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2017 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW April 6, 2017

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Prospects for the ’17 season

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2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

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April 6, 2017 — 5

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

BAldwin Bruins must overcome early adversity throwing in the mid 80s.”

Sophomore Michael Ahearn split last season between varsity and JV and performed well at both levels. dversity struck Baldwin long before practice He’s slated to be a part of the starting rotation and play began on March 6.

Longtime coach Frank Esposi- right field. Junior lefty John to knew during the winter he’d Davison is pushing for a rotation spot as well. be without two key compoJunior Chris Morro (second nents this spring after senior base) and sophomore John Stephen Strategakos and Strategakos (third) have the junior Tommy Airey underwent Tommy John and rotator inside track to starting gigs, and freshman Anderson Morecuff surgery, respectively. no will vie for time in an out“They’re our top two pitchers, our 3 and 4 hitters, and our field led by junior Jake Myles. starting corner infielders,” Big bats to carry Esposito said. “Unfortunately, Lady Bruins injuries are part of the game Despite an eight-game and we’ll do our best without them. Even with a lot of young midseason winning streak against conference rivals and kids, we expect to be competiearning a 25-percent share tive in the conference.” of the AA-II softball title, the At most, it seems the BruLady Bruins were unable to ins will have three seniors qualify for the playoffs in 2016 on the field. All-County after dropping back-to-back shortstop Freddie Lucas and play-in games. Remarkably, first baseman Alan Drew are Baldwin, Mepham, Farmingco-captains and key pieces in the field and the lineup, while dale and Port Washington all finished in a tie for the conpitcher David Algoza is back after missing last season with ference top spot.

“Last year was a crazy multiple injuries.

Lucas is a four-year starter ending and it didn’t end who’s played mostly second or the way we wanted,” Lady Bruins coach Tom Llewellyn third during his career. “He’s said. “The nice thing is we a one-sport athlete and does return most of the team everything for us,” Esposito and our 1 through 9 hitters said. “We’ll probably move should be as good as any in him from leadoff to third and count on him to drive in runs.” the conference.”

With some former Class AA Drew was last year’s schools, including defending starting catcher and earned All-Conference honors for his county champion MacArthur, efforts behind and at the plate moving to Class A, the new alignment for softball has six (.400 avg.) A need for infield help combined with the emer- teams — Baldwin, Calhoun, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Plagence of young catcher Reed Hoskins has Drew transition- inview and Port Washington — in Conference AA-II and set ing to first. to meet three times.

Hoskins, a sophomore, Opponents will have to backed up Drew in 2016 and contend with Baldwin’s three boasts a strong arm and All-County returnees, led by works well with pitchers. two-time award winner Alex Algoza is Baldwin’s No. 1 starter and left fielder. “David Burns. She’s led Nassau in home runs in back-to-back worked hard during the offseason and looks to be in good seasons, smacking 12 last year while hitting .552 with 43 RBIs shape,” Esposito said. “He’s

By TONy BELLISSIMO

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6 — April 6, 2017

and 42 runs scored. Burns is also a “gold glove” center fielder, Llewellyn said.

When teams pitched around Burns, Yaya Spencer made them pay last spring with three grand slams among her 11 homers.

Spencer, a junior expected to see time at third base and pitcher, had 41 RBIs and a .500 average.

The coach isn’t concerned about All-County senior outfielder Montia Moon (.468 average from the leadoff spot) getting a late start to the season due to the basketball team run to the state tournament. “She’s

Alex Burns

Schedule BASEBALL March 27 V.S. Central 28 @ V.S. Central 30 V.S. Central

Matt Guilfoyle

April

Freddie Lucas always game-ready,” he said.

Senior Nicole Danyi, an All-Conference selection, will get a late start due to injury.

She hit .440 and will be spelled by senior Marziah Smith until midseason. Junior Caitlin Karl is at shortstop and sophomore Katelyn Borello returns at second base.

The starting battery consists of senior pitcher Lindsay Partridge (7 wins and 2 saves) and sophomore catcher Juliet Bernstein, who wields a powerful lefty bat that produced four homers and a .485 average.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

3 4 6 10 12 13 24 25 27

East Meadow @ East Meadow East Meadow @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Long Beach @ Calhoun Calhoun @ Calhoun

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Herricks @ Herricks Herricks @ Plainview Plainview @ Plainview

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SOFTBALL March 24 @ Calhoun 28 Farmingdale 30 Hicksville

April

1 4 6 8 19 21 24 26 28

Plainview @ Port Wash.

Calhoun @ Farmingdale @ Hicksville @ Plainview Port Wash.

Calhoun Farmingdale

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1 Hicksville 3 Plainview 5 @ Port Wash.

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Photos by John Heckman

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April 6, 2017 — 7

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Calhoun Colts lean on pitching and speed and will run and steal bases.

But the season will pivot primarily on his pitching staff.

“I think it’s going to come down to the young pitchers alhoun baseball coach throwing strikes and having Art Canestro will rely control,” he said. on his players’ arms The Colts compete in Conand legs to carry the team ference AA-II against Baldback to the playoffs after fallwin, East Meadow, Herricks, ing to East Meadow in the Class AA semifinals last year. Long Beach, Plainview and Valley Stream Central. “The The pitching staff he built conference is tough,” Canesconsists of senior left-hander Mike Losak, who sharp fastball tro said. “Plainview will be tops out in the upper-80s, junior returning all of their pitchers. East Meadow are returnMike Porcelli, who throws a ing as champs. And Baldwin good curveball, and Anthony is always solid.”

Dandrea and Ben Kovel, two promising sophomores.

Lady Colts young Freshman Matt Pelcher but talented will start as catcher again after an impressive season Calhoun softball has calling signals as an eighth young but experienced playgrader last year. “Matt has ers that coach Jason Boland a strong arm and very good expects will go far after release,” Canestro said. losing to MacArthur in the Senior Justin Neugebauer, second round of the playoffs whose has committed to play last season. at Manhattanville College, “There’s a lot of leadership battled during spring trainon the team,” Boland said. ing for a starting position at “There are only two seniors, third base with Jack Appello, which I don’t think I’ve ever a strong power hitter. seen, but there are a lot of Junior Jack Pugliano will girls who’ve been on the team backup Dandrea at shortstop for three or four years.” when he’s on the mound.

Freshman Lindsay Roman Losak will return to centerhas played on varsity since field, where his play last year she was a seventh-grader, lead to All League honors. made All-Conference as an Senior Rob Oliver, who was eighth-grader and is the only out all season last year to an lefty on the pitching staff. injury, will start in center Junior Keri McLaughlin, a when Losak is pitching and JV pitcher the past two seain one of the corner outfield sons, will debut as a pitcher at spots, where there is a threethe varsity level, and sophoway competition between more Heather Berberich, who sophomore Jake Edwards and played all nine positions last juniors Mike Porkorny and year, is considered a top arm Kyle Pilotti. in the rotation. Eighth-grader Canestro expects his team Meghan Vecchione, a utility can be successful this season middle infielder and outif his batters learn to relax fielder, will also spend some at the plate. He brought up innings in the circle. junior power hitter Nick ViciThe catchers are sophono from junior varsity to bat more starter Lisa Anne in the middle of the lineup Orlich and freshman Hannah and play first base. The third- Aievoli, a backup brought up year head coach also believes from JV partly for her hitting he can win with speed. Seven last year. Senior starting first out of his nine starters can baseman Jordan Walley will

By JOSEPH KELLARD

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8 — April 6, 2017

hit clean up after an injury sidelined her all of 2016.

Junior Jennifer Imhof has hit for .400 batting average or greater all four years as a varsity player, earning All County Honorable Mention last year, and will play in centerfield and right field. “She’s so fast she often turns a single into double,” Boland said of Imhof.

Junior Maggie Flaher could share time at first base with Walley and sophomore Taylor Baumann, who will also alternate with Orlich at third. Senior Julia Presti competed with McLaughlin

Mike Losak

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 Long Beach 28 @ Long Beach 30 Long Beach

April

Jen Imhof for a spot at second base during spring training, while Junior Christine Argentieri will start at shortstop for the second consecutive year.

Junior Kayla Pilotti will return to center field, where she covered a lot of ground last season. “Kayla is one of our best all around players,” Boland said.

The Lady Colts will compete for a Conference AA-II championship against Plainview, Port Washington, Farmingdale, Baldwin and Hicksville.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Plainview @ Plainview Plainview @ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks @ East Meadow East Meadow @ East Meadow Baldwin @ Baldwin Baldwin

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24 Baldwin 28 Port Wash.

30 Plainview

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SOFTBALL March

April

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@ Farmingdale @ Hicksville @ Baldwin @ Port Wash. @ Plainview Farmingdale Hicksville Baldwin Port Wash.

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Photos by Jeff Wilson

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April 6, 2017 — 9

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Carey Seahawks are armed and dangerous

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By ANDREW MCCLURE

arey baseball emerged as one of Nassau’s best in 2016, advancing to the county semifinals while posting an overall record of 19-5.

Despite losing seven starters, the Seahawks have a pitching staff that should keep the team in every game.

“We’re really excited about our pitching,” coach Mike Farina said. “There are a lot of uncertainties after graduating three All-County players, but we have hard-working guys who love the game. I think we’re going to be able to pitch well, and we should be able to score in a number of ways.” Farina is assisted by Ron Giaraffa and Frank Sonnenberg.

Dominic Rutigliano is the ace of the staff. The junior right hander, who tossed seven scoreless innings in a playoff game against county finalist Bellmore JFK, throws four pitches for strikes and never gets flustered on the mound. Rutigliano will play first when he’s not on the mound.

Senior Dan Conte mixes up his pitches well, and has the makeup of a number one starter. Conte will play left field when he’s not hurling, and will bat toward the top of the order. Seniors Anthony Giacalone and Mike Jones are competing for the third slot in the rotation.

Junior catcher Vic DeNicola is a good receiver with a strong arm, and communicates well with the pitchers.

Senior Dan Pastore will push for time behind the plate.

Carey’s offense will be led by senior center fielder Tyler DeMeo. While he has the speed to be the prototypical leadoff hitter, DeMeo has enough pop in his bat to be the three-hitter. Seniors Ryan 10 — April 6, 2017

Ytuarte and Michael Worsley are vying for time in right.

Senior Antonio Roselli can play both second and short.

Junior Chris Tile and sophomores Nick Brusca and Kevin Bell are fighting it out for time in the middle infield.

Senior Zach Dente will man third base, while senior Matt Langstrand, sophomore Matt Cosgrove and junior Jon Porcaro, who all have ability at the plate, should see time at first or DH.

Frankie Cirone is solid at first, and gives the Seahawks pop in the middle of the order.

Carey doesn’t have the experience it has had in the past in the circle, but it has more depth than usual. Sophomores Jaclyn Schemmer and Julia Riccobono, and junior Dana Romano all bring a little something different.

Senior catcher Jaclyn Rodriguez is just the right person to help bring the young pitchers along. In addition to having all the physiHigh hopes for cal tools, her softball IQ is terrific.

Lady Seahawks Senior center fielder After winning the Nassau County softball championship Olivia Krevatas, a threeyear varsity player, is an in 2014, Carey has endured excellent defensive player. back-to-back seasons of losShe’ll likely be flanked by ing to Clarke in the champihard-hitting senior Megan onship series. The team lost McCormack and freshman its starting pitcher, two-time Arianna Millan. Millan will All-Long Island honoree Rebecca Vilchez, to graduation, but should be among the teams fighting for county supremacy.

Despite a few more unknowns than he’s accustomed to, coach Anthony Turco is optimistic. “We have seniors who will lead us, and underclassmen who are fearless,” Turco said. “It’s a good combination. We have a bunch of girls who have played in multiple county championship games, so they’ve been tested. I feel Tyler DeMeo good about things.”

Fordham-bound shortstop Brianna Pinto, the Nassau see time at first base as well, County Coaches Association and could hit third for the Player of the Year in 2016 as a junior, is the consummate soft- Seahawks. Junior Madeline ball player. Pinto can bunt, slap, Lafferty will be in outfield rotation and hit for power, and can fly Turco hopes to have senior on the bases. She’ll be a tough Emily Agate back from injury out from the leadoff spot. in April. Sophomore catcher Senior Ashley Lim and sophomore Gianna Costigiola Julia Parinello and junior Kelsey Ulzheimer will push will both see time at second for time. base.

Junior third baseman Marissa Nicoletti has a great glove at the hot corner and handles the bat well. Junior HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

Jaclyn Rodriguez

Schedule BASEBALL

April 3 @ N.H. Park

4 N.H. Park Matt Guilfoyle 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ N.H. Park @ Jericho Jericho @ Jericho Hewlett @ Hewlett Hewlett Sewanhaka @ Sewanhaka Sewanhaka

May

1 @ Roslyn 2 Roslyn 4 @ Roslyn

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SOFTBALL March 24 @ Seaford 28 MacArthur 30 @ Island Trees

April

1 4 6 8 19 21 24 26 28

@ Plainedge Kennedy Clarke @ N.H. Park Seaford @ MacArthur Island Trees Plainedge @ Kennedy

May

1 @ Clarke 3 N.H. Park

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Photos by John Heckman

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April 6, 2017 — 11

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Clarke Rams always in title conversation Senior shortstop Kemal Deljanin (All-Conference) and senior center fielder E.J. Cumbo (All-County) anchor the defense as well as the larke’s remarkable offense. They’ll hit first and streak of consecutive third. Cumbo was a Diamond conference titles ended Award finalist after hitting at 16 in a row last spring, but .487 with 29 runs, 27 out of 27 the Rams, with five county steals and only two strikeouts. crowns, three Long Island The infield around Delchampionships and two janin is brand new. Boyko and state titles under coach Tom juniors Mike Rodriguez and Abruscato, still posted 17 Matt Rubenstein can handle victories. the corners, with juniors With seven returnees, the Jimmy Aspenleiter and BranRams will attempt to wrestle den Peters the lead candidates the conference top spot away from Seaford and make anoth- for second base. er push for the county chamLady Rams aim pionship. A deep pitching staff leads the way, Abruscato for Three-Peat said, spearheaded by senior Clarke softball enters 2017 southpaws Matt Boyko and as two-time defending Nassau Vinny Trovato. and Long Island champions “We battled through a lot and with 40 wins and two of injuries last year, but five state finals appearances in of our six award-winners are the past two seasons, and back and we have the luxury despite losing the face of the of depth on the mound,” program, star pitcher Sarah Abruscato said.

Cornell, the Rams may still Boyko is a returning Allbe a factor in the county title County selection and ace of picture as the No. 3 seed in the staff. He went 5-1 last seaClass A. son and brings an improved “We’ve had a great prechange-up to go along with season and could have a lot a fastball in the upper 80s, more to offer than people a breaking ball and slider. think,” coach Rachel Barry “He attacks both sides of the said. “We still have talented plate and has a live fastball,” kids with experience of going Abruscato said. deep in the playoffs.”

Trovato, who threw a Though Cornell is now complete-game shutout in last working the pitching circle year’s playoff win over Locust at Hofstra University, the Valley, is bigger and stronger, Rams have promising young the coach said, and will also replacements and remain see time in right field. “He strong up the middle defenthrows all three of his pitches sively with senior Kirsten Cox for strikes,” Abruscato noted. at shortstop and senior SabriSeniors Corey Rosenblum, a na Caputo in center field. righty, and Ryan Ciardullo, a Cox is a fifth-year varsity lefty, worked roughly 15 innings performer and comes off an apiece a year ago and could All-County campaign that saw alternate as the No. 3 starter. her hit .500 from the leadoff Clarke also has two excelspot. She makes things happen lent options behind the plate in on the bases to go with her relijunior Josh Dawson, who was able defensive skills. Caputo, a sidelined by appendix surgery two-time All-County selection, in 2016, and freshman Chris is a consistent defender with Giardino, who hit .333 and a big stick. She’ll hit in the earned All-Conference honors. clean-up spot and be counted

C

By TONy BELLISSIMO

12 — April 6, 2017

on to rack up RBIs. Senior Emily Widmaier returns in right field and covers a lot of real estate with a powerful arm.

She also turns the lineup over as the No. 9 batter. Junior Ally Koutsogiannis returns at first base and is productive with the bat and glove, while senior Victoria Sferrazza is solid in left.

Juniors Erin Connolly and Sabrina Richards are pushing for starting infield jobs.

Barry said three freshmen will see time in the pitching circle. Alex Karavias was last year’s backup and throws hard with movement. Arianna Fracchioni’s ability to play any infield position could come in handy,

E.J. Cumbo

Schedule BASEBALL

April 3 @ C.S. Harbor 4 C.S. Harbor 6 @ C.S. Harbor 10 Seaford Matt Guilfoyle 12 @ Seaford 13 Seaford 17 @ Locust Valley 18 Locust Valley 20 @ Locust Valley 24 @ Mineola 25 Mineola 27 @ Mineola

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Kirsten Cox

1 Island Trees 2 @ Island Trees 4 Island Trees

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and junior Lizzy Belfiore enjoyed success at the JV level. Sophomore Leanne Tallon is likely to take over as the starting catcher.

“I’m excited to have young pitchers who are relaxed and confident,” Barry said.

“Offensively, we have a blank lineup card. If someone is hitting, they’ll have a spot.”

SOFTBALL March

May

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

24 MacArthur 28 @ Seaford 30 @ Plainedge

April

1 4 6 8 19 21 24 26 28

Island Trees N.H. Park @ Carey Kennedy @ MacArthur Seaford Plainedge @ Island Trees @ N.H. Park

May

1 Carey 3 @ Kennedy

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Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

EaSt MEadow Jets retool after championship year

By JOSEPH KELLARD

E

ast Meadow baseball coach John Marciante lost many seniors off last year’s Nassau County AA championship season. But he won’t utter the word “rebuilding.”

“There is going to be an adjustment period, but if we can overcome that we’ll be fine,” Marciante said about his squad’s ability to compete.

The greatest adjustment is no pitchers return to the rotation. Two juniors, Billy McQuillan and Matthew Mackay, and senior Joe Franzese, all right-handers, are first-time starters. Junior lefty Patrick Hoffman and sophomore righty Charlie Cucchiara are vying for spots as starters or relievers. All will throw to catchers senior Nick Caprino and junior backup John Grigonis.

When not on the mound, McQuillan, Franzese and Hoffman will rotate at first base, as Mackay and Cucchiara will compete to start at third base. Co-captain Sal D’Onofrio will play shortstop after hitting .300 last year, while fellow senior Louis Lopez will back him up, and Justin Reyes, another senior co-captain who hit .333 last season, will try to turn many double plays at second base.

“He’s probably the best athlete on the team and runs really well,” Marciante said of Reyes, whose backup is junior Joseph Randolph.

The outfield consists of junior Mike Wood in right field, Mike Romeo in left and co-captain senior Kyle Libel in center. “Kyle is one of the fastest guys on the team and can run balls down,” Marciante said. “He’s our best outfielder.”

Penciled in at the middle of the lineup, D’Onofrio is expected to drive in many TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

runs and otherwise power East Meadow’s offense.

The Jets look to win their third consecutive conference championship against the likes of Baldwin, Calhoun, Herricks, Long Beach, Plainview and Valley Stream Central in Conference AA. As returning county champions, they know opposing teams will highlight them on their schedules.

“We have to stay as mistake free as possible while we get our feet under us,” Marciante said. “They are a bunch of kids eager to carry on the tradition of winning at East Meadow.”

Lady Jets in mix for title

After falling to MacArthur in the county finals last year, East Meadow softball fifth-year coach Stew Fritz, anticipates another deep postseason run.

“I’m expecting my players are going to be motivated to go further this year,” he said.

Senior Kelsey Leonard and junior Christina Loeffler will return to the mound as starters. Junior Emily Gallagher will bring her fastball to compete for innings pitched against the duo that also has impressive curves balls.

The Jets have another trio vying for time behind the plate. Junior Sara Polansky, who earned Honorable Mention All County last year, junior Sydney Inger, who came up from JV, and freshman Amanda Thompson are all expected to catch this season.

Fritz believes Thompson can become a capable batter to complement Loeffler, the team’s designated hitter who earn All-County honors last season. Other top bats are senior second baseman Gianna Azzato, who hits for power and racked up a .420 batting average last year, and freshman shortstop Jenna Laird, who played as

an eighth grader a year ago, hitting over .400 and making All County along with Azzato.

“Jenna is special,” Fritz said. “She’s fast, she has great knowledge of the game. She can slap and hit and bunt.

She’s excellent in the field.”

Junior Emily Shurina (first base) is also valued for her exceptional fielding, and senior Nicole Kane has looked excellent in the field during the pre-season as she competed to start at third base with speedy sophomore Amy Mallah, another power hitter.

Two seniors, Mary Wagner and Allie Cunha, and freshman Julianna Sanzone competed to start in left field, while two players known for their strong throwing arms,

Gianna Azzato

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 Plainview 28 @ Plainview 30 Plainview

April Matt Guilfoyle

Justin Reyes

3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ Baldwin Baldwin @ Baldwin @ V.S. Centrral V.S. Central @ V.S. Central Calhoun @ Calhoun Calhoun @ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

1 Long Beach 2 @ Long Beach 4 Long Beach

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May

junior right fielder Sam Reyes and senior center fielder Jessica Marsala, are locks at their positions.

Fritz believes he has a good mix of veterans and new players who know what it takes to be successful but need to hit consistently and work to their full potential to win it all this year.

“It’s just a matter if we play together, we will compete in every single game,” he said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 24 @ Oceanside 28 Long Beach 30 @ Massapequa

April

4 6 8 19 24 26 28

Syosset Oceanside @ Long Beach Massapequa @ Syosset @ Oceanside Long Beach

May

1 @ Massapequa 5 Syosset

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

April 6, 2017 — 13

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

EaSt Rockaway Rocks rebuilding many pieces

By ANDREW MCCLURE

E

ast Rockaway baseball comes off a solid 2016 campaign, one that saw the Rocks pick up the third Long Island championship in program history with a 3-0 victory over Southold. Repeating will be a tough task for a team that lost eight senior starters.

Coach James Hickey likes his young team’s mindset.

“We lost eight players who all started in the Long Island championship game, so there’s a lot to replace,” he said. “The guys who are still around love baseball. They’re creating a great atmosphere, which I hope is rubbing off on the younger guys.”

Senior Justin Schmidt figures to be the guy getting the ball each Monday. Schmidt has good velocity, mixes in off-speed stuff, and possesses a strong move to first. He’ll occupy a spot in the middle of the batting order, and play corner infield when he’s not pitching.

Senior Chris Deptulski returns for his fourth varsity season. Deptulski, who is the team’s toughest out at the plate, is a crafty lefty who pounds the strike zone. When he’s not pitching, Deptulski roams center field.

Sophomore Dylan Henshaw will likely be the third starter, and is expected to be the regular third baseman. Junior first baseman Jon Starkman is good with the glove and has a good approach at the plate. Senior Christian Barto is another player who tends to have quality at-bats. He returns in right field, and will pitch out of the bullpen. Senior Jordan Chelius will play left field and also serve as a reliever.

Sophomore catcher Danny DelValle is strong behind the 14 — April 6, 2017

plate and swings the bat well.

Hickey believes his young backstop has the tools to neutralize opponent’s ability to run.

Sophomore second baseman Bryan Morgenthaler has the inside track to be the team’s leadoff hitter. Fellow sophomore Stefano Cilluffo takes over at shortstop. Both handle the bat well.

Senior Matt LaBarbera will see time at first base and in the outfield, and gives Hickey a lefty out of the pen.

Junior Melvin Sanabria could see action at first base or at designated hitter.

Lady Rocks step up in class

It was a banner year for the East Rockaway girls in 2016. The Lady Rocks won the Nassau County small schools title, the Long Island Class C championship, and the Southeast Regional crown before losing a nail biter in the state semifinals.

The team will move up in class in 2017 as they’ll compete in Conference ABC-II, a league that includes Garden City, Mepham, Division, South Side, Wantagh, and Bethpage.

Coach Joe Lores replaced five starters. “Our pitching will keep us in games, and the defense should be good, but I don’t know where the offense is going to come from as of yet,” Lores said. “We’re swing the bats well in the cage, but what we can do on the field remains to be seen.

We’ll be up there swinging.”

Sophomore Emily Chelius, a 14-game winner and AllCounty honoree as a freshman, returns in the circle.

Chelius throws a fastball, change, and a rise ball. She will also occupy a spot in the middle of the batting order.

Senior Corinne Haab, a four-year varsity player, will

back up Chelius, and play just about anywhere on the field. Haab figures to be slotted right behind the meat of the order.

Sophomore catcher Lia Gladstone has a strong throwing arm and some pop in her bat.

Jessica Loyer, who hit .350 as a junior, will play third base, and serve as the back-up catcher.

Junior Sarah Donnelly returns after doing a terrific job at the plate in the playoffs. Donnelly will play first base and likely bat fourth. Senior second baseman Diana Locoteta is a steady fielder.

Senior left fielder Michelle Sheridan, a three-year varsity player, has a good glove and handles the bat well.

Freshman Leanne Wright is

Chris Deptulski

Schedule BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 1 0 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Malverne @ Malverne Malverne Friends Aca. @ Friends Aca. Friends Aca. @ Wheatley Wheatley @ Wheatley @ Oyster Bay Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay

May

Emily Chelius pushing for time in both the infield and outfield. Wright gives the team a bat from the left side of the plate. Freshman Hunter Vertuccio is a slick-fielding shortstop who gives the team speed on the bases.

Junior Jess Mistretta and freshman Najeri Felton will both see time in the outfield.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 Carle Place 2 @ Carle Place 4 Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

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SOFTBALL March 27 Garden City 29 South Side 31 @ Wantagh

April

3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

@ Bethpage @ Mepham V.S. North Division @ Garden City @ South Side Wantagh Bethpage Mepham

May

2 @ V.S. North 4 @ Division

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12:00 p.m.

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10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

April 6, 2017 — 15

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Elmont Spartans moving in right direction

By TONy BELLISSIMO

E

lmont comes off a season that yielded just five victories, however, the Spartans were highly competitive within their conference, and should be better in 2017. While the team is relatively inexperienced at the varsity level, hard work and the strength of positive thinking should enable the Spartans to be successful on the diamond.

Coach Ed McCormack likes the direction his team is going. “We should be very competitive,” McCormack said. “We’re we don’t have experience, we have senior leadership. This team has great character. Honestly, the overall quality of the guys is the best I have ever coached.

We should be right there with every team in our league.”

Four-year varsity player Steven Girdhari returns as the ace of the pitching staff and starting shortstop. Girdhari, one of the team’s captains, pounds the strike zone with a fastball, curve, and change, and is excellent with the glove. He led the team in home runs, RBI, and batting average in 2016.

Junior lefty Will Cook also commands three pitches.

When he’s not on the hill, Cook will play first base.

Expect to see him hit anywhere from two to five in the order.

Senior captain Aaron Ruthman has the wheels to run down any ball in center.

Ruthman, a contact hitter who could hit leadoff, is competing with junior Mohammad Arif for a slot in the pitching rotation. When Arif isn’t pitching, he’ll occupy a corner outfield position.

Hard-working sophomore catcher Eric Thompson has some big shoes to fill. Thomp16 — April 6, 2017

son takes over behind the plate for the Spartans, a spot occupied by Eddy Peguero for three years. McCormack will look to senior second baseman/shortstop Chris Gomez for speed on the bases. Gomez will handle shortstop duties when Girdhari pitches.

Third baseman Vincent McDonald, a three-sport athlete, has been mashing the ball in preseason workouts. He could hit in the middle of the order. Junior Damien Rubio will battle for time. Senior captain Jaydel Richardson will fill an outfield spot.

Lady Spartans boast deeper lineup

After a relatively disappointing 2016, things are looking up on the softball field at Elmont. The Lady Spartans return the nucleus of last year’s team, and welcome in a few key first-year players.

Elmont will compete in Conference ABC-V, a league comprising Malverne, Roosevelt, North Shore, Roslyn, Great Neck North, and Lawrence.

Coach John Squillace is excited about this year’s group. “We had holes in the lineup, last season, so we struggled at the plate,” Squillace said. “We’re much deeper, this year. There are no easy outs in the lineup. There are some tough teams in the league, but I expect to put some fear in some teams. We should be very competitive.”

As always, success on the softball field begins in the circle. Freshman pitcher Kimberly Rodriguez is already the most talented hurler that Squillace has had at Elmont.

Rodriguez features a fastball and changeup, and appears to be just scratching the surface.

A talented hitter, she’ll likely hit fourth for the Spartans.

Senior Illiana Ayala will be behind the plate.

Sophomore shortstop Akemi Shard is the catalyst

at the top of the order.

Shard has a nose for the game, a knack for putting the ball in play, and when she reaches base she’s a run-scoring machine.

Senior third baseman Nyah Breleur, a three-year varsity starter, is the heart and soul of the team. While she doesn’t have the speed of Shard, she’s a great complement in the two spot.

Junior Andrea Ayala plays a terrific second base and provides the Spartans with offense from the left side of the plate. Senior first baseman Kristina Sanos saves her teammates time and time again with her terrific glove.

Nyah Breleur

Schedule

BASEBALL March

27 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

28 West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

30 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

Matt Guilfoyle April

Steven Girdhari The arrival of Rodriguez allows senior Kiara Holland, the team’s leading hitter in 2016, to return to center field.

Freshman outfielder Amber Noor has a huge upside. Noor could emerge as the team’s top long ball threat. Juniors Rushay Thomas and Natasha Torres will each see plenty of time in the outfield.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Hempstead @ Hempstead Hempstead @ G.N. North G.N. North @ G.N. North Westbury @ Westbury Westbury

1 2 4 8 9 10

@ Uniondale Uniondale @ Uniondale Roosevelt @ Roosevelt Roosevelt

May

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SOFTBALL March 29 Malverne 31 @ North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 5 7 18 22 25 27 29

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

May

2 Roosevelt 4 Roslyn

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4:30 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

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April 6, 2017 — 17

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball preview

Freeport Red Devils hungry for playoffs By andrew coen

F

reeport baseball broke through last year with the program’s first playoff appearance in 13 years and enters 2017 with bigger goals.

The Red Devils reached the postseason with a 6-7-1 mark in a challenging Conference AA-I that includes Massapequa and Oceanside, and went toe-to-toe with seventhseeded Mepham in the first round before falling 6-2. Sixthyear coach Roberto Delgado said getting the taste of the playoffs was a huge step for a program that went winless from 2009 to 2011 prior to him taking over.

“It was a great experience for the team,” said Delgado, who played five years professionally in the San Francisco Giants minor league system.

“The whole community came out for the game.”

Delgado believes in 2017 he has a team that can return to the playoffs and advance deeper. Junior catcher Anthony Lamar is back after earning All-County honors with a big season behind the plate and on offense. “He is one of the best defensive catchers on Long Island and can also hit,” Delgado said of Lamar. “He is a leader on the team.”

Delgado leads a pitching staff that features returning seniors Franklin Gonzales and Argenis Henriquez along with junior Braylin Marine.

Senior Eli Carrasco is also expected to play a role on the mound after being hampered by injuries last spring.

When not pitching, Marine will man the middle infield at shortstop. Delgado said he is a crucial part of the Red Devils’ offense as a major base stealing threat.

This season will mark the second year of Freeport play18 — April 6, 2017

ing home games at an enhanced field at Cleveland Elementary School with new bleachers, fence, dugouts and a bullpen area. Delgado said fundraising efforts are also underway to try and install synthetic turf on the infield, which would benefit the Red Devils as well as the Freeport Little League. The improved field serves a symbol for the resurgence of Freeport baseball under Delgado’s leadership.

“I feel excited about this season,” he said. “We have unfinished business from last year.”

High hopes for Lady Red Devils

Freeport finished second in Conference AA-III softball last year with all three league defeats coming at the hands of Great Neck South.

Luckily for the Lady Red Devils, Great Neck South moved down to Class A due to an enrollment drop and with experienced starters returning a conference title could be attainable. The league features newcomer Herricks, along with longtime conference foes Valley Stream Central, Westbury, Uniondale and Hempstead. A league crown would deliver Freeport a playoff spot.

“I’m super excited for this season,” said fifth-year coach Danielle Sekesan, a former standout softball player at Hicksville High School. “I feel like we have a good run at it.”

Center fielder Jennifer Jimenez handled the pitching duties during last year’s 8-3 league season after Freeport lost its starting hurler in preseason. The senior will return to her normal outfield position and after leading off last season may bat in the two spot this spring.

“She puts the ball in play,” Sekesan said of Jimenez.

“She is a solid defensive player.”

Taking over on the mound is sophomore Naggalie Cruceta, who started on junior varsity last year.

“She doesn’t throw super-fast, but she throws hard enough,” said Sekesan of the sophomore hurler.

“She knows how to hit her spots.”

Senior shortstop Darielys Veras and junior third baseman Daelyn Ross bring back experience in the infield.

Veras and Ross both may also see some time at first base due to the rising development of freshman Yulianna Formeta, who can be slotted at

Anthony Lamar

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 Farmingdale 28 @ Farmingdale 30 Farmingdale

April

3 4 6 10 12 13 24 25 27

Syosset @ Syosset Syosset @ Oceanside Oceanside @ Oceanside @ Port Wash.

Port Wash. @ Port Wash.

1 2 4 8 9 10

Hicksville @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Massapequa Massapequa @ Massapequa

May

Jennifer Jiminez third base or another infield position.

“She has a very strong arm,” said Sekesan of Formeta, who she also coaches on the Freeport girls volleyball team. “She steps up to the challenge.”

Sophomore Gianny Reynoso adds to Freeport’s infield depth. Sekesan will utilize the first-year varsity player as a backup shortstop and may also play her in the outfield.

“She looks like a young Derek Jeter out there,” said Sekesan of Reynoso’s strong fielding ability. “She is a natural athlete.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

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10:30 a.m.

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SOFTBALL March 24 @ Hempstead 28 @ Westbury 30 V.S. Central

April

1 4 6 8 11 19 21 24 26 28

Uniondale Herricks Hempstead Westbury Herricks @ V.S. Central @ Uniondale @ Herricks @ Hempstead @ Westbury

May

1 V.S. Central 3 Uniondale 5 Westbury

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Photos by Keith O’Reilly

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April 6, 2017 — 19

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Hewlett Bulldogs lean on pitching, defense

H

By TONy BELLISSIMO

ewlett made an impressive splash in the Nassau Class A baseball playoff tournament a year ago, beating Lynbrook and Island Trees on the road while dropping a pair of tight games to Carey.

The Bulldogs come off a 10-win season and although needing to replace the heart of their order presents a big challenge, pitching and defense could carry them a long way. “I was very happy with how we played last season and we’re bringing back enough pieces to make me believe we can be better,” coach Andy DeBernardo said.

The starting rotation is led by senior lefty J.J. Lantigua, who is headed to LIU Post.

His arsenal features strong secondary pitches and a fastball that’s gaining steam.

One of his wins in 2016 came in the playoffs at Lynbrook.

“He’s got a great mound presence and also a nice swing,” DeBernardo said.

Junior Matt Kim throws hard and doesn’t sacrifice location, the coach said. He was a spot starter last spring and picked up two wins and two saves, and also batted close to .300 with 10 RBIs. He’ll play third base on non-pitching days. DeBernardo is looking for junior Matt Kohn, a lefty, to benefit from last year’s taste of varsity and run with the No. 3 starter spot. Kohn and Lantigua both play right field. Senior James Silberger is the X-factor of the staff. He had three wins and five saves and can handle one batter, one inning, or long relief.

The Bulldogs have two quality options behind the plate, and both catchers’ bats will be in the lineup every day and perhaps in the 3-4 spots. Senior Harry Fink hit 20 — April 6, 2017

.300 with 17 RBIs, and junior Chris Rodriguez blasted three homers.

The infield is anchored by senior Jesse Metz at second base. Defense is his bread-and-butter, though he’s also coming off a big year as Hewlett’s leadoff batter.

Sophomore Jason Barry is a sure-handed shortstop, while Kohn or sophomore Dillon Ristano will be at first. Senior Brian Rochler directs the outfield from center.

Lady Bulldogs have lots to like

The Lady Bulldogs are fixing to pick up where they left off last spring when they closed with nine consecutive victories while averaging 12 runs per game during that stretch. Though the late surge wasn’t enough for a playoff berth, it gave them an 11-5 record and confidence heading into this year.

“We lost a quality pitcher, Ricky Sperry, but everyone else who started is back,” coach Vinnie Lospinuso said.

“We have a bunch of kids who play travel ball and I’m expecting us to hit and score runs. We’re hoping to contend for the conference title.”

The roster features a mix of upperclassmen and talented underclassmen. Junior catcher Lauren Dori, a twotime All-Conference selection and four-year member of the varsity, is the team’s most accomplished player. She’ll bat fifth and brings power to the plate. “She’s a smart player with a strong and accurate arm,” Lospinuso said.

Dori’s experience will help sophomore pitcher Dayne Biessel transition from JV to varsity starter, the coach noted. Biessel has good command of the strike zone and the luxury of a proven defense behind her.

Junior Harper Manis (five homers in 2016) returns at

shortstop and as the clean-up hitter, eighthgrader Valerie Alio-Greene is back at second base after hitting .337 as the leadoff batter and youngest player in the conference, senior Jessica Silberger gets the job done at third, and seniors Julia Bromley and Lindsay Rosen are both expected to see action at first similar to last season.

Freshman Emma Blumenstein can play left or center field and is a candidate to lead the offense as the No. 3 batter.

She hit .400 as an eighth-grader and earned All-Conference honors. “She’s a line-drive hitter with speed,” Lospinuso said.

Senior Dana Feldman is a key piece to the offense

Emma Blumenstein

Schedule BASEBALL

Matt Guilfoyle

April

3 4 6 1 2 13 15 17 18 20 24 25 27

Sewanhaka @ Sewanhaka Sewanhaka @ Roslyn Roslyn Roslyn @ Carey Carey @ Carey @ Jericho Jericho @ Jericho

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4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

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10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May Jesse Metz and a versatile fielder with four years of experience.

Senior Hannah Prusak, junior Mai Menasche, and freshman Izzy Martino are in the outfield mix, while sophomore Kate Geotina plays an important utility role.

The Lady Bulldogs compete in Conference ABC-IV with the likes of Jericho, Floral Park and Cold Spring Harbor.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 N.H. Park 2 @ N.H. Park 4 N.H. Park

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

27 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

29 @ Carle Place 4:30 p.m.

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

April

3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

@ Floral Park Jericho V.S. South Oyster Bay West Hempstead Carle Place @ C.S. Harbor Floral Park @ Jericho

May

2 @ V.S. South 4 @ Oyster Bay

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

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4:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Kennedy High expectations for Cougars

By ANDREW COEN

K

ennedy finished within a game of the Nassau Class A title last year and with several new starters this spring is eyeing another deep postseason push.

The Cougars graduated the bulk of their starters from last year’s 18-10-1 season that finished with a setback to Wantagh in the Class A finals.

There is also a change in the dugout with the program’s longtime coach Eric Passman now across town assisting at Mepham and Jim Bailin taking the reins after coaching Great Neck North the last five years.

“They had some great juniors last year who were just stuck behind some talented seniors,” Bailin said. “It will be interesting to see how these guys step into new roles as starters.”

Kennedy returns junior pitcher/shortstop Jason Coules, who won three games on the mound last spring. The Fordham-bound Coules will be counted on this season to be the ace of the Kennedy’s pitching rotation while also anchoring the midfield at shortstop and being among the Cougars’ top hitters. “He is one of the better players in Nassau County,” Bailin said of Coules. “He is a centerpiece player.”

Coules leads a deep pitching staff that also features 6-foot-5 senior Anthony Citarelli and senior Jack Ryan.

They will throw to sophomore catcher Kevin Ziminski and backup Nick Communale.

Senior first baseman Vinny Pedone is expected to be one of Kennedy’s top hitters. Bailin is also hoping for a big offensive year from speedy center fielder Dylan Judd.

“He is very fast and a good TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

contact hitter,” Bailin said of Judd. “He works his butt off every time he is on the field.”

Kennedy will compete in Conference A-I along with Mepham, MacArthur, Manhasset, Garden City and Great Neck South. Returning to the county finals will be challenge, but Bailin said his players have a championship drive.

“This is a whole new crew and the guys want to get back to where they were last year,” he said. “I have talent from top to bottom on this roster.”

pitching staff behind the plate. Returning junior outfielders Amanda Maffucci and Kaitlyn Judd bring power to the lineup that could bring the pitching staff crucial run support. Junior utility players Sarah Porcelini and Azaria Vargas are also expected to be important components of the offense.

Lady Cougars are stressing teamwork Former Hofstra softball standout Krista Thorn takes over the Kennedy program and has instilled the theme of “relentless together.”

The Lady Cougars will sport this phrase on t-shirts and Thorn hopes it inspires them to compete at a high level. Thorn, who was an assistant coach at Oyster Bay last year, is excited to establish a winning culture in Bellmore.

“I want them to leave everything on the field,” said Thorn, who played third base at Hofstra and led the Pride to within a game of the College World Series in 2012. “They are catching on to everything I tell them very quickly.”

Kennedy graduated the bulk of a 13-4 team that fell to New Hyde Park in the first round of the playoffs, but returns junior pitcher Danielle Polirer, who won eight games in the circle and hit over .300 at the plate. Freshman hurler Blythe Nagel provides pitching depth.

“It’s always good to have more than one pitcher,” Thorn said. “If one gets in trouble we have the other as a backup.”

Junior catcher Amanda Malandruccolo leads the

Outfielder Brianna Gomez is the lone senior on Kennedy’s 19-deep roster and Thorn is hopeful she can

Jason Coules thur, Clarke, Carey, Seaford, New Hyde Park, Plainedge and Island Trees. MacArthur won Class AA in 2016, while Clarke is the two-time defending A champs.

“It’s going to be very competitive,” Thorn said. “I love the challenge.”

Schedule BASEBALL

April 3 G.N. South Matt GuiLfoyLe 4 @ G.N. South 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

G.N. South @ Garden City Garden City @ Garden City Mepham @ Mepham Mepham @ Manhasset Manhasset @ Manhasset

May

Brianna Gomez play a “big sister” role to the younger players. The Lady Cougars’ youthful roster features eighth-grade infielders Morgan Tesser and Jessica Nachamie, who can also be slotted at catcher.

“They are very athletic,” said Thorn of eighth-grade duo. “They are very well deserving to be up on varsity.”

Kennedy will compete in a challenging Conference ABCI, which also features MacAr

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

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1 MacArthur 2 @ MacArthur 4 MacArthur

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

24 Island Trees 28 Plainedge 30 @ MacArthur

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

April

1 4 6 8 1 9 21 24 26 28

Seaford @ Carey @ N.H. Park @ Clarke @ Island Trees @ Plainedge MacArthur @ Seaford Carey

May

1 N.H. Park 3 Clarke

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Photos by Victoria Lodi

April 6, 2017 — 23

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Lawrence Tornadoes back to grueling schedule

T

By TONy BELLISSIMO

he Tornadoes proved to be a good fit for Nassau’s Countywide league a year ago and enjoyed competitive games every day they stepped on the diamond.

They won 8 of 12, but the powers that be capped the conference at seven schools for 2017 and it’s back to the rigors of A-4 for coach Dennis Leonard’s squad.

“The Countywide was exactly what we needed last year, as well as this year,” Leonard said. “We don’t have a JV again like in 2015, but we’ll go out there and do the best we can. We’ve got some arms. We just have to play as tight defensively as possible.

We can’t afford to be sloppy.”

Lawrence will face North Shore, Lynbrook, Valley Stream North, Valley Stream South and Floral Park three times apiece.

Junior Carlos Duran serves as the Golden Tornadoes’ No. 1 pitcher, shortstop and leadoff batter. “He keeps the ball around the plate and makes defensive plays in the hole at short,” Leonard said.

“He’s quick and finds a way to get on base, so we’re looking for him to set the table.”

Duran and junior catcher Joe Amoroso enter their third varsity campaigns. Amoroso can slow down opponents on the bases and will hit either third or fourth in the lineup.

“He’s a pretty good receiver with a solid arm,” Leonard said. “He’s our most reliable defensive player.”

Junior pitcher/third baseman Josh Ramos boasts a big frame and likes to attack hitters with a fastball and curve mixture. A third starting pitcher must emerge, the coach said, and there’s as many as five candidates.

Senior Akym Land, who 24 — April 6, 2017

served as the starting quarterback on the football team, is on the baseball roster for the first time and can contribute on the mound, at shortstop, third base and the outfield. Sophomores John Laughlin, James Kelly and Nick Pasquariello are also in the mix and could start or relieve.

Junior Aaron Jackson is expected to lead the outfield, while senior Eric Morales will try to hold off competition at second base.

Lady Golden Tornadoes aim for improvement

Numbers are up for Lawrence’s softball program and there’s a total of 32 between the varsity and JV rosters, providing coaches with depth and lineup flexibility.

Coach Tom Frawley is looking for improvement at the varsity level a year after the Lady Golden Tornadoes were limited to one victory against conference rivals.

“We can hit,” Frawley said.

“We need to pitch a little better and play defense. The girls are working hard and we have a lot of versatility.”

Senior Kiera Stephens batted .500 on the nose last year and leads an offense that could be productive. “She’s a very talented athlete and drives the ball well,” Frawley said. “Her height also comes in handy at first base.”

Senior Chevy Chavarria can play anywhere the team has a need, but she’ll catch as much as she’ll be in the infield or outfield. She hit .417, runs well and is the likely No. 2 hitter to set the table for Stephens and senior shortstop Graciela Cruz in the 3-4 spots. Cruz hit .444. “Graciela can hit it a long way,” Frawley said. “She learned the ins and outs of shortstop last year and has a strong arm.”

Junior Olivia Levi brings experience in the pitching

circle and will serve as the new leadoff hitter. She’ll also play third base when someone else gets the pitching nod. “Her control was fine last year and that’s what we need,” Frawley said.

“It’s important to limit walks.”

Sophomore Lina Mavruk is up from JV and will get some pitching assignments. “She’s working hard at the position and plays outside of the school team,” Frawley said.

Senior Erika Kirschner and junior Rachel Kendal both look solid at second base, and sophomore Brooke Kirsch-

Kiera Stephens

Schedule Matt Guilfoyle BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ Lynbrook Lynbrook @ Lynbrook @ Floral Park Floral Park @ Floral Park V.S. South @ V.S. South V.S. South V.S. North @ V.S. North V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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.

May Carlos Duran ner and junior Diana Nyman are candidates to contribute behind the plate. The starting outfield will be entirely new and could fluctuate in the early going with seniors Jessica Mastrorides and Nayalise Montilla, and juniors Haisha Famuyide and Dayris Beltran all in the mix.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 @ North Shore 2 North Shore 4 @ North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 29 Roslyn 31 Roosevelt

April 3 5 7 20 22 25 27 29

@ Elmont Malverne @ North Shore @ G.N. North @ Roslyn @ Roosevelt Elmont Malverne

May

2 North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Long Beach Marines banking on experience

Y

By TONy BELLISSIMO

outhful Long Beach soaked up a lot of experience on the diamond last spring and battled through growing pains and a difficult schedule to earn five wins.

Now, with a large number of returnees bringing solid fundamentals, the Marines are looking to make noise in one of Nassau’s newly formed seven-team conferences in Class AA baseball. They’re in with defending county champion East Meadow, Baldwin, Calhoun, Herricks, Plainview and Valley Stream Central.

“It’s exciting to have so many key contributors back,” coach Jason Zizza said. “Last year was a learning process and it’s going to help us put a solid team on the field. We want to get back to the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons.”

Any pitcher who earned at least one victory returns to the mound. Senior Kevin Dunn, an All-Conference selection, had a pair of wins and a 2.62 ERA in 34 innings.

“He throws strikes and keeps hitters off-balance,” Zizza said. “He’ll give us a chance to win every game he starts.”

Junior Evan Garcia was 2-0 with a 2.90 ERA out of the bullpen last year and is stepping into a starting role. “He was purposely used as a long reliever and he’s going to be able to go deep into games this year.” Zizza said. “He’s always around the zone.”

Junior Sam Brinster, an All-League and All-Conference choice over the past two seasons, picked up a win and also had a sub-3.00 ERA. “He’s got an accurate arm and mixes up three pitches really well,” Zizza said.

Sophomore Evan DeNardo is the new target behind the plate and brings a quality TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

stick to the lineup. Each of the starting pitchers will see action in the infield on nonthrowing days, with Dunn at first base, Garcia at second, and Brinster at the hot corner.

Junior Dillon Razler appears ready to take over as the starting shortstop and could pitch in relief.

An all-junior outfield consists of Deon Ray, John Diaz and Matteo Camarda, with sophomore Marquis Stephens in the mix.

Defense a key for Lady Marines

Tightening up the defense is the biggest thing coach Carmine Verde would like to see for Long Beach softball in 2017. The Lady Marines went 11-9 last spring and reached the Class AA semifinals following an exciting come-frombehind victory over Oceanside in the quarterfinals.

“We have to be better defensively,” said Verde, who estimated the team averaged two errors per game. “If we play well in the field, we can be legit contenders.”

With some former Class AA schools, including defending county champion MacArthur, moving to Class A, the new alignment for softball has five teams — East Meadow, Massapequa, Long Beach, Oceanside and Syosset — in Conference AA-I and set to meet three times during the regular season.

The Lady Marines could prove the toughest of the five to score against. Senior All-County pitcher Tonianne Larson struck out 155 batters in 103 innings with only 71 hits allowed. She’s expected to handle at least 75 percent of the workload, Verde said, and will be a key to the offense as well with a .340 average.

Junior Taylor Haines is the No. 2 arm and starter at first base. She earned a pair of victories last spring and locates

pitches well.

The Lady Marines are deep at catcher with three solid options. Junior Meredith Fagan suffered a broken thumb last season and was used in right field when healthy. Senior Amanda Angst came up big behind the plate and at the dish with a .308 average on the way to earning All-Conference honors. Sophomore Nicole Grandinetti was the JV starting catcher but is versatile and could play third base or in a rebuilt outfield that includes junior Jenn Stern and sophomores Fiona Eramo and Megan Korotz.

Kevin Dunn

Schedule BASEBALL March 27 @ Calhoun 28 Calhoun 30 @ Calhoun

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

Paulina Cardona Junior Paulina Cardona, All-County Honorable Mention last year after leading the team with a .388 batting average with three homers and 20 runs, is the shortstop and No. 3 batter. Senior Elanor Byrne (second base) leads off and junior Colleen Manle flashes a reliable glove at third.

“I think we have what it takes to make a run,” Verde said. “Defense is going to be a big part of it.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Baldwin @ Baldwin Baldwin @ V.S. Central V.S. Central @ V.S. Central Plainview @ Plainview Plainview

1 2 4 8 9 10

@ East Meadow East Meadow @ East Meadow Herricks @ Herricks Herricks

May

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SOFTBALL March 24 Massapequa 28 @ East Meadow 30 Syosset

April

1 6 8 19 21 26 28

@ Oceanside @ Massapequa East Meadow @ Syosset Oceanside Massapequa @ East Meadow

May

1 Syosset 3 @ Oceanside

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Photos by John Heckman

April 6, 2017 — 25

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

LynBrook Owls possess talented leadership

L

By TONy BELLISSIMO

ynbrook returns a good deal of talent from last year’s 13-win team and will try to make noise in a highly competitive Conference A-IV, which includes defending champ North Shore, Valley Stream North, Valley Stream South, Floral Park and Lawrence.

“We have a bunch of good ballplayers who work hard, but the best thing is they’re even better kids,” coach Al Marrazzo said. “We’ve got excellent senior leadership, we’re strong up the middle defensively and we should score our share of runs.”

Four award winners are back, including take-charge All-County senior shortstop Nick Tuzzio. A throwback three-sport athlete, Tuzzio is a line-drive hitter from the left side of the plate and coming off a season that saw him bat .405 with 16 RBIs. Senior All-County selection Paul Scibelli hit .420 with 22 RBIs. In addition to handling the hot corner, he has experience on the mound as last year’s closer and collected four saves. He’s slated to join the starting rotation.

“He throws absolute gas and we’re hoping to get at least 5 innings out of him every start,” Marrazzo said.

A clutch hitter with runners in scoring position and speedster in center field, senior Tom Sullivan (3 HRs, 24 RBIs) earned All-Conference honors. He’s expected to hit cleanup, with junior pitcher/first baseman Ryan Mueller next. Meuller is Lynbrook’s No. 1 starter after going 4-0 and earning AllLeague honors. “Ryan attacks hitters and has a great slider,” Marrazzo said.

Senior Dan Werzinger, who was tremendous in relief 26 — April 6, 2017

work last spring, and junior Tanner Ceylan, the JV’s No. 1 who also pitched well in his lone varsity appearance, are vying for a spot in the rotation. Both will contribute on the mound regardless.

Senior catcher Justin Baeyens has come a long way and has a strong arm and a quick release. Senior Dom Sinopoli is an experienced outfielder and likely leadoff batter, and Ceylan will be in left when he’s not on the mound. There’s a logjam at second base and Marrazzo said the top glove gets the nod.

Lady Owls face tougher road

Fresh off a conference championship, the Lady Owls moved up to Conference ABC-III softball and have five returning players to lead the way against the likes of Glen Cove, Mineola and Wheatley.

Only one of its three returning starters, however, is back in the same role.

Junior Julianne Graepel enters her third year as the starting pitcher and comes off an All-County season.

“She’s added different pitches over the years and cut down on walks,” coach Pete Toscano said. “She also had a breakout year at the plate.” Graepel helped her own cause plenty in 2016 with a .500 batting average and 17 RBIs. Her battery mate is new but familiar. Sophomore Jessica Graepel, Julianne’s younger sister, moves from center field to her natural position at catcher following an All-County Honorable Mention campaign. Jessica led the team in every offensive category except RBIs last season and didn’t strike out until Lynbrook’s playoff loss to eventual county champion Clarke. She hit .638 with 3 homers from the leadoff spot.

“Jessica is an aggressive play-

er and has as good of an arm as I’ve seen,” Toscano said.

Junior Lindsay Ostroff also returns and moves from second to third base. The coach is counting on her to handle the demands of the hot corner and bring offensive pop to the middle of the lineup. Sophomore Madison Varroso anchors the infield defense at shortstop and will set the table offensively.

Junior Chelsea Zomon, who started at second base in 2015, knows the position well and brings varsity experience.

The same can be said of junior Olivia Pipia at first.

She’ll be there or be used as the DH if sophomore Deidre Murphy or freshman Andie Glanzer gets infield work.

The starting outfield is brand new given the position change for Jessica

Julianne Graepel Matt Guilfoyle Schedule

BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Lawrence @ Lawrence Lawrence @ V.S. North V.S. North @ V.S. North @ Floral Park Floral Park @ Floral Park North Shore @ North Shore North Shore

May

Nick Tuzzio Graepel. Sophomores Samantha Barbato, Amanda Palazzo and Mara Miranda are all in the mix, while freshman Mikayla O’Hagan can provide an offensive spark.

“We don’t have any seniors, so we’re really dealing with a two-year goal,” Toscano said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 @ V.S. South 2 V.S. South 4 @ V.S. South

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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5:00 p.m.

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SOFTBALL March 27 @ Sewanhaka 29 @ Locust Valley 31 Wheatley

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

@ Mineola Glen Cove Manhasset G.N. South Sewanhaka Locust Valley @ Wheatley Mineola @ Glen Cove

4:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

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4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

2 @ Manhasset 4 @ G.N. South

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

April 6, 2017 — 27

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

MacArthur Generals ready for new rivals

By ANDREW COEN

M

acArthur will renew some old neighborhood rivalries this spring with a return to Class A after more than a decade competing against Nassau County’s larger AA schools.

Longtime coach Steve Costello has fond memories of competing against crosstown foes Island Trees and Division along with other nearby League A schools Wantagh, Seaford and Plainedge. Costello recalls when MacArthur and Division battled five times for county crowns in the 1990s and the Levittown community packed the stands.

“I definitely find the rivalries in Class A very compelling,” Costello said.

“You have some really strong programs.”

MacArthur will be vying in its new conference for a second county title in three years. The Generals graduated the bulk of last year’s team that went 11-3-1 in League AA-III before being knocked out in the quarterfinals by Massapequa.

“We have a talented junior class, but they don’t have varsity experience,” Costello said. “We’re going to lean heavily on them.”

The Generals lost their starting position players from last year, but do return senior pitching ace Bobby Lewis.

The four-year starter earned the win in MacArthur’s county title triumph against Oceanside as a sophomore.

“He’s had a great career at MacArthur,” Costello said of Lewis. “He has some real pressure situations under his belt.”

Michael Andreoli, a LIUPost commit, adds another veteran presence on the mound. Costello is also hoping for production from 28 — April 6, 2017

senior pitcher Max Ziegler, who also battled through an injury last year.

Senior catcher Chris Moustouka leads the pitching staff from behind the plate. Fellow senior Dom Ferrara also may catch some innings after recovering from an injury last year.

Among the juniors Costello is hoping will step up offensively this season are Peter Zielinski and Joe Keller. The versatile players who can be slotted at various positions both starred on junior varsity as sophomores and were moved up to varsity for the playoffs.

“We have a nice group of kids,” Costello said. “I’m optimistic because they are great kids and hard working.”

Lady Generals off title run

A year after breaking through with a Long Island Class AA title, MacArthur softball will look to earn another championship in a new league.

MacArthur moved to Class A after a drop in enrollment marking the first time in more than a decade the Lady Generals will compete against Nassau County’s smaller schools. The Generals new league in Conference ABC-I features defending Class A champion Clarke along with Carey, Seaford, Plainedge, Island Trees, New Hyde Park and Bellmore-JFK. “The league is very deep,” said MacArthur coach Bobby Fehrenbach. “It’s going to be very tough.”

MacArthur returns seven starters off last year’s 21-4 team that won its first Nassau County title since 2012 and then bested Commack for the Long Island AA crown 8-7 at Hofstra. Junior ace Jessica Budrewicz returns to anchor the pitching staff.

“She’s not a dominant pitcher, but she is very tough,” said Fehrenbach of

Budrewicz. “She has good movement on her pitches.”

Budrewicz will be tossing to her twin sister Ashley at catcher. In addition to solid glove work behind the plate, Fehrebach also noticed an enhanced offensive game from Ashley Budrewicz during her sophomore campaign.

“She really stepped up last year,” said Fehrenbach of his starting catcher. “She had some clutch hits.”

Senior Shannon Myles returns as one of the Generals’ key bats.

The third baseman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI in the Long Island Class AA finals last year.

“She is a versatile player,” Fehrenbach said of Myles. “She is a tough

Chris Moustouka

“The girls are excited to get back into it,” Fehrenbach said.

“They enjoy each other’s company and love the game.”

Schedule BASEBALL

April Matt GuiLfoyLe 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ Manhasset Manhasset @ Manhasset @ G.N. South G.N. South @ G.N. South Garden City @ Garden City Garden City Mepham @ Mepham Mepham

May

Shannon Myles out at the plate.”

Other returning starters from last’s title run include senior second baseman Kristen DiCicco, sophomore center fielder Lisa Fabig, junior right fielder Ali Verdi and junior left fielder Hannah Rommel. Fabig stepped up under pressure as a freshman in the Long Island championship by drawing a one-out-based load walk to knot the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the seventh.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 @ Kennedy 2 Kennedy 4 @ Kennedy

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 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.

SOFTBALL March 24 @ Clarke 28 @ Carey 30 Kennedy

April

1 4 6 8 19 21 24 26 28

N.H. Park @ Island Trees Seaford @ Plainedge Clarke Carey @ Kennedy @ N.H. Park Island Trees

May

1 @ Seaford 3 Plainedge

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Photos by Victoria Lodi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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April 6, 2017 — 29

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Malverne Mules’ arms need offensive support

By TONy BELLISSIMO

W

ith its starting pitching staff and infield returning intact from last year’s five-win team, Malverne could be primed for more success on the diamond.

“We’re still not where we want to be as a program, but we’ve got a dedicated and experienced group,” coach Joe Dunn said. “We only have 13 kids, so it’s all hands on deck. They’ve been going to the batting cage on their own time and doing everything they can to prepare.”

If the Mules are going to make a run at a .500 season, Dunn said the offense needs to support the pitching staff.

He expects lots of good things on the mound from senior Alex Rodriguez, junior Alex Berry and sophomore Timmy Bosques.

Rodriguez (three) and Berry combined for all of Malverne’s wins in 2016.

Rodriguez, who features a fastball in the 80s and a quality slider, earned All-Conference honors after allowing just over two earned runs per game with 70 strikeouts.

Berry, an All-League selection, threw a no-hitter last spring and is back healthy after some elbow issues. Both will see time at shortstop and hit near the top of the order.

Bosques has an accurate arm and an effective off-speed pitch, Dunn said, and his quickness on the bases and team-high batting average from a year ago make for a perfect fit for the leadoff spot.

He’ll play third base on nonpitching days.

Senior catcher Joe Granedos is not only familiar with the staff but possesses a strong arm and blocking skills. He brings a power bat to the clean-up spot and can drive the ball to the opposite 30 — April 6, 2017

field. With the three starting pitchers on the left side of the infield when they’re not on the bump, the Mules will look to sophomore Christian Morgan (first base) and senior Bryan Castro (second) on the right side.

Up from JV, junior Mike Warshaw and sophomore Brandon Saunders bolster a revamped outfield. Seniors Luke Burroughs and John Baksh are also in the mix, while speedy freshman Josh Hillel fills a utility role.

Optimism surrounds Lady Mules

The Lady Mules didn’t meet their own expectations last spring, finishing 6-8, but have a positive outlook for 2017 with a large senior presence and returnees in key spots.

“We have a bunch of good, patient hitters and I think our defense will be stronger,” coach Jen Gibbons said.

The heart of the order returns with sophomore catcher Alex Delligatti and senior infielder Olivia Quaranto in the third and fourth spots. Delligatti (4 HRs, 32 RBIs, .508 average) is already in her fourth varsity season and plays shortstop on the travel circuit. “We might use Alex at shortstop once in a while, but she’s excellent behind the plate,” Gibbons said. “She just keeps improving as a hitter.” Quaranto (5 HRs) is another strong twoway, four-year varsity player who could work at shortstop or second base.

Senior pitcher Christine Sangeniti brings more experience and confidence to the circle after earning the starting job last year. “She throws a variety of pitches with pretty good speed,” Gibbons said.

“She handles pressure well.”

Senior Micaela Fibleuil is the latest in a long line of talented center fielders for Mal-

verne, which has Roosevelt, Elmont, Roslyn, Great Neck North, Lawrence, and North Shore as conference rivals.

“She’s so fast and takes away a lot of hits with her defense,” Gibbons said. “She also stole about 25 bases so she’ll probably be in the leadoff spot.”

Junior Kelsey Tapley is another quick outfielder and should benefit from last year’s varsity experience, while senior Joanna Gandolfo could start in right but also may see time at catcher and second base.

Senior Chelsea Morgan returns at first base and provides the lineup with a lefty stick in a run-producing spot, and junior Gabrielle Monogioudis can see time at first or DH. Sophomore Subhadra Debnath, last year’s JV starting pitcher,

Alex Delligatti

Matt Guilfoyle Schedule

BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ East Rockaway East Rockaway @ East Rockaway Carle Place @ Carle Place Carle Place @ Friends Aca. Friends Aca. @ Friends Aca. @ Wheatley Wheatley @ Wheatley

May

Alex Berry backs up Sangeniti and plays third base. Gibbons is also counting on contributions from junior Olivia St. John on the left side of the infield.

“We have a lot of versatility,” Gibbons said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 Oyster Bay 2 @ Oyster Bay 4 Oyster Bay

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @ Roosevelt 29 @ Elmont 31 Roslyn

April

3 5 18 20 22 25 27 29

G.N. North Lawrence North Shore Roosevelt Elmont @ Roslyn @ G.N. North @ Lawrence

May

4 @ North Shore

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.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

9

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

April 6, 2017 — 31

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball preview

MephaM Offense to steer Pirates’ ship

By JOSEPH KELLARD

M

epham baseball will lean on its bats and legs to push deeper into the playoffs after falling to Calhoun in the Class AA quarterfinals last season.

Seniors Mike Valentino, a catcher and shortstop who batted over .500 and earned All-County honors last year, Matt Conry, who led the team in steals and made All-Conference, and pitcher/right fielder Brian Porricelli hit for power and can fly around the bases.

“We’re excited because with the speed from those three guys and a couple of others, we can put a lot of pressure on the other team’s defense,” coach Bill Murphy said.

The Pirates have made the playoff each year Murphy has coached the team since 2006, but a county finals appearance remains elusive. To get there, he has also built a pitching staff with left-hander Porricelli, who leads the way with his excellent control and offspeed stuff. Junior Mike Proios throws an overpowering fastball and fellow righty senior Nick Valeriano can command the strike zone.

Junior Shawn Wildeman will likely serve in relief, and two seniors, first baseman Kevin Chaimowitz and second baseman Mike Acri, look to contribute on the mound.

Seniors Kevin Weber and Matt Koster will backup Valentino behind the plate.

Acri competed to start at second base against Prios and Wildeman, and junior speedster Billy McAdams will likely play shortstop. Kevin Chaimowitz will share time at first base with fellow senior Tim Karp, while junior Kyle Bowers is a lock at third base.

Seniors Carl Macchio and Joey Miranne and junior LJ McGrath are utility infielders 32 — April 6, 2017

and outfielders.

Sophomore Gianni Macchio will backup Porricelli in right field during his days on the mount, Conry is a fixture tracking down balls in center field, and senior Matt Nilsen is a good opposite-field hitter who will play in left.

“This team in particular could be special if they relax and let their ability take over,” Murphy said.

Mepham moves from Class AA to A this season and faces MacArthur, Garden City, Garden City South, Kennedy and Manhasset in conference play.

Lady Pirates feature interesting mix

Mepham softball coach Jennifer Gerco has replaced Mike Muscara, who racked up more than 400 wins during his 30-year career, after she was his assistant the past two seasons. “I had a great role model to look up to,” Greco said of Muscara.

Greco’s first team is a mix of seniors and youth.

Three seniors will start as pitchers: Stephanie Burns, an All-County player last year who knocked in 13 runs, fellow right-hander Mackayla Brown, who has an exceptional changeup, and southpaw Karlee Greco, who will also serve in relief. They will throw to senior catcher Samantha Arcese, whose .326 batting average and 13 RBIs last season earned her AllCounty honors.

Shortstop Kelsey Vandewater will power Mepham’s offense after generating 12 RBIs and a .551 batting average last year, as will fellow junior Kara Castaldo, a third baseman whose 15 RBIs and .413 average lead to AllCounty recognition. Brianna Morse is a promising freshman whose .651 average as an eighth grader led to All County Honorable Mention.

“She is an amazing athlete

and has a pure love for the game,” Gerco said of Morse.

Junior Victoria Sculley will backup Castaldo at third and play in the outfield.

Burns and Morse will likely share time in centerfield.

Freshman Stefanie Simone will alternate with senior Hallie Horowitz in right, and freshman Jenna Giliberti’s strong arm will likely land her in left.

Senior Julia Losciale, who had a.426 on-base percentage last year, junior Kerri Donion, a gap stopper on the diamond, and sophomore Diana Benedetto, whose hitting has caught her coach’s eye, spent spring training competing to start at first base.

Mike Valentino

Schedule April

BASEBALL

3 @ Garden City 4 Garden City 6 @ Garden City Matt Guilfoyle 10 Manhasset 12 @ Manhasset 13 Manhasset 17 @ Kennedy 18 Kennedy 20 @ Kennedy 24 @ MacArthur 25 MacArthur 27 @ MacArthur

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 G.N. South 2 @ G.N. South 4 G.N. South

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

Kelsey Vandewater The Lady Pirates switched to Class A, where they will compete against Bethpage, Division, Wantagh, East Rockaway, Garden City, South Side and Valley Stream North.

Greco believes her team has embraced the team concept that will lead to wins.

“They have the skills and the individual talent,” she said.

“They just need to put them together as a group.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 27 Bethpage 29 @ Wantagh 31 @ Garden City

April

3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

South Side 4:30 p.m.

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

V.S. North 4:30 p.m. @ Bethpage 4:30 p.m.

Wantagh 10:00 a.m.

Garden City 4:45 p.m. @ South Side 5:00 p.m. @ East Rockaway 10:00 a.m.

May

2 Division 4 @ V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

OceanSide Sailors look to continue success a leader,” Postilio said. “He calls a great game and has a rifle arm.”

The infield features senior Jared Campo (shortstop) he Sailors have proand sophomore Jake Lazaro duced plenty of victories, a couple of confer- (second base) up the middle, sophomore Austin Vlahakis ence titles, deep runs in the Nassau Class AA playoffs, and at third and either Smith or a boatload of college baseball sophomore Chris Siklas at first. Senior Tyler Judd leads players in recent years. the outfield in center and is Oceanside is young this most likely to hit at the top of spring, with only three the order. seniors, but coach Mike Postilio has a close-knit group he Pitching holds key expects to battle for as far as it can get and compete for a for Lady Sailors championship. After reaching Though short on experithe county finals in 2014 and ence and coming off a dif’15, it won 16 regular-season ficult four-win season, the games and a conference Lady Sailors are looking to be crown a year ago. a factor in Conference AA-I “We’ve had a great amount softball which includes only of success over the past four four opponents after a reshufyears and the biggest thing fling of the county alignment. is 16 guys are playing college Oceanside will face East baseball from those teams,” Meadow, Massapequa, Long Postilio said. “We’ve got a lot Beach and Syosset three of young talent this year and times apiece, and at least one a bunch of quality arms.” of those up to three more The way it looks, no mattimes should it reach the ter how the starting pitching best-of-3 semifinals. Last year, staff shakes out, the Sailors the Lady Sailors beat Great will welcome everyone back Neck South in the opening next year. Junior Brendan round before falling to Long McFall, who threw a gem Beach in the quarterfinals. against Farmingdale in the “Our experience is lackplayoffs and won three games ing, but we strong at the most overall, anchors the rotation. important position in softHe features a fastball, change- ball,” coach Joe Supple said, up and curve. Junior Matt referring to senior Sabrina Carey earned a few starts last Seeger returning to the pitchspring and can reach the mid ing circle. “It’s a little too 80s on the radar gun. He’s early to tell, but we could have developing secondary pitches up to five freshmen on the to go with the gas and could field at the same time.” contribute offensively after Seeger has been named showing a power bat at the Honorable Mention AllJV level. Junior T.J. Thorne County in each of the past led the JV pitchers a year ago two seasons and is not only and is the likely No. 3 starter, a key when it comes to shutwith junior lefty Ryan Powers ting down the competition, and junior Ryan Smith the but also offensively as one top relievers. of Oceanside’s top hitters.

Behind the plate, junior “I think she can be as good a Dylan Judd is a strong defenpitcher as anyone in the consive catcher with a quality bat. ference,” Supple said. Either He earned All-Conference hon- senior Samantha Valentin or ors in 2016 and hit over .300. freshman Elena Rubino will “He’s a multi-sport athlete and do the catching.

T

By TONy BELLISSIMO

34 — April 6, 2017

Senior Erin Carona is a returning AllConference selection at second base and developed into a reliable slap-hitter and baserunner, the coach said.

“She’s our fastest and best athlete on the bases,” Supple noted. Freshman Emily Seaver is a smooth-fielding shortstop with a powerful bat with some varsity experience under her belt. Junior Katherine Coffey provides solid defense at third, and sophomore Jenna Valentin and freshman Cath-

Sabrina Seeger

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 @ Port Wash.

28 Port Wash.

30 @ Port Wash.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

Brendan McFall erine Hemm are working at first.

As an eighth-grader, Catherine Stanford grew into one of the team’s better players last spring and appears ready to pick up where she left off after earning All-Conference honors. She’ll play center field and hit leadoff. The outfield also includes senior Nadia Miranda, juniors Kaitlin Schwarz and Nora Garrett, and versatile freshman Hallie Neufeld.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Freeport @ Freeport Freeport @ Farmingdale Farmingdale @ Farmingdale Massapequa @ Massapequa Massapequa

1 2 4 8 9 10

@ Syosset Syosset @ Syosset Hicksville @ Hicksville Hicksville

May

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

24 East Meadow 28 @ Syosset

April

1 4 6 8 21 24 26 28

Long Beach @ Massapequa @ East Meadow Syosset @ Long Beach Massapequa East Meadow @ Syosset

May

3 Long Beach 5 @ Massapequa

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.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.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Seaford Vikings’ playoff streak at 13

S

By ANDREW COEN

eaford has made the Nassau baseball playoffs every year since 2004 and enters this spring positioned to extend its impressive postseason streak.

The Vikings finished first place in Conference A-IV last year to achieve the program’s 13th straight playoff appearance. The season came to a heartbreaking finish, however, when Bellmore-JFK edged Seaford to reach the semifinals and end the Vikings’ season at 18-6.

Seaford, the No. 3 seed in Class A last spring, graduated some major contributors, but returns All County player A.J. Cain for his senior year at both pitcher and center field.

Cain, a four-year starter, will be the ace of the pitching staff after going 5-0 in the regular season in 2016 and is also a dangerous hitter at the plate.

“He would be an integral part of any team on Long Island,” coach Mike Milano of Cain.

“We’re lucky to have him.”

Cain is joined on the pitching staff by seniors Christian Alfano and Andrew Pich. Junior catcher Vincent Pecora will lead the pitching staff from behind the plate for a second straight year and is also one of Seaford’s top hitters after batting .375 as a sophomore. “He has the potential to become one of the top hitters on Long Island,” Milano said of Pecora. “We couldn’t be more excited about Vincent.”

Senior Mike Tito also returns after a banner 2016 at the plate where he hit .352.

Tito played second base last year and is slated to patrol shortstop this spring.

Outfielder/second baseman Joseph Ippoliti is also an offensive force in the lineup and a serious threat to steal TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

bases. Junior third baseman Nick Calandra got hot in the playoffs and Milano is hoping that success carries over into 2017. Senior outfielder Carter Skretch also returns after a solid campaign.

Milano added two new volunteer assistant coaches from Garden City this season in Charlie Mangers and Mike Sweeney, The two longtime Garden City coach join second-year assistant coach Sgt. Dan Cheatham, who is an active member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

High hopes for Lady Vikings

Seaford is poised for a county title run with one of the program’s all-time great softball players leading the charge.

Senior Sophie Dandola, who earned All-County and All-Long Island honors as a freshman and sophomore, missed much of last year due to injury and is motivated to go out on a strong note.

The Hofstra-bound pitcher was dominant on the mound and at the plate her last full season as a sophomore with a 0.72 earned run average and .620 batting average.

“She is one of the top players in Nassau County,” said new coach Thomas Fioriglio of Dandola. “She is looking to finish her Seaford career in a big way.”

Dandola is joined in the pitcher’s circle by junior Samantha Yannetti and eighth grader Ana Butler. Yannetti earned valuable experience on varsity last spring.

Fioriglio coached Butler as Seaford’s JV coach last year as a seventh grader and is planning to field her in the outfield when she is not pitching.

Seaford lost many weapons from last year’s team that reached the Class A semifinals before falling to Carey, but returns experience in the

infield with senior third baseman Christina Scialpi. Sophomore Juliane Hilcken is also slated to patrol the middle infield along with freshman second baseman Karyn Schaller, who will also be a spark plug on offense.

“She has tremendous speed,” said Fioriglio of Schaller. “We’re looking to put is in the leadoff spot to get us going.”

Another freshman Fioriglio is turning to this season is freshman outfielder Jordan Ragona, who was on JV last year as an eighth grader.

Seaford’ relatively young roster is receiving valuable leadership from captains Cassidy Wright, Dandola, Yan-

A.J. Cain

Schedule BASEBALL

April 3 Mineola

Matt GuilfOyle 4 @ Mineola 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Mineola @ Clarke Clarke @ Clarke @ Island Trees Island Trees @ Island Trees Locust Valley @ Locust Valley Locust Valley

May

Sophie Dandola netti and Nieman.

Joining Fiorigilo in the dugout is assistant coach Kathy Butler, a was a legendary a pitcher at Wantagh High School in the 1980s who was inducted into the New York State Softball Hall of Fame in 2014. Butler has taught special education in the Wantagh School District for the last 20 years.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

1 @ C.S. Harbor 2 C.S. Harbor 4 @ C.S. Harbor

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 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.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m..

SOFTBALL March 24 Carey 28 Clarke 30 N.H. Park

April 1 4 6 8 1 9 21 24 26 28

@ Kennedy @ Plainedge @ MacArthur @ Island Trees @ Carey @ Clarke @ N.H. Park Kennedy Plainedge

May

1 MacArthur 3 Island Trees

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

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Photos by Keith O’Reilly

April 6, 2017 — 35

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Sewanhaka Youth movement for Indians

By ANDREW MCCLURE

S

ewanhaka endured a difficult 2016 season on the baseball diamond, earning just four victories while competing against some of the toughest teams in Class A. Things won’t get any easier for the team in 2017. The Tribe will compete in Conference A-II, a league composed of Hewlett, Carey, Roslyn, Jericho, and New Hyde Park.

Coach Mike Ryan must replace nine seniors, but he expects his team to be in games. “We’re very young, so we will lean heavily on the upperclassmen to lead the way,” Ryan said. “If we can make the plays in the field, and limit the mistakes, I think we can be very competitive. We know that we have a tough road ahead of us.”

Ryan will hand the ball to Justin Bellamy each Monday afternoon. Bellamy, who was the team’s third starter as a junior, features a fastball and curve. He will likely play the outfield when he’s not on the mound, and figures to occupy a slot in the middle of the order. Bellamy hit .310 in 2016 and was second in RBI. Sophomore Timmy Brendel won’t blow hitters away, but he’s always around the plate. Brendel will be followed in the rotation by junior Michael Sokol. Senior Ramon Hernandez will get spot starts and should see plenty of time pitching out of the pen.

If Sewanhaka is going to put runs across the plate, it will need solid performances from its table setters. Senior shortstop Christopher Zunno, a three-year starter, will set the tone from the leadoff spot, with senior center fielder Angel Sanchez hitting behind him. Both players have good speed and are heady on the 36 — April 6, 2017

bases. Sanchez led the team in hitting in 2016.

Senior Joe Annunziata doesn’t put up gaudy numbers, but is a steady performer and one of the team’s leaders. Sophomore Nicholas Balletta takes over behind the plate. Balletta has some pop in his bat, and may hit fourth for Sewanhaka. Senior Freddy Cerpa gets the nod at second base.

Lady Tribe young but talented

After a pair of winless seasons, Sewanhaka broke the schneid and compiled four victories in 2016. Despite losing five-year starter Jancarla Herrera, now playing at St. Joseph’s (Pa.), the Indians look to be on the upswing.

Sewanhaka moves up to Nassau Conference AB-III where it will face Lynbrook, Glen Cove, Great Neck South, Locust Valley, Manhasset, Mineola, and Wheatley.

Coach Deirdre Kelly’s team is very young, but talented. “The experience the girls gained last season will go a long way,” Kelly said.

“It’s all about experience.

The girls have given a lot of effort, and are always looking for ways to improve. They just want to be a better team.

I’m already proud of them for putting in the time. We should be stronger, this season.

Kelly has a pair of freshmen pitchers who will carry the load in the circle. Megan Bleeker and Marisa Ogden are mature, level-headed performers who can mix it up, and should be able to keep the team in games. Junior Lauren Murphy give the Indians depth at pitcher, and will play the infield. Eighth-grader Julia Kurzrock will handle catching duties.

Junior shortstop Emma Reifschneider will lead things off for the Indians. Hard-

hitting Kayla Khanat returns at the hot corner, and Allysa Rullo is back at second. Kelly, who is assisted

by Samantha Farina, likes the two-way play of junior first baseman Rachel Medina.

Christina Chodkowski, a junior center fielder, brings speed and power. She will hit the middle of the order.

Junior Jazmine Ditterline will handle one of the corner outfield positions. Bleeker and Ogden, who are both talented hitters, will likely occupy the other outfield spot when not pitching. Seniors Samantha Soricelli and Jillian Bailey will also be in the outfield rotation.

Christina Chodkowski

Schedule BASEBALL

Matt GuilfOyle March 3 @ Hewlett 4 Hewlett 6 @ Hewlett

April

10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

Joe Annunziata Kelly thinks her team is deeper than it has been in past seasons. A pair of junior newcomers, Chery Arias and Daliany Torres, have been pleasant surprises in the preseason. Camila Martinez Cabrera, Brianna Batista, and Kayla Salmon will all push for playing time.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

N.H. Park @ N.H. Park N.H. Park @ Roslyn Roslyn @ Roslyn @ Carey Carey @ Carey

May

1 Jericho 2 @ Jericho 4 Jericho

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

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5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 Lynbrook 29 Manhasset 31 @ Glen Cove

April 3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

G.N. South @ Wheatley @ Locust Valley @ Mineola @ Lynbrook @ Manhasset Glen Cove @ G.N. South Wheatley

May

2 Locust Valley 4 Mineola

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4:30 p.m.

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Photos by Keith O’Reilly

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April 6, 2017 — 37

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

South Side Cyclones excited for fresh start

A

By JOE GALOTTI

half game in the standings was all that separated the South Side baseball team from earning a playoff spot last season.

This spring, an injection of youth has been added to the Cyclones, but 2016’s disappointing finish remains very much on the minds of the club’s returners.

“We have a strong core of seniors coming back,” coach Tom Smith said. “Last year left a bad taste in their mouths. They’re determined not to let that happen again, and want to get back to the playoffs.”

The Cyclones will lean heavily on senior captains Kenny Hoefer and Jimmy Barrett. Hoefer is expected to serve two critical roles, as starting shortstop and ace of the pitching staff. Barrett and fellow senior Pat Leach, will give the team two talented and experienced catchers to work with.

“All three are instrumental figures in leading this team,” Smith said. “They’ve done a great job so far of leading the younger guys and letting them know what’s to be expected.”

Some of the new varsity additions South Side is hoping will make an impact this season include first baseman Will Dragovich and right fielder Pierce Fine.

“We look for those two, even though it’s their first year playing varsity ball, to be middle of the lineup guys and drive in runs for us,” Smith said.

Third baseman Zach Less and middle infielder Chris Collins also figure to be key players in the Cyclones lineup. On the pitching side, senior Aymar Carmichael, junior Erik Mazzannobile and sophomore Tyler Costaro will 38 — April 6, 2017

join Hoefer in the starting rotation.

South Side will need contributions from all throughout its roster if they are to return to playoffs in the highly competitive Conference A-III. Smith is very aware of the challenges his club will face from formidable rivals like Wantagh, Division and Plainedge.

“We play in arguably one of the toughest conferences in Nassau County, if not Long Island,” he said. “You have to be ready to compete every single day in order to be victorious.”

Youth theme for Lady Cyclones

South Side softball will likely go as far as its youth takes it in 2017. While there are a few key returning seniors on the club, the Lady Cyclones’ roster this spring features a long list of underclassman.

“We’re working towards what hopefully will be a successful season,” coach Kristen Aksionoff said. “We have a large number of sophomores and only three seniors.

With that being said, I think that our team certainly has a lot of potential.”

One of the players the Lady Cyclones carry high hopes for is senior Erin Dooney. She plays both outfield and first base for the club, and is coming off a county-award winning season.

“She is one of the strongest leaders on our team,” Aksionoff said. “She has excellent bat speed, and is very smart on the bases. I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do for us in her last year.”

Joining Dooney as part of South Side’s senior class will be Nikki Stamile and Madelyn Ajello. Stamile has stood out in recent years with her quickness and situational hitting skills, while Ajello at second base has established

herself as a star defender.

Sophomore pitcher Morgan Gilligan is one of the Lady Cyclones most important young players. As a freshman, Gilligan gained award recognition for her work in the circle, and Aksionoff believes she could be even better this season.

“During preseason practices, we’ve seen tremendous improvement and speed in her pitching,” she said.

South Side will be looking to improve its play in the field behind Gilligan this season.

Generating more offense is also a team goal, an area in which returning power hitters Katie Mazza-

Jimmy Barrett

Schedule BASEBALL

Matt Guilfoyle April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ Plainedge Plainedge @ Plainedge @ Division Division @ Division Bethpage @ Bethpage Bethpage Wantagh @ Wantagh Wantagh

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 @ Glen Cove 2 Glen Cove 4 @ Glen Cove

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

Erin Dooney nobile and Mary Macre are expected to help.

The Lady Cyclones will have a bit of a different looking schedule this season, with multiple squads joining Conference ABC-II. “We’re playing a few new teams we’ve never seen before,” Aksionoff said. “I think there will be some tough competition. It’s a matter of taking things one game at a time.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 27 @ V.S. North 29 @ East Rockaway 31 Division

April

3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

@ Mepham Bethpage Garden City Wantagh V.S. North East Rockaway @ Division Mepham @ Bethpage

May

2 @ Garden City 4 @ Wantagh

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

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12:00 p.m.

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1:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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April 6, 2017 — 41

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. Central Eagles aim for consistency

V

By JOE GALOTTI

alley Stream Central baseball coach Frank Alesia still has a lot to learn about many of his players when it comes to their ability to perform at the varsity level. But, if there is one expectation Alesia does carry for his club, it is for the Eagles to play consistently smart baseball.

“We have a good group of kids that have played together for a while,” Alesia said. “I have a decent amount of seniors, and our guys came to every winter workout and every clinic. We should have a team with a lot of chemistry, but in order to be successful we’re going to have to do a lot of little things during games, and not commit mental mistakes.”

Senior Joe Stewart will be the centerpiece of the 2017 Eagles. He will serve three crucial roles for Central, as the center fielder, No. 1 pitcher and three hitter in the batting order.

“I think he had an award worthy season last year,” Alesia said. “He’s got a decent amount of weight on his shoulders, and he knows it.

But, he plays during the summer and fall, and sees instructors on his own. Baseball is an all-year round thing for him.”

Seniors, catcher Joe Pena, outfielder Veresh Ramdeem and second baseman Jared Rivas will also be key pieces in the Eagles every day lineup this season. The same goes for junior Devon DeLaRosa, who Alesia hopes can make a positive impact in multiple areas for the club.

“Not only is he going to be my number two pitcher, but he’s going to possibly be our leadoff or number two hitter, and my starting shortstop,” he said. “He’s a really good 42 — April 6, 2017

player and I’m very excited to see what he’s capable of doing in his first year on varsity.”

Also in the starting rotation will be Jugo Reyes, a hard throwing talented junior, who will be looking to add secondary pitches to his arsenal this season.

Central compets in Conference AA-II along with Baldwin, defending county champion East Meadow, Plainview, Long Beach, Herricks and Calhoun.

Lady Eagles eye playoff berth

Valley Stream Central’s softball team was hit hard by injuries in 2016, resulting in a less than impressive win-loss record. This spring, the Lady Eagles, now competing in Conference AA-IIIwith Herricks, Freeport, Westbury, Uniondale and Hempstead, will look to get back on the winning path, with the help of some new faces and a few returning familiar faces.

“We’re in a new division, and I think we can make the playoffs,” VSC assistant coach Artie Riccio said. “We have some ninth-graders who are looking good. We also have a few seniors back, who were hurt last year. I think we’re going to be competitive.”

Riccio and Lady Eagles’ head coach Britt Klein have high hopes for the freshman battery of pitcher Alexa Woluewich and catcher Arianna Picillo this season.

“I’ve worked all winter with them,” Riccio said.

“Alexa is throwing the pretty ball hard and is starting to get the change-up down, and Arianna is looking good behind the plate.”

The Central infield should get a big boost with senior first baseman Bella Gandasdqui and senior third baseman/second baseman Eleni Eemas back in the lineup,

after both missing last season.

“It’s going to be tremendous having those two back,” Riccio said.

“They can both really hit, and I’ve been really excited to see them on the field. They will really round us out and make us that much stronger.”

The club hopes to get strong production from its outfield this season as well, with senior Bryanna Fernandez positioned in left field and junior Ayana Bisnar patrolling center field.

Junior shortstop Heidi Schmalfuss also will be a key piece for the squad.

With a fuller and

Heidi Schmalfuss

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 @ Baldwin 28 Baldwin 30 @ Baldwin

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 @ Herricks 4 Herricks 6 @ Herricks 10 East Meadow 12 @ East Meadow 13 East Meadow Matt Guilfoyle 17 Long Beach 18 @ Long Beach 20 Long Beach

Joe Stewart healthier lineup entering the 2017 season, Riccio hopes to see his team improve on the defensive side of the ball.

“Last year with the injuries, we had a lot of kids playing in different positions, and it was very hard,” Riccio said.

I think with Eleni and Bella back, and having our normal outfield, we’re going to be better on defense.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

May

1 2 4 8 9 10

@ Plainview Plainview @ Plainview Calhoun @ Calhoun Calhoun

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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.

SOFTBALL March 23 @ Herricks 28 @ Uniondale 30 @ Freeport

April

1 4 6 8 19 21 24 26 28

Hempstead Westbury Herricks Uniondale Freeport @ Hempstead @ Westbury @ Herricks @ Uniondale

May

1 @ Freeport 3 Hempstead 5 Westbury

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

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4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2017 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. NortH Spartans aim for playoff return

By JOE GALOTTI

I

nexperience and injuries led to 2016 being a rare non-playoff season for Valley Stream North baseball.

After seeing the Spartans’ run of four consecutive postseason appearances come to an end last spring, coach Phil Sanfilippo is determined to get his program back to its winning ways.

“I have high expectations,” Sanfilippo said. “We’re more experienced this year, and have a couple of important players coming back healthy. I think we’re going to be a playoff team.”

For Sanfilippo and assistant coach James Casella improving on the defensive side of the ball is a major focus. “Defense was our biggest weakness last year,” Sanfilippo said. “We gave too many games away because of poor defense. Injuries were a big part of that.”

Last season, infielders Danny Keane and Thomas Graziano both had injuries limit them to performing only offensive duties, leaving the defense shorthanded. The two players will resume full-time roles this season, giving the Spartans much more dependability in their infield.

Expectations for Keane are particularly high now that he’s recovered from a torn labrum. “Last season he probably didn’t hit as well as he’s capable of hitting, and still hit over .300,” Sanfilippo said.

“He’s a potential all-county player for us.”

North also hopes to see an offensive upswing from senior first baseman Jonathan Caluori.

“He had a real big sophomore year, and didn’t hit as well last year,” Sanfilippo said. “I’m still expecting big things this year, because he TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

really is a force offensively.

He hits the ball as hard as any player in our division.”

Anthony Collura, Anthony Franco, Daniel Rung and Joe Gisonda also are expected to help carry the offensive load for the Spartans.

The club’s pitching staff is led by Nick Casatelli, who has impressed on the mound this winter. “He’s one of the better pitchers in the county,” Sanfilippo said. “This year’s he’s added velocity, and also has got really good off-speed command.”

Caluori will join Casatelli in the starting rotation. Graziano, Sean Rogers and Jalen Bertie also are expected play roles on the pitching staff.

Lady Spartans expect playoff berth

After three years without a postseason appearance, the Valley Stream North softball team begins a new era, as former Lady Spartans’ player Katie DiLapi takes over as coach.

The club has moved up a division, now playing in Conference ABC-II along with Bethpage, Mepham, Division, Wantagh, East Rockaway Garden City and South Side, but that has not stopped DiLapi from setting high goals for 2017.

“We’re looking to be very competitive in our new division,” DiLapi said. “It’s great to be back on the field I played on for years. JV coach Marisol Mahoer and I are looking to hold very high standards for the girls and we expect to reach the playoffs this year.”

The Lady Spartans have several key players returning to their lineup this season, making a postseason push seem very possible. Now in their senior seasons, shortstop/pitcher Kelly Kroez and third baseman Sam Estupinian are once again expected to play starring roles on the

field, while helping guide the team off it.

“We have great leadership from our two senior captains, Kelly and Sam,” DiLapi said. “They both show great initiative at every practice. They are going to be big parts of our lineup, hitting right around the cleanup area.”

First baseman Laila Drosman and center fielder Jackie Winslow are also projected to be impact players in the Lady Spartans’ lineup. Drosman could give the team a big offensive boost, while DiLapi hopes to see Winslow become a leader in the outfield.

Not to be forgotten is the battery combo of pitcher Victoria Rossetti and catcher Cassie Saracino. Rossetti will be looking to add new pitches to her repertoire this season to complement

Jonathan Caluori

Schedule

Matt GuiLfoyLe

BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ V.S. South V.S. South @ V.S. South Lynbrook @ Lynbrook Lynbrook @ North Shore North Shore @ North Shore @ Lawrence Lawrence @ Lawrence

May

Kelly Kroez her high throwing speed.

Saracino has developed into a trusted figure behind the plate for the club’s pitching staff.

The addition of new utility players, Jillian Cosme and Ashley Toma, also has DiLapi excited.

“Jillian and Ashley are both strong enough in all areas of the game to be put pretty much anywhere and be successful,” she said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 Floral Park 2 @ Floral Park 4 Floral Park

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

27 South Side 29 Garden City 31 @ Bethpage

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

April

3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

Wantagh 4:30 p.m. @ Division 4:30 p.m. @ East Rockaway 4:30 p.m. @ Mepham 4:30 p.m. @ South Side 5:00 p.m. @ Garden City 10:30 a.m.

Bethpage 4:30 p.m. @ Wantagh 4:30 p.m.

Division 10:00 a.m.

May

2 East Rockaway 4 Mepham

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Victoria Lodi

April 6, 2017 — 43

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. South Falcons excited about potential last year, is an All-Conference shortstop. He hit .375 with 14 steals from the leadoff spot.

Senior Ozzy Traill had a team-high 15 stolen bases and gets to everything in center field. Junior Chris Peralta (3 wins, 2.10 ERA) leads the pitching staff and starts in left, and Doncell (4 wins) is the No. 2 starter with the ability to log plenty of innings.

Junior Eddie Guzman, the top JV arm a year ago, rounds out the starting rotation.

Ross (second base.) Santiago makes the move from the outfield but has experience at espite an unproven shortstop from her JV pitching staff and a days, Hicks is a track handful of underclassstandout who can fly men in its lineup, Valley and provide an offenStream South raced to a 7-0 sive spark at the top of start in 2016 and finished with the lineup, and Ross a dozen wins to qualify for the appears ready to step Nassau Class A playoffs. into a bigger role in Now the Falcons, with her third varsity mostly seniors and juniors on campaign. their roster, are looking to be Freshman in the hunt for the Conference Lady Falcons revolve Isabella Grasso is A-4 title and return to the making a signifiplayoffs. “We’re in a very com- around pitching cant jump from a petitive conference,” coach Still alive in the playoff Ken Ward said. “Last year our chase until their final regular- Jr. High infielder success was unexpected. We season game in 2016, the Lady to varsity catcher.

“She has a good started four sophomores and Falcons are aiming to get feel for the game they all came through. Now back into the Nassau Class and the hope they’re juniors, and combined A postseason tournament with the seniors coming back but will need to do so with an is we’ll have a strong pitcherwe have something to be unproven group. excited about.”

Coach Demetri Adrahtas South is led by reigning has an entirely new starting conference MVP Luis Dono, a lineup with the exception senior catcher/relief pitcher of pitcher Isabella Secairaheaded to play at the next Cotto, who dazzled as an level at Western Oklahoma eighth-grader while earning State. He hit .471 with 19 All-Conference honors. extra-base hits, including “The county went to abilfour homers, and drove in 29 ity based conferences and runs in 2016. He also serves we’ve got some of the same as the closer and earned four opponents along with some saves with 19 strikeouts in 18 new ones,” Adrahtas said. innings. “He’s a talented play- “The conferences are set up er with an excellent arm,” to be competitive, and I think Ward said. with a talented pitcher like Dono is expected to catch Isabella we can be right in Luis Dono two games every week, with the mix.” senior Chris Hess handling Secaira-Cotto established one game while serving as herself as one of the best catcher combination for the the first basemen otherwise. young pitchers in the county next four years,” Adrahtas Junior Frank Gugliano could and competes for the L.I. said. also see time at first or DH. Pride travel team. “She has Junior Alexis Olson and Senior Michael Charles tremendous control and the senior Nicole Sarro are moves from second to third ability to stay composed when base after batting .300 last she gets into a jam,” Adrahtas expected to handle the corner infield positions. Olson (third spring. He’s a clutch hitter said. “She’s a grinder. She base) comes off a big JV camwith runners on, Ward said, throws hard and is adding paign, while Sarro could be and could see some work on some different pitches to bala factor in the middle of the the mound. Juniors Matt Don- ance out the fastball.” cell and Ernie Vaughn, and The defense up the middle lineup. Junior Allison Santos, a soccer standout, provides freshman Matt Dono are all behind Secaira-Cotto will be speed to an outfield that candidates at second. Junior led by seniors Taylor SantiaNick Hernandez, one of four go (shortstop), Chelsea Hicks includes sophomore Karina Gonzalez and Arianna Greif. impressive underclassmen (center field) and Megan

By TONy BELLISSIMO

D

44 — April 6, 2017

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

Isabella Secaira-Cotto

Schedule

Matt GuiLfoyLe BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 10 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

V.S. North @ V.S. North V.S. North North Shore @ North Shore North Shore @ Lawrence Lawrence @ Lawrence @ Floral Park Floral Park @ Floral Park

May

1 Lynbrook 2 @ Lynbrook 4 Lynbrook

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SOFTBALL March

27 @ Carle Place 4:30 p.m.

29 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

31 Floral Park 4:30 p.m.

April

3 5 7 19 20 22 25 27 29

C.S. Harbor Oyster Bay @ Hewlett @ Jericho Carle Place West Hempstead @ Floral Park @ C.S. Harbor @ Oyster Bay

May

2 Hewlett 4 Jericho

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Photos by Victoria Lodi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2017 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Wantagh

Warriors relish championship journey him to be even better.”

D’Onofrio earned All-State honors last year as one of Wantagh’s top hitters while also solidifying the middle fter capturing the secinfield at shortstop. The verond state title in program history last year, satile Hofstra commit is also a base-stealing threat and adds Wantagh has renewed focus depth to the pitching staff. for another extended spring Left fielder John Conroy in 2017. is back after recording two The Warriors went 25-5 huge catches in the state during a magical season that was capped off with a dramat- finals including a diving grab ic come-from-behind 6-5 extra that prevented winning run from scoring in extra innings. innings win against Buffalo area power Williamsville East Charlie Interrante also in the Class A state finals. The returns to the outfield after a Warriors graduated some key big playoff run. pieces from the championship Lady Warriors journey, but the returning players had a productive offface tougher road season that head coach Keith Wantagh softball will see Sachs believes could translate stiffer competition this spring to more postseason drama. after dominating Conference “They worked hard all A-II in 2016. offseason,” Sachs said. “They The Lady Warriors went have a drive to keep getting unbeaten in league play last better.” year before dropping a 1-0 Jimmy Joyce is back for heartbreaker to Island Trees his senior season to anchor of Conference A-I in the first the pitching staff and offense. round of the Class A playoffs.

The Hofstra-bound Joyce hit They’ll look to build on a 14-2 the game-winning home run overall record in Conference in the state championshipA-II, which also features clinching victory in which South Side, Garden City, the Warriors rallied from a 5-1 Bethpage, Mepham, Division, deficit. Sachs said he expects East Rockaway and Valley Joyce to have even more of an Stream North. impact this season after workWantagh returns plenty, ing hard on his pitching skills but graduated catcher Julie in the winter.

Van O’Linda, who was an “Last year he was just a incremental part of a domiguy with a good arm and now nant batter-mate-with pitcher he is a really good pitcher,” Haley Monahan. The junior said Sachs of Joyce, who won hurler won 11 games last seaNew York State Player of the son and head coach Christine Year in 2016 and was named Moran is hoping for a big preseason All American by senior campaign from her ace.

Baseball America this year.

“She’s going to be every“He’s much more polished.” thing for us,” Moran said of Joyce is ace of a pitching Monahan. “She is our stud.” staff that also returns lefty Freshman Melina O’Brien is Brendan Haas, Anthony Fon- being turned to for the catchtana and Anthony D’Onofrio. er duties after starting at secSenior catcher Trevor Fagan ond base as an eighth grader. leads the pitching staff from O’Brien hit second in the behind the plate at catcher. lineup last year and turned “He did a good job defeninto an offensive threat. sively last year,” Sachs said of “She’s very athletic,” Fagan. “This year we expect Moran said of O’Brien. “She

a

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is very aggressive on the bases.”

O’Brien was among two Wantagh Middle School students on varsity last year along with seventh grader Emily Van O’Linda, who started at shortstop.

The now eighth grader is younger sister of Julie Van O’Linda and Kelly Van O’Linda, who graduated Wantagh in 2013.

“She grew up on the field with us,” Moran said of Emily Van O’Linda’s strong Wantagh softball family tree.

Senior third baseman Renee Puccio, a converted baseball player, and junior first baseman Jaclyn Ludwikowsky return after getting valuable experience last year.

Erica Estro is slated to start in right field.

Moran is turning to seventh

Anthony D’Onofrio

Schedule Matt Guilfoyle BASEBALL

April 3 4 6 12 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27

@ Bethpage Bethpage @ Bethpage Plainedge Plainedge @ Plainedge @ Glen Cove Glen Cove @ Glen Cove @ South Side South Side @ South Side

May

Haley Monahan grader Haily Leimbach for one of the open infield spots.

Leimbach is younger sister of former Warrior Casey Leimbach, who now plays at Sacred Heart Academy.

To prepare for a stronger conference, Moran scheduled scrimmages against Seaford, Massapequa and Farmingdale. The Warriors will need to finish among the top five in their new league to return to the postseason.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

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1 Division 2 @ Division 4 Division

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27 Division 29 Mepham 31 East Rockaway

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SOFTBALL March

April 3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

@ V.S. North 4:30 p.m. @ Garden City 4:30 p.m. @ Bethpage 4:30 p.m. @ South Side 5:00 p.m. @ Division 4:30 p.m. @ Mepham 10:00 a.m. @ East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

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

Garden City 10:00 a.m.

May

2 Bethpage 4 South Side

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4:30 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

April 6, 2017 — 45

2017 HERALD High school Baseball / softball preview

West Hempstead Rams showing new coach promise

By ANDREW MCCLURE

a

fter turning in a credible 11-7 overall record (10-4 in league play) in 2016, West Hempstead will once again compete in the Nassau Countywide Conference, a league that includes Elmont, Great Neck North, Hempstead, Roosevelt, Lawrence, and Westbury. The Rams lost their top hitter and number one pitcher Ryan Sandberg to graduation, but return a decent amount of talent.

The team will have a new coach at the helm in Dominick Chiodi. While the extended winter has given his team limited time to get out on the playing field, he sees some promise. “There’s a lot of untapped talent, but it needs to be cultivated,” Chiodi said. “I think the potential is there, so I’m optimistic. The weather has set us back a bit, but everyone is dealing with that. We’re coming along as a team.”

Chiodi likes what he’s seeing from Matt Morel. The senior shortstop has a strong arm in the field and a quick bat at the plate. He will probably hit second or third in the order. Morel will also be in the starting pitching rotation.

Senior Matt Arasmo, who had a pair of complete game victories as a junior, brings experience to the mound.

While he doesn’t possess an overpowering fastball, he usually pounds the strike zone.

The fleet-footed Arasmo, who also plays middle infield and outfield, could be the team’s leadoff man.

Seniors Dylan and Kyle Suffa are versatile players who can both pitch and get behind the plate. Senior Zac Koster has a solid arm. Koster will be the team’s primary catcher.

46 — April 6, 2017

There is plenty of potential in junior Matt Pooran. If he can develop a little more control of his pitches, the hard-throwing righty could develop into a solid starting pitcher. Pooran will see time at shortstop as well.

The Rams get character and experience from senior first baseman Savion Thorpe.

Senior Rayshawn Grant will likely play the hot corner.

Grant showed the ability to hit in the clutch as a junior.

Lady Rams aim for improvement

West Hempstead softball comes off a season where it had difficulty winning the close games. The Rams dropped five games by two or fewer runs. Six players who saw significant playing time in 2016 return for West Hempstead.

Coach Chris Van Kovics believes his team will be improved in 2017. “We have a core group of players who are into softball,” Van Kovics said. “Our numbers are up, and more girls are playing on outside teams. We have more offensive weapons, and an experienced pitcher. The effort is there and the attitude is good. I’m optimistic about this year.”

Senior pitcher Dana Palermo returns in the circle for the Rams. Palermo doesn’t blow people away, but throws a half dozen different pitches, including a drop, to keep opponents off-balance. She will likely bat somewhere in the middle of the order.

Freshman catcher Kate Shanley is a big part of the present and future of West Hempstead softball. Shanley is tough and strong, and possesses a good throwing arm.

She has enough pop in her bat to emerge as the cleanup hitter.

The Lady Rams will look to get on and make things hap-

pen on the bases.

Sophomore center fielder Sydney Reitz brings good softball IQ to the leadoff position.

Senior second baseman Kelsey Reichert figures to form a solid one-two punch with Reitz at the top of the Rams lineup.

Joining Palermo and Shanley in the heart of the batting order is junior first baseman Laura Evazi. Van Kovics expects Evazi to be among the team’s RBI leaders.

The Lady Rams should get solid

Dana Palermo

Schedule

BASEBALL March 27 Elmont 28 @ Elmont 30 Elmont

April

Matt Arasmo two-way play from sophomore shortstop Sara Welti, who will also serve as a backup to Palermo in the circle. Welti did a nice job when she was called up to the varsity as a freshman.

Hard-working sophomore Ashley Obando will play a corner outfield position.

Obando has speed and is crafty on the bases. Freshman Jenna Evazi can play just about anywhere on the field.

She’ll play third base and possibly see time behind the plate.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

3 Westbury 4 @ Westbury 6 Westbury 10 @ Roosevelt Matt Guilfoyle 12 Roosevelt 13 @ Roosevelt 17 @ Uniondale 18 Uniondale 20 @ Uniondale 24 Hempstead 25 @ Hempstead 28 Hempstead

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May 8 @ G.N. North 9 G.N. North 10 @ G.N. North

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27 Hewlett 29 V.S. South 31 @ Jericho

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SOFTBALL March

April 3 5 7 18 20 22 25 27 29

Oyster Bay @ C.S. Harbor @ Carle Place @ Floral Park @ Hewlett @ V.S. South Jericho @ Oyster Bay C.S. Harbor

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May 2 Carle Place 4 Floral Park

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Photos by Sue Grieco

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48 — April 6, 2017

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS