Class B boys lacrosse: Amherst stuns Northampton, captures 1st WMass title since 2003 (PHOTOS)

Amherst Regional's Kyle Uysal, right, looks to attempt a shot during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Kyle Uysal, right, looks to attempt a shot during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Luis Salgado, right, listens during a huddle after losing the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Luis Salgado, right, listens during a huddle after losing the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Brian Roberto Sibrian Cruz celebrates after scoring a goal during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Brian Roberto Sibrian Cruz celebrates after scoring a goal during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Robbie Agresto (5) looks to pass the ball around Amherst Regional's Gavin Duncan, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Robbie Agresto (5) looks to pass the ball around Amherst Regional's Gavin Duncan, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Gavin Duncan, left, and Northampton's Parker Christy, right, compete for a loose ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Gavin Duncan, left, and Northampton's Parker Christy, right, compete for a loose ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Jackson Oravec (1) looks to run the ball around Amherst Regional's Kyle Uysal (9) during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Jackson Oravec (1) looks to run the ball around Amherst Regional's Kyle Uysal (9) during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Jackson Oravec, top, looks for the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Jackson Oravec, top, looks for the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Jackson Oravec (1) attempts to push Amherst Regional's Owen Cunniffe, right, out of bounds during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Jackson Oravec (1) attempts to push Amherst Regional's Owen Cunniffe, right, out of bounds during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton players stand in line as the national anthem is sung before the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton players stand in line as the national anthem is sung before the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Taylor Leiva (2) runs the ball around Northampton's Kyle Vandeberghe (23) during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Taylor Leiva (2) runs the ball around Northampton's Kyle Vandeberghe (23) during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Brian Roberto Sibrian Cruz, center, celebrates after scoring during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Brian Roberto Sibrian Cruz, center, celebrates after scoring during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Liam Worgess (20) controls the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Liam Worgess (20) controls the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Jason Kim looks to pass the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Jason Kim looks to pass the ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Silas Hazen, left, keeps the ball from Northampton's Eli Reid, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Silas Hazen, left, keeps the ball from Northampton's Eli Reid, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional players chant while in a huddle before the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional players chant while in a huddle before the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Tre Bowman, left, shoves Northampton's Jackson Oravec, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Tre Bowman, left, shoves Northampton's Jackson Oravec, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Silas Hazen, right, runs the ball around Northampton's Parker Christy, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Silas Hazen, right, runs the ball around Northampton's Parker Christy, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Spencer McDonald (11) celebrates after scoring a goal during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Spencer McDonald (11) celebrates after scoring a goal during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Devine Moyston (00) runs the plaque toward fans in the stands after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Devine Moyston (00) runs the plaque toward fans in the stands after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Parker Christy (11) looks to grab a loose ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Parker Christy (11) looks to grab a loose ball during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Luis Salgado (2) watches Amherst Regional players celebrate across the field during a huddle after losing the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Luis Salgado (2) watches Amherst Regional players celebrate across the field during a huddle after losing the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Jack Carpenter, left, passes the ball to Robbie Agresto, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Jack Carpenter, left, passes the ball to Robbie Agresto, right, during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional players pose for a group photograph after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional players pose for a group photograph after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Spencer McDonald (11) looks to attempt a shot past Northampton's Ryland Breen, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Spencer McDonald (11) looks to attempt a shot past Northampton's Ryland Breen, left, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional's Sawyer Ferro, left, and Tre Bowman, right, celebrate after a goal is scored during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional's Sawyer Ferro, left, and Tre Bowman, right, celebrate after a goal is scored during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Nicholas Biddle, left, and Jackson Oravec celebrate after a goal is scored during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Nicholas Biddle, left, and Jackson Oravec celebrate after a goal is scored during the PVIAC Class B championship game against Amherst Regional at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Water is dumped onto Amherst Regional Head Coach Rich Ferro, center, after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Water is dumped onto Amherst Regional Head Coach Rich Ferro, center, after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Amherst Regional players celebrate after winning the PVIAC Class B championship game against Northampton 9-6 at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

Northampton's Anthony Torchia, left, shoves Amherst Regional's Tri Nguyen, center, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield.

Northampton's Anthony Torchia, left, shoves Amherst Regional's Tri Nguyen, center, during the PVIAC Class B championship game at West Springfield High School, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in West Springfield. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II—

By RYAN AMES

Staff Writer

Published: 05-28-2025 12:04 AM

Modified: 05-28-2025 7:01 AM

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Rich Ferro’s been waiting for this for a long time.

The Amherst Regional boys lacrosse coach — who has been involved with Hurricanes lacrosse since his playing days with the program during the 1990s — helped guide the team to its first Western Massachusetts title in 22 years on Tuesday. Amherst downed Northampton, 9-6, at Clark Field as the ‘Canes claimed the Class B crown against their arch-rivals in a game they never trailed.

It was the first sectional title for Amherst (and just second in program history) since 2003, when the Hurricanes upset Longmeadow in the title game.

“It means a ton,” Ferro said. “I went to Amherst High School, Coach Henry [Wilson], he and I played together in high school. My older son, Skyler, graduated last year, didn’t have a chance to play in a game like this and is here with us on the sidelines and my younger [son] Sawyer… just all these guys, we’ve been coaching them for so long. We always almost get there, almost get there and to be able to actually pull this out...we haven’t played in a Western Mass. final, we were trying to figure this out, in over 20 years.

“Northampton has been our rival forever so there’s nothing like playing the game against these guys in a Western Mass. final,” Ferro added. “These guys, they know each other and have been playing with each other and against each other for a long time. I thought that was a super hard-fought game both directions.”

Amherst scored the only goal of the first quarter, as both teams didn’t appear interested in being too aggressive early. Then, the Hurricanes seemed to find a spark during the second quarter as they had their highest single-quarter goal output of the contest with four strikes, to the Blue Devils’ two. After earning a 5-2 halftime lead, Amherst did much of the same during the second two frames, frustrating Northampton with quick-response goals. Every time the Blue Devils looked to be making a comeback, the ‘Canes would score and halt any momentum.

Tre Bowman led Amherst (9-6) in that department, compiling a hat trick for the victors, while Sawyer Ferro notched two goals. Silas Hazen had five points on a goal and four assists as the Hurricanes’ top point producer. Spencer McDonald (goal, three assists) also stepped up on offense for Amherst.

“Competing in that first half,” Northampton head coach Charlie Edwards said on what he felt was the difference. “[Amherst] came out a little more aggressive, a little more willing to make the hits in front of the crease, a little more willing to compete for ground balls in the low field.”

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From the surface, goals were obviously the difference in this one, but Ferro felt a defensive adjustment the team made since the last time these two teams met (April 16) helped the ‘Canes immensely on Tuesday.

“We’ve been running a zone for most of the year on defense, we ran a zone against them the first time and I know that they’ve been around watching some of our games where we ran a zone, so we’ve installed a man-defense when we started playing the East Longmeadows and the West Sides,” Ferro said. “Those schools kind of tuned us up and so I was like ‘alright, our man’s much better now, we’re going to press the heck out of these guys.’ That was one real big change. You could tell they were never comfortable with the ball, we were just pressing all over the place. I got to give it to my goalie and Liam [Worgess] and Owen [Cunniffe] and Devine [Moyston], they played pretty much the whole game with Scott [Rhodes] coming in off the bench for short periods to really lock things down, to really give our offense a chance.”

Northampton took that first meeting earlier in the season, 9-5.

Jason Kim — Amherst’s goalie — provided more insight on the defensive switch up.

“When we regularly play zone, we had to slide coming from the sides, but here it was man so we had it through the crease,” Kim said. “Left and right were all secured and [Northampton] couldn’t move the ball and we secured all their sticks and we had all our sticks up. That was good defense right there.”

Kim contributed 15 saves for the Hurricanes and has been their backbone all year long.

“This means [a lot] for the school because this is our first Western Mass. [title] in 20 years I think,” Kim said. “Last time it was our coaches, now we won it for them so this is a good one.”

The Blue Devils (16-2) tied a season-low with their six goals scored. Keller Mahoney and Jackson Oravec were the only Northampton players to register multiple points while goalie Henry Fallon finished with eight saves.

Both teams already qualified for the MIAA Division 3 state tournament and could cross paths once again. Seeds will be announced on Wednesday afternoon.