2016 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview
CArey Seahawks have pieces to fill
A
By ANDREW MccLURE
fter posting an overall 12-9 record in his first as coach of Carey baseball, Mike Farina needs to rebuild his pitching staff and fill numerous positions. The Seahawks will face Sewanhaka, Great Neck North, Jericho, Bellmore JFK, Manhasset, and Garden City in conference play. Farina is exciting about the upcoming season. “This team is just a great bunch to be around,” Farina said. “The guys do the right thing on and off the field. We had a solid offseason. We’re athletic, so we’ll have the ability to manufacture runs, but we also have guys with good pop in their bats. We should be in the mix.” Senior first baseman Anthony Catapano is one of those big bats. The four-year starter is more patient at the plate, and has gotten better at hitting off-speed stuff. Catapano, who is a tremendous defensive player, hit seven home runs as a junior. He’ll also serve as a reliever. Shortstop Mike Catanese has all the tools at shortstop. His ability to run, hit for average, and hit for power, will bode well for the Seahawks. Senior second baseman Kyle Capoziello is a good contact hitter and solid defender. The Seahawks have a good one in senior Jake Safuto roaming center field. Safuto, who hit four homers as a junior, is dangerous with the bat. Senior Joe Filardo will likely hit fourth. He has good power, excellent speed, and a plus arm in right field. The makeup of the pitching staff is a work in progress. Timmy Cassese did a nice job as a junior, and his hard work over the winter has paid off. Junior Dan Conte 10 — April 7, 2016
will be in the rotation. Senior C.J. Buchanan had a huge outing against Bellmore JFK, last season. After relieving most of the time as a junior, he should occupy one of the top three spots on the mound. Senior T.J. Toscano returns behind the plate. Toscano has an excellent arm, and does a great job managing the game. Farina is expecting Toscano to hit somewhere in the middle of the order.
Lady Seahawks remain top contenders Despite a 21-4 record, Carey comes off a season that saw it finish a victory short of a second consecutive county softball title. With numerous key players returning, expect Carey to be right in the mix for the Class A championship when June comes around. Defending champion Clarke will again be one of the teams to beat. “Honestly, anything less than a return trip to the county finals would be a disappointment,” coach Anthony Turco said. “We’re going to be aggressive, and I think we’ll hit for more power than we did a year ago. We’re ready to get going. The girls are looking forward to the challenge.” Southpaw pitcher Rebecca Vilchez will carry the load in the circle for the Seahawks. Vilchez, who has better velocity and movement on her pitches, relies on hitting spots. At the plate, she is one of the county’s most feared hitters. Vilchez hits for average and has tremendous power. At the top of the order, the Seahawks return a one-two punch like none other. Junior shortstop Brianna Pinto and senior second baseman Amanda Ulzheimer are a pair of fleet-footed players with the ability to play small ball
and hit for power. When they’re on base, which is often, they wreak havoc on opponents. Junior catcher/outfielder Megan McCormack will occupy one of the spots in the middle of the batting order. Junior Jaclyn Rodriguez is a great defender at the hot corner. She’ll also see time behind the plate. Senior Maria Porcasi will play third when Rodriguez catches. First baseman Sam Romanello, a three-year starter, has tremendous power and an excellent glove. Fellow senior Alexandria Davis will man right field. Davis is another power threat in the middle of the order. Junior Olivia Krevatas and versatile senior Faith Spano will both fill outfield posi-
Anthony Catapano
Schedule
BASEBALL March 28 @ Sewanhaka 29 Sewanhaka 31 @ Sewanhaka
11:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
11 12 14 18 19 21 25 26 28
G.N. North @ G.N. North G.N. North @ Jericho Jericho @ Jericho Manhasset @ Manhasset Manhasset
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
2 3 5 9 10 11
Kennedy @ Kennedy Kennedy @ Garden City Garden City @ Garden City
4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
April Matt GuiLfoyLe
Rebecca Vilchez tions. Sophomore Madeline Lafferty will also be in the mix for outfield time. Junior Emily Agate, and sophomores Frankie Cirone and Marissa Nicoletti will all contribute. A pair of freshman pitchers, Jaclyn Schemmer and Julia Riccobono, are part of the present and future of Carey softball.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PREVIEW
May
SOFTBALL March
22 Plainview 30 Clarke
April 1 5 7 9 11 15 19 20 26
@ Seaford @ Bethpage Division Plainedge @ Island Trees @ Clarke Seaford Bethpage @ Division
May
2 Island Trees
4:30 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. 4:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Victoria Lodi HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS