By Dave Caspole ’94
Owls’ women’s basketball junior forward Melissa Gray had a standout season in 2019-20 that saw her lead the nation in two categories—steals and three-point field goals made.
“Mel has tremendous instincts defensively as to where the next pass is going,” says Owls head coach Andrea Bertini ’96. “She’s proven herself to be one of the best players in the country, and in program history, and has a chance to break the University’s all-time scoring record.”
Along the way, the Owls’ first-team All-Conference pick broke a school record by nailing 10 three pointers in a single game. The record Gray broke was held by Bertini, who netted nine threes in a game in 1995.
Sutter 300, League Title
Men’s basketball provided some exciting moments during the winter season, as the Owls defeated then #3-ranked Amherst in November to give head coach Rich Sutter (pictured top, right) his 300th career win, then won the league’s regular season and tournament titles to earn its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2015. All conference players and seniors Jauch Green, Jr. and Vawn Lord each averaged better than 17 points per game.
Lenfest Award
Westfield State Athletic Director Dick Lenfest (pictured top, left) was honored in the spring with a VanderZwaag Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, the McCormack Sports Management program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Lenfest was selected alongside former Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherrington and Philadelphia Eagles Vice President Catherine Carlson.
Smith Cup Recipients
Westfield State student-athletes brought home the Smith Cup for the fifth time in the last six years, which signifies the best overall athletic program in the MASCAC. The Owls won titles in women’s cross country and track and field, women’s volleyball (pictured bottom) and men’s basketball during the 2019-20 academic year. For more information on Owls athletics, visit WestfieldStateOwls.com
