Delbarton overpowered Westfield on a brisk Thursday evening on its home turf. The Blue Devils were submerged by the force of the Green Wave’s quick ball movement and lockdown defense.
However, the game evoked a thrilling atmosphere despite a final score of 13-6 in favor of Delbarton. A second-quarter drought for the Blue Devils washed away any chance they had at coming back.
Delbarton outscored Westfield 4-0 in the second quarter while having possession for the majority of the 12 minutes. Westfield seemed to be one step behind defensively as Delbarton swung the ball with great haste to find the opening gaps in Westfield’s defense.
“I thought our sliding was late today and our backside help is late,” said defenseman Trey Brown, “and that is all because of our communication.”
The Green Wave did not dominate for the entirety of the game, though. The first quarter was an ultimate back and forth battle between the two teams, the teams alternating punches at each other. Delbarton struck first. A quick goal just over two minutes into the game put it on top, but Westfield was quick to answer. Just 22 seconds later Brown delayed a Delbarton attacker, allowing Danny Hazard to come check the attacker, and Westfield scooped the ball up for possession. In transition Cody Lam was quickly found for a bouncing shot that found the back of the net. Just like that the game was tied, 1-1.
The same story continued for the remainder of the quarter as Lam put another one away for the Blue Devils and John McDonald also added one to the mix as he dodged past his defender and took a straight path down the middle of the field to goal. The Blue Devils went up 3-2 with just under seven minutes left in the first quarter, but that would be the first and only time of the game where they held the lead. Nevertheless, Delbarton was able to throw one extra punch at the Blue Devils and top off the quarter with a 4-3 lead.
The second quarter was a different story. It was Delbarton punch after Delbarton punch, and silence from Westfield. Delbarton’s defense was not letting up as it practically took Ryan Waldman, Westfield’s second-leading goal scorer, out of the equation.
“We started off strong, but [Delbarton’s] defense really took over,” said Lam. “I feel like they were really early on the slides. They were on everything. We couldn’t really beat them one-on-one in the second and third quarters.”
Despite being down 8-3 at halftime, the Blue Devils continued to fight and get back into the game. Danny McGann stepped up in the second half and was able to put 2 goals away for the Blue Devils, one of them while falling to the ground.
Jonathan Boufarah had a strong performance defensively for Westfield where he showed real tenacity behind the ball. He fired hit after hit at Delbarton attackers, making it difficult for them to face him.
“I think emotion is a key part of victory and I think that it’s just a matter of bottling it up and controlling it,” said Brown. “I think we can show more emotion overall as a team, instead of individually.”
The main difference between the second quarter and the other three for Westfield was possession. Once they had an opportunity with the ball, they delivered. “It was just in the second quarter that we came out and Delbarton just dominated possession where we couldn’t get the ball on our end,” said head coach William Wertheimer.
Westfield’s third and fourth quarter revival was not enough to close the day out with a win, but the Blue Devils showed up and showed not only skill, but heart. “They never give up,” said Wertheimer. “At the end of the day they always give 110 percent.”
Westfield will look to bounce back on Saturday against New Providence in its last game before the sectional tournament begins. This loss to Delbarton alters Westfield’s record to 8-6 on the year.
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