Baseball Preview 03-28-2013

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Baseball/Softball Preview

A special adver advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers

throw too hard,” Gibbons said.

“I just asked her to keep the ball alver ne softball around the plate and keep the coach Jennifer Gibgame moving. It was probably bons wasn’t quite the coldest game I’ve ever been a prepared for her team’s nonpart of.” league opener at Elmont on It’s been that kind of March 14, but not because she March. was still trying to figure out the Most of the opening week Lady Mules’ batting order or of softball and baseball practice how to align the defense in the was derailed by a snowstorm field. that dropped a minimum of Once the final bell sounded three inches throughout Nasto conclude the school day, Gibsau County, and up to seven bons made the quick drive from inches in places like Jericho and the high school to her home in T ONY B ELLISSIMO Manhasset. Some teams didn’t East Rockaway to grab everyget outside and step on a field thing she needed — another layer of clothing. “I’m usually prepared for until a week later than expected — March 11.

“The incredible weather we had last game days, but it was absolutely freezing,” she said. “The temperature gauge on my car March was a once-in-30 years thing,” East read 39 degrees as I was driving back to Mal- Meadow softball coach Stu Fritz said. “What we had to deal with this year is closer to the verne, but it felt much colder.

“I was hoping once we got to Elmont, it norm.”

The weather hasn’t helped anyone prewouldn’t be as cold and windy, and the field pare for when the schedule gets into full would be in the sun,” she joked. swing in April, and it impacted some teams No such luck.

The game was played in challenging con- more than others. “We started practice with ditions, as the wind chill dipped into the so many starting spots up in the air,” Lawupper 20s. “The umpires had no problem rence baseball coach Dennis Leonard said. with the girls playing with jackets on,” Gib- “You can’t really get a good grip on things bons said. “Just about everyone had win- when you’re practicing in a gym.”

In the majority of districts, practicing ter hats; two of my three outfielders wore a indoors became a juggling act since softball scarf.”

At least Malver ne’s bats were hot. and baseball teams couldn’t share a gym at Juniors Racquelle Findlayter and Kayisha the same time. “One day we’d start at 3:30 Ulysse both went 3-for-5 and drove in three p.m., then softball would get the gym beginruns apiece to lead the way in a 16-4 vic- ning at 5:30 p.m.,” Valley Stream Central tory. Gibbons said sophomore pitcher Syd- baseball coach Frank Alesia said. “The next ney Witowski threw well in the five-inning day, softball practiced early and we'd go late. opener. “There was no reason for her to It's tough to get prepared that way.”

MARCH 31, 2011

High School Sports

TONY BELLISSIMO, TOM JORDAN, ANDREW HACKMACK, ANDREW McCLURE, STEVE SINISKI Baseball/Softball Preview is an advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2013 Richner Communications, Inc.

Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.ilherald.com

BASEBALL 1. Danny Aguilo (Elmont) .................. P 2. John Fogarty (Clarke) .................. OF 3. Joe Fusco (Clarke) ........................ P 4. David Hawley (South Side) ......... OF 5. Andrew Hess (V.S. South)............ 2B 6. Tom Joannou (Calhoun) .............. OF 7. Lou Matarazzo (South Side)........ 3B 8. Anthony Martelli (V.S. North) ....... SS 9. David McClure (East Rockaway) .. OF 10. Luciano Morello (Hewlett) ........... P SOFTBALL 1. Sarah Cornell (Clarke) .................. P 2. Sam Maselli (South Side) ............. P 3. Ashley Martin (Long Beach) .......... P 4. Claire McNamara (Oceanside) .... SS 5. Carly Mertens (Baldwin) ............... P 6. Dana Morgante (V.S. North) .......... C 7. Kerri Shapiro (East Meadow) ........ P 8. Toni Valeriano (Mepham) .............. P 9. Amy Vitha (Hewlett) .................... SS 10. Madison West (East Meadow)..... C

ON THE COVER

March 28, 2013

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Lynbrook (Owls) ....................................... 16 Malverne (Mules) ..................................... 17 Mepham (Pirates) (Bellmore-Merrick) ................................... 18 Oceanside (Sailors) ................................. 19 Sewanhaka (Indians) Floral Park............... 20 South Side (Cyclones) Valley Stream Central (Eagles) ................. 22 Valley Stream North (Spartians) ............... 22 Valley Stream Central (Falcons) ................ 22 West Hempstead (Rams) ......................... 23

SOUTH SIDE

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INDEX

Baldwin Bruins ............................................3 Calhoun Colts (Bellmore-Merrick) ............... 4 Carey Seahawks (Franklin Square) ............. 5 Clarke Rams (Westbury) ............................ 6 East Meadow (Jets) .................................... 7 East Rockaway (Rocks) ...............................8 Elmont (Spartans)...................................... 8 Hewlett (Bulldogs) .................................... 10 Kennedy (Cougars) (Bellmore-Merrick) ................................... 11 Lawrence Golden (Tornadoes) .................. 14 Long Beach (Marines) .............................. 15

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

BALDWIN

30 @ Farmingdale

Strong core returns for Bruins

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ne year ago, the Bruins were so young they could have been nicknamed the Cubs. Coach Frank Esposito had a roster comprised largely of underclassmen, and on most days during the season he penciled as many freshmen into his starting lineup as seniors.

Still, Baldwin played well enough down the stretch to earn a Nassau Class AA playoff bid in a tough conference.

Now Esposito has the core of that playoff team back, with the benefit of an extra year’s experience. Leading the way will be senior third baseman Danny Capone, a starter for the Bruins since he was a ninthgrader. Right fielder Ryan Mahoney and center fielder Traivis Hylton also return and they have been starters on the varsity for the last two seasons. Those three represent the heart of the Baldwin lineup, and the heart of the team.

“Those are our big boys,” Esposito said.

“We expect them to carry the load.”

Esposito also expects strong contributions from second baseman Joe Bilello and leftfielder Robert DeVito. Newcomer Harold Franco, a transfer from the Dominican Republic, has opened some eyes, and so he will likely open the season at shortstop.

Pitchers Matt Lyle, Matt Kelleher, Matt Pines, Christian Sullivan and Nick Arellano give Esposito plenty of capable options on the mound. Kelleher, who plays leftfield when he is not pitching, is probably the team’s No. 1 starter. Lyle was “very good for us in the playoffs,” Esposito said.

Esposito has always favored the running game, and this season will be no different.

“We have great team speed,” he said.

“Our job will be to get some guys on, steal a few bases and then get them in.”

The team’s goal is a return trip to the playoffs, but Esposito knows that there are no foregone conclusions, even with greater experience.

“We’re in a tough conference, and there are no easy games,” he said.

The Bruins will face East Meadow, Plainview-JFK, Oceanside and Hicksville three times apiece.

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f the five starters returning to coach Tom Llewellyn’s Lady Bruins, two were All-County selections and another was an All-Conference performer a season ago. Those players are Carly Mertens, a pitcher, Liza Ueno, a catcher, and Jessica Pulis, a center fielder and pitcher. Another returning starter, Jade Aponte, is a shortstop. It is fair to say Baldwin is strong up the middle. dle.

Mertens, in addition n to her dominant pitching, is fearsome with the bat.

Last season she batted over .500 for the third straight year, finished among Nassau’s leaders in homers and, understandably, drew walks at an astonishingg rate. Her battery mate Ueno also eclipsed the .500 plaso hit teau in average and also for power. The team leader ader in batting average, though, h, was Pulis, who edged out both Mertens and Ueno. Imagine he in dealing with the opposition’s headache ame lineup. three .500 hitters in the same ld orchestrator,” Aponte is the “infield er of the defense Llewellyn said, the leader and a contributor to the offense. The fifth returning starter, Jill Bellovin, llovin, is the No. 5 hitter and a slick glove at first base. Third baseman Lexi Phillips, a junior, takes er sister Olivover the position her older ia held down last season. n. There are aining spots, competitions for the remaining and Llewellyn expects to find quality there, but it is clear Mertens, Ueno, Pulis, Aponte and Bellovin vin are the key components. Lllewellyn has every reason ns will make a run to believe the Lady Bruins at a conference title, a feat they accomplished in 2011 before going oing 13-7 last season.

Every senior class is special, but this se to Llewellyn’s group is especially close th the program as heart. Most have been with long as he has.

“These seniors are the group that hen I took over,” was in seventh-grade when

10:30 a.m.

April

Lady Bruins have key components

BY TOM JORDAN

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

Llewellyn said. “This is the first group that I have seen the whole way through, so they are special to me. Our expectations are great. This will be a very exciting and emotional season.”

1 2 4 8 9 11 22 23 25 29 30

Freeport @ Uniondale @ Syosset @ East Meadow East Meadow @ East Meadow Plainview @ Plainview Plainview Oceanside @ Oceanside

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May 2 4 6 7

Oceanside @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville

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SOFTBALL April 3 5 8 10 12 16 18 19 20 23 25 29

@ Hicksville Syosset @ Herricks @ Calhnoun Kennedy Farmingdale @ Plainview @ Oceanside Hicksville @ Syosset Herricks Calhoun

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May 1 @ Kennedy 3 @ Farmingdale 6 Plainview

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

CALHOUN

BASEBALL March 27 @ Carey 30 Herricks

Colts off 23-win campaign

Pitching duo leads Lady Colts

BY STEVE SINISKI

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f success is defined in terms of trophies and assorted hardware, consider Calhoun at or near the top of the class. The Colts have captured two of the last three Long Island Championships and Nassau Class AA baseball titles. If it’s the classroom that carries more weight, Calhoun’s got that covered, too, as eight players from last season’s team are now playing collegiate baseball on scholarship.

Despite the loss of talent—11 players in all graduated from a team that finished 23-4—coach Joe Corea, entering his 42nd season in the dugout with the program, has another crop of ballplayers eager to continue the winning tradition. “It seems like we have a nice bunch of kids that really work hard and want to prove themselves,” he said. “We have a real nice tradition here at Calhoun. It looks like it will be a lot of fun for me.”

Senior All-Conference center fielder Tommy Joannou and senior All-Conference first baseman Kevin Hiss lead the crop of returnees for a team whose lineup has a little different feel to it for 2013. “We do have a lot of speed, so we should be able to do a little bit more,” Corea said of a program that’s been noted for its big bats over the last several seasons.

Behind the plate, senior catcher Dilan Morris-Timoney is set to catch what looks to be an all right-handed staff. Senior Tommy Murphy tops the charts with senior Matt Piloti and junior Colin Lowe also expected to throw consistent innings.

Flanking Joannou in center will be a combination of Murphy and junior Zach Mastrangelo in right and senior Dean Brownsworth in left. Hiss is expected to be joined by juniors Nick Fronte and Chris Molito in the middle of the infield, while junior Coey Furia, the JV catcher last season, will see time behind Morris-Timoney.

Calhoun’s 19-game regular season includes three-game sets with Valley Stream Central, Port Washington, MacArthur and Mepham and single game crossovers with Carey, Kennedy and Elmont.

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he Lady Colts have quietly been climbing the ranks of Conference AA-II softball,, and 2013 has all the makings of a breakout campaign.

Anchored by not one, ne, but two aces in the circle and a lineup full of playmakers, Calhoun is a team brimming mming with potential.

“We have a lot of returning players that got a taste last year of being in the playoff hunt and that will help us this year,” coach Jason Boland said.

A pair of seniorr co-captains and fouryear varsity players ers — third baseman Gianna Saladino and nd catcher Marisa Marcigliano — lead a program that’s backed by a small army of young, but experienced returnees. Freshman an lefty Nicole Imhoff, County campaign as an coming off an All-County ms with sophomore Alleighth-grader, teams ander Lauren Trimarco Conference right-hander ne-two punch in the cirto form a potent one-two cle. assic ace,” Boland said.

“Lauren is a classic “She’s really intelligent gent and has such good movement on her pitches. She knows how to control a game ass a pitcher. [Nicole] has so much power and velocity on her pitches mber of them and knows and has a good number m. She really attacks the when to throw them. batters.”

Imhoff, who had an average better than d Trimarco, also swing .400 last spring, and phomore outfielder and potent bats, with sophomore anna Marmo adding a backup catcher Joanna o to the lineup. “Of all power/speed combo the things we are, we have a lot of kids that ke contact with the ball can get on base, make and make things happen,” Boland said. “We have a lott of No. 1 and No. 2 [type] hitters that can get a single and steal a base.”

And Calhoun also has its fair share of defensive whizzes backing up Trimarco and Imhoff. Junior outfielder Lauren more second baseSavarese and sophomore

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April man Allison Abbene are among the players that can save runs as well as produce them.

“This team has had a really good attitude about staying in games and never giving up,” Boland said.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30

@ Long Beach Elmont Kennedy V.S. Central @ V.S. Central V.S. Central Port Washington @ Port Washington Port Washington @ MacArthur MacArthur @ MacArthur @ Mepham Mepham

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May 2 @ Mepham

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SOFTBALL April 3 5 8 10 12 16 18 20 23 25 29

@ Plainview @ Kennedy Farmingdale Baldwin Hicksville @ Herricks Syosset Plainview Kennedy @ Farmingdale @ Baldwin

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May 1 @ Hicksville 3 Herricks 6 @ Syosset

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TOM JOANNOU OUTFIELD

NICOLE IMHOFF PITCHER

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule 27 Calhoun 28 @ Mepham

Seahawks full of youth, enthusiasm

BY ANDREW MCCLURE

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t was an up and down year for the Carey nine in 2012. The then-defending Nassau Class AA champion Seahawks had a .500 record and lost in the opening round of the county playoffs. A new conference with Long Beach, Herricks, Long Beach, and Bellmore JFK awaits a young, energetic team.

Coach Marc Hedquist is eager to see how the Seahawks compete. "This is the youngest team I have ever coached here at Carey, so there will be some growing pains," he said. "I'm excited about this team. We had 45-50 players regularly at workouts since November. This is a great baseball community. The work ethic and enthusiasm has been outstanding."

Junior Frank Liccardi will be the ace of the staff. Liccardi mixes in breaking balls with a good fastball, and has excellent mechanics. When he’s not pitching, he’ll be roaming the outfield. Expectations were high for junior Andrew Ris, who continues to battle back from injury.

Junior Erick Vichez, the team’s best conditioned athlete, will be the No. 2 starter. Vilchez has an outstanding curveball to go along with a good fastball. Vilchez will play the outfield when not pitching.

The number three spot has a pair of sophomores, Ryan Hensley and Jon Heyer, looking to get the nod. Hensley will likely be the starting shortstop, and Heyer may see time at third base. James Harrison could see some relief work, and may see time at third.

Junior Joe Davide is an outstanding defensive catcher with a terrific throwing arm. Sophomores Chris Stevens and Mike Castel are both vying for time behind the plate. Senior Vinny Fortunato and hardhitting freshman Anthony Catapano will both see time at first base.

Senior Nick Zuvic returns at second base. Zuvic has a great glove in the middle infield. Sophomore Rob Kelly will play third base and work out of the bullpen.

Junior Nick Conte is the team’s best defensive outfielder. Seniors Darren Rodriguez and Mike Senese, junior Joe Marinello, and sophomore Conor Colasurdo may all

April

see time in the outfield.

Lady Seahawks always in the mix

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xpectations are always high on the softball diamond at Carey, so losing in the quarterfinal round of the Class AA playoffs left the Lady Seahawks very eager to get back on the field this spring. A young, but experienced team will look for better results against the likes of MacArthur, Massapequa, East Meadow, Mepham, Long Beach, and Oceanside. y Turco thinks his team Coach Anthony will be up for the challenge in Nassau’s top conference. “We’re We’re rebuilding the team concept, and leaving the individuurco said. “The girls al stuff behind,” Turco have worked hard all winter. There’s a lot of positive energy nergy and enthusiasm. The effort is clearly there.

There are a lot of girls who are comall program.” mitted to this softball Eric Gilroy setss the tone for the team. The seniorr second baseman, a r, brings a bulldog-like three-year starter, mentality to the diamond, and simply ng. Gilroy is a tough out, doesn’t accept losing. and she has a littlee more power than she’s had in the past.

Senior catcher Shannon O’Connell does d the dish, and is looked a terrific job behind der. Sophomore Mikayla upon as a team leader.

Morfesi returns at shortstop. Morfesi and sophomore Ruth uth Rodriguez both hit and field well. y no shortage There’s usually rey. Sisters of pitching at Carey.

Ashley Turato, a senior, and phomore, Jenna Turato, a sophomore, both return in the circle. nnah Sophomore Savannah n Draud and Megan Mannle both are pushing for time.

Sophomore Alyssa Jacobs kage. Jacobs is an outis the whole package. standing defensive third baseman and one of the team’s top hitters. She could bat in any of the top threee spots in the order. Utiloore is an integral part ity player Keva Moore of the team. nd Mannle will both see Ashley Kelly and

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time at first base. Mannle is a big power threat in the middle of the order. Seniors Alissa Schurr and Danielle Kaminski, and sophomore Dominique Morales form a strong outfield. Mary Jane D’Agostino, Emily Aviles, and Alyssa Pentrancosta will all contribute.

1 2 4 5 8 9 11 15 16 18 22 24 25 29 30

V.S. Central @ MacArthur @ Port Washington @ Syosset Long Beach @ Long Beach Long Beach Elmont @ Elmont Elmont @ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks @ Kennedy Kennedy

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May 27 @ Plainedge

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SOFTBALL March 1 @ Hicksville

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April 3 5 6 8 10 12 18 23 25 27 29

Mepham Oceanside @ Syosset @ Long Beach @ MacArthur @ East Meadow Massapequa @ Oceanside Long Beach @ Mepham MacArthur

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May 1 East Meadow 3 @ Island Trees 6 @ Massapequa

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ERIN GILROY SECOND BASE

FRANK LICCARDI PITCHER

Photos by Victoria Lodi

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

CAREY

BASEBALL March

March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

CLARKE

Schedule BASEBALL April

Rams have plenty of horses Lady Rams armed and dangerous

BY STEVE SINISKI

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hose that say pitching and defense win ballgames may want to take a peek at what Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s returning on the baseball diamond. The Rams welcome back not one, but two potential aces on the mound and a defense thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only strong up the middle but anchored by a returning All-County center fielder.

Coming off an All-County campaign and a 7-1 mark on the mound, senior Joe Fusco will be joined in the rotation by classmate Matt Seelinger (4-0 last season), an All-Conference honoree, and a deep crop of players battling for time in the rotation and bullpen. Both are hard throwers, and Seelingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repertoire includes a knuckle drop as well as great command.

Senior Chris Caizza and Sean Dunn were battling for the last rotation spot during camp along with juniors Mike Turton and Chris Ramkinson. Senior John Hess and junior Luis Hungria are slated to pitch in relief.

The starting pitcher is going to dictate how the defense shakes out on any given day for the Rams, because Fusco and Seelinger both play shortstop, and Seelinger could also log time at second or third base. Junior Jesse Russo is in the mix at the hot corner, and junior John Macchia is angling for time at second base.

At first base, Clarke has another pair of juniors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mike Gismondi and Mike Perez â&#x20AC;&#x201D; battling for time, and junior catcher Pete Faldiano ready to handle the pitching staff.

Senior John Fogarty, an All-County honoree, returns to center field with senior Brandon Garcia, coming off an All-Conference campaign, alongside him in left. Senior Gerry DeGuida and junior Nestor Hatto were staging a battle for right field in training camp.

As much as one power swing can change the complexion of a game, so too, can speed, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how the Rams plan on making life difficult for opponents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot of team speed,â&#x20AC;? coach Tom Abruscato said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have five guys in the lineup that [clock] under seven [seconds] in the 60-yard dash.â&#x20AC;?

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larke freshman pitcher Sarah Cornell had already turned plenty of heads with her performance last season, but the way she opened up 2013 is likely to leave a few jaws scraping the floor.

She struck out a career-high 20 of 21 batters to lead the Rams past the defending New York State Class AA champions, Farmingdale, in a mid-March March non-league game, allowing just st one hit and two walks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consistency is definitely No. 1,â&#x20AC;? coach Chrissy DeMott said of Cornellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly perfect strikeout out effort that demonstrated herr development from one season to the next. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve definitely got to be able to hit the spots when it counts and set up hitters very well.â&#x20AC;?

On days when Cornell isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the circle, the Lady Rams will call on junior Nicole Randazzo, back after missing last season due to injury, and sophomore Katiee Bel- fiore.

Both pitchers hit the mid-50s on the radar ment on their gun and also have great movement pitches. eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pitching The performance of Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is going to be a major key to success on a varsity team that returns justt one senior smen workand is loaded with underclassmen ing their way into the lineup. Sophomore Selina Ruiz returns behind thee plate with junior Angelica Gargiulo able le to play both behind the plate and in leftfield.

At the hot corner, sophomoress Laura Reilly and Jessie Gibaldi are battling attling for time, while sophomore Julia Long is set to lineup at first with junior Amanda Gargiulo logging ging time there as well as the outfield. eld.

Athletic freshman Holly Romeo eo is making her varsity debut at shortstop.

Junior Charissa Perfect slides over from left field to o center where Clarke can takee advantage of her potent arm, while senior Sam Rodriguez

and sophomore Lexi Zaino are also expected to track down fly balls.

The Lady Rams have several players that swing big sticks, namely Long and Perfect, but speed is the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest attribute and one they already used against Farmingdale, scoring nine runs with just one extra-base hit.

1 2 4 8 9 11 13 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

V.S. South Roslyn Plainedge @ Manhasset @ Lawrence Division North Shore @ Lynbrook @ South Side @ V.S. North V.S. North @ V.S. North @ Seaford Seaford

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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11:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

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May 2 4 6 7

@ Seaford Mineola @ Mineola Mineola

4:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 9 16 17 19 23 24 27

@ Seaford Island Trees Glen Cove @ Wantagh Plainedge @ Bethpage Seaford @ Island Trees @ Glen Cove Wantagh

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

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11:00 a.m.

May 2 @ Plainedge 6 Bethpage

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S7

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

EAST MEADOW

27 Uniondale 30 @ Freeport

Mix of veterans, newcomers lead Jets

E

ast Meadow has some familiar faces returning to the diamond, but there’s also a new wave of talent ready to learn the ropes of varsity baseball in Nassau County’s top conference — AA-I — and keep the Jets moving forward in 2013. “It’s been fun with the younger kids,” coach Ken Sicoli said, noting that the staff has gone back to basics to get the new players up to speed.

The most experience returns in the outfield, with senior center fielder Robbie Bergmann joined in left by classmate Matt Sumkowski. A preseason injury to senior right fielder Nick LoCascio has opened the door for sophomores Chris Mackay, Steve Milian and Eric Gershoff to battle for playing time, but the hope is to have the veteran back later in the season. “The outfielders are good and they’re pretty good defensive players,” Sicoli said.

Junior Billy Thomas appears ready to take over at first base with sophomore Brian Kavanagh back for his second season as the starting second baseman. Freshman Frankie Ippolito has gotten the nod at shortstop, a tough opening assignment for sure, but has already impressed with his defense at the position. “He’s a ballplayer,” Sicoli said. “He’ll have to grow into the spot.”

Senior Nick Trivolis and sophomore Luis Cuello were battling for the starting job at third base in camp, while Sicoli was also looking at senior Rich Rankel and junior Jonny Keicher behind the plate.

Senior Kyle Aberasturi could log time at first base and also provides a solid bat in the lineup as the designated hitter. “We’re going to have to put hits together and play some small ball,” Sicoli said of his lineup, which featured more speed than power during camp.

Sumkowski, Kavanagh, Mackay and Cuello are all slated to log innings in the rotation with seniors Brian Weil and Ben Fritzen figuring into the bullpen mix for an East Meadow team that remains in Nassau’s top conference, AA-I. “Nobody’s an easy [win] in our league,” Sicolis said.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 29 30

T

he Lady Jets have been on quite a run in Nassau Class AA softball, making three consecutive trips to the championship round and winning the title in 2010.

Looking ahead to this spring, plenty of the experienced players remain on the roster.

Seven starters return in all, including AllCounty junior catcher Madison West and junior pitcher Kerri Shapiro, who’s added a few miles per hour to her fastball.

“I expect we’ll be very competitive,” coach Stu Fritz said. “They are all motivated and working very hard. Their experience [is a key], because we’ve been to the finals the last few years. We’re very solid defensively and have wonderful senior leadership.”

Along with the outstanding battery — West and Shapiro also swing heavy bats — East Meadow welcomes back senior Taylor Conti at third base, senior All-Conference honoree Dina LaRosa at first and senior Ariel Cornfield at second. Senior Danielle Cutuli, who missed last season due to injury, returns at shortstop.

Senior Marissa San Antonio is the anchor of the outfield in center, where her speed lets her cover plenty of ground into the gaps. Strong-armed junior Claire Travis is set to flank San Antonio in right, with juniors Mary Hosey and Sandra Foster also pushing for playing time in the outfield. Tianna LaRosa, a junior and jackof-all-trades, played shortstop last season and can also slide back into the outfield.

Freshmen Crista San Antonio and Jessica Laird, like LaRosa, are capable of playing multiple positions and in the mix for playing time.

“We just tell the girls that if we work hard and do our best everything else will fall into place,” Fritz said.

West, Shapiro and Dina LaRosa are penciled in as the heart of the batting order, with Marissa San Antonio batting leadoff.

“Our whole league is pitching dominated,” Fritz said. “Everyone’s looking for ways to scratch out runs and we’re in that group.

In our league it’s [tough] to push across one, two or three runs.”

10:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

April

Lady Jets remain title contenders

BY STEVE SINISKI

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

Massapequa @ Syosset @ Farmingdale Baldwin @ Baldwin Baldwin @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville Plainview @ Plainview

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 2 4 6 7

Plainview @ Oceanside Oceanside @ Oceanside

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @ Island Trees

10:00 p.m.

April 3 5 8 10 12 16 20 23 25 29

MacArthur @ Long Beach @ Mepham Oceanside Carey @ Massapequa @ MacArthur Long Beach Mepham @ Oceanside

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 @ Carey 3 Massapequa 6 @ Plainedge

KERRI SHAPIRO PITCHER

4:30 p.m.

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

EAST ROCKAWAY Senior-led Rocks can contend

BY ANDREW MCCLURE

J

ames Hickey, who coached first base as East Rockaway brought home its fourth county championship in 2012, takes over as head coach for the Rocks.

Despite losing a slew of players to graduation, they return a strong group of seniors who expect to be in the title hunt.

As it did during basketball season, East Rockaway will play all of its games away from home, which remains unavailable as a result of Hurricane Sandy. "We've practiced at four different locations, but the guys have been terrific about it," Hickey said. "The senior leadership has been the key. There hasn't been any griping, despite a pretty challenging situation."

Senior Billy Humes, an All-Conference recipient in 2012, returns as the ace of the pitching staff. The southpaw has increased his velocity, and is primed to have another big season. When he's not on the mound, Humes will play first base.

David McClure, a four-year varsity starter, will patrol center field. McClure, who earned All-County and All-State recognition as a junior, led the team in home runs and RBI a season ago. He’s also likely to see time on the mound.

Senior Cameron Ralph earned All-Conference honors last spring. Ralph can play all three outfield positions, and does a terrific job of getting on base. Senior outfielder Dylan Delury has a solid bat and will be a big part of what should be a strong outfield. Senior Chris Mulato adds outfield depth.

Eddie Carneglia was 3-0 on the hill as a junior, but an injury caused him to miss the second half of the season. Carneglia should be an excellent complement to Humes. Junior Damian Amiruddin has the inside track on the third starter slot. On days they're not pitching, Carneglia and Amiruddin will each likely man a corner infield position.

Ben Giliberti returns at catcher. Fellow senior Thomas Scagnelli will back up Giliberti and see time at other positions.

Senior Anthony Filoteo is the most experienced middle infielder returning.

Changes in store for Lady Rocks

T

he defending Nassau County Class C softball champions will face a challenging schedule with a bevy of new faces. The Lady Rocks are experienced xperienced in the circle and behind the plate, ate, but boast a lot of newcomers and some me returnees will be playing new positions.

Head coach Joe Lores willl lean heavily on his upperclassmen. “We’ve ’ve turned the page from last year,” Lores es said.

“This will be a young, relatively ively inexperienced team. We’re raw at a few positions. The Seniors ors are going to have to lead the he way, and the girls who aree playing varsity ball for the first time are going to have to adjust to this level.”

Gianna Cilluffo, a twotime, All-Conference honoree returns in the pitching circle for the Lady Rocks.

Cilluffo doesn’t blow people away, but she’s one of the league’s most seasoned pitchers, and knows how to get people out. The senior right hander hits forr uld power and average, and should be a tough out in the middle of the order.

All-Conference catcher Jess ss Deptulski, hind the plate a four-year starter, is solid behind m. Expect the and has a strong throwing arm. he No. 3 spot. senior backstop to bat in the Senior Jess Cerasoli is a steady teady middle arting experiinfielder with two years of starting kely begin the ence at second base. She’ll likely season at shortstop as juniorr Gina Skelly recovers from an injury. mantha ManSenior center fielder Samantha trong defense tovani gives East Rockaway strong he top of the up the middle and speed at the order. Freshman Caitlin O’Mara’s Mara’s ability to play both infield and outfield ield gives the Lady Rocks added versatility. Senior Dominique Halek adds depth in thee outfield. as the edge at Senior Dorianna Gross has first base, with sophomore Emily mily Galligan orner. Junior expected to handle the hot corner.

Tiffani Parrente will see timee at first base and in the outfield, and will be Deptulski’s

backup behind the plate. The Lady Rocks will compete with Sewanhaka, West Hempstead, Cold Spring Harbor, Valley Stream South, Manhasset, and Wheatley.

Schedule BASEBALL April 1 4 5 8 9 11 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30

@ Locust Valley @ Malverne Locust Valley Malverne @ Wheatley Wheatley @ C.S. Harbor C.S. Harbor @ Mineola Carle Place @ Carle Place Carle Place Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 4 6 7

Oyster Bay @ Friends Aca. Friends Aca. @ Friends Aca.

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 Hempstead

4:00 p.m.

April 2 4 6 9 11 15 17 19 22 24 30

Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

V.S. South 4:30 p.m.

West Hempstead 10:00 a.m. @ V.S. North 4:15 p.m. @ Wheatley 4:30 p.m. @ Manhasset 4:30 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m. @ Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. @ V.S. South 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

Wheatley 4:15 p.m.

May 2 Manhasset 6 C.S. Harbor

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

BILLY HUMES

PITCHER

GGIANNA CILLUFFO PITCHER

Photos by Ph b R Ron M Manfredi f di

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S8

S9

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

ELMONT

27 V.S. Central 10:30 a.m.

30 @ Port Washington 9:30 a.m.

Spartans to run with big dogs

BY ANDREW MCCLURE

C

oming off a 14-5 record, and backto-back appearances in the Nassau Countywide Conference title game, Elmont will take a big step up in 2013. The Spartans will play in Conference AA-III with Carey, Bellmore- JFK, Long Beach, and Herricks. Among those they’ll face in crossover games are perennial powers Calhoun and MacArthur.

Coach Robert Gates is excited about the challenge of playing against Class AA opponents. “If I didn’t think we could compete at this level, we wouldn’t have made the switch,” Gates said. “I’m sure there will be games where we’ll take our lumps, but this is a tough group. They have the ability to bounce back after losses. They’ve worked very hard to get to this point.”

Four-year varsity starter Danny Aguilo will be the ace of the Elmont pitching staff.

Aguilo, who earned All-League recognition as a sophomore, and was an All-Conference honoree as a junior, will move to the outfield when he’s not on the mound, and will hit either first or second.

Senior Michael Braun, the team’s everyday center fielder, will follow Aguilo in the rotation. Braun is likely the team’s most athletic player. Gates expects Braun to hit third. Junior southpaw Elisio Aybar will round out the starting rotation. Aybar is a crafty lefty, and an outstanding defensive outfielder. Seniors Nick Walton and Clarence Walton will also play the outfield for Elmont.

Three-year starter Kevin Peguero receives and blocks well behind the plate, and has worked hard on his footwork and release. Peguero, who caught every inning in 2012, is a solid hitter who will hit in the middle of the order for the Spartans.

First baseman Malik Todd had a breakout season at the plate as a sophomore and will likely bat cleanup. Hard-working senior David Berrios will man the hot corner. Chris Rodriguez and Darius Velez, a pair of sure-handed juniors, will play second base and shortstop, respectively. Gates hopes to use Velez on the mound later in the year.

April

Lady Spartans quick on basepaths

I

t was a tough season on the softball diamond for Elmont in 2012, but the Lady Spartans have a good mix of experience and talented young players that should enable them to be very competitive in a conference composed of Port Washington, Uniondale, Westbury, Valley Stream Central, Hempstead, Great Neck South, and Freeport. Port Washington is likely the team to beat.

Elmont coach John Squillace likes the makeup of his team. “We graduated a lot of players, but this a real good group of hard-workingg girls,” girls, Squillace said. “II like to tell people ople that we’re going to run the West Coastt offense. We have a lot of speed, so we’ree going to try to take advantage of it by bunting, using the hit and run, and making ing things happen on the bases. I think we’ll be a lot better than we were last season.” on.”

A pair of pitchers itchers are competing for the starting role. Junior Shelby Escobar and sophomore Paloma loma Velez are both capable hurlers. With a strong lineup behind them, uld like his pitchers to be Squillace would round the plate, and let the consistently around defense do thee rest. Velez handles the bat ot pitching, she can occupy a well, and, if not ield. spot on the infield. mmy Ayala is a terrific defenJunior Jammy sive catcher, and nd has plenty of pop in her ll likely hit cleanup. Freshbat. Ayala will p Amy Vidal has excellent man shortstop nd should be a tough out. softball IQ, and Vidal will probably bably hit in the three or five hole. ond baseman Alexis Senior second Chung joins Vidal in the middle of the diamond. od contact Chung is a good as speed hitter and has on the base paths.

Junior first baseseman Joan

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

Janvier, the only lefty on the roster, is another solid two-way player.

The outfield comprises three fleet-footed players. Senior Natalie Santiago, and juniors Mariah Robles and Onome Ogobvoh, are all very quick on their feet, and can track down balls with the best of them.

1 2 4 9 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30

Mepham @ Calhoun @ MacArthur @ Sewanhaka @ Carey Carey @ Carey Long Beach @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Herricks Herricks

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 2 4 6 7

@ Herricks Kennedy @ Kennedy Kennedy

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 3 5 8 10 12 16 18 20 23 25 29

G.N. South Hempstead @ Port Washington @ V.S. Central @ Freeport Westbury Uniondale @ G.N. South @ Hempstead Port Washington V.S. Central

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 6 6

Freeport @ Westbury @ Uniondale C.S. Harbor

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

NATALIE SANTIAGO

OUTFIELD

DANNY AGUILO PITCHER

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

HEWLETT

BASEBALL March 27 Plainedge

Pitching provides Bulldogs with bite

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

H

ewlett baseball coach Andy DeBernardo is looking for a deep pitching staff to give the Bulldogs a chance to win what he believes is a totally wide-open conference.

“We’re deep in pitching and pretty much have every position set,” DeBernardo said. “On paper, we look like we have the talent to make the playoffs.”

The Bulldogs, who won five conference games a year ago, will take on Bethpage, Glen Cove and Great Neck North three times apiece in addition to crossover games against each of five opponents. “It’s my feeling that any of the four teams can win our conference,” DeBernardo said.

The top dog for Hewlett is senior pitcher/first baseman Luciano Morello, an AllCounty selection who excels on the mound as well as at the dish. In 2012, he had four wins, including three shutouts, a 1.16 ERA, 49 strikeouts and hit .400. “He does it all, and he’ll go against everyone’s No. 1,” DeBernardo said. “Offensively, he’s always in the middle of our rallies.”

Senior Tyler Schanker has great stuff, the coach said, especially a wicked curve ball, and will follow Morello in the rotation. Junior lefty Matt Brodsky, up from JV, is a control pitcher with a strong pickoff move, while freshman Aaron Kadach has all the tools to make the jump from middle school ball to varsity.

Seniors Jason Ceccetelli (shortstop) and Matt Isaac (second base) not only comprise the middle of the infield but also the top of the batting order. Ceccetelli sets the tone from the leadoff spot, and a single or a walk usually means he’ll soon be on second base. “It’s close to an automatic steal when Jason’s on base,” DeBernardo said.

Junior Zach Metz is a tremendous fielder at third, and senior catcher Zach Smilowitz enters his third varsity campaign.

Junior Alex Messados can also catch and provide an offensive spark as a designated or pinch hitter.

In the outfield, sophomore Bradley Perlzweig starts between seniors Zach Stempler and Logan Grossman. All are strong defensively.

Heart of order to lead Lady Bulldogs

T

he lack of a local youth league in recent years has contributed to a decline in participation in Hewlett’s softball program, h o w e ve r t h e varsity should once ag ain challlenge for the playoffs yoffs after falling one win n shy last spring.

“We’re facing a tougher schedule, but I think nk we’ll be able to compete,” coach Vinnie Lospinuso said. “We’re We’re breaking in a young pitcher and should have a pretty good lineup.””

At 3-4-5 in the batting order, the Lady Bulldogs feature junior unior All-County shortstop Amy Vitha (.417 average), senior Nicole Rizzo (first rst base), and senior All-Division catcher her Sam Cancellarich. ime award winner and Vitha is a three-time the team’s leadingg hitter a year ago, and o counts on heavily for someone Lospinuso offense and defense. e. Rizzo can “hit the ball a mile and play solid id defense”, he said, and Cancellarich not only makes noise with utdown an opponents’ the bat but can shutdown th a strong, accurate running game with arm.

Accuracy is the main thing Lospinuso more pitcher Margaret would like sophomore e. Feldman helped lead Feldman to provide. the JV team to 10 wins last season. “We have a good defense nse behind her to take some pressure off, so throwing strikes is the priority,” he said. id. “Margaret can throw peed and has some confiwith pretty good speed dence from last year’s r’s success on JV.” ivlin brings three years Junior Carly Rivlin hird base, and she’s also of experience to third the leadoff hitter. “She can get on base and do damage,” Lospinuso said. Junior o played a utility role a Sammi Kenny, who ng into the full-time job year ago, is stepping at second base.

Senior Sydney Rosenblum Rosenblum, the former starter at second, is now the anchor of the outfield in center. She’ll hit behind Riv-

11:00 a.m.

April

lin in the No. 2 spot. “Sydney has a takecharge attitude and is quick,” said Lospinuso, who expects sophomores Jamie Goldberg, Elisha Maloney and Diana Minerva to also contribute in the outfield.

Hewlett faces Conference III rivals Carle Place, Garden City, Jericho, North Shore, Roslyn and Valley Stream North twice apiece.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

@ New Hyde Park @ Garden City Wantagh Island Trees @ Floral Park North Shore @ Jericho West Hempstead @ Glen Cove Glen Cove @ Glen Cove Bethpage @ Bethpage

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 4 6 7

Bethpage @ G.N. North G.N. North @ G.N. North

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 4 6 9 11 15 17 22 24 26 30

@ North Shore @ Jericho @ Garden City Carle Place Roslyn V.S. North North Shore Jericho Garden City @ Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 @ Roslyn 6 @ V.S. North

LUCIANO MORELLO PITCHER

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SAM CANCELLARICH CATCHER

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617923

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S10

S11

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

KENNEDY

27 Mepham 30 @ MacArthur

Cougars could be tough to catch

S

uccess has become commonplace on the diamond where the Kennedy Cougars have advanced as far as the Nassau Class AA Final Four in two of the last three seasons and earned playoff berths in six straight campaigns.

Despite the loss of a large graduating class and the return of just three starters, however, the goals for the Cougars — 17-4 last year — haven’t changed. Much of that is because the program appears to be once again retooling, rather than rebuilding.

“Once you start winning the kids realize there’s something to be said about what [the coaches] are talking about,” coach Eric Passman said.

Senior lefty Jake Schwartz, who pitched a shutout against Carey to clinch the Conference AA-III title last season, is now a full-time member of the rotation where he’ll be joined by senior Michael McCormick, a spot starter as a junior. Senior Justin Penchuck and junior Phil Basile are also vying for time in the rotation.

It’s not going to take opponents long to discover Kennedy’s strength on offense, and giving people an advanced scouting report may not make much of a difference.

“We have speed, speed, speed,” Passman said. “This is the fastest team I’ve ever had at Kennedy.”

From top to bottom, the Cougars appear capable of generating runs with their legs.

Junior John Austin Emory, eyeing time at second base or third base, looks to be one of the tablesetters for junior right fielder Justin Garcia, a slugger slated for one of the power slots. Junior John Cutinna, the fastest player on the team, is vying for time in left with sophomore Eric Pauly, while sophomore Joe Correo is in the mix at second and third base. McCormick plays shortstop. The Cougars also have a pair of catchers that have already turned some heads in sophomore John Hulkhower and freshman Reid Oreste, the latter a whiz with the glove.

“We have a lot of good, young players that have impressed tremendously,” Passman said. “We’ve had a very good spring and good workouts.”

T

he Lady Cougars return all but three players to a softball team that missed the Nassau Class AA playoffs because of the tiebreaker rules. Of the 14 players on this year’s roster, seven play in an outside league together meaning any success from that familiarity could be enough to push the team into the postseason. eason.

“The girls are motivated and I don’t question that in them,” coach ch Tom Piccirillo said. “They want to win.” in.”

Junior center fielder Lauren auren Sustad, an All-Conference honoree, ree, returns not only one of the best arms ms in Conference AA-III but also one of itss biggest bats.

The power hitter is slated to o bat cleanup.

The middle of the lineup is also expected seman to include senior third baseman Jamie Bennett, junior Allison Jones, a returning All-Conference first baseman, and freshman shortstop/pitcher Sydney Yormack, who also rs. earned All-Conference honors.

“We have a couple of power hitters mixed in [to the lineup] but every girl can hit,” Piccirillo said. ck with freshThe entire infield is back man Sam Klein and Yormack ack forming a n the days the solid double-play combo on shortstop isn’t pitching. When Yormack am Simon will is in the circle, freshman Sam omore Missy team up with Klein. Sophomore Mavrogian is back in left, and the Lady Cougars have several players rs battling for time in right.

Senior catcher Rebecca Tistocchi, who ast season, is filled in behind the plate last he’ll catch Yorback as the starter where she’ll lison. Each of mack and senior Rebecca Ellison. ce in the circle the pitchers gained experience lar strengths. last season and have similar itch, both YorRather than relying on one pitch, xture of pitchmack and Ellison have a mixture es to keep batters off-balance.. nference AAKennedy remains in Conference III but does gain a pair of new opponents oming aboard. with Herricks and Syosset coming me a team even “You have to be able to become i ill before you win that first game,”” Pi Piccirillo

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April 1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 29 30

Experience a key for Lady Cougars

BY STEVE SINISKI

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

said, noting the Lady Cougars have been focused on the campaign since the start of offseason training programs.

Port Washington V.S. Central @ Calhoun Herricks @ Herricks Herricks @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Long Beach Carey @ Carey

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SOFTBALL March 28 Port Washington

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Herricks Calhoun @ Syosset Hicksville @ Baldwin @ Plainview @ Farmingdale @ Herricks @ Calhoun Syosset @ Hicksville

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May 1 Baldwin 3 Plainview 6 Farmingdale

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LAUREN SUSTAD

OUTFIELD

MIKE MCCORMICK SHORTSTOP

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

LAWRENCE

Schedule BASEBALL April

Golden Tornadoes lean on senior trio Lady Golden Tornadoes could make noise

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

L

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

awrence steps on the diamond this spring with many more questions than answers, and with a challenging schedule calling for three games apiece against conference rivals Lynbrook, Valley Stream South and Manhasset.

Versatility is going to be a key, Golden Tornadoes coach Dennis Leonard said, as well as the leadership seniors Mike Papalardo, Michael Fragner and Florian Capobianco are expected to provide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overall weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very young, and most kids are going to be tested at a different level than theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re used to,â&#x20AC;? Leonard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working hard, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see where all the pieces are going to fit. Where our most experienced guys are going to play will come down to what the new guys show at certain spots.â&#x20AC;?

One thing is certain â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Papalardo will serve as the ace of an otherwise unproven starting pitching staff. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also start at shortstop or center field on non-throwing days and batted .333 last spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little big bigger and stronger, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effective when he change speeds,â&#x20AC;? Leonard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a competitor. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an accomplished player and an obvious key to everything we do.â&#x20AC;?

Fragner was the starting left fielder a year ago, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance he could see time to first base and provide a big target for the rest of the infielders. He cracked a few homers in 2012 and brings gap power to the batterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box, Leonard said.

Capobianco, who wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 100 percent healthy at this time last year due to a knee injury, is fully recovered and slated to start at catcher and hit in a run-producing spot in the lineup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural leader and our field general,â&#x20AC;? said Leonard, who has options to give Capobianco a rest at times with junior Joe Montilli, who can play third base, and sophomore James Notarnicola, the JV starting catcher last season, in the fold.

Junior Matt Greenwald is pushing for a spot in the starting rotation after a solid showing at the JV level. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not inclined to help the competition by issuing walks.

S

econd-year softball coach Matt Wynn is optimistic about Lawrenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of a return to the playoffs after it earned the No. 16 seed in Class A with a .500 conference record. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we can be better,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was nice to get a taste of the playoffs, and we want to get backâ&#x20AC;?

Lawrence is set to face conference rivals Great Neck North, Lynbrook, Malverne and Roosevelt three times apiece. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a good mix of power, speed, pitching and defense,â&#x20AC;? Wynn said.

Seniors will comprise the majority y ily of their starters, but young hurler Emily he DiNardi is sure to have an impact for the me Lady Golden Tornadoes after adding some eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off-speed pitches to her arsenal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nd throwing harder with better location and he can mix it up even more,â&#x20AC;? Wynn said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She as played a lot during the offseason and has thrown well since practice began.â&#x20AC;? en The coach likes the chemistry between lle DiNardi and senior catcher Michelle oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canales, a contact hitter with speed whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked hard to improve defensively. Of nd the other infield positions, only second nie base appears set with senior Stephanie to Kendal returning. Senior Nikki Trento and freshman Gabby Jan are candidates at xa shortstop, seniors Sarah Noble and Alexa nd Lerman are in the mix at third base, and rijunior Rachel Golan and sophomore Brianna Curra are both likely to see time at first. ast â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a deeper team than we were last season,â&#x20AC;? Wynn said. h.

The outfield is an area of strength. ry Senior captain Marisa Bou started every game last spring and anchors the group in eat center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great athlete with a great oa attitude,â&#x20AC;? Wynn said of Bou, who is also or key to the lineup as the No. 3 hitter. Senior Kathryn Olmedo is a defensive standout in op left and offensive table-setter near the top shof the order, while Trento, Jan and freshes man Dahlia Silverstein are possibilities in right. Trento and Noble are expected to oncontribute to an offense that produced consistently down the stretch a year ago.

Roslyn @ Mineola South Side @ V.S. North Clarke @ Seaford @ Division Plainedge @ Lynbrook Lynbrook @ Lynbrook V.S. South @ V.S. South

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SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 8 12 16 18 20 25 29

Malverne @ Lynbrook Roosevelt @ G.N. North @ Malverne Lynbrook @ Roosevelt G.N. North Malverne @ Lynbrook

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May 1 Roosevelt 3 @ G.N. North

MIKE PAPALARDO

PITCHER

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MARISA BOU OUTFIELD

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Schedule

LONG BEACH

27 MacArthur 30 @ V.S. Central

Marines hope to continue climb Lady Marines face challenging road

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

T

he first half of what promises to o be a challenging schedule will serve as a learning experience for a handful of newcomers for the Lady Marines, who return six players from a team that reached the Nassau Class AA semifinals.

“Our roster is a mix [of veterans and new players],” coach Carmine Verde said. “It’s going to take a little time for the first-year varsity kids to get used to the speed and pressure of games.”

Long Beach will once again tangle with th the best competition the county has to offer, such as defending champion MacArArthur, East Meadow, Massapequa, Mepham am and Oceanside. “No matter what year it is, there’s never an easy game in this confererence,” Verde said.

Having a two-time All-County performmer in the pitching circle makes the Lady dy Marines dangerous. Senior captain Ashley ey Martin, who is bound for C.W. Post, has all es the tools. “She’s got five different pitches de and as much experience as anyone,” Verde dI said. “She’ll keep is in every game, and told her to enjoy the ride.”

Martin has a new receiver, junior Bririse anna Rivera, who played a solid first base m last spring and hit well in the clutch. “I’m he confident she’ll do a nice job behind the plate,” said Verde, who added Rivera is slated to bat in the clean-up spot. rtLeading off will be sophomore shortwo stop Kelsey Larson, who already has two ty years of varsity experience and All-County honors under her belt. She hit .350 last st season and played near-flawless defense..

“Kelsey’s a great hitter and fielder,”” Verde said.

Junior Heather Weinstein returnss on at second base after earning All-Division he honors. She’s a steady fielder and hits the nd ball hard. Sophomore Rachel Brenner and th eighth-grader Toniann Larson will both uld see innings at first base, while third could n, be handled by junior Jamie Morgenstern, re sophomore Marisa Scandole or sophomore Emma Rovitz. ily Scandole, Rovitz and fellow sophs Lily so Hornung and Casey Muirhead could also

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April

fit in the outfield along with junior Tara Shouldis, a captain entering her third y y year on varsity.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 22 23 25

Calhoun @ Port Washington @ Mepham @ Carey Carey @ Carey Kennedy @ Kennedy Kennedy @ Elmont Elmont @ Elmont

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May 4 Herricks 6 @ Herricks 7 Herricks

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SOFTBALL March 28 @ Island Trees

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@ Seaford Massapequa East Meadow @ Hicksville Carey Mepham @ MacArthur @ Oceanside @ Massapequa @ East Meadow @ Carey @ Syosset

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May 1 @ Mepham 3 MacArthur 6 Oceanside

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ASHLEY MARTIN

PITCHER

MATT FIRPO CATCHER

Photos by b R Ron M Manfredi f di

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L

ong Beach climbed the ladder on the baseball diamond last spring, securing four wins against conference foes, and coach Jason Zizza is looking for the Marines to build off that mild taste of success.

“Everyone’s positive about what’s going on,” Zizza said. “We’ve got a motivated group of kids and leadership in important areas. We’re excited to see what we can do against a little more manageable of a schedule.”

The Marines will play conference rivals Carey, Bellmore-JFK, Herrick and Elmont three times apiece, and Zizza likes the idea of having a pair of seniors at the top of the pitching rotation as well as a veteran behind the plate. Andrew Judge is the No. 1 starter, Stephen Suskind is No. 2, and Matt Firpo returns at catcher.

Judge is the workhorse of the staff and coming off a season where he not only threw well but also batted .300 with 10 RBIs and eight stolen bases. “He throws strikes and is resilient,” Zizza said. “We’re looking for him to go deep in games.” Suskind is a southpaw who can paint corners and features a strong curve ball. Like Judge, he’ll contribute in the outfield on non-pitching days.

The third spot in the rotation will be up for grabs heading into April. Sophomore Eric Zeppa and junior Vin McParland were key parts of the JV pitching staff a year ago. Zeppa can also spell Firpo behind the plate or play third base. Junior Alec Dernarbeo, who had 15 hits and a .302 average, starts at the hot corner and will be the closer out of the bullpen.

The coach expects a breakout year from Firpo, who will play football and baseball at Wagner. According to Zizza, senior shortstop Jack Fagan was the team’s best overall player in 2012. He batted .339 and knocked in 13 runs. Junior Anthony Bianchini fills a void at second base, while senior Seamus Monghan and sophomore Tim Brosnan are in the mix at first.

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

LYNBROOK

Schedule BASEBALL April

Owls have plenty of pieces

BY TOM JORDAN

E

very spring brings change. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the cyclical nature of life, and a very big part of baseball.

A year ago, Lynbrook baseball coach Al Marazzo knew he could scribble Brian Bilelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name onto his lineup card, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be set behind the dish. Now, with Bilello having graduated, Marazzo has to choose between Joe Cappadona, Timmy Yale and Neil Connors as his new backstop. Cappadona was outstanding for the junior-varsity last season, while Yale and Connors each spelled Bilello with the big club. All three are talented, hard working and polite, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave much by which to distinguish them from one another. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been that kind of spring,â&#x20AC;? Marazzo said.

Just around the corner awaits regularseason competition, and this year the Owls play a brutal crossover schedule, including meetings with defending Nassau Class A champion Plainedge, Clarke, Valley Stream North, Seaford and Division. But the early part of the spring has been all about a different kind of competition, as several players vie for starting positions.

The three catchers, along with Anthony Mackie, Matt Hardgadon, David Nunez, Eduardo Martinez and Brian Pavone are among those hoping to carve a niche, if not a starting assignment, on the 2013 Owls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just hope Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m smart enough to put them all in the right places,â&#x20AC;? said the selfeffacing Marazza. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have great kids, solid workers. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all positive representatives of our school.â&#x20AC;?

It is not all question marks for the Owls, who count Austin Bilello, Chris and Nick Roepken, Paul Papandrew and Ian Reid among their core. Austin Bilello, who will start in right field and get some time on the mound, is a middle of the order threat with homerun power. Chris Roepken is a left-handed starter, his brother Nick a first baseman-pitcher-designated hitter.

Both will bat in the heart of the order.

Papandrew is a middle infielder who came up to varsity last season and, according to Marazzo, â&#x20AC;&#x153;made every play.â&#x20AC;? Reid pitched

in a lot of big games, and will again.

New conference for Lady Owls

K

risti Tuzzio was a player Lynbrook coach Pete Toscano hoped would step into a prominent role last season, though the team was loaded with prominent stars. Tuzzio played outfield early, moved over to third base and conzio is one of tinued to impress. Now Tuzzio Toscanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stars. When the Lady Owls come to bat for the first time this season, zzio. their leadoff hitter will be Tuzzio. nior center Batting second will be junior fielder Megan Montine, a speedster, peedster, an excellent bunter and onee of the llowed team captains. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be followed by some combination of Bridgette dgette Greene, Kristy Harvey, Erica Connors, Julia Cusack, Izzy Sarlo and p is Georgia Krendel. The lineup nd a lethal collection of speed and ypower. Lynbrook was a playht off team two years straight V and won the Conference A-V championship before being bumped to A-III last season.

This spring it will tangle with the likes of Lawrence, Malverne, Great Neck North and Roosevelt three times apiece.

Greene, also a captain, was an All-Conference selection while playing outfield, first base and pitchrter. Harvey is the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shortstop and perhaps its hardestt hitas just a ter. Connors, like Tuzzio, was hopeful at this time last year. Like Tuzzio, tarting spot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she went out and earned a starting ear starter at catcher. Cusack is a second-year del are freshsecond base. Sarlo and Krendel lo is expected men ready to contribute. Sarlo to grab a starting spot in the outfield, and Krendel plays first base. o compete for â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have enough talent to id. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the conference,â&#x20AC;? Toscano said. om when we some returning players from went to the playoffs two years ago, as well as some new players.â&#x20AC;?

Toscano has a set squad, with the exception some spots in thee outfield med. What that have not yet been claimed.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

he does not have is a big-time pitcher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to use a couple of girls there. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to move people around,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about throwing strikes.â&#x20AC;?

Toscano also expects his team to help the pitchers by playing well defensively.

@ Mineola Division @ V.S. North @ Plainedge @ Roslyn South Side Clarke Seaford Lawrence @ Lawrence Lawrence @ Manhasset Manhasset

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@ G.N. North Lawrence @ Malverne Roosevelt G.N. North @ Lawrence Malverne @ Roosevelt @ G.N. North Lawrence

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May 1 @ Malverne 6 Roosevelt

AUSTIN BILELLO PITCHER

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March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S14

S15

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

MALVERNE

Schedule April

Mules seek more of the same

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

T

he Mules took some steps forward last season and were not only competitive but reached the Nassau Class B baseball playoffs. Now coach Tim Young will try to keep the success going after the graduation of nine players, many of whom were starters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a good year and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to build off it,â&#x20AC;? Young said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The work ethic of the group we brought back is tremendous. The kids are determined and want to make their own mark. Every day, they want to do what it takes to be successful.â&#x20AC;?

Malverneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster is loaded with youth but still headlined by a senior. Pitcher/ outfielder Dominick Gandolfo picked up two wins on the mound last season with an ERA under three runs per game. The three-year varsity performer features a fastball and several off-speed pitches, Young said. Gandolfo, who smacked a few homers a year ago, also serves as the No. 3 hitter in the lineup.

Big things are expected this spring and down the road from sophomore pitcher/ shortstop Steven Berry, who despite missing half of last season with an injury picked up two wins and swung a smooth bat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Defensively, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mainstay,â&#x20AC;? Young said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very strong with the glove and arm. He grew about four inches in the past year and is developing as a hitter.â&#x20AC;?

Tyler Michaels moved into the rotation after Berry was hurt last season and is expected to spend his senior year as the No. 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tyler has a rubber arm and can eat up a lot of innings,â&#x20AC;? Young said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a real good curve and relies on location.â&#x20AC;?

Junior Tyler Zimmerman is a returning starter at second base and a key to the middle of the lineup. Sophomore Kyle Richard gets the nod at third, while junior Steven Gandolfo takes over at first. Junior Michael Merola and sophomore Wyatt Michaels are likely to share catching duties, and the outfield added juniors Tyler McKeever and Bryan Rung, as well as sophomore Brendan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly.

Lady Mules fueled by young talent

Y

outh is served on Malverneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softball field, where coach Jennifer Gibbons is likely to have only one senior contributor â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kelana Walters â&#x20AC;&#x201D;among a lineup loaded with juniors and sophomores. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We only have four returning players, but a lot of promise,â&#x20AC;? Gibbons said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great group of kids who are easy to work with. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some tough non-league games to get us ready for the conference schedule.â&#x20AC;?

The Lady Mules will face Lynbrook, Lawrence, Great Neck North and Roosevelt in conference play.

The outfield is their biggest area off strength, Gibbons said. The startingg group returns intact and has speed to burn. From left to right, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s juniors Jessica Findlayter, Shantell Oliver, and Racquelle Findlayter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They played out there here last year and cover so much ground with ffentheir speed,â&#x20AC;? Gibbons explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Offensively, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking for them to get on base and be aggressive runners.â&#x20AC;? ime Opponents wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an easy time cher reaching base with sophomore pitcher rike Sydney Witowski dialing up the strike zone. Already in her third varsity campaign, Witowski has more zip on the fastenal. ball and plenty of diversity in her arsenal.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also look to help her own causee by anchoring the offense from the No. 3 or peticlean-up spot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a serious competitor,â&#x20AC;? Gibbons said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do great again.â&#x20AC;? nns Sophomore shortstop Kym Danns ason assumed a starting role early last season ed a and made the most of it. She cracked couple of clutch homers and will bat in n the eanheart of the order â&#x20AC;&#x201D; either No. 3 or cleantted. up depending where Witowski is slotted. dent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kym is more comfortable and confident this year,â&#x20AC;? Gibbons said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m expectingg big things.â&#x20AC;?

The rest of the infield is young but screams potential. Sophomore Ashmore ley Marshall is at first base, sophomore Courtney Moore takes over at second, and hird. sophomore Michelle Kretz will be at third. doff Moore is slated to be the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadoff

March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL

batter. Behind the plate, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be Walters or junior Kayisha Ulysse.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

Friends Aca. @ Friends Aca. East Rockaway @ East Rockaway Carle Place @ Carle Place Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay @ Locust Valley Locust Valley @ Locust Valley C.S. Harbor @ C.S. Harbor

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C.S. Harbor Wheatley @ Wheatley Wheatley

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SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 8 10 12 18 20 23 25

@ Lawrence Wheatley Lynbrook @ Roosevelt G.N. North Lawrence @ Lynbrook Roosevelt @ G.N. North @ Lawrence

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May 1 Lynbrook 3 @ Roosevelt 6 G.N. North

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MEPHAM

Schedule BASEBALL March

Pirates will rely on pitching

BY STEVE SINISKI

T

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit of a transformation at Mepham, where the Pirates, owners of six straight appearances in the Nassau Class AA baseball playoffs, are becoming a little more reliant on pitching and small ball rather than the home run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a different approach,â&#x20AC;? coach Bill Murphy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We may be more active out on the basepaths because we do have guys that can run, and execution will be a key.â&#x20AC;?

Senior Joey Pedone, entering his third season as the starting shortstop, is among the speedsters ready to create trouble for opposing pitchers, as is senior Tommy Brodsky, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slated to play a corner infield position. Senior Shane Agostino, a returning starter and one of 10 Pirates back from last season, is also among the burners along with senior center fielder Tyler Beale. First baseman Dominick Bove is a perfect fit for the offense because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good contact hitter.

The pitching staff has some promising arms with senior All-Conference returnee Brian Helft leading the way. To say control is his strength would be an understatement after he issued just five free passes in 36 innings with a healthy 20 strikeouts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has [strong] control and is able to hit his spots and change his speeds very effectively,â&#x20AC;? Murphy said.

Senior Jason Foley is a perfect complement, because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a power pitcher that will give opponents quite a different look the day after Helft takes the mound. Senior Steven Troise, logged innings as a spot starter and out of the bullpen and is in the mix for work in the rotation. The Pirates also have a trio of juniors battling for time on the mound in Reed Gonsowski, Patrick Leonard and Dylan Stock, all of whom pitched for Mephamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JV squad last season. Murphy has three players battling for playing time at catcher in senior Ryan Baranek, Stock and junior Ben Hoffman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to rely more on pitching and defense and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited about what we see,â&#x20AC;? Murphy said.

The Pirates will compete in a conference with Calhoun, MacArthur, Valley Stream Central and Port Washington.

27 @ Kennedy 28 Carey

April

Returnees hold key for Lady Pirates

T

he Lady Pirates welcome back several key components on the softball field, including junior Toni Marie Valeriano, an All-Conference honoree, in the circle. Senior Mary Galgano, an AllDivision catcher/outfielder, and senior Alexis Ferrero, an All-Conference desig-nated hitter, also return to a Mepham team m that faces some of the stiffest competition n in Nassau County while playing in Confer-ence AA-I. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope all the pieces fall in the right spot and we get some hitting,â&#x20AC;? coach Mike Muscara said of his team, which also features a host of younger players that gained experience last season as underclassmen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a world of difference between junior varsity and varsity pitching, and some of the girls found that out last season so they have that year under their belt.â&#x20AC;?

After missing a chunk of last season because of an injury, the goal is to keep Valeriano fresh and healthy, while also o working in several newcomers across thee field. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key to the pitching staff,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;?

Muscara said of his ace.

When Valeriano isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pitching, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lll play first base, with returning juniorr y Christine Rizzacasa at second base. Kelcey Taylor, another veteran junior, is back att shortstop, and classmate Amanda Fucci,, whose playing time increased as last sea-n son unfolded, is slated to again lockdown the hot corner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our infield is pretty good,, a and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re strong up the middle,â&#x20AC;? Muscara said.

The outfield has a number of play-y ers ready to contribute both offensively and defensively, including senior Kikki Jones, who missed most of last season because of injury, and potentially Galgano if she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t behind the plate and Rizzacasa, also capable of playing multiple positions.

Ferrero is the big bat anchoring a Mepham lineup thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going center moree on manufacturing runs than waiting forr the big home run, in a conference thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ss loaded with frontline starting pitchers.. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the kids hit and we can get some good

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

defense [weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the right track], â&#x20AC;&#x153; Muscara said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be right in the middle of the pack.â&#x20AC;?

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 29 30

@ Elmont Herricks Long Beach MacArthur @ MacArthur MacArthur @ V.S. Central V.S. Central @ V.S. Central Calhoun @ Calhoun

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May 2 4 6 7

Calhoun @ Port Washington Port Washington @ Port Washington

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SOFTBALL April 3 8 10 12 16 18 25 27 29

@ Carey East Meadow Massapequa @ Long Beach @ Oceanside @ MacArthur @ East Meadow Carey @ Massapequa

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May 1 Long Beach 3 Oceanside 6 MacArthur

JASON FOLEY

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TONI VALERIANO

PITCHER

PITCHER

Photos by Susan Grieco

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

OCEANSIDE

Schedule

Sailors eye return to playoffs

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

C

oming off a rare non-playoff season, Oceanside will try to get back to its winning ways on the baseball diamond with a mix of returning starters and newcomers up from the JV level.

Also making a move to the varsity field is coach Mike Postillo, who coached the majority of Sailors in recent years and is excited about this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outlook. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very optimistic,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot of talented and experienced seniors along with a strong junior class. Our goal is to win the co nference.â&#x20AC;?The starting pitching staff is a work in progress, with senior James Long the lone hurler with varsity innings under his belt, but Postillo is confident itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come together nicely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any of our pitchers going deep in the count,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;James is our most experienced pitcher, and I think all the juniors coming up will be fine. The staff has good character and works hard as a whole.â&#x20AC;?

The 6-foot-5 left-handed Long features an array of pitches and keeps the ball down in the strike zone. Junior Jake Santamaria, the No. 2 starter on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JV, is another lefty with a style similar to Long, who is headed to C.W. Post. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top JV arm, junior right-hander Chris Hood, brings a solid fastball and curve. Junior southpaw Thomas Pallatto could crack the rotation or be a key out of the bullpen, while junior righty Patrick Broder can start or work in relief.

Helping the pitchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cause will be senior Brian Lau, who Postillo said is one of the most accomplished catchers to come through the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a rifle arm and is a smart hitter,â&#x20AC;? Postillo said of the St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (PA) bound Lau. Five starters retur n between the infield and outfield. Seniors Connor Pasetti (second base), Francis Rapp (third base) and Andrew Hauser (first base) are joined in the infield by junior shortstop Tom Moran, while seniors Jason Weiner (.320 average, three homers) and Dan Lombardo spearhead the outfield.

27 Syosset

T

10:30 a.m.

April

New battery for Lady Sailors he departure of their All-County battery from a year ago â&#x20AC;&#x201D; pitcher Ashley Davis and catcher Nicole Milano â&#x20AC;&#x201D; presents the Lady Sailors with quite a challenge but the cupboard isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bare for coach Joe Supple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have some young players stepping into big spots and probably only two senior starters, but this is a team thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to grow as the season moves on,â&#x20AC;? Supple said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll compete in every game.â&#x20AC;?

Junior Paige Seitz gets the nod in the pitching circle and possesses a strong and accurate arm. A three-sport sport xcelathlete, she had an excellent 2011 season at the JV level before serving as Davisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; backup last spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paige is throwing with confidence,â&#x20AC;? Supple said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She knows how to mix pitches and keeps the ball around the plate.â&#x20AC;?

Flashing the signals to Seitz will be freshman catcher Grace Bandini, n whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also bat third in kthe lineup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re askut I ing a lot of Grace, but think sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll handle the pple pressure well,â&#x20AC;? Supple said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talent-wise, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be out of place.. The ceiling is very high forr her.â&#x20AC;?

Five full-time star tnside, ers return for Oceanside, which will again dance n the with the best teams in hocounty again. Sophore more shortstop Claire ff McNamara comes off kie a phenomenal rookie

March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL March

campaign that saw her earn All-County honors, thanks in large part to stellar defense. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also spark the offense from the leadoff position. Twin sister Megan moves from left field to center, where her speed is sure to come in handy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both tremendous athletes,â&#x20AC;? Supple said.

Senior Kristen Gallub moves from right field to left after earning All-Division honors. A left-handed spray hitter from the No. 2 spot, she wielded a hot bat down the stretch last season and is expected to pick up where she left off. Freshman Taylor Eisel takes over in right.

Juniors Ellen Derr and Jeannie Callanan are returning starters at second and third base, respectively, and also keys to the lineup. Senior Angela Grassiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong glove moves from behind the plate to first base.

1 2 4 11 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30

Uniondale @ Farmingdale @ Freeport @ Massapequa @ Plainview Plainview Plainview Hicksville @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Baldwin Baldwin

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May 2 4 6 7

@ Baldwin East Meadow @ East Meadow East Meadow

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SOFTBALL Ma March 28 Oyster Bay

10:30 a.m.

April Ap 5 8 10 12 16 18 19 23 2 25 2 9 29

@ Carey @ Massapequa @ East Meadow MacArthur Mepham Long Beach Baldwin Carey Massapequa East Meadow

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May M a 1 @ MacArthur 3 @ Mepham 6 @ Long Beach

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KRISTEN GALLUB OUTFIELD

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

SEWANHAKA

Schedule BASEBALL March

Seniors hold key for Indians

BY ANDREW MCCLURE

S

ix seniors return for Sewanhaka on the baseball diamond in 2013. The Indians, who finished with a record of 10-8 in the Nassau Countywide Conference, will battle Hempstead, Great Neck South, Westbury, and Roosevelt in league play. Sewanhaka and defending conference champion Great Neck South should both be in the hunt for league supremacy.

Despite having only 13 players on the roster, coach Mike Ryan is hopeful his strong group of seniors will carry the team. “I’m counting on the seniors to propel us to a little better result than we came up with last season,” Ryan said. “We return a group of players who have experience, and who have performed well at the varsity level.”

Captain Mike Zunno, who hit over .320 as a junior, returns at shortstop for the Indians. Zunno will bat leadoff and serve as one of Sewanhaka’s table setters.

Senior second baseman Brian Murphy forms a solid middle infield with Zunno.

Murphy, who is the number two starter, will be counted on to knock in runs from the three hole.

Nicholas Dempsey is the ace of the pitching staff. Dempsey, who went 5-2 as a junior with an ERA slightly over 2.00, has an excellent fastball and good command of his curve. Dempsey is versatile enough to play infield or outfield when he’s not pitching. He will likely bat second. Sophomore southpaw Michael Parasconda will be the third starter and the everyday center fielder.

Junior catcher Kevin Ocampo hit .350 in 2012. He’ll occupy a spot in the middle of the order. Ocampo is a solid backstop with improved arm strength. The Indians expect to get power from Manny Nunez.

The senior left fielder should be one of Sewanhaka’s top RBI guys.

Ryan Byrne, a senior right fielder who hit over .400, and senior third baseman Nick Bevilaqua, a player who came on strong in the second half of the season, both should have plenty of opportunities to knock in runs.

27 @ Hempstead 30 Hempstead

April

Strong battery charges Lady Indians

S

ewanhaka softball returns its starting battery and a few young starters with varsity experience under their belts. The Lady Indians, who compiled a 9-3 record and won the Conference ABC-IV title in 2012, move to a new league. They will battle with East Rockaway, Valley Stream South, Cold Spring Harbor, WheatWheat ley, Manhasset, and West Hempstead..

Despite having to fill numerous holes, and not having a lot of depth, coach ch Deirdre Kelly is optimistic about herr team. “The girls know that expectations are always high on the softball field for Sewanhaka,” Kelly said. “If we’re going to be successful, we’re going to have to play very well on defense, play some small ball, be smart on the bases, and be one of those scrappy y teams that hang around every game.””

Senior catcher Rachel Wisniewski, ski, an o-back All-Conference honoree in back-to-back seasons, is an outstanding defensive player with a big bat. Wisniewski hit .375 and led ts and the Lady Indians in extra-base hits RBI last spring.

Senior pitcher Cassidy Johnson, a sevw baten-game winner in 2012, doesn’t blow ters away, but is always around the plate, and keeps hitters off-balance with crafty pitching.

Freshman Jancarla Herrera, an Allader, is Conference honoree as an eighth-grader, a tremendous center fielder, and will be the catalyst for Sewanhaka’s offensive attack.

Herrera is a switch hitter who likes to slap and run, and she has a little more pop in her bat compared to last year.

Kelly will use a platoon system em at first base. Junior Jenna Sanfilippo and re senior Kari Mavrovouniotis, who are both solid with the glove and can handle the bat well, are both very capable at first base.

Kelly was hoping for big things from Sabrina Spiridigliozzi, but the junior outfielder is out with a knee injury suffered during soccer season. Spiridigliozzi hopes to h return to the lineup midway through the season.

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Senior Taylor Filippi steps in at shortstop, and sophomore Jill Filippi is an excellent defensive third baseman and a good contact hitter.

1 2 4 9 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 30

@ Roosevelt Roosevelt @ Roosevelt Elmont Westbury @ Westbury Westbury @ G.N. South G.N. South @ G.N. South @ Hempstead Roosevelt

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May 6 @ Westbury 7 G.N. South

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SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 9 15 17 19 24 26 27

@ East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

Manhasset 4:30 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 10:00 a.m. @ Wheatley 4:30 p.m.

V.S. South 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m.

Wheatley 4:30 p.m. @ Manhasset 10:00 a.m.

May 2 @ V.S. South 6 West Hempstead

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4:30 p.m.

MIKE ZUNNO SHORTSTOP

RACHEL WISNIEWSKI CATCHER

Photos by Janette Pellegrini

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

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2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

SOUTH SIDE

Schedule April

Cyclones boast talented lineup Tougher tests for Lady Cyclones

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

L

ast season was a roller coaster ride on the softball field for the Lady Cyclones, who finished 5-7 in conference play and just missed the Class A playoffs because of three losses by the slimmest of margins. Still, they’ve been bumped up to face tougher competition in 2013.

“The numbers in the program are up to about 30, so we’ve started off on the right foot,” coach Shannon McEntee said. “We don’t have any seniors, but we’ve got some promising young players and a tremendous pitcher.”

Junior hurler Sam Maselli is the biggest reason South Side moved up to Conference ABC-II, McEntee said. “Other coaches viewed her as one of the better pitchers coming back and thought we could handle facing strongerr teams,” McEntee said. set. She’s got a perfect “Sam’s a huge asset. game and a few no-hitters already, and tcher.” she’s a strikeout pitcher.” ol improved last spring, Maselli’s control and she dominated at times. She also posntrol at the plate and sesses good bat control elp her own cause will be asked to help at the top of the lineup. Her batore catcher Lia tery mate, sophomore Stamile, also returns rns and made a name for herselff last season. h players are McEntee said both captains. “Lia’s passionate d contributes about the sport and a lot offensively and defensively,” she said. “Not Not a lot gets by her behind nd the plate, and she’s a solid left-handed hitter with power to drive the ball.”

While starting nd spots at first and third base are up in y the air, the Lady C yc l o n e s w i l l count on junior Allison DeNicola to anchor the middle of the infield from the short

stop or second base position. “She’s a versatile fielder we can use in either spot,” McEntee said. “She’s aware of game situations and always makes a smart decision.”

One outfield spot is up for grabs, and two may be filled by sophomores. Speedy Caroline Joyce is a returning starter capable of playing center or left, and Tara O’Leary comes off a tremendous year with the bat for the JV team.

1 2 4 8 11 12 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

Manhasset V.S. North @ Lawrence Seaford @ Lynbrook @ V.S. South @ Mineola Clarke @ Division Division @ Division Plainedge @ Plainedge

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May 2 4 6 7

Plainedge @ Roslyn Roslyn @ Roslyn

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SOFTBALL April 2 6 9 11 13 15 17 19 24 26 30

@ Oyster Bay 4:45 p.m.

Mineola 10:30 a.m.

Division 4:45 p.m.

Floral Park 4:30 p.m. @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. @ Locust Lo Valley 4:45 p.m. @ Ne New Hyde Park 4:30 p.m.

Oyster Oyste Bay 4:45 p.m. @ Mineola Mi 4:15 p.m. @ Division Div 4:30 p.m. @ Floral Flo Park 4:30 p.m.

May 2 Locus Locust Valley 6 New Hyde H Park

LIA STAMILE

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4:30 p.m.

DAVID HAWLEY OUTFIELD

CATCHER

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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fter spending six years as an assistant on South Side’s baseball coaching staff, Tim Smith takes over a varsity team coming off a big season and loaded with talent. The Cyclones won a conference title and 13 straight games, and reached the Nassau Class A semifinals where they lost a tough series to eventual county champion Plainedge.

“We had an outstanding season,” said Smith, who worked under Keith Lessuk, “and we’re looking to make another run for the county title. We have a great deal of offense with the top half of the lineup returning, and our pitching can be very good.”

Few teams, if any, will be able to match South Side’s hitting prowess in the No. 3 and leadoff spots. Senior third baseman Louis Matarazzo, an All-County and second team All-State selection, batted .474 and drove in 20 runs in 2012 despite being walked 18 times, including 10 intentionally.

He’ll have plenty of run-producing opportunities again with senior center fielder David Hawley, an All-Conference selection, setting the tone at the top of the order.

“Lou is one of the most feared hitters on Long Island,” Smith said of Matarazzo, who will serve as the closer out of the bullpen. “Fourteen of his 22 hits were extra bases.” The coach expects Hawley to “drive pitchers crazy” and wreak havoc on the bases after swiping 24 bags a year ago.

“David’s always on base and gets to everything in the outfield,” he said.

Senior Eddie Tamarro is another speedy outfielder with all the tools. He earned All-League honors and returns to right, while senior Jeremy Ramirez and junior Dan Iavronne work in left. Senior All-Conference shortstop Ed Farington heads the pitching staff (5-1 record last year) and anchors the infield defense along with senior second baseman Ben Hoefer, who had three homers and 20 RBIs. Senior Harrison Park takes over catching duties.

Hard-throwing sophomores Sal Miranda and Andrew Misiaszek were standouts at the JV level last spring and join Farington in the starting rotation.

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

V.S. CENTRAL

Schedule BASEBALL March

Young talent to lead Eagles

Eagles. “I’m looking forward to those two series,” he said, “because that’s going to kind of let us know where we are.”

BY ANDREW HACKMACK

T

he Valley Stream Central baseball team graduated eight seniors, including seven starters. Normally that might concern a coach, but Frank Alesia is thrilled about his young talent.

The Eagles will have four sophomores starting. Of them, only one has experience on varsity. Vito Friscia, previously a first baseman, will be the starting catcher as well as the cleanup hitter. “He’s just an unbelievable hitter,” Alesia said. “He’s going to be the premier player for the next three years.”

Alesia said it was group decision to move Friscia behind the plate, largely because of his potential to someday play at a Division I college. Friscia has put full effort into learning the position, the coach said.

Friscia’s classmates Joe Picillo, Cain Ruiz and Michael Ciullo are also slated for everyday play. Picillo pitches and plays center field. Alesia said what Picillo lacks in size, he makes up for in ability and heart. “He’s going to be dirty every game,” Alesia said. “He’s one of those kids that you just love when he puts on the uniform.”

Ruiz, a shortstop, possesses a strong arm and loves the game. Ciullo, the third baseman, has soft hands, plays great defense is a gap-to-gap hitter, Alesia said.

Also new to the team is Kevin Goldman, a transfer from South. Alesia envisions Goldman splitting pitching and center field duties with Picillo.

Junior Angel Acevedo and senior Brandon Wilder round out the pitching staff and both also play first base. Acevedo is an unknown and could be a threat, Alesia said. Wilder is the senior leader, but the coach says this year’s Eagles belongs to the young players. “These guys that are coming up are serious baseball players,” he said.

Central opens the season against Elmont. Alesia is particularly excited for matchups against Class AA powerhouses MacArthur and Calhoun, which Alesia says will be the true test for the young

Playoff aspirations for Lady Eagles

27 @ Elmont 30 Long Beach

10:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

April against each of seven conference opponents. Riccio said he is looking forward to seeing how the Lady Eagles stack up against Freeport, Port Washington and Uniondale.

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 18 22 23 25

T

he Lady Eagles return most of their starters to the softball field, when the team fell a win short of making the playoffs. Coach Artie Riccio says he is excited for the upcoming oming season because of the team’s ability y to score a lot of runs, and believes a playoff off run is in the cards.

“This is probably the best hitting team I’ve had in years,” he said. “I don’t have a weak batter in the lineup.”

It will all start with leadoff hitter Randi Ruderman, a sophomore. This is the shortstop’s second year on varsity sity and Riccio praised her leadership and knowledge of the game.

“She’s another coach h out there,” he said.

Riccio expects freshman Tiffany Longarzo to pitch every ry inning. He said she has developed a solid d drop pitch and screwball, and is workingg on her curve. Not only should she a force on the mound, he said, but opposing pitchers ers should fear her bat.

Catching Longarzo o will be Jasmine Garden, a sophomore with ith a strong arm.

Rounding out thee infield will be senior Jessica Malfa at first st base, senior Veronica Bulbalo at second and nd junior Nia-Mia Outlaw at the hot corner. ner. All are returning players. Malfa scoops ps the ball well, Bulbalo is a slick fielder and nd Outlaw has a power bat, Riccio said.

The outfield consists nsists of two returning players and one newcomer. wcomer. Seniors Priscilia Pena and Ashley y Garcia will be in left and right, respectively. vely. Sophomore Kayla Diedrick, in her first st year on varsity, will patrol center.

Riccio said he has not yet determined the clean-up hitter, but it will be between the power bats of Garden, Longarzo or Diedrick. He plans to bat the speedy Pena ninth to turn the lineup neup over to Ruderman, who bunts well and usually puts the ball in play.

The Lady Eagless will play two games

@ Carey Kennedy Herricks @ Calhoun Calhoun @ Calhoun Mepham @ Mepham Mepham @ Port Washington Port Washington @ Port Washington

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May 4 MacArthur 6 @ MacArthur 7 MacArthur

2:00 p.m.

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SOFTBALL April 3 5 8 10 12 16 18 20 23 25 29

@ Freeport @ Uniondale Westbury Elmont @ Hempstead Port Washington @ G.N. South Freeport Uniondale @ Westbury @ Elmont

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May 1 Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

3 @ Port Washington 4:30 p.m.

6 @ G.N. South 4:30 p.m.

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S20

S21

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

V.S. NORTH

Schedule April

Experienced Spartans have high hopes

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

Seniors driving force for Lady Spartans

T

he Lady Spartans have a few holes to fill after a rough go in Conference ABC-II, but they’re returning some key pieces of the puzzle and are back in familiar territory in ABC-III where they’ll face Jericho, Garden City, North Shore, Roslyn, Carle Place and Hewlett twice apiece.

“I thought we were a good fit for Conference II last season, but we didn’t play up to our potential,” said coach Corey McNamara, who guided North to back-to-back conference titles in 2010-11. we’re 10-11. “Now Now we re back in III and have some ome great players leading us. I expect to finish near the top and make the playoffs.”

The roster features a mix of experienced seniors and promising sophomores. It all starts with two-time AllCounty catcher Dana Morgante and All-Diviiuren Collura. Morsion center fielder Lauren th varsity season, gante, entering her fifth is like having another coach on the field, akes command out McNamara said. “She takes n to small details,” there and pays attention he noted. Morgante, who led the Lady Spartans in batting average erage and slugging percentage, will hit in the leadoff or No. an-up batter, is a 3 spot. Collura, the clean-up nd “a vacuum” gap hitter with power and h said. in the outfield, the coach nfield returns.

The left side of the infield aro flashes Senior Amanda Ferraro a tremendous glove att first base and contributes at the plate, while senior Gianna Nasso returns to her natural position at second her qualbase. Nasso is another d arm. The ity defender with a good coach has options on the right side. Senior Tori Patti can hand base, dle shortstop or third ubian and senior Drew Beaubian ot corhas experience at the hot ribute ner. In the mix to contribute at shortstop and the pitching

circle is sophomore Kaylee Nariane. Sophomore Jenna Abruzino is working as an outfielder and can provide offensive pop.

“Everyone has to do their part on defense,” said McNamara, who is undecided on a starting pitcher but has sophomore Tori Dugan and others as possibilities. “I think we’ll be able to score runs.”

1 2 4 8 9 11 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

Plainedge @ South Side Lynbrook Lawrence Division @ Manhasset @ V.S. South @ Roslyn Clarke @ Clarke Clarke @ Mineola Mineola

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May 2 4 6 7

@ Mineola @ Seaford Seaford Seaford

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SOFTBALL April Apr 2 4 6 11 13 15 17 19 22 24 30

Jericho Garden City North Shore @ Roslyn @ V.S. South @ Carle Place @ Hewlett @ Jericho @ Garden City @ North Shore Roslyn

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May Ma 2 Carle Place 6 Hewlett

LAUREN COLLURA OUTFIELDER

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ANTHONY MARTELLI SHORTSTOP

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oming off a 10-win campaign and with 14 returning seniors, Valley Stream North brings high expectations to the baseball diamond in 2013. The Spartans, who lost a 9-8 heartbreaker to Seaford in a Nassau Class A first-round playoff game last spring, will rely on their experience and depth to lead the way.

“We’re excited,” coach Phil Sanfilippo said. “The core of the team has been together for three years, and we have high hopes for ourselves.”

North’s schedule isn’t an easy one to navigate, Sanfilippo said. Just like a year ago, it faces Clarke, Mineola and Seaford three times apiece. That’s challenging in itself. Throw in one-game crossovers against defending county champion Plainedge, South Side, Lynbrook, Lawrence and Division, and the road, on paper, is that much more difficult. “When you play that tough a schedule, you’re not going to cruise through it,” Sanfilippo said. “But at the same time, there’s not a team we’re not capable of beating.”

The Spartans’ starting pitching staff mirrors that of last season. Seniors Anthony Martelli (four wins, 45 strikeouts, 3.40 ERA), Kevin White (three wins, 2.40 ERA) and Greg Garcia (two wins) comprise a talented trio, and durable senior Glen Carey will be the go-to arm in relief. Senior Brandon Salem is back behind the plate and a major asset on defense. “The pitching will keep us in every game,” Sanfillipo said.

Martelli will anchor the defense at shortstop on non-pitching days. He earned All-County honors as a junior after batting .373 with three homers, 21 RBIs, 23 runs and 16 stolen bases in as many attempts.

Senior James Capoziello (.386 average) is an All-Conference second baseman, senior Jeff Lantigua is an All-Division third baseman, and senior Pio Bonfitto steps into a starting role at first.

The outfield is loaded with speed and experience. The coach said gaps will be difficult to find with Garcia and fellow seniors James Celeberti, Billy Patsos and Stephen Giuliante covering lots of real estate.

March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

V.S. SOUTH

Schedule BASEBALL April

Falcons seek a playoff appearance

1 2 4 11 12 13 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

Rebuilt Lady Falcons up for challenge

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

A

fter falling one win shy of reaching the Nassau Class A baseball playoffs a year ago, Valley Stream South should be part of a wide-open race for the two spots allotted to Conference V. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All four teams are going to be pretty competitive,â&#x20AC;? said coach Ken Ward, who guided the Falcons to nine wins in 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re relatively young, but we could be better than last season. It all depends how the younger players come along.â&#x20AC;?

South is led by one of the premier players in the county, senior Andrew Hess. The class Valedictorian and second-year captain batted .457 with 20 RBIs a year ago and has reached base in 23 of the last 24 games.

Depending on the day, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play second base, shortstop or outfield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His work ethic on the field and in the classroom is second to none,â&#x20AC;? Ward said of Hess, who earned All-County and All-State honors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hit third and anchor our defense wherever he plays.â&#x20AC;?

Hess is slated for shortstop on days junior Andy LaBeck takes the mound.

LaBeck won all three of his decisions last spring and had a 2.17 ERA and 23 strikeouts. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadoff hitter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Location is a big part of his repertoire,â&#x20AC;?

Ward said.

Sophomore pitcher/outfielder Tyler Gill is another double threat for the Falcons, who have Lynbrook, Manhasset and Lawrence as conference foes. Gill (3.30 ERA) features a strong fastball and will bat either third or fourth in the order. Junior Jesse Blouin, the top pitcher at the JV level last spring and starting quarterback on the varsity football team, is expected to round out the starting rotation.

Junior Manny Pizarro takes over catching duties and brings solid defensive skills and a strong arm. The infield has been boosted by senior first baseman Chris Infantino, a reliable two-way player who sat out last season. Senior Andrew Castano returns at third base, and sophomore Marino Sorbara can play second and third.

The outfield is spearheaded by seniors Frank Reichert and Frank Vasquez.

V

alley Stream South lost most of its key contributors from a team that upset defending Nassau Class A champion Seaford in the first round of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playoffs, but coach Demetri Adrahtas continues to set the bar high. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal is to win thee conference,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing ng all new teams we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know much about, but if the conferences were designed esigned the right way it should be wide de open.â&#x20AC;?

Many of Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s players are inexperienced at the varsity level, but a move to Conference ABC-IV could help their transition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting over in a sense, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun and exciting,â&#x20AC;?

Adrahtas said. ave The Lady Falcons will have an unproven, albeit capable,, pitcher in the ley is likely to circle. Senior Cassie Howley work the bulk of innings, with freshman Brianna Schippel also in the mix. Both ayers. Howley, are three-year varsity players. layoff win over who had three hits in the playoff Seaford, threw well during the offseason. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cassie plays a lot of softball ball and loves the sport,â&#x20AC;? Adrahtas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If she throws strikes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be fine.â&#x20AC;? nfield defense Schippel anchors the infield ting order from from shortstop, and the batting the leadoff or No. 3 spot. She he already has All-Conference and All-Division vision honors under her belt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Briannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an elite travel ckage,â&#x20AC;? Adrahball player and the total package,â&#x20AC;?

00 last year and tas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She hit around .400 has an outstanding arm.â&#x20AC;?

With Schippel at short and senior Jen Pace at second, the coach has no worries when it comes to grounders up the middle. ove and arm,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jen has a phenomenal glove he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She makes a huge defensive play every game.â&#x20AC;?

The infield corner spots will be handled by senior Kaitlyn McCarty, who has quick reshman Katie hands at first base, and freshman Shields, who has unlimited upside at third th JV level. l l base after a big season att the

Junior Amanda Tkacsik starts behind the plate, while the outfield consists of sophomores Kayla Shields and Jen Schoch, and freshmen Melanie Morales and Victoria Martuciello.

@ Clarke @ Seaford Mineola @ Plainedge South Side Roslyn V.S. North @ Division Manhasset @ Manhasset Manhasset @ Lawrence Lawrence

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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May 2 4 6 7

@ Lawrence @ Lynbrook Lynbrook @ Lynbrook

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2:00 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 9 11 13 15 19 22 24 26 30

Manhasset 4:30 p.m. @ East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

Wheatley 10:00 a.m.

C.S. Harbor 4:15 p.m.

West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

V.S. North 10:00 a.m. @ Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. @ Manhasset 4:30 p.m.

East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

Wheatley 4:15 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

May 2 Sewanhaka

4:30 p.m.

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ANDREW HESS

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March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S22

S23

2013 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Rams aiming to be improved

BY ANDREW MCCLURE

I

t was a tough 2012 on the baseball field for West Hempstead, however, the Rams finished strong and picked up wins against Island Trees and Floral Park over the last week of the season.

They are hoping for a little carryover from last spring in a conference that once again includes North Shore, Floral Park, and Island Trees.

Bill Cloughessy, in his third year as head coach, is hopeful his team will be stronger. "I would certainly like to take a step forward," Cloughessy said. "We really don't have any glaring weaknesses, and we're a little deeper than we were over the past few years. We had a nice finish to the season a year ago, so we're hoping to pick up where we left off. We should be better defensively, and I think we'll put the ball in play more often."

Brandon Sherman, a three-year varsity performer, returns as the ace of the pitching staff. The senior left-hander features an above average fastball and mixes in good breaking stuff. When he's not on the hill, Sherman can play first base and any of the three outfield positions.

Junior Hardvis Batista, the everyday shortstop, will be No. 2 in the rotation.

Batista handles the bat well, and will likely hit second. Batista is a terrific at playing small ball, but Cloughessy expects him to drive the ball a bit more. Junior Yolbalyn Canela will start behind the plate for the Rams, and will also be the third starter.

Canela adds pop to the middle of the batting order.

Senior outfielder Joe Palladino is another player who will land a spot hitting among the meat of the order. Palladino, who may be used out of the bullpen, is a contact hitter who hits the occasional long ball. Junior James Valerio started slow in 2012, but came on strong and ended up hitting .315. Valerio will play outfield and first base. Another senior returnee is outfielder Joe Bitetto.

Many new faces for Lady Rams

C

oming off a solid season, which included a seven-game winning streak, a young and inexperienced softball team will take the field for West Hempstead. The Lady Rams return their catcher, a starting pitcher, and center fielder, but they have numerous holes to fill.

Coach Chris Van Kovics’ team will be competing in a conference with East Rockaway, Valley Stream South, Cold Spring Harbor, Wheatley, Sewanhaka, and Manhasset.

Despite a slew of new faces, Van Kovics believes the game plan is always the same. “It always comes mes down to following the blueprint, which h means pitching well, playing solid defense, se, and finding ways to score,” he said. “Wee have to avoid giving up big innings. If we can get it done with pitching and defense, e, we should be able to stay in every game.”

Center fielder Ang ela Graci is West Hempstead’s top hitting threat. If the table setters get on, the athletic junior should knock e’s also the team’s best in a ton of runs, She’s th youth and inexpedefensive player. With tfield positions, Graci rience at corner outfield will be counted on to be a leader in the outfield. posito and sophomore Senior Emily Esposito dle the pitching duties Briana White handle sito won five games in for the Rams. Esposito 2012. Like Esposito, White is capable of mixing it up and keeping hitters off balance. White will en she’s play first base when not in the circle. a returns Jackie Tartaglia he senior behind the plate. The atters well, catcher works the batters and does a good job ob blocking balls in the dirt. Tartaglia rtaglia is a tough out, who wreaks havoc avoc on the base paths. stenson takes over at Junior Nicole Christenson es to bat in one of the shortstop. She figures top two spots in the order order.

Van Kovics gets plenty of flexibility from Jackie Christenson. The junior third

baseman/outfielder can play multiple positions, and at the plate, she likes to slap and bunt. Junior Jamie Rodriguez is a smart, athletic player who makes things happen at the plate and on the bases.

BASEBALL April 1 2 4 9 11 12 15 16 22 23 25 29 30

Bethpage G.N. North @ Glen Cove @ Garden City Jericho @ Wantagh New Hyde Park @ Hewlett Floral Park @ Floral Park Floral Park North Shore @ North Shore

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May 2 4 6 7

North Shore @ Island Trees Island Trees @ Island Trees

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 3 4 6 9 11 17 19 22 24 26 30

Wheatley 4:15 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 4:15 p.m. @ East Rockaway 10:00 a.m. @ Manhasset 4:30 p.m. @ V.S. South 4:30 p.m.

Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. @ Wheatley 4:30 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m.

East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

Manhasset 4:30 p.m.

V.S. South 4:30 p.m.

May M 6 @ Sewanhaka

4:30 p.m.

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March 28, 2013 — Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

WEST HEMPSTEAD

Schedule

March 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Spring Sports Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

S24

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