/03.04.2010sports

Senior Tom Fishback

Junior Allison Greaney

Senior Nick Neuman

A special section of

The Ithacan

Spring Sports Preview As the nine spring sports teams make the transition outdoors, we’ll fill you in on all the action on the track, field, court and lake.

Junior Marcia McCord

Senior Andrew Brown

Junior Josh Rifkin

Senior Chris Lisee Junior Amy Gefell

Senior Kylie McClure

photos by allison usavage design by michelle barrie

Spring Sports Preview

2 The Ithacan

Thursday, M ar ch 4, 2010

women’s track

Bombers on the right track after indoor season

By Chris Lotsbom Staff Writer

The women’s track and field team will try to continue what has been a successful indoor season, as it shifts its events from the indoor oval to the outdoor facilities at Butterfield Stadium.

Last year, the Bombers had one of their best seasons in history, capturing many team and individual titles. The South Hill squad won the New York State Collegiate Track Conference and Empire 8 titles last year, in addition to placing eighth at the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships.

This year the Bombers will also look to increase the number of athletes they send to nationals, as two made the trip to Marietta, Ohio, last year. There, junior Marcia McCord and sophomore Emma Dewart set then-career bests in their respective events. McCord earned All-American honors in both the 200- and 400-meter events. In the 200-meter run she broke Ithaca College’s school record at nationals, where she ran 24.70 in the preliminary round.

McCord is not one to sit on her accomplishments, though. She said she is eager to return to the track in hopes of lowering her school records in the 200- and 400-meter, while aiming to lengthen her records in the long jump and triple jump. She said her main goal is nationals, though.

“Last year’s season was a bit hectic for me,” McCord said. “My times were all over the place. This year I’m looking for consistency and definitely improvement. I’ve already laid the groundwork — lifting, getting the most out of my workouts, more sleep and water — but next season, I intend to take it to the next level.”

Dewart has already had an incredible 2010 indoor campaign. She

lin last season, will return in hopes of defending her Head coach: Jennifer title, and senior Potter Kristen DeSteLast year’s finish: First fano and sophoof nine at NYSCTC more Julie OrlanChampionships do, both school record-holders in Key losses: Alison the pole vault (inSiderko ’09 and door and outdoor, Diamando Stratakos ’09 respectively), are Key returners: Sophoalso looking to more Emma Dewart and raise the bar. juniors Kate Leugers and In the distance Marcia McCord events, the team has point scorers Captains: All seniors from nearly evHome turf: Butterfield ery class. Seniors Stadium Amanda Boccio and Melanie Can’t-miss meet: March McCormick and 27 at Ithaca Invitational sophomore Heidi Baumbach are coming off indoor seasons in which all have qualified for the ECAC Championship meet. In the 1,500-meter the Bombers will have the indoor record-holder in the mile, junior Kate Leugers, and freshman Jenn Randall competing.

“We have several girls who can run well in multiple events, and it has been really exciting to see everyone develop into smart, confident racers,” Boccio said.

Though the roster is loaded Then-junior Michele McManus clears a hurdle last spring at Butterfield Stadium. The women’s track and field team with talented athletes who have will host the Ithaca Invitational on March 27 and the Ithaca Quad Meet on April 20 at Butterfield Stadium. file photo/The Ithacan achieved many accomplishments over their careers, the Bombers are has qualified for nationals in the teammates and coaches to do that. season and look forward to improv- still focused on performing well as a unit, aiming to improve every pentathlon and provisionally quali- Coming into the outdoor season ing in each of the events.”

Dewart said she hopes to qual- time they hit the track. McCord fied in the long jump and will try to last year as a heptathlete, I was still continue it through the spring. She learning a lot of the basics in events ify for nationals again in the hep- said the Blue and Gold’s ability to said her goal right now is to improve like the shot put and hurdles, and I tathlon and high jump as well as focus on the team aspect of the sport is one of its best assets. was learning the javelin from scratch. other events. on all of her events.

“We are looking to take a squad Aside from Dewart, the Bombers “I got by last year with my perfor- After working on those events espemances, but I know that I have a lot cially this summer and throughout are also a threat to score many points of people to the NCAA Champimore to improve on,” Dewart said. the indoor season, I feel a lot more in the field. Sophomore Ashley Dlu- onships,” she said. “We’ve got the “I look forward to working with my confident going into this outdoor bac, who won the state title in the jave- depth to get it done.”

Just the facts

men’s track

Squad focuses on group dynamic

By Tim McQuade Staff Writer

After starting 2010 with a string of positive indoor performances, the men’s track and field team looks to carry that success outside and further into the year.

Coming off its recent Empire 8 Championship — the Bombers’ third straight — the team is focused and motivated as it prepares for the outdoor competition.

“You need to have the right environment to win,” Head Coach Jim Nichols said. “This is a good, motivated group of athletes.”

This season’s team consists of 68 members.

Having such a large team has allowed for solid depth at different events, but Nichols said honing that depth can be a challenge for the coaching staff.

“From an organizational standpoint, it gets tougher because it gets harder to work with every athlete each day,” Nichols said. “So it requires more from the coaching staff.”

With a large percentage of the team being freshmen, the coaching staff looks to the upperclassmen to help guide the newer team members.

“Upperclassman leadership is important for continuity and structure within the program,” Nichols said.

Junior long jumper Kyle Devins agreed that freshmen benefit from the experience of upperclassmen on the team.

“A little more focus needs to be put on the freshmen,” Devins said. “They need to assimilate to our program, but everyone on the team helps each other.”

With the upcoming indoor New York

State Collegiate Track Conference, Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Championships, the Blue and Gold look to translate their recent success — finishing 38 out of 50 teams at last year’s indoor ECAC Championships — into strong performances at Head Coach: Jim Nichols these events.

“Success is a stepLast year’s finish: Third of 56 by-step progression,” at ECAC Championships Nichols said. “Every year we are workKey losses: Chris Covino ’09, ing for a state and Cory Petermann ’09, Tim Shea ’09 ECAC Championship.”

Outdoors, the Key returners: Senior Curt Bell Bombers have had and juniors Kyle Devins, Max great success in the Orenstein and Jeff Wetmore past few years. The Then-sophomore Chris Wilber clears the bar in the high jump last season at team finished third out Captains: To be determined Butterfield Stadium. Wilber earned all-state honors in the high jump last year. of 56 teams at last year’s File photo/the ithacan Home turf: Butterfield Stadium outdoor ECAC Chamhave a legitimate chance at performances: junior Max Orenstein set the pionship, and it won Can’t-miss meet: March 28 winning the ECAC, and we school record for the 300-meter dash, freshthe outdoor NYSCTC at Ithaca Invitational are trying to get more and man Jeff Willis set the school record in the Championship. more teammates qualified pole vault, junior Jeff Wetmore set the school “The indoor season record in the 200-meter dash, Devins tied the for nationals.” goes right into the outFreshman hurdler Matt school long jump record and Confer tied the door,” Nichols said. “So we use the indoor season to prepare for the Confer shares that optimism, and said he school record in the 55-meter hurdles.

With a talented core of athletes, solid believes that the team’s confidence and outdoor season.” depth and an adroit coaching staff, this season Devins, who is the reigning NYSCTC and training will pay off this season.

“If we keep working hard, the results will could yield promising results for the Bombers.

Empire 8 champion in the long jump and “There are so many factors that go into a recently qualified for the NCAA Champion- come,” Confer said. “We are pretty solid conship in May, said the team is highly optimistic tenders, and we feel good about ourselves winning season,” Nichols said. “But you can’t look three years down the road because it about this year after last year’s strong finish at right now.”

This season, the South Hill squad has al- happens so fast. You never know what hapthe outdoor ECAC Championship.

“One thing at a time,” Devins said. “But we ready had five record-tying or -breaking pens, so the future is now.”

Just the facts

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Thursday, M ar ch 4 , 2 0 1 0

The Ithacan 3

Bombers’ youth looks to aid team in return to nationals

men’s lacrosse

By Thomas Eschen Staff Writer

It was May 2008. The men’s lacrosse team just made it to the NCAA semifinals. It looked like the Bombers had finally found their place in the national spotlight. Just one year after that stellar season, the 2009 team compiled a 14–2 overall record but was denied an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

Fast forward to 2010, where the squad’s motivation to get back on the national map is driving each athlete.

Head Coach: Jeff Long “The end of last year put a big question mark Last year’s record: 14–2 next to Ithaca lacrosse,” senior Nick Neuman Key losses: Kevin Bush ’09, Matt Cutter ’09, Michael Serron said. “People aren’t rank’09, Alec Siefert ’09 and Neth ing us very high in the Wiedemann ’09 preseason now, and we’ve kind of fallen off Key returners: Juniors David the map of all the top Gal and Michael Hennessy and teams. I’d really like to senior Nic Heckman come out and show peoCaptains: Heckman and senior ple that we are one of the Nick Neuman best teams in the country and that we are capable Home field: Upper Terrace Field of playing with anybody.”

The Bombers are Can’t-miss game: April 7 vs. ranked 14th nationSUNY-Cortland ally in both the United States International Lacrosse Association Preseason Coaches’ Poll and the Lacrosse Magazine Preseason poll. But the squad is picked to finish second in the Empire 8. Nazareth College, the same team that upset Ithaca in the first round of the 2009 Empire 8 Tournament, is ranked first.

Though the Bombers agree that this is a new team and a new season, the 2009 snub will not slip their minds anytime soon.

“It’s definitely a motivation factor for us,” senior Nic Heckman said. “We don’t want to get Then-junior midfielder Mike Lohan looks for an open teammate as Maritime College then-senior rid of those memories. We kind of want to keep that chip on our shoulder and try not to forget Brandon Middelton defends him in the Bombers’ win March 28, 2009, at Upper Terrace Field.

File photo/The ithacan and lose focus so it doesn’t happen again.”

Just the facts

Though solid players like Alec Siefert ’09, Neth Wiedemann ’09 and Ben Connery ’09 have graduated, they leave a pool of young talent yearning for the chance to get a shot at the field.

The position battles, such as the one at midfield, were a major part of preseason workouts, leaving the coaches with some tough decisions to make leading up to the first few games of the season.

“The competition has really been all the way from the bottom to the top of the list,” Head Coach Jeff Long said. “We are a little banged up in a couple spots right now, so it’s given some opportunity for some other kids.”

The athletes stress that there is nothing wrong with that atmosphere.

“Competition is always going to make people work a little harder when they have to earn a spot,” Neuman said. “We won’t get complacent when we have someone nipping at our heels for the same position. Overall, we’re close enough as a team where it doesn’t form any hostility between teammates gunning for the same spot.”

Not only does everyone get better through this competition, the team also adds depth in the process, making the team stronger in one of the most demanding positions on the field — midfield.

“The beauty of the midfield position is that you can’t just survive with your starting group,” Long said. “A lot of times your games are won with your second and third midfield, because it’s really how the other team matches up in depth, and at this point, the depth is going to pay off for us in the long run.”

Heckman said having that depth will help with injuries that can occur as well.

The Bombers began their season Tuesday at the University of Scranton. Their Empire 8 season begins at St. John Fisher College on March 31. With that in mind, one thought is staying with the squad.

“The amount of potential that this team has sticks out to me,” Neuman said. “I really want to just come out and make a statement.”

women’s lacrosse

Seniors lead squad in run toward postseason battles

By Kevin McCall Staff Writer

Despite the snow that remains in Ithaca, the women’s lacrosse team is preparing for its season-opening tournament. The Bombers are determined to return to playoff contention.

Four starting seniors will lead the Blue and Gold on the field this season as opposed to only one in 2009. Junior attack Katie Hurley said the senior class will be instrumental to the team’s preparation for the 2010 campaign.

“We have a really strong senior class who are leaders at their positions and have done a really good job bonding us together and getting us ready for the season,” she said.

One senior who may miss time, though, is captain Sarah Cox. She was limited to four games last season because of a knee injury. Cox hurt her other knee in a tournament game last weekend and has not practiced. Senior midfielder and co-captain Lauren Fitzgerald said Cox is a hard-working, vocal leader who leads by example whether she’s playing or not.

“She is always the first one at practice and the last one to leave,” Fitzgerald said.

Though she won’t be filling the hole left on the field, graduate assistant and captain of the 2008 Empire 8 Championship team Meagan Howell was promoted from graduate assistant to assistant coach in October. Junior

defender Melanie Braun said Howell’s experience as a player Head Coach: Karen Hollands is vital to helping individual players and the Last year’s record: 7–9 team as a whole.

Key losses: Becky Bedard ’09, “She knows so Kathleen Michel ’09, Heidi much about the game Puccio ’09 of lacrosse and is always willing to help Key returners: Juniors Katie people out individuHurley and Abby Peterson and ally with their skills senior Kylie McClure and strategy,” she said.

Captains: Seniors Sarah Cox, The South Hill Courtney Dowell and Lauren squad lost four Fitzgerald games by two goals or less last season — Home field: Carp Wood Field one of which was a 10–9 loss to the UniCan’t-miss game: April 10 vs.

Stevens Institute of Technology versity of Rochester in last season’s finale, causing the team to From left, St. John Fisher College then-senior Jen Springett defends then-junior Kylie McClure in the Bombers’ 15–9 miss the Empire 8 Championships. loss to Fisher on April 10, 2009, at Carp Wood Field. The Bombers finished the year with a 4–4 conference record.

Hurley said the team’s mentality last File Photo/The Ithacan season cost them a few victories. any point in the game where we hit a games follow until the home opener “We had the skill and talent, but big games,” she said.

April 7 against Utica College.

This season, the women are look- dry spell.” once we got up by a certain amount, Hurley said she has seen the team First team all-conference junior we would kind of stop playing,” she ing to build on their high turnover said. “Other teams would catch up ratio in which they forced 151 turn- Abby Peterson will certainly bolster come together and thinks it has the overs to their opponents’ 112. Braun the defense. The defender had 31 potential to make a run beyond the to us, and it would be too late.”

Fitzgerald said last year’s youth said the team will be more proactive ground balls and forced 26 turnovers conference championships.

“Starting my freshman year, I and aggressive on the defensive side last season. caused the lapses in concentration.

The Bombers will begin their sea- knew if we were going to do big “Last year a lot of young play- to complement its 13-goals-person during spring break at a tourna- things, it was going to be this seaers had to step up pretty early on, game average on offense last year.

“We have to be going full speed ment in West Palm Beach, Fla., with son,” she said. “We have the right but having a year under their belt is going to give them more experi- at all times, whether we’re on offense games against SUNY-Brockport and combinations, the talent and the ence and have them ready for the or defense, “ she said. “We can’t have Mount Holyoke College. Four road heart going for us this year.”

Just the FActs

Spring Sports Preview

4 The Ithacan

Thursday, M ar ch 4, 2010

softball

Squad uses depth at positions to make run at World Series

By Casey Musarra Sports Editor

After a disappointing loss in the finals of the Empire 8 tournament last year, the softball team is hoping to accomplish what it looks to do every year — get back to the World Series.

“Our goals are the same as they are every year,” Head Coach Deb Pallozzi said. “We want to win the Empire 8 regular season, host the Empire 8 tournament, win it, get to regionals, and get back to the World Series and see what we can do. Every year that’s the same set of goals; we approach it differently, but it’s the same set of goals.”

Last season, the Bombers ended the season with a 1–0 loss to St. John Fisher College after battling to reach the finals of the conference tournament and missed out on the NCAA playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

“The hardest part was that we were so close,” sophomore Annmarie Forenza said.

“It was an extra-inning game and we had it — one hit lost the whole thing. It was devastating, but what kept our heads up was that we made it so far with all the injuries and all of the bad things we had to deal with, so that’s what keeps us going for this year.”

The Bombers had four season-ending injuries last season, leaving the team with a lack of depth. Forenza said the Blue and Gold now have at least three players on the roster at every position.

The Bombers also have a balance of nine freshmen and 11 upperclassmen. Junior captain Allison Greaney said that balance brings a different atmosphere to practice.

“The incoming class this year — just personalitywise and talentwise, it’s great,” she said. “You have the freshmen who are just genuinely excited to start, and they bring that energy every single day, and then you have the upperclassmen who know what’s going on and are excited to get back to E8s, and we’ve been through it before, so you have a mix of two different excitements.”

One of the Bombers’ biggest strengths this year is in the circle. Last season, the team re-

lied on senior Alyssa Brook and junior Brittany Lillie to do the majority of the Head Coach: Deb Pallozzi work on the mound.

This season the Blue Last year’s record: 27–16 and Gold look not Key losses: Gaby Flores ’09 only to Brook and Lillie, but also to Key returners: Juniors Allison Greaney and senior Greaney, Brittany Lillie and Brooke Kithcart.

Courtney Noster and sopho“It’s going to be mores Annmarie Forenza and a staff,” she said. “All Julianna Van Meter four kids will be able Captains: Greaney to contribute. Where other programs deHome field: Kostrinsky Field pend on two or three, we’re going to have Can’t-miss game: April 6 vs. all four. This year we SUNY-Cortland can actually use Greaney because we have other candidates who can play third [base] this year.”

In high school, Greaney, who has only seen four appearances during her career at Ithaca, was named The Star Ledger Player of the Year in 2007 as a pitcher for John F. Kennedy High School in Iselin, N.J. Pallozzi said she is confident that Greaney will perform just fine.

“She’s the type of kid that she makes ingame adjustments automatically,” Pallozzi said. “Even if she gets roughed up a little bit ... she’s going to make those adjustments.

She’s going to understand what she did, and she’s going to clean that up and then come Then-junior pitcher Alyssa Brook throws a pitch during one of the softball team’s two losses in at it with a different approach the next a doubleheader against the University of Rochester on March 31, 2009, at Kostrinsky Field. time out.”

File Photo/The ithacan Greaney and the Bombers will have plenty of opportunities to find their comfort home. That’s an extra incentive to make sure conference schedule in April.

“We want to show what we can do on the zone as they play five of their seven confer- you do everything you can to protect your field,” Forenza said. “We want to learn from ence doubleheaders at home and have nine home field.”

The Bombers begin their season March our mistakes — just grow as a whole team so home doubleheaders as opposed to last 12 against No. 6 ranked Gustavus Adolphus that going into the regular season, going into year’s five.

“I personally love home games,” Forenza College in Panama City, Fla. The Blue and Empire 8, we want to be the best we can be. said. “It’s fun to see everybody come out, and Gold will play in two tournaments during Our ultimate goal is to win Empire 8, then I feel more confident there. It’ll help us with spring break in Florida, where they look to regionals, then nationals, so it’ll be a good motivation because we don’t want to lose at work out the kinks before beginning their starting point.”

Just the FActs

Playing the field After graduating only one player, the Bombers look to start a dominating defense on the diamond. With four pitchers taking the mound this year, look for many of these players to move around from position to position.

SPRING 2010 projected LineUp NUMBER

PLAYER NAME

POSITION

22

Kerry Barger

C

15

Caitlin Ryan

1B

19

Kait Dolan

2B

Allison Greaney

3B

14

Annmarie Forenza

SS

17

Katherine Wilson

LF

21

Alyssa Guzman

CF

11

Julianna Van Meter

RF

25

Courtney Noster

DP

8

Brittany Lillie

Junior pitcher

Lillie was named the Empire 8 Player of the Year last season.

She led the team with a .410 batting average. On the mound Lillie had a 2.61 ERA and went 9–4 in 21 appearances.

Alyssa Guzman

Katherine Wilson Annmarie Forenza

Kait Dolan

Allison Greaney

Alyssa Brook

Senior pitcher

Brook led the team in wins as she posted a 15–11 record in 33 appearances. She also led the team with 155 strikeouts over 165.0 innings. The Bombers’ ace held a 2.33 ERA.

Julianna Van Meter

Courtney Noster

Caitlin Ryan

Kerry Barger

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The Ithacan 5

baseball

Baseball finds variety in indoor practice facilities

By Dave uram Staff Writer

While the snow is still coming down outside, the baseball team prepares to take to the diamond.

But instead of training on Freeman Field, the Bombers are making the best of their indoor training.

Picked to win the Empire 8 for the 10th straight season, the Bombers return four first-team, all-conference players — senior right-handed pitcher and captain Tom Fishback, junior third baseman David Ahonen, junior outfielder Matt Streich and sophomore right-handed reliever Tucker Healy.

Because of the snow on the ground and frigid temperatures, the South Hill squad has been limited to practicing indoors as the season approaches. Thus, Head Coach George Valesente — who’s entering his 31st year as the Bombers’ coach — said he can’t predict how this season will pan out.

“It’s very difficult to answer some of the questions sometimes that we need to answer indoors, so we’re going to have to wait until we go on our spring trip to do that,” Valesente said.

The Bombers will spend their spring break in five cities in California where they’ll play eight games in one week.

One of the team’s unanswered questions is who’s going to play where, since players are still competing for the starting jobs before the start of the regular season.

“When you have to compete every day, it definitely makes you better,” Ahonen said. “When you’re competing for a job, you’re never satisfied; you’re always looking to push yourself to get better. And even younger guys keep getting better every day and

DelPiano, Pittsburgh Pirates special assistant to the general manager and scout, at practice a few weeks ago.

Head Coach: George Valesente DelPiano, a Last year’s record: 29–10 native of Auburn, N.Y., was Key losses: Kurt Bednarcyk visiting and gave ’09, Alan Kartholl ’09, Pete the South Hill MacDaniel ’09, Dylan Perez squad tips and ’09, Matt Samela ’09 different drills Key returners: Senior Tom to work on.

Fishback and juniors David “He went Ahonen and Matt Streich through all the drills all Captain: Fishback the big leaguers do [and] all Home field: Freeman Field the main guys Can’t-miss game: May 2 vs. in the league,” SUNY-Cortland Ahonen said. “[He showed us] the same exact drills he puts them through, and he did them with us, and we learned so much. We improved tenfold just in one day. So now we’re using those drills we learned from him every day and just keep getting better and better. We’ve seen significant results in the past week, From left, SUNY-Oneonta then-junior Carmine Caputo slides into third as then-sophomore David Ahonen fields the ball week and a half. We’re doing a in the baseball team’s 3–2 win April 29, 2009, at Freeman Field. The Bombers went 10–2 in Empire 8 play last year. great job, and the guys are really buying into it. I’m looking for big File Photo/The Ithacan things this year.”

As another way to inspire that helps the team out. When ping up and bringing the most out The pitchers and catchers partake in bullpen sessions and defensive and motivate the team, DelPiano you have depth [and] one guy in themselves.” showed off the couple of World Even though Valesente doesn’t drills specific to them. goes down, the next guy can fill On the weekends, the South Series rings he won while working know exactly who will fill which pothe spot.”

Fishback said this competition sitions, he said he’s happy with the Hill squad travels to the Lan- in the Florida Marlins and Boston brings the best out of everyone on work ethic and persistence he’s seen sing Recreation Center where Red Sox organizations.

With his team highly motivated, while conditioning his players dur- they practice on indoor turf the team.

“We have a lot of young tal- ing these preseason practices in Ben fields and conduct full infield Valesente said a spectacular season workouts. There they can take is on the horizon. ent right now, and we have a lot Light Gymnasium.

“This team has been extremely On the offensive side, play- fly balls and work out in more of guys that could come right in focused in practice and dedicated and play and a lot of competition ers are taking swings in the bat- realistic circumstances.

Something that’s helped the to really working at getting betin just about every position,” he ting cages, and defensively they’re said. “Hopefully, that competi- working on taking ground balls Bombers during this preseason, ter and being better at the little tion will translate into kids step- and short hops in the gymnasium. though, was the appearance of Marc things,” Valesente said.

Just the FActs

Breaking down the defense The baseball team graduated five players — four of whom were starting position players — leaving plenty of spots to fill. The lineup isn’t set in stone, but look for these experienced players to see a majority of the playing time.

SPRING 2010 projected LineUp NUMBER Rob Zappia

C I

Matt Streich Russ Martens

David Ahonen

Jon Krakower

Trevor Wolf

Mike Armstrong

POSITION

44

Mike Armstrong

C

24

Trevor Wolf

1B

26

Russ Martens

2B

10

David Ahonen

3B

TBD

SS

16

Matt Streich

LF

13

Rob Zappia

CF

11

T.J. Abone

RF

14

Jon Krakower

T.J. Abone TBD

PLAYER NAME

Tom Fishback

Senior pitcher

Fishback finished the year with an 8–5 record, tying the teamhigh in wins. He also led the team in strikeouts with 56 in 82.1 innings of work. Fishback had a 2.73 ERA.

DH

Aaron Sapp

Junior pitcher

Sapp held opposing batters to .270 last season in his first year in the rotation. He finished with a near-perfect 4–1 record and a 2.30 ERA in 13 appearances, nine of which were starts.

Spring Sports Preview

6 The Ithacan

Thursday, M ar ch 4, 2010

men’s crew

Squad set to make quick start

By Alex Holt

Contributing Writer

Despite finishing strong and wrapping up last season with a victory at the New York State Championships, the men’s crew will still work to avoid last season’s slow start that saw its varsity 8 boat remain winless until its third meet.

Senior captain Dan Curtis said the Bombers are looking to avoid repeating last season’s start with added effort and hard work.

“Crew takes a lot of commitment, a lot of effort, a lot of time, a lot of energy,” Curtis said.

It’s this dedication from each athlete that has resulted in the team’s success over the past few seasons. Ithaca has won the team points trophy at each of the past three NYS Championships and won its first varsity 8 gold medal of the decade at the championships last May. Curtis said one of the team’s goals is to win a medal at both states and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships.

Senior Chris Lisee said another one of the Blue and Gold’s goals is team cohesiveness.

“Last year we didn’t have much of that early on, and it really affected us,” he said.

The Blue and Gold should not struggle with team unity this season as the varsity 8 returns six of its rowers — Curtis, Lisee, senior seventh seat and co-captain Brian Erickson, senior sixth seat Nick Alvarez, junior fourth seat Joe Bagliere and senior third seat Eriberto Rosales. The second varsity 8 boat also returns six rowers.

Even with all the returners, Curtis said the pressure to succeed isn’t really any greater this year than it was in the past.

“I don’t think it really changes,” he said. “We don’t really think about the points trophy that much. We just want to do the best we can, and as long as we do that, we’ll win the points trophy.”

The Bombers open their season with three straight home meets at Cayuga Inlet, but according to Curtis, there isn’t too much of a home advantage.

“We try and put the same effort in regardless,” he said. “Once we start rowing, you kind of forget where you are, and you just focus on what you need to do. Of course, having more people cheer for us always helps.”

In order to keep focused, the Blue and Gold will continue practicing with equipment like the ergometer, which mimics athletes’ rowing strokes, as well as working on both their team goals and their individual goals. Erickson said these goals include trying to set new personal bests. He said one of the biggest challenges for the Bombers will be to stay focused over spring break.

This is especially important since the team’s first meet of the season isn’t until March 27, when the Bombers race the likes of Division I competition in Cornell University and the University of Michigan at Cayuga Inlet. Curtis said that regatta will be the first big test for the Bombers.

“Usually when we get back from spring break, we do a scrimmage

against Cornell in the lightweight boats and work Head Coach: Dan Robinson out our kinks that way,” Lisee said.

Last year’s finish: First at the “But we get back New York State Collegiate Championships a week later this year so we reKey losses: Pete Orlando ’09 ally have to get and Tom Poole ’09 our racing together. Last year, we Key returners: Seniors Dan got off to a really Curtis, Brian Erickson and shaky start, but we Chris Lisee wound up winning Captains: Curtis and Erickson states, so if we get off to a good start Home: Cayuga Inlet this year, we need to hold on to that Can’t-miss game: March 27 vs. momentum, and if Hobart College we don’t, we know what we need to do.”

Most importantly, the first meet will feature Ithaca’s biggest rival, Hobart College. The two teams race each year for a cup, and the South Hill squad is looking forward to winning that cup for the third straight year.

In between the opening meet and the state championships, the Bombers race against two strong teams from the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology on April 3. On April 24 in Pittsfield, Mass. — at one of Members of the men’s crew unload a shell from the boathouse April 11, the most challenging courses — the 2009, at Cayuga Inlet before the Blue and Gold’s tri-team regatta.

Blue and Gold will go up against File photo/The Ithacan two other big college rowing names The last time the Bombers won The South Hill squad then comas they compete against Williams College and the Coast Guard Acad- petes at the state championships in gold at Whitney Point before the emy. Not only do the Bombers Whitney Point, N.Y., and the ECAC 2009 season was in 1993. If this in Worcester, year’s team has anything to say face a challenging course, but it is Championships also their first regatta on the road Mass., during the first two weeks of about it, it won’t be waiting another 16 years for its next medal.

May to wrap up its season. all season.

Just the FActs

Women’s crew

Pulling together to improve Bombers set goal for stronger finish at NCAAs

By Andrew Weiser Assistant Sports Editor

With back-to-back fourth-place finishes at the NCAA Championships, the women’s crew is not only working toward its final goal of qualifying for nationals, but also improving on its past performances.

While the team brought home five gold medals at the New York State Championships last season — sweeping all five varsity and novice races it entered — the NCAAs are what Head Coach Becky Robinson would like to establish as the standard for every season.

“Certainly the standard we would like to set is going to the NCAAs every year, so that kind of is the minimum standard that we work for,” Robinson said. “We finished fourth the last two years, so I definitely think the team is capable of doing more, and in the right circumstances we could have a chance to win.”

Despite graduating nine seniors, including All-American Katie O’Driscoll ’09, the team returns an experienced core group of rowers that constitutes one of the deepest rosters in recent years. Junior Amy Gefell, who also received AllAmerican honors last season, said that the success of the team trumps individual accolades.

“I’ve been working really hard all year ’round,” Gefell said. “I’ve been training harder than I ever have before. But more so than for me to just make All-American status, I’m training really hard to contribute to get the team to nationals and to place at nationals.”

The team will continue to focus on cardiovascular and strength training, before traveling to Gainesville, Ga., to train over Ithaca College’s spring break. The team’s sense of camaraderie during practice, both on and off the water, helps motivate each athlete to

push one another to be better.

“I really like the group dynamic we have,” junior Ruthanne Goff said. “I’m really glad to see that it hasn’t changed that much because we work really good together and we’re really efficient and all working together to achieve that main goal.”

With more than 50 athletes on the roster Head Coach: Becky Robinson ’88 last season, and the possibilLast year’s finish: Fourth ity of more this at NCAA Crew Championships year, the numKey losses: Katie O’Driscoll ’09, Members of the women’s crew row last spring during a regatta on Cayuga Inlet. The ber of people Alden Hall ’09, Kelsey Schaeffer South Hill squad will face off against seven different teams on the inlet this season. involved in the ’09, Alex Chesney ’09 file photo/the ithacan program gives Robinson notaKey returners: Seniors Stepha“We get matched up by our our spring season.” ble depth from nie Levesque and Kaitlin Ahl The athletes view the training opportucoach with novice buddies,” Gefell the first varand junior Amy Gefell said. “We kind of mentor them to nity as an important piece in their develsity boat to the Captains: Seniors Aaliyah Emas a point, and in the boathouse we’ll opment as a team and use the added time novice level. and Julie Potter give them pointers if something is to get reacquainted and back in the rhythm “Having a with the rowers in their boat. drastically wrong.” lot of depth on Home: Cayuga Inlet “You definitely get really close with the One significant aspect of the the team really team’s preparation, before the people in your boat,” Gefell said. “You’re all raises the bar Can’t-miss game: April 24 vs. start of their season on March definitely pulling for each other, and in the end for everybody Williams College 28, is its trip to Gainesville, Ga., it comes down to all of us working together.” else,” Robinson With their season opener a few weeks where the team trains at the same said.

“More than anything else it provides for a lot of ca- boathouse used for crew competition at the away, and the team beginning to refocus on getting back to the NCAAs, the athletes’ bond maraderie. The athletes can feed off of each 1996 Summer Olympics.

“It’s an incredibly valuable period of with one another will play a key role in the other, and the team has really learned how to use it as a strength and use it to bring the time for us to get onto the water and do team’s continued success.

“We have a very strong crew team,” Goff a lot of technique and a lot of longer type whole level of the team up for every athlete.”

Since some rowers don’t have prior experi- pieces,” Robinson said. “Things we wouldn’t said. “I pride myself knowing that I do work ence in crew, getting all the freshmen — as well be able to do at home even if we had water, with women who have made it [to the NCAAs] as returning upperclassmen — up to speed as because it’s too cold to work on technique and they work their butts off to get there. You far as technique and routine is a vital part of the and we don’t have the time to work the long work really hard and you don’t want to negate pieces, so we do that and that’s critical to the fact that you’re having fun at the same time.” team’s preparation.

Just the FActs

Spring Sports Preview Thursday, M ar ch 4 , 2 0 1 0

The Ithacan 7

Men’s Tennis

Men’s tennis finds its swing heading into spring

By Brad Kolodner STaff Writer

As the defending Empire 8 champion, the men’s tennis team boasts a deep and balanced roster with strong senior leadership, setting itself up for another run at the title.

While the season has only just begun, players are setting their sights high. Senior captain and undisputed team leader Taylor Borda said winning the conference and returning to nationals is the team’s primary goal.

“We’ve continued to improve year after year,” Borda said. “Last year was one of the best records in program history, so if we could repeat, that would be really exciting.”

As the two-time defending Empire 8 Player of the Year, Borda is primed for continued success entering his final season as a Bomber.

Head Coach Bill Head Coach: Bill Austin Austin cannot say enough about Last year’s record: 18–5 the contributions Borda has made Key losses: Andrew Dunnick ’09 to the program and Seth Magnani ’09 during his career.

Key returners: Seniors Taylor “He’s been Borda and Danny Wolk and phenomenal for junior Josh Rifkin the program,” Austin said. “He Captains: Borda, Wolk and sets the tone, and senior Andrew Kalicki his work ethic is Home field: Ithaca Tennis Courts great. His sportsmanship on the Then-sophomore Josh Rifkin hits a forehand during the Bombers’ 9–0 win over Can’t-miss game: April 10 vs. court is beyond Nazareth College on April 18, 2009, at the Ithaca College Tennis Courts.

Stevens Institute of Technology reproach.

He’s File Photo/The ithacan just one of those “We can hopefully start most of our pair. The dynamic duo will look kids that players look up to and respect whether it’s on our to maintain its chemistry and compete at matches up 2–1 or 3–0, and that would give team or another team. He’s been an absolute nationals. The squad will rely heavily on us the momentum heading into singles, which its doubles’ teams to start each match off is the ultimate goal,” Rifkin said. joy to coach.”

The team enters the season with a balanced Borda and junior Josh Rifkin make up strongly. In collegiate tennis, each match bestarting lineup, including two seniors, one juthe Bombers’ nationally ranked doubles gins with doubles play.

Just the FActs

nior, two sophomores and one freshman. Austin named the three seniors on the roster — Borda, Andrew Kalicki and Danny Wolk — captains.

“I lean on the seniors a lot for leadership and helping out the younger kids and really setting the tone of what Bomber tennis is all about,” Austin said.

The squad lost its first match of the spring season at the University of Rochester — a team the Bombers defeated 6–3 in the fall season, by a score of 5–4. Borda said the Blue and Gold still have some kinks to work out before entering the bulk of their spring season.

“Our singles may not have been as prepared as we could’ve been,” he said. “We really need to get the bottom of our lineup sorted out and get a lot of singles practice in for those really tough matches.”

Austin said there are a few other areas that could use improvement.

“You’ve got to improve on higher percentage of first serves, improve on consistency, fitness, being able to relax, and play big points effectively and efficiently — kind of embrace the challenge.”

Perhaps the most pivotal match of the season will be against conference rival Stevens Institute of Technology on April 10 at home. The two squads met last year in the Empire 8 Championship tournament where the Bombers won their third conference championship in four years.

“We have some exciting home matches, particularly against Stevens,” Borda said.

“They’re one of our harder matches on the schedule. Hopefully, we can get some buzz around that match.”

Buzz around the Bombers should not be hard to create as they are in the process of building a dynasty in the Empire 8.

“Knowing that we have potential with possibilities of going further than we normally do is something that’s pretty exciting that doesn’t come around every day,” Rifkin said. “I’m excited — other people should be too.”

Turn three with Triple Play Staff Writer Bryan Shay, Sports Editor Casey Musarra and Columnist Cory Francer give their take on the wide world of sports in our newest sports blog.

Check it out at ithacan.org/blogs

Staff Writer Kevin McCall offers a broader take on Ithaca College sports in Bomber Nation, our weekly podcast.

ithacan.org

Spring Sports Preview

8 The Ithacan

Thursday, M ar ch 4, 2010

what to watch for this spring With nine teams prepared for action this season, check out the Bombers at their best in these top matchups.

baseball

Ithaca vs. SUNY-cortland May 2 at Freeman Field Results from last year:

Lost 8–3, won 8–0

men’s crew

What to expect

Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships May 9 in Worcester, Mass.

While its first matchup with Cortland is on the road, look for the team to come out strong after going 10–1 at home last year.

Results from last year:

Second varsity 8 placed second

What to expect

The Bombers return the core of their lineup, with six returners in the varsity 8 and second varsity 8. Look for the team to build off its strong showing at the New York State Championships last season, where the varsity 8 won the gold medal.

women’s LACROSSE

Ithaca vs. Hartwick College April 11 at Carp Wood Field Results from last year:

Won 19–8

MEN’S LACROSSE

women’s crew

Ithaca vs. Nazareth College April 17 at Upper Terrace Field

Ithaca at Williams College April 24 in Pittsfield, Mass.

Results from last year:

Results from last year:

Won 10–5, lost 13–12

Williams swept all three races

What to expect

The Blue and Gold look to take down rival Williams College after finishing third in the varsity 8 and second varsity 8 races last year.

MEN’S tennis

Ithaca vs. Stevens Institute of Technology April 10 at Ithaca College Tennis Courts men’s track

Results from last year:

What to expect

Despite winning the last five meetings against Hartwick College, the Blue and Gold pulled off three of the victories by onegoal margins. The Bombers, averaging 14.4 goals per game in their last five contests against Hartwick, look for their sixth straight against the Hawks.

What to expect

After defeating then-No. 24 Nazareth on the road, the Bombers fell to the Golden Flyers in the Empire 8 semifinals at home in a devastating overtime loss. Look for the Blue and Gold to defend their home territory, where Nazareth gave them their only loss of the season.

Empire 8 Championships April 17 in Rochester, N.Y.

Won 6–3, 5–3

What to expect

As the reigning Empire 8 Champions, the Bombers look to repeat against their conference rival. While the Bombers won both matches last season, they were 0–2 against Stevens in 2008.

women’s track

New york sTate Collegiate Track Conference Championships April 30-May 1 in Troy, N.y.

Results from last year:

First of five

What to expect

The Bombers will look to win their third consecutive outright Empire 8 Championship this season.

softball

Ithaca at St. John Fisher college April 17 in Rochester, N.Y. Results from last year:

Results from last year:

Lost 15–14, 1–0, won 9–0, 2–1

What to expect

After falling to St. John Fisher at home in the Empire 8 Championship final in a 1–0 extra-inning loss, the Bombers will look to host the tournament and win out this year.

First of nine

The Bombers have won 17 state titles since 1987 and look to continue their dominance this year.

What to expect