Looking up at the stands halfway through the Group 4 State Championship game, there were two things one could see. First, a sea of shirts printed with the Blue Devils’ motto: “Nothing Easy,” and second, beaming smiles and energy from every fan, as a result of Westfield’s 9-1 halftime lead. The Blue Devils would go on to make history by claiming their first-ever state title, defeating Southern Regional High School 13-5.
The team entered this championship game with a winner mentality. Despite this being the highest-pressure game all season, they proved to be unaffected. Head coach Katie DaSilva said, “This was the easiest game we’ve had so far. Games [earlier in the season] were just nonstop to the very end, and nothing has come easy to us, we work for everything we get.”
The Blue Devils came out strong ultimately setting the tone of the game with two decisive offensive drives led by junior Alice Manzo. Manzo gave the team the small buffer they needed with two early goals. This lead helped to settle the nerves of the team and it provided momentum that would carry them through the entire game.
“Getting those first two goals, everyone became at ease, and after that, everyone was just able to blossom,” Manzo said after tallying nine points in total with five goals and four assists. Junior Gillian Cohen helped further the lead for the team with four goals as well as sophomore Logan Partridge carding three assists.
The defensive side, led by senior co-captains Erin Hazard and Emma Blake, only conceded five goals. Junior defender Maeve Wojcik contributed to the Blue Devils’ defense with nine forced turnovers, securing her 100th forced turnover of her WHS career.
Senior Abi Mokrzycki played a pivotal role early on, scoring in the first quarter and winning the majority of the draws, which gave Westfield consistent attack advantages over Southern. “I think getting possession at the beginning of the game sets the tone because then you have the first opportunity to score,” said Mokrzycki. “It determines the sort of game.”
The team’s ability to connect on the field made this win a full team effort. Manzo said, “Everyone wanted it, I’ve never been on a team where everyone wanted it more. [If] I was having a bad day, I’d come to practice, I’d leave with a smile on my face. It truly wasn’t by one person. Everyone had an outstanding game.” With the guidance of the coaching staff and the support from the stands, the team was beyond encouraged.
Throughout the season, the team has made unforgettable bonds. Alongside the daily practices and workouts, the connections between the players contributed to the team culture. They have become more than just a team, but rather a family. DaSilva said, “The mindset all season has just been about friendship and they’re so close. They love each other so much and just support each other.”
Westfield’s dominant win over Southern made every hard moment worth the fight. After a successful season, the Blue Devils make program history as state champions.
