WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Cinderella miracle unfolded Tuesday night among the Clark Field turf as the Amherst Hurricanes boys Lacrosse team put away the Northampton Blue Devils by a 9-6 victory to take the title of Western Mass. B Champions, their first sectional title since 2003.
It was a celebration like no other as the ceremonial Gatorade bath was bestowed upon Amherst Head Coach Rich Ferro, as the clock came to a rushing halt and the fulfillment of a dream that stretched generations was cemented. Reflecting on the championship atmosphere was Ferro, who confessed this was a long time coming.
“Thank you so much, this means a ton to these guys,” Hurricanes Coach Rich Ferro said. “These guys put it all together tonight, and my team continues to work hard and follow the game plan. This means a ton to me as well, Coach Henry, and I played together in High school, and my boys just as well.
“We always feel we’re right outside the doorstep and can never make the big moment, but tonight we achieved this moment and they made it happen.”
Amherst wasted no time in jumping out to an early 1-0 lead courtesy of Tre Bowman who sprinted through midfield, and took advantage of the weak side present on defense from the Blue Devils. Bowman slipped a pass off to Sawyer Ferro, who set up a a pick in the slot, before dishing back to Bowman who buried it top shelf right side at 10:44 left in the 1st.
Bowman said that tonight was a dream come true, and he is ready for the moment, along with the hope for the journey to continue.
“I’ve been manifesting this since last year,” Bowman said. “This was our first time in a long time since being in the Western Mass. playoffs, and we just keep building. I want to add that this is our first time going to the state tournament since 2019, and we’re ready for the big moment.”
Possessing the momentum, the Hurricanes’ poise increased in tempo, and didn’t diminish as Spencer McDonald located Brian Roberto Sibrian Cruz, who slipped a quick shot to keep his team ahead 2-0 at 10:23 remaining in the 2nd.
Northampton would get one back as Jackson Oravec sprinted up the left sideline before dishing off to Keller Mahoney to pull within one, with the score turning to 2-1 in favor of Amherst. It happened to be short-lived as Ferro broke through by scoring twice in 90 seconds, to extend the Hurricanes’ lead to 4-1, with under five minutes to go in the first half.
Heading into halftime, the score was 5-2 in favor of Amherst.
Once the third quarter rolled around, the pace of play picked up and could be felt on the turf, as Northampton started to show signs of resurgence as they pulled within two.
As the Amherst started to diminish to 6-4, it would all come down to the fourth quarter, the final 12 minutes of regulation.
The final portion of the regulation was a combined effort from Bowman and Hurricanes goalie Jason Kim, who was a brick wall by dampening any momentum and glimmer of hope from the Blue Devils. Bowman would tally another to his four goals of the night.
During the postgame championship festivities, Kim broke down his perspective on when Northampton pulled out their last-ditch effort with under a minute left on the clock, as the score was now 8-6, Hurricanes.
“All my defense did a great job, and we got hyped up during the fourth quarter, and we fought tooth and nail for the victory,” Kim said.
Offering a similar comment was Coach Ferro, who credited his defense for pushing Northampton to not feel comfortable on the defensive end.
“Our defense busted their butts, and we were on ground balls and were where we needed to be, and tonight we made smart plays on offense,” Ferro said.
Now, the MIAA State tournament is the next destination for the Hurricanes. Bowman offered thoughts of pride and excitement.
“I feel we are prepared and everyone on our team is dedicated and extremely proud of this moment, and I’m very glad we brought the title back to our school,” Bowman noted.
While Ferro said he’s proud to clinch a tournament berth, he admitted there is nothing sweeter than getting a championship victory over a rival.
“Northampton has been our rival, and these guys know each other, and I thought this was a super hard-fought victory tonight, and next up is states!” Ferro said.
