Sports Preview - Spring 2012

March 29, 9, 2012 9

............ CATCHER

.............. .. .. .. .. .. .. udia

Cla

LAW

Robbie ... .........

ROSEN

THIRD BASE

COLTS

....

CALHOUN •

S E T A R I P • M A H MEP

............

N ASO E S OL O H SC GH I H 012 2 E MS A F TH E O S’ T IEW L V R E I G A PR AND

S L O O H ’ C S OYS 1 B 2 OF BOTH PROSPECTS FOR

C

RA OVE

GE

THE SEASON

PLAY BALL!

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

2

P

Baseball/Softball Preview

A RELIEF FOR ALL PITCHERS

rior to the 2011 high school softball season, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association made a wise decision when it approved a measure to adopt 43 feet as the pitching distance for varsity and junior varsity softball.

The distance was previously 40 feet.

The result was an increase in run production, less lofty strikeout totals, far fewer noANDREW hit games, and, in general, a more competitive balance in the confrontation between pitcher and batter.

This year, baseball is in the forefront for making a sensible switch to BBCOR bats.

This decision should not only result in reduced earned run averages for pitchers, and fewer home runs and lower batting averages for hitters, but it should also cut down on the frequency of pitchers and infielders being struck and injured by batted balls.

BBCOR bats are designed to perform more like wood bats, and limit the speed at which the ball travels. It is estimated BBCOR bats outperform wood bats by merely five percent. While many associations have mandated that only wood bats be used, the cost of replacing wood bats that have splintered is exorbitant. BBCOR bats appear to be a perfect compromise for those pushing for all-wood usage.

While the numbers that show up in boxscores will differ most, the main rea-

A special advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers

MARCH 31, 2011

son for the switch is aimed at keeping high school pitchers on the mound as opposed to the emergency room. The constant improvements that were made to heighten the performance of aluminum bats left hitters at a huge advantage, and pitchers vulnerable to line drives being hit right back to the box.

A couple of seasons back, a 16-year old pitcher from a San Francisco suburb was struck just above the right ear by a batted ball that was estimated MCCLURE to be moving at 120 miles per hour. The pitcher needed surgery to remove a portion of his skull, and then was put in a medically induced coma.

He spent nearly two months in the hospital, and his life changed forever. A change needed to be made.

The drawback for high school mashers is that now, rather than watching home runs leave the yard, they may have to settle for doubles or watch an outfielder corral a long fly ball. Pitchers unable to get out of the third or fourth innings may find themselves going the distance.

Coaches will need to go outside of the grip and rip style to put runs on the board, and utilize small ball techniques. For baseball purists, manufacturing runs is a breath of fresh air. Skills that had become passé, like bunting, using the hit-and-run, advancing runners with ground balls, sacrificing, and stealing bases, will be very much back in style.

Welcome back old-school baseball. The pitchers have missed you.

High School Sports

INDEX

Baldwin Bruins ............................................3 Calhoun Colts (Bellmore-Merrick) ............... 4 Carey Seahawks (Franklin Square) ............. 5 Clarke Rams (Westbury) ............................ 6 East Meadow Jets ...................................... 7 East Rockaway Rocks..................................8 Elmont Spartans ........................................ 9 Hewlett Bulldogs ...................................... 10 Kennedy Cougars (Bellmore-Merrick) ................................... 11 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ..................... 12 Long Beach Marines................................. 13

Lynbrook Owls .......................................... 14 Malverne Mules ........................................ 15 Mepham Pirates (Bellmore-Merrick) ................................... 16 Oceanside Sailors .................................... 17 Sewanhaka Indians (Floral Park)............... 18 South Side Cyclones..................................19 Valley Stream Central Eagles .................... 20 Valley Stream North Spartans .................. 21 Valley Stream South Falcons .................... 22 West Hempstead Rams ............................ 23

CONTRIBUTING SPORTSWRITERS TONY BELLISSIMO, ANDREW McCLURE, STEVE SINISKI, TOM JORDAN, ANDREW HACKMACK Baseball/Softball Preview is an advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2012 Richner Communications, Inc.

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

Alex .......................

LYNBROOK

WEINGARTEN

Photo by - Ron Manfredi

TOP 10 BASEBALL 1. Chris Appell (Clarke) ..................... P 2. Brian Bilello (Lynbrook) ................ C 3. Christian Colletti (South Side)....... P 4. Brian Lau (Oceanside) .................. C 5. Robbie Rosen (Calhoun)............. 3B 6. Mike Russ (Oceanside) ................. P 7. Noah Shulman (Kennedy)........... SS 8. Harry Smith (Carey) .................... OF 9. Frank Trimarco (Calhoun) .............. P 10. Alex Weingarten (Lynbrook) ......... P SOFTBALL 1. Danielle Cutuli (East Meadow) .... SS 2. Ashley Davis (Oceanside) ............. P 3. Danielle Ferrara (Clarke) ............. 1B 4. Claudia Law (Mepham) ................ C 5. Ashley Martin (Long Beach) .......... P 6. Kelsey McLaughlin (Long Beach)..SS 7. Carly Mertens (Baldwin) ............... P 8. Nicole Milano (Oceanside) ........... C 9. Dana Morgante (V.S. North) .......... C 10. Ashley Tkacsik (V.S. South) ......... P

Publishers CLIFFORD RICHNER STUART RICHNER Executive Editor JOHN C. O’CONNELL Section Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN Production Manager KAREN MENGEL Production Assistant SHEAUWEI PIDD Art Director CRAIG CARDONE Photo Editor CHRISTINA DALY Photo Editing ALYSON GOODMAN Vice President of Sales RHONDA GLICKMAN Sales Administrator JANIE FAHEY-McGEE Page Editors JEFF BESSEN SCOTT BRINTON CHRIS CONNOLLY ANDREW HACKMACK Account Executives MIMMA BARONE JOAN BATTINO ROBERT CUMMINGS NANCY FRIEDMAN ELLEN FRISCH JILL KAPLAN VICKI KAPLAN KAREN RESNICK ON THE COVER

Cover Design - Jeff frey AA. Negrin Jeffrey Photos by - Jeff Wilson Cover Photos - Claudia Law (Mepham), Robbie Rosen (Calhoun)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL BASEBALL & SOFTBALL TEAMS! TIRED OF YOUR OLD KITCHEN? Visit the award winning Design Expressions showroom of Contractor Express.

We have a kitchen for any budget.

389 Atlantic Avenue • Oceanside, NY 11572

516-764-0388

12 month Payment Financ ing Available!

• Kemper • Omega/Embassy • Bertch • Decora

• Legacy • Aristokraft • JSI • Atlantis

544451

3

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

BALDWIN

Schedule April

Youth is served with Bruins

T

he Bruins are so young they should be called the Cubs . On most da ys, coach Frank Esposito is lik ely to pencil as many freshmen into his star ting lineup as seniors, and the v ast majority of the team is comprised of underclassmen.

“We’re going to be a y oung club this year,” he said. “We’re going to be scrapping for whatever we can.”

That, of course, does not mean they won’t be competitive in Confer ence AA-I, where they finished 12-10 a y ear ago.

It’s not lik e they’ll be the Chica go Cubs.

Esposito is comfortable with his team’s talent level and confident tha t it will benefit from its foremost strength — speed.

“We’ll be a ble to r un on people ,” he said.

Then there is something else: the Br uins may be young, but they’re not wholly without experience. Co-captain Danny Capone, a junior infielder , has been with the program since the ninth g rade, and junior outfielders R yan Mahoney and Travis Hylton were starters on last y ear’s team. Infielder Dann y DeGregorio, an allleague selection last spring, is the onl y senior assured a spot in the star ting lineup. He and Capone form the club’s nucleus, and Esposito is counting on them to “set the tone.”

So far, so good. “T hey’ve been in the right mind to pla y,” Esposito said. “Ev ery day at 3 o’c lock, they’ve been in the g ym ready to go.” That enthusiasm and a r un of weather so unexpectedl y mild tha t the team has spent a t least thr ee days every week outside has helped Esposito to assess what he has. “We had a r eal good idea b y March,” he said.

In addition to Ca pone, DeGregrio, Mahoney and Hylton, sophomor e second baseman Matt Lyle will lik ely become a fixture in the star ting lineup. Nolan Miller and Nico Arellano are battling for the nod at first base , Anthony Capone and Eric Malone are stating their cases in left field, while Joe LoBello and Ma tt Partridge will share playing time behind the pla te. Keifer

Lady Bruins loaded with talent

A

year ago, coach Tom Llewellyn and his Lady Bruins were in a similar position to the baseball team this year – trying to figur e out how to compete with a v ery young team. T hey figured it out. All they did was go 16-3 and thethe andwin win conference.

There were several reasons for their success, but none more obvious than the contributions of starting pitcher Carly Mertens, who went 12-2 and also hit .639 with 10 homers out of the leadoff spot. Mertens drove in 64 runs, sported a .687 on-basee percentage and str uck out 71 ba tbatters in 85 innings pitc hed. To top op it off, her fielding per centage was as 1.000, 1.000, also known as perfect.

Mertens’ battery mate, catcher atcher Liza Ueno, was no slouc h either. On y to n her wa way earning All-Conference honors, s, Ueno ba tted .581, drove in 26 r uns in 19 ggames ames and reached base at a .659 c lip. Third rd baseman Olivia Phillips (.580 ba tting average, 32 RBIs), first baseman Jill Bello vin, second baseman Jackie Fisher and shor tstop Jade ortstop Aponte complete the infield. In the the outfield outfield are Kamari Somers and J essica a Pulis, who doubles as a pitc her. There is one one outfield outfield spot open f or competition, andd Lle wellyn Llewellyn said there are four or five candidates dates there.

Even with all the fir epower in his his linelineup and on the pitc hing rubber, r, Llewellyn says the team’s biggest strength h is its glove work. “We have a c hance to pla y really play good defense,” he said, “and tha hatt is going going to be our strongpoint.”

The Lady Bruins will be tested eguested rregularly in Confer ence AA-II, which ch includes defending Nassau Class AA cchampion hampion Farmingdale, Hicksville, Plainview, nview, Kennedy, Calhoun, Port Washington, n, and Freeport.

Though the young team didn ’t exactly struggle along in 2011, Lle wellyn thinks

last year’s growing pains could be a positive. “We have the benefit of a whole year of experience to gether. We put in a lot of work together, and it’ ll make us a better team.”

If they are better, look out.

9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

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

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.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Freeport Freeport Oceanside @ Oceanside Oceanside

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 @ Plainview 30 Farmingdale

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 2 11 16 18 20 21 24 26

@ Port Washington @ Calhnoun Freeport Hicksville @ Kennedy Port Washington Plainview @ Farmingdale

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.

May 1 3 4 8

Calhoun @ Freeport @ Hicksville Kennedy

Danny .................................

CAPONE

Carly .........................................

MERTENS

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

THIRD BASE

PITCHER

BALDWIN • BRUINS

Teurfs, Christian Sulli van and Ma tthew Heins are the pitchers.

BY TOM JORDAN

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL

Photos by Ron Manfredi

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

2238 Grand Avenue • Baldwin • 516-223-4200 www.cecerefamilyfunerals.com

GO BRUINS

Nothing Wounds the Heart More Deeply than the Loss of A Loved One… The Cecere Family has been helping families just like yours get through the unthinkable for Two Generations.

Impeccable facilities, Service beyond expectations.

Burials, Cremations, Pre Planning

543572

Michael J. Cecere III

Cecere Family F U N E R A L H O M E

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

CALHOUN

Schedule BASEBALL

April

Colts remain title contenders Lady Colts creating a new buzz

BY STEVE SINISKI

C

alhoun backed up defense of its Nassau Class AA baseball title in 2010 with an undefea ted league campaign (20-3 overall, 15-0 in Confer ence AA-II) and a r un to the semifinals last spring. Arguably just as experienced, if not more, in ’12, the Colts r eturn three pitchers to their r otation who all finished undefeated in confer ence play and team them up with another powerful lineup.

Seniors Frank Trimarco, Alex Vargas and Thomas Viverito are the workhorses on the mound and will g et support from classmates Jon Goldberg and Sal Ar maio.

Senior Mike Grossane, who missed time in the spring camp because of an injury, could provide an additional shot in the arm to the alr eady deep pitching staff.

Like the Ne w York Yankees, Calhoun has its own A-Rod, senior Alex R odriguez, although he does pla y a dif ferent position—catcher.

The lineup is anc hored by two returning All-County pla yers, Trimarco, who will play first base on the da ys he isn ’t pitching, and senior third baseman Robbie Rosen. “He’s a solid thir d baseman and he can flat out hit,” coac h Joe Corea said of Rosen, a key to the r un production. “And he hits with power.”

Viverito is also an outfielder and expected to be a k ey ingredient in the middle of the or der, along with senior shor tstop Zach Goldstein, one of the team’s two co-captains with T rimarco. Goldstein and Vargas are excellent contact hitters a t the top of the order, while Rodriguez has developed into a r un-producing threat as w ell.

“We should hit the ball w ell,” Corea said.

“We have a little bit of everything, power and speed.”

The roster includes nine seniors, seven of whom have already signed on to pla y baseball in college, and the hope is that the returning experience has alr eady put the Colts ahead of the curve in terms of preparation. “We can talk a bout the finer points of the g ame,” Corea said of spring camp.

“They all know what to do, and they are all self-motivated.”

C

alhoun’s gradual turnaround on the softball field continues in 2012 w here a new goal has enter ed team discussions this spring: a ber th in the Nassau County playoffs. A str ong core of returning All-Division players plus young, but experienced playerss at a n umber of positions has the Lad y Colts aiming aiming to to set set the the bar even little higher her on on the the softball softball field.

Senior Danielle Losee, Losee, a returning All-Division first rst baseman, baseman, is is the perfect example le to to ff ollow at the plate. One of the he team’s team’s table setters, she couples aa ggreat reat batter’s eye with the pa tience ce to wait f or her pitch. On top of that, hat, Losee has developed into a team m leader.

And if there’ss one area where Calhoun un is stocked, it’s w i t h u n d e rcl a s s t a l e n t .

Freshman Lauren Trimarco hass moved up to the toppofof the team’s pitchingg charts and doubles as the shor tstop shortstop when she’s not in the cle. the cir circle.

“She has a handful of of pitches that she throws and hass good goodcommand commandof of them,” Boland said, also marveling at her feel for the game as a freshman. “Not many ninth-graders know ow when you should throw [certain pitches]. tuhes]. She has has the thema maturity and intensity off a kid five years older.”

Junior All-Division sion returnee Marisa Marcigliano is bac k behind the te, ack the pla plate, where her ar m is becoming ecoming aa major majorasset. asset.

On consecutive pitches ame against ches in aa ggame Oceanside last season, cigliano threw son, Mar Marcigliano out two runners on the basepaths.

Eight-grader Nicole cole Imhof Imhofff is slated slated as the pitcher behind T rimarco, but she may Trimarco, may also see time a t first st base base and andleft leftfield fieldasas Boland looks to g ett her ba t in the lineup lineu p..

Ali Abbene, another r eturning freshman, takes the field a t second base, while junior Gianna Saladino, an All-Division honoree, handles third base. Senior Rebecca Suss, like Imhoff, is a v ersatile defender with a

9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26

potent bat.

Junior Cassie Beccaris will trac k down fly balls in centerfield, and sophomor e Lauren Savarese, who had eight putouts from right field in an ear ly scrimmage, will play right field.

@ Long Beach Long Beach @ Long Beach Herricks @ Herricks Herricks @ Kennedy Kennedy @ Kennedy

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 2 3 7 8 9

Carey @ Carey @ Carey Mepham @ Mepham Mepham

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 M March 28 @ Kennedy 30 @ Freeport

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April A 2 4 11 16 18 24 26 28

Hicksville Farmingdale Baldwin Plainview @ Port Washington Kennedy Freeport @ Hicksville

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

May M 1 3 4 8

@ Baldwin @ Plainview Port Washington @ Farmingdale

Danielle .............................

LOSEE

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

FIRST BASE

CALHOUN • COLTS Frank ........................................

TRIMARCO

PITCHER

Photos by Jeff Wilson

Good Luck Calhoun Colts!

Keith B. Annapolen D.D.S., M.A.G.D. Master Academy of General Dentistry

T 516.826.7272 F 516.826.7242

DrAnnapolen@bellmoresmiles.com www.bellmoresmiles.com

2883 Judith Drive Bellmore, NY 11710

544232

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

4

5

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

CAREY

Schedule April

Champion Seahawks face tough road

C

arey baseball ac hieved more in the spring of 2011 than an y team in program history, taking home its first Long Island title . With just thr ee players returning with extensive varsity experience, the Seahawks will not ha ve it easy in a Confer ence AA-II tha t includes Long Beach, Bellmore-JFK, Mepham, Herricks, and a strong Calhoun team.

Seahawks coach Marc Hedquist is looking forward to seeing ho w his team will compete in w hat figures to be one of the toughest confer ences in Nassau. “I’m curious to see ho w we perform,” Hedquist said. “We don’t have a lot of guys with varsity experience, but I’m hoping the success we’ve had in the past will r ub off on these guys . The league is going to be very strong.”

Senior Harry Smith, w ho hit .361 and banged out f our homers last spring, returns in center field f or Carey, which opens conference play against Mepham.

Smith is an outstanding fielder and has a very strong arm. With a f astball that hits the mid 80s , and decent of f- speed stuf f, Smith will also serv e as the ace of the pitching staff.

Sophomore Andrew Ris has a pitc hing repertoire that is similar to Smith’ s. Ris will be Car ey's everyday first baseman.

Senior Dan Maloney ma y have the best stuff on the pitc hing staff, but needs to be more consistent. Maloney will also see time in the outfield. Seniors Eddie Eymold and Andrew Gentile, and junior T om Dente should all see time on the mound.

Eymold, who hit .369 as a junior , and Gentile will handle cor ner outfield positions. Steven Marino returns at the hot corner. Expect Marino to handle c lean-up duties. Jesse Bordeman, Nick Zuvic, Joe Torregrossa, and Darren Rodriguez are all vying for time in the middle of the infield.

Seniors Chris Dente and Nic k Safuto are both ba ttling for the star ting catching job. Dente has a str ong throwing arm.

Safuto is solid at the plate, so Hedquist will want his bat in the lineup.

C

arey softball coac h Anthony Turco has a r oster filled with under classmen, but experience isn’t a concer n.

Despite returning just a handful of varsity players, Turco believes that his team is deep, and will be pr epared to ba ttle the likes of Long Beac h, MacArthur, East Meadow, Syosset, Oceanside, Mepham, and Massapequa in Conference nference AA-I. “The competition ition in in practice practice ff or playing time is unlik nlikee that of any other year," Turco said.. "T he girls know that "The production equalss playing playing time. We have viable backups at all positions . I belie ve the competition will will lead lead to to str str ong play.

We're a young team, ut the girls believe m, bbut we can win."

Three pitchers or time rs are vying ffor in the cir cle. Junior to, unior Ashley Tura Turato, freshman Jenna Turato, and sophomor e Megan Mannle all bring ferent styles to bring dif different the diamond, and Tur co believes each is Turco capable of getting the job job done done.. Mannle is a solid hitter w ho will play play first base, base, and may also DH. Ju n i o r S h a n n o n OO' C ' Coonnnneel l l a na d nd freshman Keva Moore will handle the catching duties. Both oth have strong throwing arms, and solid bats. ts.

Hard-hitting senior Mar cella Castellano should be be the the top toprr un producer for the Lad y Seahawks. ahawks. Castellano's ability to play first base or any outfield position gives Turco co flexibility.

Junior second nd baseman baseman Erin Gilroy and har d-working ard-working freshman shortstop Mikayla Morsesi ar aree looking solid in in the middle of thee infield. Seniors Elise Lopez and Danielle Sorrentinto both are pushing f or time in the infield as well well.

Senior Joanna Carillo moves from third base to center field. Carillo is quic k and has a str ong throwing arm. Freshman third baseman Alyssa Jacobs will play the

9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26

hot corner. Turco is impr essed with her softball IQ and str ong arm. Junior Ashley Kelly is also in the mix for time at third.

Sophomore Rebecca Gotterbarn can play every outfield position and is a str ong hitter. Junior Alyssa Schurr returns in the outfield f or the Lad y Seahawks.

Junior Danielle Kaminski and f leet-footed Dominique Morales will both see time in the outfield.

Mepham @ Mepham Mepham Long Beach @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 2 3 7 8 9

@ Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun @ Kennedy Kennedy @ Kennedy

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 M March 28 @ Syosset 30 @ Long Beach

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April A 2 11 16 18 20 24 26 28

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

4:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

May M 1 3 4 8

East Meadow @ MacArthur @ Oceanside @ Mepham

Haarr H rryy .................................

SMITH

Marcella .............................

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

OUTFIELD

CAREY • SEAHAWKS

Lady Seahawks set for all battles

BY ANDREW McCLURE

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

BASEBALL

FIRST BASE

CASTELLANO

Photos by Susan Grieco

Min. $40 Purchase (before tax)

with this coupon. Not valid w/ other offers. Exp. 4/29/12

CORNER

Featuring Greek & Mediterranean Specialties including

- Gyros, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Souvlaki, Falafel & Much More!

WE DELIVER! 281 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square 516-326-0300 • $1 Delivery Charge • $10 Min. Order • Delivery Hours 11am-10pm

165 Voice Road, Carle Place, NY 516-280-2778

Mon. - Sat., 10am-10pm • Sun., 11am-10pm

www.greekcorner.biz

Lunch Special FREE GYRO

buy 2 gyros, get one FREE-

Your choice of lamb or chicken.

Mon-thurs. 11am - 3pm Take-out only.w

$

2.00 OFF Min. $25 Purchase

(before tax) with this coupon. Not valid w/ other offers. Exp. 4/29/12

543747

5.00 OFF GREEK

Grand Slam Carey Seahawks!

$

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

CLARKE

Schedule April

Pitching, defense to spark Rams Seniors driving force for Lady Rams

BY STEVE SINISKI

S

uccess on the softball field often star ts in the circle, and Clarke is set to throw a number of different looks ooks aatt opponents this season. T he Lady y Rams have four returning pitchers, and each brings a little something different to the he table. table. That experience, coupled with se veral other several seniors on a team that fell just st one-run shy of advancing into the thir d round of last season’s playoffs has Clar ke thinking big.

Brooke Wood, a senior in her f ourth varsity season, returns along with classmate Emily McKay, sophomore Nicole Ranan- dazzo and eighth-grader Sarah Cor nell.. Wood relies on the mo vement of her pitc hes to k eep tches batters off-balance, while Cornell is the power arm of the group.

“If you have good pitc hers ers they can can keep you in g ames,” coach Krissy DeMott DeMott said. “It’s nice to ha ve that experience on on the mound and gir ls that know ow what to do with certain batters. “It’s very unusual [the deep staff] because w e’ve ’ve normally used one pitcher.”

Sophomore Angelica Gargiulo and and freshman Selena Ruiz are vying or time ying ffor behind the plate.

Another plus is the entir tiree starting infield returns, and all ar e seniors. First baseman Danielle Ferrara and nd third third baseman Mchaela Rotundo are back ack at the corners, while Aly Smith and Al yssa Colletti Alyssa are an outstanding doub le-play play combination at second base and shortstop. stop. “Most of the infielders have been playing ying together for four years,” DeMott said. “T he commu“The nication between them is great.” at.”

Senior center fielder Demi miShanahan, Shanahan, who also brings a str ong combination mbination of power and speed to the lineup lanked up,, is fflanked by three-year varsity player Jen Raichal, a senior, in right field and sophomor es Chahomores rissa Perfect and Danielle Ragusa gusa in left.

In Shanahan, Ferrara and Wood, Clarke has three potent ba ts but will be f ar from one-dimensional on of fense. “I am v ery confident that we have a strong lineup and

Lynbrook Island Trees V.S. South @ Manhasset @ G.N. North West Hempstead @ Floral Park @ North Shore @ Seaford Seaford @ Seaford @ V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

V.S. North @ V.S. North Mineola @ Mineola Mineola

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @ New Hyde Park

4:45 p.m.

April 3 12 17 19 21 23 27 30

Seaford Island Trees Floral Park @ Bethpage @ Plainedge New Hyde Park @ Seaford @ Island Trees

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 2 @ Floral Park 4 Bethpage 7 Plainedge

Alyssa .................................

COLLETTI

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SHORTSTOP

Chris .........................................

APPEL

PITCHER

Photos by Susan Grieco

FOR THOSE WHO WON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENCE

HIGH GRADE AUTO BODY All Insurance Claims

AUTO BODY COLLISION REPAIR CENTER Justin or Steve:

1671 Prospect Ave. • East Meadow (516) 539-7601

Approved Repair Shop For Leading Insurance Companies FREE INSURANCE ESTIMATES FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS FOREIGN & DOMESTIC WE USE ONLY THE LATEST EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGIES

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm

GO RAMS GO

545075

W

inning is as muc h a tradition for Clarke baseball as g reen grass is to the spring season.

The Rams have captured 15 of their last 16 regular-season conference championships, and the r eturn of eight seniors and a pair of experienced juniors onl y keeps the expectations high. “We’re very deep, very strong defensively and very focused,” coach Tom Abruscato said.

Seniors Chris Appell and Joe Fusco are the top tw o pitchers on the de pth chart, and both light up the radar guns in the mid-80s. Senior Ma tt Seelinger and junior Mike Buttgereit are part of a dee p group of arms that Clarke will be a ble to tur n to whether it’s in the r otation or out of the bullpen.

On the da ys they ar e not pitc hing, Appell, the shor tstop, and Fusco, the second baseman, will anc hor the middle infield with senior J oe Calabrese handling the hot cor ner. Seniors J oe Carmine and Connor Donnelly are battling for at bats across the diamond a t first base. A backup catcher last season, senior J oe Buffalino has moved into the star ting lineup. Junior John Fogarty, a speedy center fielder, also returns.

Clarke is usually noted for a few homerun hitters in the middle of the lineup, but while that may not be the case in 2012, it doesn’t mean the of fense will be an y less potent. “The lineup will be a bout contact,” Abruscato said. “We don’t have that big bomber in the middle , so we’ll have to put the ball in play.”

Fusco and Fogarty are again expected to be k eys in the ba tting order, because they have the type of speed tha t can not only drive opponents n uts mentally, but cause them to mak e mistakes in the field as well. Appell is slated to take his tur n in the meat of the ba tting order. “We scrimmaged [a fe w times] thr ew strikes and played great defense,” Abruscato said of his early evaluation. “We just have to work on putting the ball in pla y more consistently.”

that we will do things tha t we haven’t been able to do in the past because of our speed and power,” DeMott said.

2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

BASEBALL

CLARKE • RAMS

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

6

7

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

EAST MEADOW

Schedule 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Defense, pitching keys for Jets

A

pair of strong-armed pitchers, an All-County returnee at shortstop and a lineup loaded with speed are just thr ee reasons why East Meado w hopes to take the next ste p forward after a 12-8 campaign ear ned them a ber th in the first-round of last season ’s Nassau Class AA baseball playoffs.

Senior Matt Castaneda, who has taken off on the mound after spending time at catcher and the outfield during his Jets career, and c lassmate Ben Wright, a transfer from St. Anthon y’s, give the Jets a potent righty-lefty combo a t the top of the star ting rotation. Senior Sean Betterly is vying f or time behind the tw o, who each throw in the lo w-to-mid-80s.

“Lefties are always nice because they can hold runners on and things lik e that but I’m more excited about the way he throws the ball,” coach Ken Sicoli said of Wright, who enters his first year in the program.

Senior Sean Ka plan and junior Ric h Rankl will handle the catching duties.

The debut of a ne w bat at the high school level that eliminates the use of aluminum bats has appeared to deaden the ball in early workouts, meaning defense could take on an e ven bigger role. To that end, East Meadow’s defense looks well prepared to handle an incr eased workload.

Senior Robbie Healy is bac k at shortstop, where he also dazzles with the bat — he hit .468 last season — and forms a dynamic left side of the infield with sophomor e third baseman Cody Zafrin.

“To have those tw o guys bac k, it’s a stabilizing influence,” Sicoli said.

Junior Jack Ritter and fr eshman Brian Kavanagh were battling for time at second base during spring camp , while juniors Kyle Aberasturi and Ma tt Sumowski are both slated to log innings at first base.

The outfield defense will be k eyed by senior Marvin Cajoles in center field, with junior right fielder Nic k LoCascio entering his first v arsity campaign.

Juniors Sam Sie gel and Robbie Bergmann are both going to get at-bats in left.

group,” Fritz said. “T hey embody [the term] team and have very good chemistry.”

A

ge is just a n umber as f ar as East Meadow is concer ned, and the youthful Lady Jets aree hoping nothing trumps experience as theyygget et set to battle on the softball field.

Coming off a thr ee-game loss in in the Class AA c hampionshp series es to Farmingdale last season, East st Meadow returns eight pla yers to a r oster of 13, inc luding sophomore catcher Madison West, junior T aylor Conti at third base and junior shortstop Danielle Cutuli.

“In our case I belie ve 13 will bee a lucky number,” coach Stu F ritz tz said, as he ste ps into the v arsity ty dugout after thr ee seasons with th the Lady Jets’ junior v arsity team am and nearly 30 seasons of coaching hing experience in all.

West, who contributed several eral big hits in last season ’s playoffs on n top top of of her strong defensive play, is bac k behind the plate where she’ ll work with aa strong group of pitchers. Hard-throwing hrowing sophomore pitcher Ker ri S Shapiro hapiro showed the poise of a veteran during ring the the postseason and will be pushed b y junior Emma McKillop and sophomor e Sandra Foster for time in the circle.

McKillop is also vying f or timee aatt first base along with junior Dina LaR osa, who batted cleanup on the JV squad and ndenters enters her first v arsity campaign. Fosterr is also also in the mix f or playing time at first. t. Senior Jenna Dragoon forms the other half half of East Meadow’s double-play combination bination at second base next to Cutuli. J unior ior Ariel Cornfeld is hoping to carv e outt some some time at either second or in the outfield, tfield, while junior Casey Ka plan also adds adds depth in the infield and behind the plate.

“I can call on an y of the kids on onthe the roster and am very confident that they will give 100 percent and perform,” Fritz tz said.

A trio of sophomores — Clair e Travis, Marissa San Antonio and TiannaaLaR osa LaRosa — are set to patrol the outfield.

“The whole team is a v ery close-knit

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.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.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

V.S. Central @ V.S. Central @ Port Washington Port Washington @ Port Washington

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 MacArthur 30 @ Mepham

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April 2 11 16 18 20 24 26 28

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

4:45 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

May 1 3 4 8

@ Carey @ Long Beach Massapequa @ Syosset

Matt .................................

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

CASTENEDA

PITCHER

EAST MEADOW • JETS

Lady Jets eye another big run

BY STEVE SINISKI

MacArthur @ MacArthur MacArthur @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville Plainview @ Plainview Plainview @ V.S. Central

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

Danielle .............................. SHORTSTOP

CUTULI

Photos by Janette Pellegrini

2330 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow

Come Celebrate Your Next Party With Us. Our O Professional Service & Exceptional Food Makes for a Memorable Party.

Private Room Available

FREE DELIVERY

We Cater On & Off Premise.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-10pm Sun. 12pm-9pm

For a Free Catering Estimate Call 516-796-2500 Nunzie and staff Thank you GO JETS GO! for 22 years of service on Long Island

10% OFF LARGE PIE 10% OFF LUNCH OR DINNER $ 9.99 CHECK

ANY CATERING ORDER of $100 or More

With coupn. Not to be combined with any other offer.

Expires 4/30/12.

Pick up only. With coupn.

Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 4/30/12.

Dine in only. With coupn.

Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 4/30/12.

544000

www.buongustopiesano.com

(up to 120 people)

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

EAST ROCKAWAY

Schedule April 2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Rocks can taste success

M

any of the same a thletes that fueled East Rockaway to a Long Island basketball championship as well as a spirited run to the Nassau football title g ames will lead the R ocks on the baseball diamond.

“It’s a hung ry and talented g roup,” coach Dan Vito said. “Most of the kids are three-sport athletes and coming of f very successful seasons. The chemistry is great.”

Last spring, the R ocks won 13 g ames and reached the Class B finals . This year they’re back in Class C and seeking their first title since 2008. “I hope it’ s not too early, but we’re talking a bout winning a championship,” Vito said. “The kids know what it takes.”

Vito is excited about a talented outfield likely to fea ture junior David McClure in right, senior Mik ey Lores in center, and senior Tom Dolan in left. Juniors Cameron Ralph and Dylan Delury will also push f or time.

McClure, with a smooth lefty s wing, has batted above .300 in bac k-to-back season. He r eturns to the thr ee-hole. “Right field is tough a t our place , but David is sure-handed and has an accura te arm,” Vito said. Lores is fundamentally sound in center and will hit a t the top of the lineup, while Dolan, who batted .365, tries to pic k up where he left off.

Senior second baseman Sean Bohan (.397 average) is expected to hit c lean-up and could see action a t shortstop along with junior Anthon y Filoteo, who has impressed with the glo ve in camp. Senior All-Conference third baseman/pitcher Anthony Tesoriero (.340) ba ts fifth and spearheads the staf f. “Anthony’s a po wer hitter and power pitcher,” Vito said.

Junior Billy Humes, a tall lefty with good mechanics, moves into the star ting rotation after w orking in r elief in 2011 and earning two saves. He may also play first base with senior Dann y McClure. The third starting pitcher is undecided, with seniors Mark Hernandez and Joey Lores,

and junior Eddie Car neglia, in the mix.

Junior Ben Giliber ti has the inside trac k on catching duties.

Offense to propel Lady Rocks

I

f history r epeats itself, East Rockaway will be playing some high-scoring softball games like 2011 when it won 15 and reached the Class B finals . But coac h Joe Lores is optimistic the Lad y Rocks can do a better job of keeping Conference ference ABCIII opponents Di vision, Jericho, icho, Oyster Bay, South Side, Garden City, and Mineola from running around the bases ases and andsaid said the idea is simple. “It’s imperative rative we cut down on walks,” he said.

“We’re familiar with everyone we’re playing.

I think w e’ll be a ble to hit. As long as w e throw strikes, we’ll be fine.”

Senior shortstop Kerrianne ne Vulpis, an All-County selection lastt spring, spring,will will lead the team in many ways. She’s literally the rock of the defense and the theignition ignition switch on of fense. “Kerrianne’s e’s a five-tool five-tool player,” Lores said. “Anything ng hit to the left side of the infield lands in ve, inher herglo glove, and offensively she can hit f orr average and has very good speed.”

The infield r eturns intact. act. Senior Senior Lindsay Dinowitz, an All-Confer ence onference choice, has f our years of varsity experience at first base and issalso also a quality hitter w ho drivess in runs. At thir d base, senior Cara ara Camarada comes of f a str ong campaign, and junior J essica ica Cerasoli (second base) rankked ed among the team’s top thr ee leading hitters.

The Lady Rocks also boastt expeexperience behind the pla te in n three-year starting catcher Jessica Deptulski, a junior who last season erased 11 baserunners. “She r eceives, blocks and throws well,” Loress said.

Senior Katie Seifert and junior unior Gianna Gianna Cilluffo will handle the pitc hing responsibilities. Seifert was “going w ell” before

an injury cost her the second half of last season, Lores said, and Cilluffo earned AllConference honors thanks in larg e part to a strong bat. On days when Seifert throws, the coach plans to find a r un-producing spot in the lineup for Cilluffo.

The only spots up f or grabs after tw o weeks of camp were in the outfield, w here senior Marykate Vulpis will star t after splitting time betw een there and second base a year ago.

@ Malverne Malverne @ C.S. Harbor C.S. Harbor @ Wheatley Wheatley @ Locust Valley Locust Valley @ Oyster Bay Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay Friends Aca.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Friends Aca. Friends Aca. @ Carle Place Carle Place @ Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March M 29 @ Garden City

4:30 p.m.\

April A 3 12 17 19 21 25 26

@ Oyster Bay @ Jericho Division Mineola South Side Garden City Oyster Bay

4:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May M 2 4 7 8

@ Division @ Mineola @ South Side Jericho

Kerrianne .........................

VULPIS

Anthony ..............................

TESORIERO

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SHORTSTOP

PITCHER

Photos by Kathy Leistner

ARE YOU READY TO ROK? GO ROCKS!

Personal Training - Individual or Small Group • Virtual Golf Spa • Cardio Theater and much more!

More Than a Gym - A Total Mind-Body Experience

510 Ocean Avenue • East Rockaway • (516) 881-7800

Call for a tour!

543732

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

BASEBALL

EAST ROCKAWAY • ROCKS

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

8

9

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

ELMONT

Schedule 2 3 7 10 11 12 18 19 20 23 24 26 30

Unfinished business awaits Spartans

L

ast spring, the Spar tans went into the final w eek of the baseball season needing to win just one of three games against Uniondale to assur e themselves of a spot in the inaugural Countywide conference championship game. That victory never came, leaving Elmont looking to exact a little r evenge on conference foes in 2012.

Coach Robert Gates likes the makeup of his team. "We lost two big hitters, but we have our top f our pitchers and our entir e infield back," he said. “I'll tak e pitching and defense an y day. This year is a bout finishing. We were right there a year ago.

We have Uniondale the last series a gain.

Chances are that we'll need to tak e care of business late in the season."

Ricardo Tross is one of the county's hardest throwers with a f astball that tops out in the mid 80s . Tross, who went 5-2 as a junior, has impr oved his secondary pitches. When he's not on the hill, T ross will play second base. He'll occupy a spot in the middle of the order.

Junior Danny Aguilo, who gained national attention by striking out 21 ba tters in a no-hit, no-r un victory over Hempstead, has ter rific control and mix es up four different pitches. The three-year starter at shortstop handles the bat well.

Seniors Alvaro Pimentel and Enrique Sanchez are battling for the thir d spot in the rotation. Pimentel will play right field, and Sanchez, a f our-year varsity player, will handle the hot corner.

Sebastian Pimentel batted over .400 and blasted three homers as a junior . The first baseman should have the oppor tunity to knock in plenty of runs. Catcher Kevin Peguero, who hit .375 as a sophomor e, is working hard on his defense.

Junior center fielder Mik e Braun, who will likely hit second, and senior left fielder Darius Guy join Alv aro Pimentel in the outfield. Senior J onathan Green-Groves will also see a lot of time in the outfield.

Sophomore Malik Todd should g et plenty of opportunities at the plate.

Lady Spartans hope to compete for title

C

oming off a solid third-place finish in 2011, Elmont is f aced with the c hallenge of replacing its entire outfield ld and a solid pitc her, but graduation was as tough on every team in the conference.

The Lady Spartans should be in the he hunt for a title in a Confer ence AA-III II composed of Hempstead, Valley Stream m Central, Uniondale, Westbury, Great Neck ck South, and Herricks.

Elmont coach John Squillace is optitimistic about is team's c hance of earning ng the league's sole playoff berth. "We should uld be very good defensi vely, which should uld enable us to be in e very game," Squillace ace said. "Our pitc hers are very capable, but they're relatively inexperienced. I lik e the way we're looking in the early going. If our pitchers throw strikes, I'm very confident ent that our defense will get the job done."

Senior Elizabeth Redguard and sophohomore Shelby Escobar will handle the pitchching duties f or the Lad y Spartans. While hile both have some decent experience in the the circle, both are works in progress. Each h of the hurlers has good pop in their ba t and will hit in the middle of the Elmont batting ing order.

Squillace is hoping f or big things fr om Jammy Ayala. The sophomore catcher her had a solid season on the junior v arsity ity in 2011, both a t the pla te and behind the the dish. Senior Alicia R edguard, an ex cellent defensive player, returns at shortstop top for Elmont. Junior Amba Jagnarine could uld emerge as the strongest hitter on the team. am.

Jagnarine's ability to pla y second base ase,, third base, and e very outfield position, on, gives the Lady Spartans more flexibility.

Seniors Rose Daniels and Bria Duhaney ney will play first base and thir d base, respecpectively. Both have been v ery pleasant surprises in the pr eseason. Senior center fielder Bria Fisher will lik ely hit at the top of the order and lead the outfield defense. The fleet-footed Fisher her should be an ef fective table setter. Junior ior Natalie Santiago will play left field. Santiatiago could bat in the second spot in the order.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 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.

May 1 3 14 15 16

@ G.N. South G.N. South Uniondale @ Uniondale Uniondale

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 @ Hempstead

4:30 p.m.

April 2 11 16 18 20 24 28

G.N. South V.S. Central Uniondale @ Westbury @ Herricks Hempstead @ G.N. South

4:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 4 8

@ V.S. Central @ Uniondale Westbury Herricks

Sebastian .......................

PIMENTEL

Elizabeth ............................

REDGUARD

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

FIRST BASE

ELMONT • SPARTANS

BY ANDREW McCLURE

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

PITCHER

Photos by Susan Grieco

VIEW PHOTOS WE’VE TAKEN AT GAMES AND OTHER EVENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Visit: liherald.com/photos To enjoy viewing your photos by home town.

Photography powered by:

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

HEWLETT

Schedule April

Bulldogs looking for fast start versatile,” said DeBer nardo, “but we have to find ways to score runs.”

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

D

espite losing a k ey component before the opening da y of spring training, coach Andrew DeBernardo believes the He wlett diamondmen can challenge for a playoff spot in a talented Conference A-II that includes Division, South Side and Roslyn.

“Last year was disappointing with only two wins, but we had a lot of youth and a tough schedule,” DeBernardo said. “We’ve had some bad luc k already, but I have no doubts we’ll be competiti ve. We want to get out of the gate quick and put last y ear behind us.”

The Bulldogs will embark on the ne w season without the services of sophomore third baseman/pitcher Zach Benaharon, who will miss all of 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. “His ba t is tr emendous and he’ s also one of our star ting pitchers,” DeBernardo said. “Hopefull y he’ll be 100 percent for next year and other guys will pick up the slack.”

Junior Luchiano Morello returns to a spot in the pitc hing rotation after g etting a taste of success last spring. He’ ll play first base on non-thr owing days and contribute offensively every day. “He faced all the tough lineups and did a good job ,” DeBernardo said.

Senior pitcher Lyle Alper enjo yed an effective finish last season and has secur ed a starting role. “He kno ws how to k eep hitters off-balance,” DeBernardo said.

The inside track to the No . 3 job in the rotation belongs to junior Tyler Sc hanker, who brings a f astball with zip and a nice curve. He could also see time a t third base with senior Eddie Zaloba. J unior Zach Smilowitz and sophomor e Alex Messados are working well at catcher.

The defense up the middle a ppears in good hands with juniors J ason Ceccatelli and Matt Isaacs at shortstop and second base, respectively, and senior speed demon Brandon Mar tinez in center field.

Flanking Martinez is senior Pat Pasculli in right and junior Logan Grossman in left.

“We’ re dee p on the mound and

Youth served for Lady Bulldogs

T

he offense is lik ely to deter mine whether or not the Lad y Bulldogs make their first softball pla yoff appearance since 2009, coac h Vinnie Lospinuso said.

“It all depends on how we hit,” hit, he said. said.

“Scoring was a pr oblem last year year and we we missed the pla yoffs by one g ame. We’re really young, but we’re going ng to to try try to to manufacture as many runs as we can.”

Left fielder Samara Yegelwel el is the lone senior on He wlett’s roster and nd someone someone who brings exceptional defensee and a consistent bat. “Samara’s an experienced ienced player we can count on,” Lospinuso o said.

The starting pitcher-catcher er combination of juniors Casey W ein and nd Sam Sam CanCancelarich led last y ear’s JV team am and and the the coach believes they can makkee a smooth transition to v arsity. “They both orked oth w worked hard over the summer and look ookgood goodinin practice,” Lospinuso said. Wein, n, who projects to g et about 70 per cent off the workload in the cir cle, relies on an assor tment assortment of pitches and accurac y to gget et the job done, while Cancelarich has a quality qualityba batt and arm. Cancelarich made her arher vvarsity debut last year and r eached ed base twice.

Junior Gabby Casanova will ill also pitch and serv e as thee team’s starter at third base.

She swings a ba t capable of doing damage and could provide a muc h-needed spark.

The versatility of sophomore re Carly Rivlin will allow Lospinuso to use her aatt third base when Casanova pitches, and she she can can also play in the outfield. Ri vlin n and sophomore center fielder Ga bi Schwartz wartz make for a speed-oriented top and bottom ottomofof the lineup, and their baser unning ability will come in handy against Conference ence ABC-IV rivals Sewanhaka, Lynbrook, Locust ValValley, Roslyn, West Hempstead, and riends and FFriends Academy. Juniors Kayla Sippin, Jara Tell-

er and Rac hel Alfassy add to the outfield depth.

Anchoring the infield is sophomor e shortstop Amy Vitha, a talented hitter and fielder coming of f an All-Conference campaign. Junior Nicole Rizzo will pla y first and bat clean-up, and junior Sydney Rosenblum earned the starting gig at second.

“I like the chemistry,” Lospinuso said.

2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

BASEBALL

Bethpage @ Glen Cove @ Wantagh New Hyde Park Jericho @ Plainedge @ Garden City Lawrence @ South Side South Side @ South Side @ Roslyn

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.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

Roslyn @ Roslyn Division @ Division Division

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 West Hempstead 29 Friends Aca.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 12 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

@ Roslyn 4:30 p.m. @ Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. @ Lynbrook 4:30 p.m. @ Garden City 4:30 p.m.

Locust Valley 10:30 a.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m. @ Friends Aca. 4:30 p.m.

Roslyn 4:30 p.m.

Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

May 2 Lynbrook 7 @ Locust Valley

Amy .................................

VITHA

Luchiano .................................

MORELLO

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SHORTSTOP

HEWLETT • BULLDOGS

PITCHER

Photos by Victoria Lodi

GO HEWLETT BULLDOGS!!

Here's to a Winning Spring Sports Season

PHILS BODY WORKS INC

Dom Valenti RJ Valenti (Richie)

1-800-28-PHILS • NIGHT TOWING (516) 792-7055

535374

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

10

PHONE (516) 569-3252 • (516) 569-3255 • FAX (516) 374-5332

1623 Broadway • Hewlett, NY 11557

philsbodyworks.com

11

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

KENNEDY

Schedule 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Cougars hit the field running

F

ew teams are going to pack the type of experience into their lineup than Kennedy does, and the Coug ars are hoping that helps put them o ver the top on the diamond in Nassau. T here are 14 seniors in all suiting up , including Jordan Boyer and Kevin Sustad, the top tw o arms in the pitc hing rotation. “We are a senior team and ther e are a lot of threeyear guys,” coach Eric P assman said. “It does make a tremendous difference.”

The two righties on the mound ar e perfect compliments, with Sustad a f lat-out hard-throwing power pitcher — he hits the mid-80s on the radar gun — and Bo yer relying more on his of f-speed pitches and movement in the strik e zone. They’ll be throwing to one of the mor e experienced catchers in the County, senior R ob Delgado, whose arm behind the plate virtually keeps runners standing still on the basepaths.

“He’s like a coac h on the field,” P assman said of his bac kstop. “He knows the pitchers and we rarely disagree on pitches.

It’s a tremendous advantage.”

The Cougars, who face Carey, Calhoun, Mepham, Long Beac h and Her ricks three times apiece, strength up the middle continues at shortstop, where senior Noah Shulman returns. He car ried an average over .600 last season and teams up with senior second baseman Da vid Leiberman, who hit better than .500, to f orm a one-two punch at the plate and in the field.

Junior Michael McCormick is bac k at third base and ste ps into the leadof f spot in the lineup w here his good speed and ability to get on base should gi ve Shulman and Lieberman plenty of opportunities to produce runs. Senior De vin Oken and junior Jake Schwartz battled for time a t first base in spring camp.

Senior Jordan Leopold, an All-Confer ence left fielder, is back, as is senior right fielder Brandon F erota. In center field, junior Matthew Murphy will be trac king down fly balls, while senior Keith Ezersky is versatile enough to pla y the outfield,

Lady Cougars eye playoff return

A

solid blend of talent led b y a dee p group of pitchers stands to make ake the Lady Cougars a tough out on the he softball field this spring. T he roster carries arries a pair of eighth-graders, a few freshmen men and sophomores and a n umber of key upperclass players as Kennedy aims to mak makee a return to the Class AA playoffs.

Seniors Gabby Calia and Samantha ha Finkel both have a dee p collection of pitches to keep batters off-balance and could et uld gget help in the cir cle from junior Bec ky Ellison and eighth-g rader Sydney Yormack. rmack.

“They all bring something dif ferent,” erent,” new coach Tom Piccirillo said. “Ha ving Having four girls that can pitc h gives us aa lot lotof of options.”

The group will be thr owing to aa pair pair of junior ca tchers in Kristen Sie gler ler and Rebecca Tistocchi, and the experience enceofof the pitchers is an added bon us. “It will will help the ca tchers having the experienced rienced pitchers,” Piccirillo said. “T he girlss know a lot of the teams w e will be pla ying ng and will be able to adjust their pitching accordingly.”

When Yormack isn’t in the circle, e, she’ll be battling for playing time a t shortstop ortstop with sophomore Allison J ones. Eighthgrader Samantha Jones is slotted ffor or second base, while Calia, a v arsity player since eighth-grade, and senior Heaather ther Hulkhower are locked in at third base ase and first base , respectively. Having ng such a young middle infield isn ’t a concern for Piccirillo. “They have been very well-coached,” he said.

They both play a lot of travel ball and they ar e very knowledgeable about the game.”

Sophomore Lauren Sustad is a r ock in center field, w here her speed and str ong arm keep runners honest on the base paths. She’s flanked by junior P aige Nowicki in right field and fr eshman Missy Mavrogian in right.

A balanced lineup is po wered by Sustad, who brings considera ble pop to the plate along with her speed. Hulkho wer will also have a major par t in Kennedy’s run production, which is sur e to come in handy against Conference AA-II rivals.

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.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Long Beach Long Beach Carey @ Carey Carey

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 Calhoun 30 Port Washington

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 2 11 16 18 20 24 26 28

@ Plainview @ Farmingdale @ Hicksville Freeport Baldwin @ Calhoun @ Port Washington Plainview

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.

May 1 3 4 8

Farmingdale Hicksville @ Freeport @ Baldwin

Noah a .................................

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SHULMAN

Heather H th ................................

SHORTSTOP

KENNEDY • COUGARS

third base and e ven act as the designa ted hitter.

BY STEVE SINISKI

@ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks @ Mepham Mepham @ Mepham Calhoun @ Calhoun Calhoun Long Beach

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

FIRST BASE

HULKHOWER

Photos by Ron Manfredi

Good Luck Kennedy Cougars!

Keith B. Annapolen D.D.S., M.A.G.D. T 516.826.7272 F 516.826.7242

DrAnnapolen@bellmoresmiles.com www.bellmoresmiles.com

2883 Judith Drive Bellmore, NY 11710

544247

Master Academy of General Dentistry

12

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview BASEBALL March 30 Malverne

Versatility a plus for Golden Tornadoes

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

A

mix of veterans and ne wcomers, many capable of playing multiple positions, makes Lawrence an intriguing team on the baseball diamond a year after it posted eight victories w hile navigating a difficult schedule.

“We have a couple of starting pitchers back, so tha t helps, and also some pieces to figure out,” coach Dennis Leonard said.

“I’m not sur e who we’re going to ha ve in certain spots, but there’s no shor tage of options.”

Leonard described the first fe w weeks of practice “competitive and lively,” and said the unseason ably warm weather put extra hop in the Golden Tornadoes’ steps.

Senior A.J. Gallo, a tw o-time All-Conference selection, will lead the r otation and play second base w hen he’s not on the mound. He ear ned three wins in 2011 and throws a “heavy” fastball, Leonard said, and a sharp breaking ball. “He can be r eally tough when he’s on,” the coach noted. At the dish, Gallo has g ap power is tough to strike out.

Also returning to the hill is junior Mike Papalardo, a finesse pitc her with a good command of the strike zone and a combination of size and strength. He comes off a solid campaign as the No. 3 starter and can contribute at third base or in the outfield.

“If we play defense behind him, Mik e will keep us in every game,” Leonard said.

Vying for the third spot in the r otation are seniors Ste ven Komisarjevsky and Anthony Montilli. Both will contrib ute to the staff on some le vel. Komisarjevsky is one of the team’ s most v ersatile players and could land behind the pla te, at the hot corner, or the outfield on an y given day.

Montilli is an option at first base.

Sophomore Joey Capobianco, who helped the football team to a county c hampionship, starts at shortstop. Sophomore Joe Montilli could emerg e the full-time catcher, while junior Mic hael Fragner starts at a cor ner outfield spot. Seniors Ayal Ciobotaru and Justin Greenberg, and junior Jared Stone, will also contribute.

Lady Golden Tornadoes focus on defense

F

irst-year coach Matt Wynn said there’s no reason why Lawrence’s softball team shouldn’t finish with a winning record in Conference ABC-V. “It’s not just a bout wins and losses ,” Wynn said. “I want all the gir ls to enjo y playing and have a positi ve experience. tive They’re practicing har d and I’m I’m looking looking for things to carry over into to games.”

Defense has been Wynn’s n’s focus throughout March. “We want opponents ponents to to ear ear n their way on base,” he said. aid. “W “Wee have to limit errors and free passes.” es.”

The Lady Golden T ornarnadoes, who have Wheatley, Great Neck North, Cold Spring Harbor, Malverne, and R oosevelt as conference foes, are young in the cir cle. Freshman Emily DiNardi, who brings a pitching background, h a s excellent mechanics and ve attid aa positi pos itive tude, Wynn said. “She hassgood goodzip zipon onthe the ball and seems to be ar ound nd the plate with every pitch.”

Junior Gabi Golan iss another hanother pitc pitching candidate and a lik ely y contributor in right field. She brings energ y, competitiveergy, ness, and a solid lefty ba t. “She’s a gamer,” Wynn said. “She’s the type pe of of player willing to do whatever it takess for a team to be successful.”

After handling a por tion on of pitching in recent years, junior po wer hitter Nicole Nicole Robinson will serve as a tall et at first tall targ target base. “She’s a thr ee-sportt athlete and the the leader of our infield,” W ynn said. “She’ ll “She’ll be in the middle of the lineup neup and we we need to drive in runs.”

Junior Joseline Castillo eturn with illo rreturn a strong glove at second base, base, sophomore Ariella Cruz steps in a t shortstop, and junior Alexa Ler man and d senior senior Connie Connie Vollmer will both see action on at third.

Behind the dish, juniorrMic helle CanaMichelle les has excellent blocking skills and a good arm, Wynn said. Senior Alexis Quir ros is also in the ca tching picture, and Wynn

plans to find room for her bat in the lineup.

Speedy junior Marisa Bou will set the offensive table from the leadof f spot and patrol center field. Classmates Golan, Olivia DelGrosso and Ca therine Olmedo will also contribute.

1 3 7 8 9

Plainedge @ Plainedge Glen Cove @ Glen Cove Glen Cove

30 Malverne

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.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.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April 3 17 19 23 25 27 30

G.N. North Wheatley @ C.S. Harbor @ Roosevelt @ Malverne @ G.N. North @ Wheatley

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 C.S. Harbor 7 Roosevelt

Nicole .................................

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

ROBINSON

A.J. .................................

GALLO

CARPET Family Owned and Operated Since 1946

543963

Jericho Division @ Wantagh New Hyde Park South Side @ Roslyn @ Hewlett @ Bethpage Bethpage @ Bethpage @ Plainedge

SOFTBALL March

PITCHER

Wishing All Nassau County School Teams A Successful Season!

516-569-0800

2 3 5 9 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

May

Photos by Ron Manfredi

395 Pearsall Avenue • Cedarhurst

4:45 p.m.

April

Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 10 am to 2:00 pm Weekends by Appointment

FIRST BASE

LAWRENCE • GOLDEN TORNADOES

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

LAWRENCE

Schedule

13

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

LONG BEACH

Schedule 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 25 30

Seniors to lead way for Marines

T

here’s no substitute f or experience, and Long Beac h baseball coac h Jason Zizza is thrilled with the idea of having 12 seniors on the r oster and believes it’ll translate into more success.

“I’ve coached 10 of these kids f or four years and it’ s one of the har dest working groups I’ve been ar ound,” Zizza said.

“We’re well-aware of what we’re up against. Our confer ence has the past tw o county champions along with some of the best coaches in Nassau. Ev ery game is tough.”

Facing defending Nassau and Long Island Class AA c hampion Carey, 2010 county champion Calhoun, K ennedy, Mepham and Her ricks three times a piece doesn’t offer Long Beac h any relief from the first pitch of the season to the last. T he Marines won three games last spring, b ut Zizza said he’s confident the n umber will rise.

Senior Danny Mayper is a t the top of the starting rotation and will be ma tched against opponents’ No . 1’s on a r egular basis. The hard-throwing righty worked as a starter and r eliever a year ago. “Danny knows what’s in store and can handle pressure,” Zizza noted.

Senior Sal Ruscica, a southpaw, has a good fastball but relies more on of f-speed stuff to keep hitters guessing. “He a ttacks the strike zone,” Zizza said. On non-pitc hing days, Ruscica will pa trol the outfield.

He’ll also hit at or near the top of the lineup.

Fresh off a solid JV campaign, junior Andrew Judge will g et every chance to be the No. 3 star ter. He has a combina tion of speed and strength, and he’ll contribute at shortstop or in the outfield. J unior catcher Matt Firpo is an athletic and solid receiver.

Senior Jake Kempinski, who starts at first base, is also in the mix to pitch. Senior Bill Foley is a returning infield starter and will play second or shor tstop, and senior Ben Lerich is at third.

Fleet-footed senior center fielder Lor enzo Torres leads an outfield tha t includes

More expected of Lady Marines

L

ast season was a r oller-coaster ride on the softball field f or Long Beac h, which finished 10-11 and split a pair of Class AA pla yoff games with a y outhfilled roster.

“We’re a year older and nd wiser, wiser, and I’m expecting more from thiss group since the b ulk of the team is bac k,” coach Carmine Verde said. “We’re seeded where we belong — fifth like last year — and we’ll try to sho w we’re better.”

Opponents will be harrd-pressed d-pressed to contain senior leaders K elsey McLaughKelsey lin and Annie W inerip, a tandem ely to tandem lik likely make up the heart of Longg Beach’s lineup.

McLaughlin, an All-Sta te shortstop State headed to C.W. Post, batted ed .375 with fi ve homers and has a g reat arm rm and rang rangee to anchor the defense. “If we’re going to to go go deep in the pla yoffs, Kelsey ey needs to ha ve another big year and drivee in runs,” Verde said.

Winerip is a solid contact ntacthitter hitter(.350 (.350 average) and savvy catcher er coming of f an All-Conference campaign. “Annie’s a smart and steady ballplayer and d I’m I’m hoping ho pingshe she builds off last season,” Verde rde said.

On the r eceiving end of of Winerip’s signals is junior pitc her Ashley tin, who hley Mar Martin, beat each of last y ear’s top thr ee seeded three teams in Conference AA-I en route to earning All-County honors . “Ashley Ashley matched some of the best pitc h-for-pitch,” or-pitch,” Verde said. “She’s a tir eless worker ee orker with thr three strong out-pitches.”

Martin isn’t the onl y pitching option, either. Sophomore Heather er Weinstein and freshman Kelsey Larson also utalso contrib contributed in the cir cle last year. Weinstein could start at second or thir d base, while Larson, who batted .320 from the leadof f spot, could play second or center field.

Verde’s outfield options ar e plentiful.

Senior Caitlin O’Connell r eturns in right, and sophomore Julianna Zaharias is being strongly considered for left. Juniors Alison DiLello and Tara Shouldis ar e also in the mix. Senior Victoria Stewart, junior Kristy Fox and sophomore Brianna Rivera are all getting looks a t first base, with the la tter also a candidate for the hot corner.

Calhoun10:30 a.m. @ Calhoun 10:30 a.m.

Calhoun 10:30 a.m. @ Carey 4:30 p.m.

Carey 4:30 p.m. @ Carey 4:30 p.m.

Mepham 4:30 p.m. @ Mepham 4:30 p.m.

Mepham 4:30 p.m. @ Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

Kennedy @ Kennedy Herricks @ Herricks Herricks

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March M 28 Oceanside 30 Carey

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April A 2 11 16 18 20 24 26 28

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

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

May M 1 3 4 8

MacArthur East Meadow @ Syosset @ Massapequa

Danny .................................

MAYPER

Kelsey .................................

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

PITCHER

LONG BEACH • MARINES

seniors Matt Rizzo and Ben Swan, and junior Steven Suskind.

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

SHORTSTOPP

McLAUGHLIN

Photos by Janette Pellegrini

For all your jewelry needs

Buy ✦ Sell ✦ Repairs ✦ Custom Pieces & More Visit us today at 4545 Austin Blvd. • Island Park, NY 11561 • 516-897-3391 Monday - Saturday 9AM - 5:30PM

Gold Silver Platinum Diamonds Fine Watches Coins

GOOD LUCK Long Beach Mariners!

544466

SAATCHI JEWELRY

We Pay CA$H For

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

LYNBROOK

Schedule April 2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Owls primed for another run

BY TOM JORDAN

A

fter turning in a cr edible but unremarkable regular season that earned them a No . 13 seed in the Nassau Class A baseball pla yoffs last spring, the Owls embarked on a postseason run that was anything but ordinary.

It all star ted with a 4-0 extra-inning victory over North Shore in the opening round. Two days later they won an entirely different kind of game, outslugging Glen Cove 9-7 to ad vance to the quar terfinals against Island Trees.

Lynbrook dropped the opening g ame in that series 2-1 and then w on another thriller, this time 3-2, w hen Mike Milillo hit a walk-of f single in the bottom of the eighth. They took a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the se venth of the thir d and decisive game only to have luck go a gainst them.

When it was all o ver, after they’d lived on the brink of elimination for more than a week, coach Al Mar razzo talked about all of the “teac hable moments” the pla yoff run had afforded him.

“They’ll be better f or this,” he said of his players in g eneral, and of senior leaders Alex Weingarten and Brian Bilello in particular.

Weingarten, an All-Confer ence selection who finished 5-2 with a 1.20 ERA to go along with a .425 ba tting average, will play shortstop when he’s not pitc hing. Bilello, who hit .420 with three homers and 29 RBIs and also ear ned All-Conference honors, will be bac k in his f amiliar spot behind the plate. In addition to his hitting pr owess, Bilello demonstrated “defensive excellence,” Marrazzo said.

The two big guns will be joined in the lineup by postseason her o Milillo, as well as returning seniors Mic hael McHenry and Billy Mackie. Junior Ian R eed will likely step into the star ting job a t third base and junior Austin Bilello will play the outfield and pitch. Seniors Brian Kelly and Rocco Scibelli have also shown promise.

“We’re expecting big things fr om a lot of guys,” Marrazzo said. “They have some big shoes to fill, but the talent is there.”

Lady Owls eye third straight postseason

B

umped to Confer ence A-III last season after going 17-1 and winning the A-V championship in 2010, the Lad y Owls’ winning percentage took a dip. Still, when they a bsolutely needed a win, in,they they knew how to get it. They defeated Hewlett on the last day of the regular season, on, earning a thir d-place finish and a spottininthe the playoffs.

Like their classmates from the baseball team, the Lady Owls saw their season son come to an end with a postseason loss to Island T rees. And then over the of fseason the team’ s starting pitcher moved out of state. Nonetheless, coach Pete Toscano is confident his c lub can compete for a third straight trip to the playoffs.

“We’re not completely set, but we still have our core,” he said.

The core consists of All-Division ion performer Christina Malca gni at third rd base, All-County selection Casey K eller at first, Bridgette Greene, Megan Montine and Christy Harvey. Malcagni is aa speed y speedy senior leadoff hitter who will likely ly pitch the bulk of the innings, though Toscano‘s oscano‘s plan is to “split the duties.” She and d Keller, a senior and the No . 3 hitter, are the he team team captains. Greene, a junior, is a pitccher her and a center fielder. Montine, a sophomor homoree third baseman and outfielder, is the he No No.. 2 hitter and, like Malcagni, a speed demon. demon.

Harvey, a junior, bats fifth and will illmak makee the move from second base to shortstop. stop.

“We’ll be competitive if they all ve all ha have solid years. I think they’re all goingg to have big years,” Toscano said.

Toscano is also expecting str ongg contributions from Christy Tuzzio, Julia a Cusak and Erica Connors , a pr omising catcher who will play on the v arsity levell for the first time.

In the c yclical nature of high hool h sc school athletics, coaches are constantly looking oking to replenish talent. Last season T oscano had to find r eplacements for his entir e starting outfield and an All-Confer ence third baseman. He found Malcagni to play third.

Now Malcagni moves to the middle of the diamond as Toscano replaces a pitcher.

Lynbrook is seeded second in Confer ence ABC-IV.

BASEBALL

@ Clarke 4:30 p.m.

Floral Park 4:30 p.m. @ Island Trees 10:30 a.m.

V.S. North 10:30 a.m. @ North Shore 10:30 a.m.

Seaford 4:45 p.m.

Mineola 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:15 p.m. @ G.N. North 4:30 p.m.

G.N. North 4:30 p.m. @ G.N. North 4:30 p.m.

Manhasset 4:30 p.m.

May M 1 3 7 8 9

@ Manhasset Manhasset @ V.S. South V.S. South @ V.S. South

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

SOFTBALL March M 27 Sewanhaka 29 @ Roslyn

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

April A 3 12 17 19 23 25 27 30

@ West Hempstead Friends Aca. Hewlett @ Locust Valley @ Sewanhaka Roslyn West Hempstead @ Friends Aca.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

May M 2 @ Hewlett 4 Locust Valley

Casey .................................

KELLER

Brian .................................

BILELLO

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

FIRST BASE

CATCHER

LYNBROOK • OWLS

Photos by Ron Manfredi

Good Luck Owls!

Play Ball!

FREE

2011 e-File (new clients)

Don’t Let Tax Time Get You Down Come to the Experts

Wolfsohn Financial Services Inc. ✦ 153 Broadway, Lynbrook ✦ 887-7380

543702

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

14

15

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

MALVERNE

Schedule

Glove work key for Mules Speed to fuel Lady Mules

M

alverne returns only four starters to the softball field, b ut coach Jennifer Gibbons is counting on pitc hing and team speed to k eep it competitive against Conference ABC-V f oes Wheatley, Great Neck North, Cold Spring Harbor , Lawrence, and Roosevelt.

“I thought we did pr etty well last year with a tougher sc hedule, so we’re looking to get more wins,” Gibbons said. “We’re familiar with some opponents. Cold Spring Harbor and Wheatley always give us a r un for our money.”

Running is something the Lad y Mules plan to do consistently. The lineup from top of bottom is full of athletes that won’t be afraid to take an extra base when an opportunity presents itself.

While the of fense may take some time to jell due to a host of newcomers, Gibbons is excited about the a bility of freshman pitcher Sydney Witowski to k eep every game close. Witowski handled the major ity of work in the cir cle last spring and is more confident and str onger. “She plays travel ball and contin ues to lear n every day,” Gibbons said. “She has a nice windmill delivery and is also someone w e’re counting on of fensively. She’s quick and batted third last year.”

Handling Witowski’s deliveries is senior catcher Karen Ulysse, a three-sport athlete with a g reat arm, speed and po wer.

“Karen has de veloped into a pa tient hitter over the y ears,” Gibbons explained.

“She doesn’t need to get a big hit to help us score. She’s just as valuable on base.”

All-Conference senior shor tstop Sarah Robinson is a solid all-ar ound player who covers a lot of infield g round and ba ts in the meat of the or der. She also has experience as a pitc her and ma y log a fe w innings. “Sarah’s a na tural athlete,” Gibbons said. “We’ll count on her a lot.”

The same can be said of sophomore Shantell Oliver in center field. She’ s quick with tremendous range and may bat lead-

May 1 3 7 8 9

Wheatley Wheatley @ Locust Valley Locust Valley @ Locust Valley

@

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 30 @ Lawrence

4:45 p.m.

April 3 17 19 23 25 27 30

C.S. Harbor Roosevelt Wheatley @ G.N. North Lawrence @ C.S. Harbor @ Roosevelt

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 2@ Wheatley 7 G.N. North

Dominick D

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

GANDOLFO

Sarah .................................

SHORTSTOP

ROBINSON

PITCHER

Photos by Kathy Leistner

GOOD LUCK MALVERNE MULES

543717

D

efensive woes were much to blame for Malverne’s struggles on the baseball diamond in 2011, b ut coach Tim Young believes the senior -led Mules will be impr oved with experience and a less-livelier bat in place.

“We lost a b unch of games by one or two runs, mostly because of fielding,” Young said. “The ball shouldn’t be jumping off the ba ts as har d and I think tha t will benefit a team lik e ours. We have to keep the errors down to make a run at the playoffs.”

The Mules will f ace a f amiliar set of foes. They’ll tangle with Cold Spring Har bor, Locust Valley and Whea tley three times apiece and pla y home-and-home crossovers with Carle Place, East Rockaway, Friends Academy, and Oyster Bay. Senior Scott Sabino serves as the of fensive and defensive catalyst for Malverne, which comes of f a f our-win campaign. A four-year starter, he covers a ton of ground in center field and has a cannon ar m that erased seven baserunners last spring. He’s also an ideal leadof f hitter — mak es contact and has str uck out onl y nine times over three seasons. “He’s by far our best defensive player and also someone w e count on to g et on base and scor e,” Young said.

Senior Jordan Richard returns in left and swings a ba t with pop, while senior Nathaniel Williamson and junior Dominick Gandolfo will see action in right. Gandolfo, another power hitter, is being counted on to lead the pitc hing staff after posting a 2.10 ERA in r elief last season. “He’ s got a good f astball, curve and c hange-up,” Young said. Williamson is also a str ong candidate for a spot in the starting rotation along with sophomor e Tyler Zimmer man and freshman Steven Berry.

In Zimmerman (second base) and Berry (shortstop), the Mules’ middle infield could be set f or years. Senior J ose Rodriguez moves to third base, where he’ll fire assists to senior Christian Alg arra at first. Leading the infield fr om behind the pla te is

off. Others expected to contrib ute include juniors Kim-Lin Ramsawak and J essica Mele, and senior first-y ear player Amanda Masson.

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

Friends Aca. 4:45 p.m. @ Friends Aca. 4:45 p.m.

Oyster Bay 10:30 a.m. @ Oyster Bay 4:45 p.m.

Carle Place 4:30 p.m. @ Carle Place 4:30 p.m.

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

C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m. @ Wheatley 4:45 p.m.

MALVERNE • MULES

senior Jeremy Sarnataro, a r eturning starter who calls most of the pitches.

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

44 Broadway, Lynbrook 516-599-8734 Mention this Ad & Receive

5 weeks & 5 personal training sessions for $199 (exp. April 15, 2012)

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

MEPHAM

Schedule April

Pirates backed by deep staff

BY STEVE SINISKI

S

uccess in anything leads to expectations, so after fi ve consecutive seasons with a playoff berth—two ending with semifinal a ppearances and tw o in quarterfinal round—the bar has been set on the baseball diamond f or Mepham.

“The guys feel tha t last year’s loss in the first round didn’t live up to their expectations,” coach Bill Murphy said.

Moving forward, a star ting rotation that includes three senior right-handers and a dee p bullpen promise to k eep the Pirates among the contenders in 2012.

They’ve got Car ey, Kennedy, Long Beac h, Herricks, and Calhoun as Confer ence AA-II rivals.

Seniors Chris Brucato, Kyle Berlin and Kris Waldron are all tall and powerful with each standing a t least 6-f oot-1 and a ble to consistently bring the hea t. Juniors Jason Foley, Brian Helft and Anthon y Aiello ar e also expected to lo g innings. Seniors John Frisolone and Steven Teitel are back after sharing time behind the pla te last season and will again battle for at bats.

Berlin and Waldron are both expected to see time at first base with junior Tommy Brodsky also in the mix. J oe Pedone, a junior, returns to shor tstop for his second season as a star ter and teams with senior second baseman Nick Wenthen in keeping the Pirates strong up the middle . Senior J.T. Elsasser is at the hot corner.

On days when he’s not pitc hing, Brucato will play in the outfield w here seniors Dylan Gordon and Adam P etersen and junior Shane Agostino ar e also part of the equation.

A change in hardware across the county, specifically with the ba ts, could mak e for a dif ferent type of game centering less on power and more on small ball. And tha t could also be an ad vantage for a Me pham team that has its str ength on the mound and in the field. “It doesn ’t look like we’ll have the same type [of team] w here we have to try and outscor e the opposition,” Murphy said. “It seems lik e we might be more [about] pitching, defense and speed.

Veterans to lead Lady Pirates

C

oming off a first-r ound victory in last season’s playoffs and boasting the return of five key veterans, Mepham is ready to keep moving forward on the softball field in Confer ence AA-I. “I think w e’re going to be competitive and we’ll have some young kids filling in,” coac h Mike Muscara said. “W e have a very good sophomore class and had a very good junior v arsity team last st year, the best we’ve had in years.”

Sophomore pitcher Toni Marie Valeriano made quite a splash a t the vvararsity level last spring, winning f our ur of her five decisions down the stretch and is a returning All-Conference honoree. A hardthrower with command of four pitches, Valeriano’s a g roundball pitcher who ho will keep her defense in volved and alsoo fields fields her position well.

The Lady Pirates’ battery is completed mpleted by senior ca tcher Claudia Law, a thr eethreetime All County honor ee who was as also also named to one All-Sta te team and ear ned earned second team All-Long Island honors orson on another. “It’s a tremendous plus to ha ve have them [both],” Muscara noted ofof Mepham’s combo in the cir cle and behind the plate.

Senior Casey T homas, a returning All-Division honoree, could log some innings behind the plate but is primaril y slated for third base as a v eteran on an infield tha t will be usher ing in se veral new starters. In the outfield, junior Mary Galg ano will track down flies alongside senior Nicole P azienza, a returning All-Conference centerfielder.

Mepham has to mak e up f or the loss of two of its big gest bats, but the r eturn of Law, a punishing hitter with power to the gaps, and improved overall speed cer tainly gives the of fense some punch. “I think w e’re going to be mor e of

a line-drive hitting team,” Muscara said.

“We have more speed than in the past.”

Leadership from the r eturning players will be a k ey to success f or the Lad y Pirates, who play in Nassau’s top conference. “Those four [upperclass players] are looking to lead us and sho w the younger kids the way to go,” Muscara said.

9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 25 30

BASEBALL

@ Carey Carey @ Carey Kennedy @ Kennedy Kennedy @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Long Beach Herricks

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Herricks Herricks @ Calhoun Calhoun @ Calhoun

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 Massapequa 30 East Meadow

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April 2 12 16 18 20 24 26 28

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

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.

May 1 3 4 8

Syosset Oceanside MacArthur Carey

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Tonimarie ..............................

VALERIANO

John .................................

FRISOLONE

CATCHER

PITCHER

MEPHAM • PIRATES

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

16

Photos by Jeff Wilson

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY March 31st April 21st 12 to 2 pm

YOUNGER CAMPERS OLDER CAMPERS • Mature, Adult Staff. 1:3 Ratio Basketball • Handball • Baseball • • Hot Lunch • Ice Cream • Transportation Hockey • Lacrosse • • 2 Heated Pools • Red Cross Instruction Fencing • Rock Climbing • • Arts & Crafts • Cooking • Music Archery • Horseback Riding • Woodworking • Rocketry • Dance • • Hockey • Handball & More • Weekly Sports Clinics Science • Gymnastics • • Lunch With Surprise Characters Night Activities • Theme parties • • Annual Dog Show LI Ducks• Swim Instruction• Fishing • • Science • Nature • Gardening Water Slide • Hot Lunch • • Weekly Speciality Activities Transportation • & A LOT MORE FUN, FUN, FUN!

2427 N. JERUSALEM ROAD • EAST MEADOW, NY • 516-781-3900 • WWW.BIGCHIEFSCHOOLANDCAMP.COM

543792

17

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

OCEANSIDE

Schedule

Sailors expected to contend

I

f the pitc hing holds up , Oceanside baseball coach Andy Morris said, the Sailors could c hallenge for the Nassau Class AA title a y ear after winning a conference championship and reaching the county semifinals.

“I’ve got high expecta tions, both this year and next y ear,” he said. “Pitc hing is going to be the k ey. If everything comes together, we should be very good.”

Heading the staf f is senior Mik e Russ, an All-Division selection ca pable of posting double digits in strik eouts any outing.

His fastball clocks regularly in the upper 80s, and he’s got a nasty br eaking ball to go with it, Morris said. “Mike doesn’t back down from anyone,” Morris explained. “He could be one of the top ar ms in the county if he k eeps his contr ol and pitc h count down.”

The rest of the likely starting rotation is unproven but talented. J unior James Long, who logged varsity innings last spring, is a 6-f oot-6 southpaw with a f astball in the lo w 80s and a nice c hange-up, and junior Joe LaBella was tough on ba tters at the JV level.

Last year’s JV double-play combination and 1-2 hitters, juniors Anthony Pintabona and Conor Pasetti, will fill the same defensive and of fensive roles for the v arsity.

Both bring str ong gloves and speed. T he corner infield spots w on’t be deter mined right away, Morris said, but the options are plentiful. Junior Brian Lau, w ho started every game at first base in 2011 and hit .320, could r eturn there or w ork behind the plate, while junior F ran Rapp, last year’s everyday third baseman w ho batted .285, could stic k or move to left. Senior Eric Mandell, an All-Confer ence selection, could play third or serve as the designa ted hitter.

If Lau doesn ’t catch, it’ll be senior Andrew Massimillo. No ma tter how it shakes out, Mor ris said he wants to g et Massimillo’s bat into the lineup . Senior Matt DeMartino is another w ho’ll provide offense.

Gaps in the outfield will be scar ce with seniors Phil Ragona (center) and Anthon y Marino (right) covering real estate.

Lady Sailors rise to top

T

he Lady Sailors ar e back running with the big do gs in Nassau Conference AA-I a year after ca pturing the AA-II title and ad vancing to the quar terfinal round of the Class AA softball playoffs.

New coach Joe Supple r eferred to 2011 “something to b uild on,” and and is looking for the All-County ba ttery of battery senior pitcher Ashley Daviss and senior catcher Nicole Milano to lead adOceanside Oceanside against the likes of MacArthur, ur, East Meadow, Massapequa, Mepham, Long Beac h, Beach, Carey, and Syosset.

“Every game in the top confer ence is conference like a playoff game,” Supple said. “Athleti“Athletically, we can play with an ybody. ody. We bring back a handful of players who o contributed a lot to last y ear’s success, and the the conficonfidence level is high.”

Davis, who is backed up by by sophomore Paige Seitz, is one of the top eturning op rreturning dual threats in Nassau. She not y has notonl only experience mowing down hitters ters but also led the Lad y Sailors in RBIs Is and andwill will bat third or c lean-up. “She consistentl y consistently throws strikes and loca tes alll her her pitc pitc hes,” Supple said. “She can strik rikee people out and also kno ws how to keep keep the ball down and let the defense do do the the work.”

Milano is another dang erous ous hitter who’s active and a thletletic behind the pla te. “She’s an excellent offensive player who can pick runners off base,”” Supple said of Milano, who could et a d gget breather from catching duties es thanks thanks to senior Arianna DeMarzo.

DeMarzo, who possesses aa str ong bat strong and arm, may also g et a lookk aatt first base base along with senior J ackie Schnitzer. chnitzer. The middle of the infield of fers excitement xcitement for the present and futur e, with h sophomor sophomoree Ellen Derr at second base and fr eshman Claire McNamara a t shortstop. At thir d,

sophomore Jeannie Callanan flashes leather and swings a powerful bat.

The outfield has potential to be one of the conference’s best with senior Deanna Viola leading the way with her speed and a strong arm in center, junior Kristen Gallub in right, and McNaand sophomor sophomoree Megan McNa mara in left.

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

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.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Massapequa Massapequa @ Baldwin Baldwin @ Baldwin

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March M 28 2 @ Long Beach 30 3 @ Syosset

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April Ap 2 11 1 16 1 18 1 20 2 24 2 26 2 28 2

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

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

May 1 3 4 8

@ Massapequa @ Mepham Carey @ MacArthur

Brian .... ... .............................

LAU

Nicole .................................

MILANO

CATCHER

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m

CATCHER

OCEANSIDE • SAILORS

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

BASEBALL

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

Photos by Jeff Wilson

Lets Go Sailors “We take pride in our reputation for maintaining the Highest Standards Of Professional Ethics”.

Ethics” ...Robert E. Towers

~ Family Owned and Operated ~

2681 LONG BEACH RD.

OCEANSIDE, NEW YORK • 766-0425

towersfuneralhomeny.com

544277

Traditionally Serving the Families of Oceanside and Long Island With Personal Care and Dignity Since 1933

- FULLY LICENSED and ACCREDITED STAFF - RESPECTFULLY SERVING FAMILIES OF ALL FAITHS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS DAY - PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AT ANY HOUR - PRE-NEED COUNSELING and PRE-ARRANGEMENTS - LOUNGE and GARDEN AREAS - OVERSIZED PARKING AREAS

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

SEWANHAKA

Schedule April 2 3 7 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Indians in mix for conference title Young Lady Indians looking to grow

BY ANDREW McCLURE

T

he Countywide baseball confer ence was one of the most competiti ve in Nassau a y ear ago, and ther e’s reason to belie ve that the lea gue will be top notch again in 2012. Sewanhaka, which is coming of f a solid 12-6 season, should battle for conference supremacy with the likes of Great Neck South, Uniondale, and Elmont.

Indians veteran coach Mike Ryan must fill a lot of holes, but he’s hopeful that his team will be in the mix f or the conference title. “Guys ar e going to ha ve to ste p up this year,” Ryan said. “T he guys w ho are returning remember what it was lik e last season to be right there at the end. We won two of three from Uniondale w hen they were undefeated. We lost some key players, but I think the pitching will come together, and this team will be able to play with anyone in the league.”

Junior Brian Mur phy, who hit .383 as a sophomore, returns at second base. Murphy will either hit leadof f or out of the three-hole and serve as a k ey piece of the offensive puzzle. Despite being a first-y ear pitcher, Murphy will be No . 2 in the r otation.

Nick Dempsey, who was 4-0 in lea gue games, is the ace of the staf f. The junior right-hander is always around the pla te, and features a f astball, slider, and change.

Seniors Matt Laguerre and Tommy Genova, who were both ef fective out of the pen last spring, ar e battling for the thir d spot in the r otation. Laguerre will play center field when he’s not pitc hing. Genova will play first base.

Sophomore Kevin Ocampo tak es over the catching duties. Ocampo, who is coming off a solid JV season, has look ed very comfortable handling the pitching staff.

Junior Michael Zunno r etur ns at shortstop. Zunno hit .360 as a sophomor e.

He’ll bat leadoff or second. Senior Nic k Bevilaqua has a good glo ve at third base.

Juniors Manny Nunez, Ryan Byrne, and Denzel George will play the outfield.

S

ewanhaka moves into Nassau Confer ence ABC-IV after ad vancing to the second round of the playoffs in 2011.

The Lady Indians should f are well in a league that comprises He wlett, Lynbrook, Friends Academy, West Hempstead, Locust Valley, and R oslyn. Only the confer ence champion advances to the Class A playoffs.

Coach Deirdre Kelly is looking f orward to watching her young team compete. “We lost a lot of players from last year’s team, but I’m pleasantl y surprised in the ear ly going,” Kelly said. “We should ery ould be be aavvery good defensive team, and with iththe theaa ggressive approach the girls take,, we should be a lot of fun to wa tch when we’re hitting.

The girls are young, but they’re y’re not intimidated. They want to win now.” w.”

Junior catcher Rachel Wisniewski, an All-Conference selection as aasophomor sophomor e, returns behind the pla te for the Lad y Indians. Wisniewski calls aa ggreat reat game, blocks the ball well, and is a take-charge type leader on the field. She’ he’ss also aa solid hitter, having batted d .382 as a sophomore.

Senior shortstop Jackie ie Wisniewski is a terrific contact hitter who makes things ha ppen n at the plate. In the field, she has as great range and an accurate throwing arm.

Junior pitcher Cassidy Johnson takes over in the cir cle. Johnson is a smart pitcher who has the resiliency to gut it out in tough spots. She features a fastball and change up, and nd is developing a dr op and d curveball.

Senior Nicole F reitag is a har d-working second baseman who has chemistry with J ackie Wisniewski in the middle of the infield. F reitag is also one of the toughest outs in the lineup . Freshman Jill Filippi tak es over that the hot

corner. Sophomore Kari Mavrovouniotis and Jenna Sanfilippo are battling for time at first base.

Senior Maleeka Chin, sophomore Sabrina Spiridigliozzi, and eighth-g rader Jancarla Herrera make up a solid outfield.

Herrera hits from both sides and possesses terrific speed. Expect Her rera to occup y one of the top spots in the order.

BASEBALL

@ G.N. South G.N. South @ G.N. South @ Uniondale Uniondale @ Uniondale @ Elmont Elmont4:30 p.m. @ Elmont Westbury

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.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.

May 1 3 7 8 9 14 15 16

@

Westbury Westbury Roosevelt Roosevelt Roosevelt Hempstead @ Hempstead Hempstead

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 27 @ Lynbrook 30 @ Locust Valley

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 12 17 19 21 23 25 30

Hewlett @ Friends Aca. Roslyn West Hempstead Lynbrook Locust Valley @ Hewlett

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 Friends Aca. 4:30 p.m.

4 @ Roslyn 4:30 p.m.

7 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

Brian ............................

MURPHY

..... SECOND BAS

Rachel .................................

E

SEWANHAKA • INDIANS

CATCHER

WISNIEWSKI

Photos by Janette Pellegrini

Central Veterinary Associates www.centralvets.com

HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK

INDIANS!

OPEN 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS/WEEK* *MAIN HOSPITAL • 73 W. MERRICK ROAD, VALLEY STREAM

• Vaccinations $15 each • Examination $15

Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program MAIN HOSPITAL (Valley Stream)

516-825-3066

By appointment - Exp. 5/29/12

BAYSIDE ANIMAL CLINIC

n7 Ope s a Day k Wee

(Bell Blvd.)

718-224-4451 7

• Rabies Vaccinations $10 By appointment - Exp.

5/29/12

BOULEVARD ANIMAL CLINIC

FAR ROCKAWAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

TERRACE ANIMAL CLINIC

718-261-1231 7

718-327-7878

516-466-9191

n7 Ope s a Day k e W e

(Forest Hills)

(Great Neck)

LATE EVENIN G HOURS

BOARDING FACILITIES Low Cost BELLE HARBOR ANIMAL CLINIC 718-474-1010

543777

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

18

19

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

SOUTH SIDE

Schedule 2 3 10 11 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Expectations remain high for Cyclones

A

year after a successful 8-2 softball season in Conference A-V, South Side takes a two-step rise to ABC-III and will be led by senior Jane Dragovich and a young battery of sophomore pitcher Sam Maselli and freshman catcher Lia Stamile.

“We have to go in full f orce and pla y fundamentally sound softball,” coac h Shannon McEntee said. “Jumping two conferences is never easy, but we’re excited to see what we can do.”

McEntee is also ex cited about the prospects of the r eturn of the JV pr ogram after a tw o-and-a-half year absence. “It’s important and would be really nice to have back,” she said. “Our n umbers are right there, but we need to keep them there.”

Ranked in the middle of the se venteam Conference A-III, the Lad y Cyclones could go as f ar as Maselli tak es them. She comes off a memorable 2011 that included a perfect g ame and a pair of no-hitters.

“Sam pitches for outside teams and she’ ll be ready for the tougher lineups ,” McEntee said. “She thr ows hard and has other strong pitches to go with the fastball.”

The coach expects big contrib utions from Stamile behind the pla te despite a rise to the v arsity level from middle school. “She has good command of the position and caught Sam in summer league,” McEntee said. “She’ s already showing ability to take charge and depending on ho w fast she adjusts she could be one of the keys to our offense.”

Dragovich handled ca tching duties a year ago but will r eturn to her na tural position of third base. She’s brings a strong glove to the hot cor ner and will ba t in middle of the order.

Senior Alex Gar ealbi is expected to start at first base, while non-league games will help McEntee figure out the middle of the infield. T he lead candida tes for shortstop and second base , respectively, are freshman Allison DeNicola and sophomore Brittany Baez. Contributing in the outfield will be seniors Laur en Joyce, the bac kup pitcher, and Marina K otzavekiaris, as well as freshman Caroline Joyce.

May 1 3 7 8 9

Division @ Division Roslyn @ Roslyn Roslyn

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 Oyster Bay 29 Jericho

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 5 16 17 19 21 23 25 27

@ V.S. South 4:15 p.m.

Garden City 4:30 p.m. @ Mineola 4:15 p.m. @ Division 4:30 p.m. @ East Rockaway 10:00 a.m. @ Oyster Bay 4:15 p.m. @ Jericho 4:30 p.m. @ Garden City 4:15 p.m.

May 2 Mineola 4 Division 7 East Rockaway

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Christian ............................

COLLETTI

Jane .................................

PITCHER

THIRD BASE

DRAGOVICH

Photos by Jeff Wilson

Add Eye Protection & Improve Your Game Bruce Mirkin, FNAO CHILDREN AND SPORTS VISION SPECIALISTS

OAKLEY MAUI JIM RAY BAN SPORTS GOGGLES

28 South Park Avenue • Rockville Centre • 516.766.2800 • accentoneyes.net

545353

C

oming off a 13-win season tha t saw it reach the Nassau Class A baseball playoffs where it suf fered the narrowest of defeats, South Side will r ely on its lefty-righty mound combina tion of Christian Colletti and Lou Ma tarazzo to lead the way this spring.

“We had to r ebuild in some k ey spots, but we still have high expectations,” coach Keith Lessuk said. “W e’re looking to return to the pla yoffs and see if we can go deeper.”

Colletti, a senior w ho transferred from Holy Trinity prior to last season, is a talented southpaw bound f or the University of Connecticut. With a popping f astball and good of f-speed pitches, he domina ted at times in 2011 w hile posting a 2.55 ERA with 55 strik eouts. “Christian has all the tools,” Lessuk said of his No . 1 star ter.

“He’s been working on his swing and we’ll have his ba t in the lineup this y ear as well.”

Matarazzo, who pitched in relief a year ago, steps into the star ting rotation and will provide himself with plenty of run support. One of the k eys to the of fense, as a sophomore he hit .410 with f our homers and 26 RBIs . “He has an amazing ba t and proved he could g et guys out on the mound,” Lessuk said of Matarazzo, who will play third base on non-pitching days.

Senior Mike Schuermann and junior Eddie Tammaro will also contrib ute on the mound. Behind the pla te, seniors Ben Felderstein and Mike Gutman will both get a chance to start Junior speedster Da vid Hawley will lead the defense in center field and spar k the offense from the leadof f spot. Senior Vinny Tyers steps into a full-time r ole in left, while Tammaro or senior Lou Laupheimer head the list of candidates in right.

In the infield along with Ma tarazzo, senior Matt Leach returns with a solid glove at first base, junior Ben Hoefer tak es over at second, and another junior , either Chris Figueroa or Ed Farrington, will earn the nod at shortstop.

Lady Cyclones jump two conferences

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.

4:30 p.m.

SOUTH SIDE • CYCLONES

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

@ Garden City New Hyde Park @ Bethpage @ Plainedge Glen Cove @ Lawrence Wantagh Jericho Hewlett @ Hewlett Hewlett @ Division

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

VS CENTRAL

Eagles look to surprise competition

BY ANDREW HACKMACK

Pitching depth key for Lady Eagles

L

ady Eagles softball coach Artie Riccio will have a choice of pitchers to send to the mound. J unior Veronica onica Bumbalo and Memorial J unior High gh eightheighthgrader Tiffany Lagarzo are the o top he tw two hurlers.

“This year’s going to be a luxury ,” said xury,” Riccio, who usually just has one her. nepitc pitcher.

“With three high sc hools in town, the pitc hing talent is spread out.”

Bumbalo will be pitching for the first time after pla ying outfield last y ear. Leading the team on of fense will be a trioo of of senior co-captains, center fielder Hea ther her LaBarbera, first baseman Melissa Maciciand andsecsecond baseman Kayla Casucci.

Riccio described Casucci as aahar d sinhard gles hitter and expects her to lead eadCentral Central in batting average. He added that at she plays strong defense as w ell. LaBarbera era is is also also an excellent defender as the ca ptain of captain the outfield and brings a po werr bat to the lineup.

Maci is a rar e left-handed power ower hitter, Riccio explained. “T here’s very few lefties in the league,” he said.

He also expects str ong contributions tributions from third baseman Alexa Callao Callaoand and shortstop Randi Ruderman. A ninth-g radninth-grader in her second year on the varsity, sity, Ruderman is a line-drive hitter, while Callao has “great hands and a great arm,” Riccio said.

“We should be pr etty strong defensively,” efensively,” he said.

The Lady Eagles dropped from om Conference AA-II to AA-III f or the 2012 012 season, season, which Riccio said should helppthe theteam team pick up a fe w more wins. They’ll ll play two games apiece against Westbury, ury, Hempstead, Uniondale, Herricks, Great Neck South and Elmont.

Herricks is the onl y opponent nent CenCentral matched up a gainst last y ear, and a

pair of games Riccio is looking f orward to. “They’re a lot of fun to pla y,” he said.

“We’ve always had great games.”

Casucci said the team, with a combination of veteran players and ne wcomers, has really come to gether and she is confident the team can ac hieve Riccio’s goal of making the playoffs. “I think w e have the capability to do a lot,” she said. “We ve to We just ha have work hard.”

April 2 3 5 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

BASEBALL

@ Plainview Plainview @ Plainview MacArthur @ MacArthur MacArthur @ Port Washington Port Washington @ Port Washington East Meadow

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ East Meadow East Meadow @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 28 @ Uniondale 30 Herricks

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April 2 11 18 20 24 26 30

Westbury @ Elmont G.N. South @ Hempstead Uniondale @ Herricks @ Westbury

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 Elmont 4 @ G.N. South 8 Hempstead

Kayla .................................

CASUCCI

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SECOND BASE

Danny ................................. SECOND BASE

NAPOLIONELLO

Photos by Kathy Leistner

HOME RUN EAGLES! Golden Rule Jeweler Since 1948

11 Sunrise Plaza, Valley Stream • 516-872-3575

543762

P

layers and coac hes on the Central baseball team kno w their confer ence rivals aren’t taking them seriously. The Eagles are ready to prove everyone wrong.

“I feel like we’re going to sneak up on a lot of teams,” said senior second baseman Danny Napolionello, adding the team feels good about its playoff chances.

Coach Frank Alesia, leading the Ea gles for the fourth year, described leadoff hitter Napolionello as the ca talyst. “If he goes , we go,” Alesia said.

This year’s top tw o starting pitchers are seniors Mike Marmol and Mike Russo.

When they’re not star ting Marmol will be at shortstop and R usso at third base.

Senior Ricky Grosso, who also pitches, can fill either position w hen Marmol or Russo takes the mound. “He’ s an asset to ha ve because he can pla y a lot of infield positions,” Alesia said of Grosso.

Marmol was the lone a ward winner on last year’s squad as an All-Confer ence selection. Alesia said he is a str ong defensive player with a knac k for big hits .

Rounding out the staf f is junior Brandon Wilder.

The power will come fr om catchers Matt Russo and Doug Medrano . When one starts behind the plate, the other will serve as designated hitter. “Those are two guys I definitely need in the lineup,” he said.

Senior outfielders J ohn Faust and Chris Johnson also bring power bats. Splitting time at first base will be senior J ason Cooper and ninth-grader Vito Friscia.

The Eagles will spend a w eek in April in Florida playing scrimmage games against teams fr om around the country.

Alesia said the trip gi ves players a chance to bond and hone their skills . “I feel lik e we’re going to be a completel y different team when we come back,” he said.

Immediately after it r eturns, Valley Stream faces MacArthur, one of the top three teams in the county, for three games.

Other conference matchups include series against Plainview, Port Washington, Hicks-

ville and East Meado w. “This season can go a couple of ways,” Alesia said. “W e’re definitely playing the tougher teams in the beginning.”

Schedule

VS CENTRAL • EAGLES

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

20

21

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

VS NORTH

Schedule

Balanced Spartans seek playoff spot

D

epth on the mound, balance and speed in the lineup , and a thleticism are three reasons why Valley Stream North figures to make a strong push for the playoffs after falling short last season.

“I don’t see an y glaring w eaknesses,” coach Phil Sanfilippo said. “W e have a lot of talented a thletes. We’re eager to star t quick after r unning into some tough competition down the stretch last season. Making the playoffs is very important to us.”

The Spartans are a y oung team with only two seniors — first baseman J oe Vasquez and utilityman Nic k Leone — b ut should benefit from last year’s experience.

Sanfilippo said he sc heduled tough scrimmages and non-lea gue games by design to help prepare for three-game series against Conference A-VI ri vals Clarke, Mineola and Seaford, as well as eight cr ossover opponents.

Juniors Anthony Martelli and K evin White give North a solid duo atop the starting pitching rotation. Martelli, an AllLeague selection w ho does some of the heavy lifting on of fense, throws a quality fastball and a kn uckle-curve, and has good command. He’s also the star ting shortstop and hits with power to all fields.

White led the staf f in wins (thr ee), strikeouts and innings pitc hed in 2011 and added velocity during the of fseason.

“Kevin has f lawless mechanics and wants the ball,” Sanfilippo said. “We’re confident he and Anthon y are going to k eep us in every game they pitch.”

Juniors R.J. Davila, Greg Garcia and Jeff Lantigua will be counted on to r ecord outs as well. Davila and Gar cia are vying for the No . 3 star ter job, while the har dthrowing Lantigua, a thir d baseman, fits nicely as the c loser. The Spartans have no question marks behind the pla te with the return of junior Brandon Salem, w ho has a gun for an arm.

Junior James Capoziello comes of f a big year at second base. The leadoff batter paced the team in a verage, steals and

runs. Junior infielder Ste phen Guiliante has speed and pop, and juniors Billy Patsos and James Celeberti head the group of outfielders.

Lady Spartans up for bigger challenge

T

he Lady Spartans bring back 10 players from last y ear’s 14-win, confer ence-championship team and will look to mak e noise a gainst a ne w set of rivals after a b ump up to Confer ence ABCII. “We still have playoff expectations,” s,” coach Corey McNamara said. “W e know we need to limit mistak es to do well against the better competition we’re going to face.”

Defense and pitc hing punched North’s ticket to the top of its confer ence and the Class A playoffs in 2011, and the r eturn of senior K elly McConville to the circle should allo w it to hang with the likes of Carle Place, Valley Stream am South, Glen Cove, Wantagh, and Manhasanhasset. McConville, who relies on a v ariety ety of pitches and loca tion, earned All-Conferonference honors a year ago. “It’s her third d year starting and she’s not going to hurt uss with walks,” McNamara said. “She’ s a g roundball pitcher who has complete tr ust in the defense.”

Having a two-time All-County performrformer behind the plate is a nice luxury f or any pitcher. Junior Dana Morg ante controls ntrols the field fr om the ca tcher position n and and sparks the of fense from the leadof f spot.

“Dana’s as tenacious on the bases asasshe she is behind the plate,” McNamara said.. “She “She gets on base and scores.”

In the infield, junior Amanda F erraro (first base) emerg ed as a solid hitter erand and fielder last season and the coac h is looklooking for her to pic k up w here she left f. ft of off.

Junior Gianna Naso, considered the team’s best defensive infielder, moves from m second base to shor tstop, where her str ong trong arm and rang e are sure to come in hand y. handy.

Senior Brianna Satriano takes over at second and brings plenty of varsity experience, while junior Dr ew Beaubian ear ned

the starting nod at third.

Spearheading the outfield is junior Lauren Collura in center . An All-Confer ence selection last spring, she ex cels offensively and defensively and also serv es as the backup pitcher. Seniors Maris Bon ura and Stephanie Sicurella bring experience to left and right, r espectively, and senior J essica Cali can play anywhere in the outfield.

G.N. North @ Manhasset West Hempstead @ Lynbrook Floral Park North Shore @ Island Trees @ V.S. South @ Mineola Mineola @ Mineola Clarke

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.

4:45 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

@ Clarke Clarke @ Seaford Seaford @ Seaford

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @

Wantagh

4:30 p.m.

North Shore V.S. South Glen Cove @ Manhasset @ Carle Place Wantagh @ North Shore @ V.S. South

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.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 12 17 19 21 23 27 30

May 2 @ Glen Cove 4 Manhasset 7 Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Anthony ................................

MARTELLI

Dana .................................

.

PITCHER

VS NORTH • SPARTIANS

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

April

BASEBALL

CATCHER

MORGANTE RE TTE S IGA &C

AD MU

S TTE

RE

ST

IGA

PR

&C

ES EN T

TTO .

Welcome Express Script Members!

WE WILL GLADLY TRANSFER YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS!!!

“We care for you and all your needs!”

925 HEMPSTEAD TPKE.

(IN CHASE BLDG., CORNER OF JAMES ST.)

CONVENIENT PARKING BEHIND BUILDING

Se Habla Español Phone #: 516-328-7777 • Fax #: 516-328-7796

or visit us at www.franklinsquarepharmacy.com DEBIT

544262

IPT CR ES PR ING

, LO

N TIO

AT TIM

EO

FP

UR

CH

AS

E.

.

ES

ETT

AR

CIG

CL UD

& TO

T LO

EX

N,

20% OFF

Your Total Purchase With Ad exp. 5/12/12

TIO

RIP

SC

RE

ION , LO TTO

GP

RIP

Hours: Mon-Fri. 9-8 • Sat. 9-6 • Sun 10-3

SC

ONLY 5 MINUTES

RE

Fill any 20 prescriptions per individual and receive a $20 Store Credit Prescription Wait Time

GP

DIN

LU

C EX

PRESCRIPTION REWARDS CARD

DIN

“Prevent” & “Support” Injuries this Season!!

U CL EX

Go North Spartans

.

Photos by Victoria Lodi

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

VS SOUTH

Schedule April

Pitching holds key for Falcons

BY TONY BELLISSIMO

V

alley Stream South baseball coac h Ken Ward believes the F alcons have enough pieces to c hallenge for the Confer ence A-IV title and r eturn to the playoffs, but how far they go will ultimately depend on the consistenc y on the mound.

“Pitching is a concer n, but we have some experience and a lot of options,” Ward said. “It’s more a question of who’s going to rise up. I feel we’re a playoff team with potential to go far.”

The Falcons, who won 11 g ames last spring and lost to Seaf ord in the Class A playoff opener, boast a star ting rotation of seniors Dann y Goldman and T homas Meaney, and junior Andr ew Castano.

Goldman earned three wins in 2011, w hile Meaney and Castano picked up one apiece.

Goldman, who tossed a tw o-hitter against Bethpage, throws hard and has a solid slider and good command. He’ ll also play an impor tant role in the outfield and the lineup, Ward said.

Meaney comes of f an All-Confer ence campaign that saw him whack six homers and drive in 23 r uns. Most of his work on the mound came in r elief, but this y ear he’ll be counted on to pr oduce while logging more innings. Like Goldman, he’ ll be in the outfield on non-pitc hing days and may contribute at catcher along with freshman Manny Pizzarro.

Castano, who will shar e third base duties with junior Die go Maldonado, is someone Ward wants to see de velop into next year’s ace.

Defensively, the F alcons are strong up the middle with junior Andr ew Hess a t second base and sophomor e Andrew LeBeck at shortstop. In addition to making all the plays with his glo ve, Hess ba tted .418 a y ear ago and led the team with 28 hits and 21 r uns scored on the wa y to AllConference honors. LeBeck, considered an excellent fielder, is the pr ojected leadoff hitter. Senior J ack Palleschi returns at first base and provides a big bat on the left side, while junior Frank Reichert will con-

tribute at the dish and in the outfield.

Lady Falcons want playoff success

T

asting a playoff victory is the No . 1 goal for the Lady Falcons, who figure to be in the r unning for the Confer ence ABC-II title o-time All-Counle with withtw two-time ty performers in the the pitc pitc hing circle and behind the plate. e.

“We’re looking ing to to rr estore the pla yoff success we used d to have have after losing in in the the first round three ree years in a r ow,” coach Demetri Adrahtas he girls want to tas said. “T “The win the conference, ence, but more importantly they want to advance vance in the playoffs.”

Leading thee ccharge harge for South (9-6 (9-6 in in 2011) are senior ttery mates Ashley or ba battery Tkacsik and Christie co. They each hristie DeMar DeMarco. have a pair of All-County seasons seasons under un der their belt and nine ears of nineyyears varsity experience ience between them.

“So much of this sport is pitching,” Adrahtas said.

“We have a veteran ho eran pitcher in Ashley w who can match up with with the thebest bestof of them. Her accuracy is impeccable peccable and she’s throwing five different pitches.” tches.”

It’s the fifth year on varsity for Tkacsik, who also serv es as a k ey to the of fense as the No . 3 baatter. tter. DeMarco, considered a prototypical catcher by Adrahtas, is aa fierce competitor itor with with aa str str ong arm, power and speed. d. The coach moved DeMarco from the c lean-up ean-up spot to leadof leadofff last spring and the of fense improved, so she offense s he could stick at the he top.

If senior J essica Liberato comes out swinging, she could lean-up role. could fill fillthe thecclean-up A steady fielderr aatt third base w ho makes who highlight-reel plays, Adrahtas is is expectexpecting big things of fensively and defensively. offensively defensively.

Across the diamond, mond, senior Danielle Bowker is a clutch hitter eliable glove at tter with a rreliable first. Up the middle, ddle, talented eighth-grader Brianna Schippell tpell takes over as tthe he star starting shortstop, and juniors en Pace and juniors JJen Kaitlyn McCarty y are solid at second.

McCarty may also contrib ute to an outfield led b y senior Ang ela Aragona,

who enjoyed a str ong finish in center last season. Junior Cassie Howley and sophomore Amanda Tkacsik ar e in the outfield mix, and the coac h plans to find a spot f or senior Daryl Miller’s bat.

2 3 9 10 12 16 18 19 23 24 26 30

BASEBALL

Floral Park 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m. @ Clarke 10:30 a.m. @ North Shore 10:30 a.m.

Island Trees 10:30 a.m. @ Mineola 4:30 p.m.

Seaford 4:45 p.m.

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

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

Manhasset 4:30 p.m. @ G.N. North 4:30 p.m.

May 2 3 7 8 9

G.N. North @ G.N. North Lynbrook @ Lynbrook Lynbrook

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @ Glen Cove 29 Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 3 5 12 19 21 23 25 27 30

Manhasset South Side @ V.S. North North Shore @ Wantagh Glen Cove @ Carle Place @ Manhasset V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 4 @ North Shore 7 Wantagh

Ashley .................................

TKACSIK

Thomas .................................

MEANEY

Photos by Kathy Leistner

PITCHER

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

PITCHER

VS SOUTH • FALCONS

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

22

23

2012 HERALD High School BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Preview

Rams looking for respectability

W

ins were not a plenty on the baseball field a t West Hempstead last season. W ith a r elatively young team in 2012, and a dif ficult schedule awaiting, there will lik ely be some more growing pains.

The Rams will compete in Confer ence A-V with Nor th Shore, Island T rees, and Floral Park, and pla y crossover games with tough opponents suc h as Lynbrook, Clarke, Seaford, and Mineola.

Bill Cloughessy, in his second y ear as Rams coach, is hopeful tha t things ar e on the rise. "Obviously, we want to put mor e wins on the boar d," Cloughessy said. "Our pitchers walked a lot of batters a year ago.

I feel if we can cut down on the walks, and improve on defense, we should be a mor e competitive team.

"I feel confident tha t the of fense will come," he added. "We need to be mor e consistent in all areas."

Brandon Sherman will be the team's top pitcher. The junior left-hander was the its most ef fective arm a season a go. He features a f astball, knuckler, and a good curveball. Sherman plays first base w hen he's not pitching.

Following Sherman in the r otation will be junior Joe Palladino, an All-Conference selection in 2011. P alladino, the team's right fielder, made noise with his ba t as a sophomore, hitting right around .300.

Senior Brandon R uiz and sophomor e Hardvis Batista are vying for the third spot in the rotation. When they're not pitching, each will occupy a middle infield position.

Ruiz and Ba tista will hit in the first tw o slots in the or der. Junior Erickson Flores returns at third base for the Rams.

Senior Austin Flamowitz will be the starting catcher. Flamowitz, who has made improvement behind the pla te, hit o ver .300 as a junior. He'll ba t in the middle of the order along with P alladino and Sherman.

Junior Joe Bitetto had a nice y ear with the bat as a sophomor e and will look to pick up where he left of f. Bitetto saw time

in the infield a y ear ago, but will lik ely play in the outfield this spring.

Defense is the key for Lady Rams

W

est Hempstead looks to r ebound from a disappointing season on the softball diamond in 2011. T he Lady Rams have little experience in the pitching circle, but the team's defense should be a strong suit.

They’ll be competing in Nassau Nassau Conference ABC-IV, a league comomposed of Hewlett, Lynbrook, Friends Academy, Sewanhaka, Locust Valley, and R oslyn.

Only the confer ence champion advances to the pla yoffs.

West Hempstead coac h Chris Van Kovics believes his team can be in e very game it plays. "As usual, it all comes do wn to pitc hing and defense," Van Kovics said.

"We don't have pitchers that blow ow hitters away, so the b lueprint is to thrrow ow strikes and let the defense mak e the plays. ays. We lost a lot of very close games, last season. season. W Wee can't afford to give teams big innings. nings. The way we play on defense is going to be very important."

Junior Emily Esposito got her er feet wet with the varsity last season, b utt pitched most of her innings with the JV JVteam. team.

Senior Lisa Gor ton and Esposito ito will will handle the b ulk of the pitc hing ing for the Rams. Neither pitc her is a fflamelamethrower, but both are typically around the plate. Junior Jackie Tartaglia lia will handle the catching duties.

Center fielder Angela Graci is pr obprobably the team's best athlete . Graci raci is is aa solid fielder with a v ery strongg throwing arm. Van Kovics expects the dhe har hardhitting sophomore to pick up plenty plenty of RBIs, hitting out of the thrreeeehole or clean-up spot.

Toni-Ann Rodriguez is a vvery ery tough out for opponents. The senior second baseman slaps, bunts, moves runners up, and scores runs. She's joined in the mid-

dle infield by senior Danielle Bolo gnini, a four-year starter at shortstop, and heart of the team.

Senior first baseman Laura Boehm and senior third baseman Noreen White, a strong hitter, are both good with the glo ve.

Junior Chloe Cohen and senior R ebecca Ruggiano play the cor ner outfield positions. Ruggiano should be on of the team's top run-producers.

2 3 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

@ Manhasset V.S. South @ V.S. North @ Seaford Mineola @ Clarke G.N. North Lynbrook North Shore @ North Shore North Shore @ Island Trees

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.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

Island Trees @ Island Trees Floral Park @ Floral Park Floral Park

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 3 12 17 19 21 23 27 30

Lynbrook Locust Valley Roslyn Friends Aca. @ Sewanhaka Hewlett @ Lynbrook @ Locust Valley

4:15 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 2 @ Roslyn 4 @ Friends Aca. 7 Sewanhaka

Joe .......................................

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

PALLADINO

Danielle ..............................

OUTFIELD

WEST HEMPSTEAD • RAMS

BY ANDREW McCLURE

April

BASEBALL

SHORTSTOP

BOLOGNINI

Photos by Victoria Lodi

VIEW PHOTOS WE’VE TAKEN AT GAMES AND OTHER EVENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Visit: liherald.com/photos To enjoy viewing your photos by home town.

Photography powered by:

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

WEST HEMPSTEAD

Schedule

Hit it out of the park with Orlin & Cohen.

The ďŹ rst name in specialized orthopedic care, Orlin & Cohen’s staff of board-certiďŹ ed, fellowship-trained physicians features some of the country’s top Sports Medicine subspecialists for expert care of baseball, softball and other sports-related injuries. Available by appointment six days a week, Orlin & Cohen offers the most advanced orthopedic treatment with comprehensive diagnostic services, including the latest in digital X-ray and MRI technology.

OfďŹ ces in Rockville Centre, Cedarhurst, Merrick, Massapequa, Bohemia s WWW ORLINCOHEN COM 536498

March 29, 2012 — Baseball/Softball Preview - Herald Community Newspapers

24