“Tonight [Livingston] wanted it more than we did, it’s as simple as that,” said Westfield head Coach Joe Bertucci after falling to the Lancers, 4–1, despite defeating them 8–0 just last week. This marks Westfield’s second loss in a row, as it lost to West Essex, 5–2, last Friday.
Livingston came out flying in the first period, supplying Codey Arena with the only ounce of energy it would see that night as seats were empty and cheers were faint.
Senior Connor Kotiga was able to motivate the Blue Devils and give Westfield its first spurt of energy after scoring with just over 10 minutes left in the third period, but it would not be enough to put Westfield on top.
“Throughout the second period the energy was a little low, so scoring definitely helped bring it up a little bit after they had two strong periods and just outworked us,” said Kotiga.
Westfield seemed like it had lost this game even before the game started as Livingston took a 1–0 lead just over two minutes into the first period. Although Westfield kept the pressure up and looked to close the gap, Livingston’s defense was not budging. Livinston’s goalkeeper, Justinas Sanders, compiled 24 saves on the night while the defense deflected shots left and right.
Aidan Wilson had a promising chance as he sliced and diced through the Livingston players, but the story stayed the same as Sanders kept the Blue Devils out of the net until the third period.
The second period looked like a repeat of the first as Livingston seemed to finish all of its limited opportunities. Livingston once again came out early and put one away right in front of the goal with just over 13 minutes to go in the period.
Westfield had a strong look toward the net, however a Livingston defender hit a Westfield attacker from behind giving the Lancers a breakaway they were able to convert on with just 16 seconds left in the second period.
By the third period, it wasn’t looking promising for Westfield as Livingston extended its lead with another goal just under four minutes after faceoff, leaving Westfield looking defeated and in need of a big play. That play would come from Kotiga, but it was too little too late.
After facing two losses in a row, Bertucci said, “We’re struggling, we need to dig deep. We need to find our identity and we have to work really hard.” That is exactly what the Blue Devils will look to do in their next game Wednesday against Verona.
