The Amherst Regional boys ultimate team returned to the Paideia Cup for the first time since 2013.
Not much has changed since the Hurricanes last attended the top-level event in Atlanta.
Amherst defeated defending champion Carolina Friends School of North Carolina, 13-12, to win the Open Division title Sunday. It was the program’s fourth title and first since 2003.
“We controlled what we could control,” Amherst coach Joe Costello said. “We focused on our game and it worked out.”
It was the first Paideia title for any of the Hurricanes as well as Costello, who took in 2014. The Hurricanes also won in 2010 and 2006.
Amherst used its depth and conditioning to outlast Carolina.
“I think a lot of people stood out but it was a true team effort top to bottom,” Costello said.
Amherst beat Edina High of Minnesota, 13-6, in the semifinal round on Sunday.
On Saturday, Amherst opened with a 13-8 win over Holy Family Catholic (Ohio), then beat Paideia, 13-5, and Hopkins High (Minnesota), 13-7.
West Springfield 5, Granby 3 – The Rams took a 3-2 lead in the sixth innings, but the Terriers rallied with three in the bottom of the sixth to win Saturday.
Matt Bleakley (run) had two hits, while Joe Bessette (double) and Ben Rokowski (RBI) each had one for Granby (3-1).
West Springfield 5, Granby 3
Granby 000 003 0 — 3 4 1
West Springfield 100 013 x — 5 4 3
WP—Dombkowski LP—N. Bleakley
Records: West Springfield (3-1) Granby (3-1)