, well not only is he by far one of the top three CRANX goaltenders ever, he can score a hat trick, and chicks dig a hat trick.
I am sure this will help get the CRANX to 4-0 come thursday.
Best of luck, have fun.
This is Will Pierce from San Francisco Ca. "Have a CRANKTASTIC evening", and "GO ELECTROCUTE SHOCKER"
I would go with Hoffman, Cherry, Johnny Fun (limit one clone of johnny fun), Robo, (maybe with 2 robos we can get twice the discount at stixx and stones),a sheep, and again DO NOT forget Hoffman. Now why Hoffman, well not only is he by far one of the top three CRANX goaltenders ever, he can score a hat trick, and chicks dig a hat trick.
I am sure this will help get the CRANX to 4-0 come thursday.
Best of luck, have fun.
This is Will Pierce from San Francisco Ca. "Have a CRANKTASTIC evening", and "GO ELECTROCUTE SHOCKER"
Cranx beat Simsbury II 8-5
Hoffman, defense shine again
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 16, 2009
(
Once again, it was the stellar play of
“For three games our defensive play has been nothing short of awesome” said captain John Funaro. “Without question our success is riding on the shoulders of our defense. But we still need our offense to improve to really remain competitive.” As well as the Cranx defense has played, on the offensive end the struggles of finding the back of the net continue to be somewhat vexing to the team. “We’re getting plenty of shots, but our accuracy has been way too inconsistent” said Funaro.
Simsbury
In the second,
Cherry would score again, this time off an assist by Matt “
“At that point, the game was far from over” said Hoff. It was gonna’ be another tight one, every possession was going to be an important one.”
In the fourth quarter, the first possession resulting in a goal was that of
*Roberts: Dazed & confused?
“With Panther (Martin) controlling face-off X, and Hoff anchoring our pretty good D, it looks like we could have our best season in a long, long time” said Funaro afterwards. “Our shooting and our finishing needs to get a lot better though. We need to take the pressure off our defense a lot more.” Spectator Dave Cherry agreed. Even though his son, Adam scored five goals in the game, father wasn't shy about offering some advice: “Try shooting between the 6x6 pipes, it’s not brain surgery for cryin’ out loud. And it’s not a soccer goal either. Stop shooting three feet over the crossbar.” Adam unofficially scored his five goals off of 16 shots.
In order to compete against Shocker on Thursday, the Cranx will need to boost up its offensive production to equal that of its defensive play, especially with an expected depleted roster. Allegretti and Ansel Garvey cannot make the game, and Chris Roberts’ status is day-to-day. Roberts suffered what appears a mild concussion in Tuesday night’s game*. “3-0 is a pretty good start, especially against the good teams we’ve played” said Hoffman. “4-0 would be better." Shocker (2-1) lost a shootout to Wilbraham Tuesday night 15-14.
Simsbury II 1 0 2 2
Westfield 2 2 1 3
Westfield 2 2 1 3
Westfield Scoring
Goals: Cherry 5, Liptak, McCarthy, Russell
Assists: Martin 2, Hoyt, Savorino, Funaro
Goalie saves
Hoffman 17
CRANX CORNER
Attendance was recorded at 32 for the game, including Cranx alumni Ryan Dietert, Dave Metcalf, and Mark Cavallon….. Simsbury II’s theme song: “Cry Baby Cry”….. Answer: “36 times” Question: “The number of times Robo asked after the game ‘What was the score?’”….. Photos are courtesy of Joe Nassar. More pics are in the Photo Albums section, and more are to follow. Thanks go out to Joe..... Reminder: Cranx Fundraiser - Saturday @ The Skybox in Southwick (6-8pm)
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Cranx top Wilbraham 14-11
7 Unanswered goals key win
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 11, 2009
(Westfield) Another rainy game. Another sluggish start. Another explosive output. Another win.
For the second time, in the second game, the Westfield Cranx used the second half to get their second win of the season.
Westfield
The first half saw the
“We just had trouble all the way around, catching, throwing, shooting, hanging onto the ball” said player/coach Chris Roberts. “We were fortunate our defense played so well". But with the strength of the Cranx defensive play, led by Nick Allegretti, Rich Borsari, and goalie Matt Hoffman, it appears Westfield will always be in contention every game, even if the offense takes awhile to get it going…or even a long while.
The second half started no differently than the first, and with Wilbraham scoring twice to open the third quarter, to go up 7-3, the question wasn’t when
But with Hoffman turning away 18 shots and the potent scoring offense of Wilbraham frustrated by the tenacious take-away defense of the home team, it turned out that it was just a matter of time before Westfield
Not satisfied with the catch-up, Team Cranx decided more was better. Led by the fantastic play of Joe “Panther” Martin at face-off X, the Cranx continued to dominate possession and continued to find the back of the net. Goals by Andy Liptak, Matt “Jersey” Savorino, and Cherry again completed the third quarter barrage, given Westfield
“We knew we could come back, no matter how poorly we were playing up to that point” said Cherry after the game. “I mean, c’mon, we’re the Cranx. That means never give up…keep playing for four quarters.” And keep playing they did.
After a Wilbraham goal opened up the fourth quarter scoring, Russell connected for his third tally of the game, a blistering right-hander past the goalie’s right shoulder. The 11-8 margin held up the rest of the way, as back-to-back goals by Roberts and Cherry’s third of the game rounded out the 14-11 final.
“I wasn’t sure we were gonna’ pull that one out” said Hoffman afterward while receiving high-fives from all sides. “That was a good team we played, with good shooters. I give major credit to the guys in front of me—they stopped a lot of potential shots.”
At least one other Crank agreed with Hoff’s assessment. Alum Ryan Dietert was on the sideline, home on leave before heading to
The Cranx hope to continue their impressive start to the season on Tuesday at home against Simsbury II at Westfield High School.
Wilbraham 2 3 2 4
Goals: Russell 3, Cherry 3, Roberts 2, Hoyt, Dimaio, Funaro, Pacine, Liptak, Savorino,
Assists: Cherry 2, Roberts Liptak, Savorino, Hoyt, Funaro
Goalie saves
Hoffman 18
CRANX CORNER
An estimated crowd of 12 attended the game….. Team Cranx made an appearance at The Westwood afterward….. Pic’s girlfriend, Tanna, did well in hangin’ wit da boyz….. Thanks go out to stat girl, Kris….. Adopted rookie Matt “Jersey ” Savorino shows positive signs of fitting in well with La Familia de Cranx..... Referee George Shaheen's favorite and most frequent comment throughout a game: "I didn't see it" ..... Photos courtesy of Ron Craig. More photos can be found in the Photo Albums section.
An estimated crowd of 12 attended the game….. Team Cranx made an appearance at The Westwood afterward….. Pic’s girlfriend, Tanna, did well in hangin’ wit da boyz….. Thanks go out to stat girl, Kris….. Adopted rookie Matt “
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Cranx Domination
Westfield opens season with 15-5 win
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
June 9, 2009
(
The Westfield Cranx began their silver year anniversary as members of the 25-year old PVLL in grand fashion Tuesday night with a convincing 15-5 victory over
“This is the first time we’ve had a roster reaching the maximum limit (of 35)” said player/coach Chris Roberts. “So we have plenty of depth, which should help out a lot. But only time will tell whether our quantity translates into quality.” Against
The game started somewhat sluggish for both teams, probably due to it being the first contest of the season and being played under wet conditions.
“At that point, we started working well as a team and guys started to get a good feel for each other” said game sideline coach Mike Burque. “Once the second half got going, we started rolling pretty good.” As the solid Cranx defense did so in the second quarter, they held
Cranx veteran goalkeeper Matt Hoffman showed no signs of competitive rust, stopping 14 shots. Aiding the defensive wall in front of Hoffman was a steady rotation of household names (Rich Borsari, Nick Allegretti, Ansel “Red Beard” Garvey, Jim Crean), along with newcomers Mike Piccin and Nick McMahon. Rookie Piccin was picked up by
“It was a good start for us” said Roberts. “I think with the experienced veterans, and the addition of some really good young talent, we have a good chance to have a great season. We’ll get a better idea after Thursday.”
The Cranx host 2008 PVLL champions Wilbraham on Thursday night, a team amassed with WNEC talent, including two All-Americans, along with ’09 Umass graduate and scoring machine Tim Balise. The game promises to be a battle between two teams that should undoubtedly make some noise all season.
CRANX CORNER
An estimated crowd of 19 enjoyed the game in the rainy weather, including superfans and supermoms Sue Cherry & Dottie Funaro….. Back from a sabbatical last season, Matty Richards looked different in a jersey that wasn’t #5….. Current players John Funaro and Jeff Baillargeon both played on the inaugural Cranx team 25 years ago in 1984. No ceremony was organized on their behalf before or after the game….. Baillargeon will be absent from the playing field for three weeks due to military obligations….. A team fundraiser will take place June 20 at The Skybox in Southwick. Consult the website for details….. Quote of the week: “You and me we’re like orange and lime, we make citrus together.” --Adam Cherry
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Cranx Looking To Improve in 2009
Scrimmage vs. Bombers offers glimpse
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
May 31, 2009
The Westfield Cranx-Version 2009, convened to start this season’s campaign on Saturday night. The Cranx began the first of three practices with a scrimmage against the Westfield High School Bombers before the ’09 season gets underway with a home opener against
For Team Cranx, jumping right into a game-like scenario enabled coach Chris Roberts to make an early assessment of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, and what should propel the success, or lack thereof, of the club. “It’s still early to tell, but what I like is the nucleus we have on the defensive end, including our longstick midfield. With the best goalie in the league (Matt Hoffman, pictured), and a solid depth of longpoles, our defense should once again lead us this season.”
While keeping the ball out of the net was a strength for
Veterans Roberts, John Funaro, and Adam Cherry again headline the experienced attack, with Jeff Baillargeon, and Paul Fenwick rounding out the position. That Cranx midfield expected to make the much needed scoring contribution includes Andy Liptak, Tahj Russell, and Joe Martin. The mix of young and experienced defensive position is led by Rich Borsari, Ansel Garvey, Jim Crean and Mike Burque, and a plethora of multi-skilled replacements.
“We’re still ironing out players and positions, so it’s still an ongoing work in progress to really make any predictions. But we definitely expect to place better than last year” said Roberts.
The other
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