A cold frisky breeze filtered the air as the Blue Devils prepared for their home opener against cross-town rival, Scotch Plains-Fanwood. In a match that was back and forth, ultimately SPF gained more separation, winning the competition with a score of 9-8.
Westfield started off hot, scoring twice in the final two minutes of the first quarter, holding the lead heading in the second quarter. Nevertheless, the second quarter was all SPF, where they rallied in four goals in the first few minutes, taking the lead 4-2. Senior defenseman Quinn Flor said, “I think our main thing to improve is our chemistry and that comes with time. Knowing when to slide on defense and making sure we make contact on our slides is another skill that we can improve on as a team.”
The Blue Devils were able to capitalize on two more goals in the quarter, but went down one heading into the half. With SPF handling another goal early in the third quarter, Westfield was able to punch back, scoring three straight and tying the game heading into the fourth quarter. Junior captain Koby Waldman said, “I think the offense did a decent job. We produced a good amount but we played against a very good defense.”
With a goal late, solidifying a hat trick for Junior Harrison Rekemeier, momentum started funneling the Blue Devil’s way. However, it was not enough, and with one final attempt deep in the fourth quarter, Westfield came up empty.
It was a shock for the Blue Devil’s, who hadn’t lost to SPF in many years. Flor acknowledged the toll the loss had on the team. “Personally, the fact that the game was against SPF didn’t make a difference for my mentality going into the game. But, because we haven’t lost a game to SPF in many years, the team’s mentality was affected after the game.”
Waldman attested to the same consensus. He said, “I think us playing SPF affected the teams mentality a little, because we have always beat them, so I think there was a little thought that we would just roll them over which was not true.”
Though a tough performance against a gritty SPF squad, these moments are pivotal to developing the younger players. Head coach William Wertheimer said, “We have a mix of experienced players and a lot of younger guys, and they’ve done a really nice job adjusting to the pace of the varsity game. They’re competing hard and starting to execute at a varsity level, which is great to see.”
Despite an unexpected start to the season, the Blue Devils will look to bounce back against a national powerhouse in Seton Hall Preparatory School on Tuesday at home at 4:30 p.m.
“I’m confident in our group of players and our coaching staff, who work tirelessly to get us ready. We’ll be prepared and ready to compete on Tuesday,” said Wertheimer.
