2016 Sports Highlights

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Two

Sports…

Boys Aim To Rebound On Court After missing the Class L Tournament for first time in eight years, Cheshire boys’ volleyball is looking to bounce back this spring. CHS went 7-12 last season and fell 3-0 in the Southern Connecticut Conference semifinals at Xavier.

“It (not making states) is something we are not accustomed to doing,” said Head Coach Sue Bavone. “There is no way we shouldn’t have made states last year. I think we could have won every matched we played.”

Bavone feels that chemistry and consistency will be keys from the start of the 2016 season.

“We didn’t have the chemistry we needed last year,” reflected Bavone. “They (the players) were all good guys, but they just didn’t gell on the court. It is something we are going to look at this year.”

The Rams suffered a bad break when Dan Ward (2015 graduate) missed the second half of the last season due to a health concern.

A tri-captain with fellow graduates Brian Fischer and Ryan Ferraro, Ward still earned Offensive Player of the Year, All-SCC First Team, Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior AllStar, and New Haven Register All-Area Team.

“Dan gets hurt at the end of the year and it changed everything because he was the bulk of our offense,” explained Bavone. “We can’t rely on one player to contribute this time.”

CHS will return nine seniors

this spring.

“I’m starting with 16 kids on varsity. They all seem motivated,” said Bavone.

Zach Feldman, Matt Pinciaro, and James Marinaccio will lead as senior tri-captains.

“I think Zach will be a great leader. He has a passion for the team and the program,” said Bavone. “Matt is very enthusiastic. James is more reserved. I think they will complement each other well.”

Cheshire graduated Spencer Senior (Most Improved), but hitting depth will be a strength this year.

Pinciaro (right side) and Marinaccio (middle) became starters in 2015. Marinaccio missed early

James Brandolini/Cheshire Herald

Matt Pinciaro prepares to make a block last spring.

matches due to injury.

Bavone also plans for seniors Henry Liu and T.J. Lochowski and junior Mike Stickney to return with experience.

An X factor could be senior Yannik Lind, a foreign exchange student from Germany.

“I’ve heard he is really good,” said Bavone. “I can see him being the only one playing all the way around. After him, I expect to do a lot of subbing this year.

Sophomore Joe Chen and junior Matt Russolillo are expected to succeed Fischer (Coaches Award) at setter.

“I think we will start out using both guys in a 6-2 (formation),” added Bavone.

Junior Mitch Manware will be back at libero. Last year, he earned his first All-SCC Second Team nod and was named the CoDefensive Player of the Year with 2015 graduate Greg Brumleve.

“Mitch did a nice job last year,” added Bavone.

Juniors Neal Dellostritto and Fritz Acurante will add depth in the back row after CHS graduated Ferraro (Cheshire Kiwanis Club Sportsmanship Award) and Manush Shah (Record-Journal Scholar Athlete).

“I think defense and passing will be good,” stated Bavone.

Prior to last year, CHS had won six straight SCC regular season titles and four consecutive tournament crowns. Bavone seeks to reclaim those honors and advance deep in states.

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Rams Girls’ Soccer Broke In New Lineup

Last fall was a transition season for Cheshire girls’ soccer. Since the program had graduated 17 girls, many of whom had started for multiple seasons, new players were asked to step up.

While injuries contributed to a 4-8-4 record (2-3-3 in Housatonic Division), Head Coach James Luis felt the team’s development went beyond wins and losses.

“It was successful in that players got to mature and we had good chemistry on and off field,” said Luis. “It was unsuccessful because of injuries. It was more frustrating for the kids not being able to play than our final record.”

Among 10 seniors, Alyssa Addesso, Samantha Bellina, and Ciara Haensel led as tri-captains.

“The three captains were tre-

mendous. The way they approached every situation was exemplary,” stated Luis.

According to Luis, his highlight was how they finished the season.

Cheshire rallied to earn ties at Branford (2-2) and Amity (1-1) to end the regular season and make the Class LL Tournament.

“The girls really battled and did what they had to do to get us in the tournament,” said Luis.

In the Class LL First Round, CHS fell 2-1 at Greenwich.

“I thought that final game was our best,” recalled Luis. “I thought we dominated the game, but unfortunately, we gave up two goals on set pieces.”

Addesso supplied four goals and an assist last fall, securing her See CHS, page 7

Cover Identification

Clockwise from the top, cover photos are R.J. Oris (football), Nicole Salamone (field hockey), Liz Boyer (girls’ swim and dive), and Connor Davey (baseball). Photos by Allen Paul, James Brandolini, and Al Valerio. Stories by Greg Lederer.

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Sports…

the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Three

Cheshire Baseball Plans To Have Versatile Pitching Staff As time draws closer to when pitchers and catchers can start practice, Cheshire baseball head coach Bill Mrowka expects that there will be no shortage of arms this spring.

“We lost offensive production, but we have a really good pitching staff,” said Mrowka. “We can go six or seven deep.”

Mrowka hopes that depth will help make up for graduating Liam Davey and Adam vonFischer, who are both playing at Western New England University (Massachusetts). They pitched a combined 79.2 innings last spring.

Senior Connor Davey, Liam’s younger brother, has committed to pitching at Southern Connecticut State University. In 2015, he went 3-0 with two saves, a 3.92 earned run average, and 18 strikeouts. Davey yielded 23 hits and nine walks in 19.2 innings.

“Connor is one of those guys who is a competitive individual.

The more time he gets on the mound and the time he gets to dedicate to pitching will help him tremendously (in college).

He really impressed the Southern guys,” explained Mrowka. “He has a good fastball and an awesome curveball.”

Sophomore Ben DeLaubell made an immediate impact last spring. As a pitcher, he gave up 26 hits and eight walks, adding 12 strikeouts in 18 innings. He went 2-0, including a 4-0 shutout of Lyman Hall.

DeLaubell also shined at the plate with eight runs scored, 17 hits, 14 RBIs, and two walks.

“He played third (base), pitched, and batted in the middle of the lineup as a freshman. He did a great job,” said Mrowka.

“You forget he is a sophomore and still learning the game. We love his work ethic and how he wants to get better. We hope of-

fensively he can big for us.”

Mrowka is excited to work with junior pitcher Garry Costello, a transfer from Platt in Meriden.

“I’ve seen him play in the fall,” stated Mrowka. “He impressed college guys.”

Senior left-hander Nick Sansone is also back to pitch. In 12 innings last year, Sansone (15 hits, 10 walks, 11 strikeouts) went 1-2 and added a save.

At the plate, he posted six runs scored, 10 hits, 14 RBIs, along with hitting his first three varsity home runs.

“The thing that is (also) nice about Nick is his play at first base,” said Mrowka. “He has got a great feel with his feet.”

Juniors Mike Hickey (2.1 innings, six hits) and Ryan Mostoller (0-1 record, 1.2 innings, three hits, four walks, strikeout) can also be in the pitching mix.

Pitchers will work with senior catcher Brandon Clark, who hit .303 with four runs scored, 10 hits, and two RBIs last season.

Tommy Savino (.324 average, four runs scored, 11 hits, two RBIs, three walks) started for his first three years at second base and catcher, but he is now attending Cheshire Academy.

“He (Clark) got experience last year,” reflected Mrowka. “We want him to be more aggressive and become a leader back there.

We need him to drive in some runs and throw some guys out.”

After going 11-10 (4-4 in Housatonic Division) last season, the Rams will need to replace graduated starters. Co-captains and three-year starters Cooper Mrowka (shortstop) and Ryan Pierpont (left field) each earned All-Housatonic in 2015.

Mrowka also received MVP, All-Class LL, Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star, and Perfect Game

All-Northeast First Team and Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Last spring, Mrowka led the offense in batting average (.471), runs scored (26), hits (32), doubles (11), walks (17), and stolen bases (four; tied with Pierpont).

He had seven RBIs, including his first varsity home run.

“We have to find someone to fit in at shortstop,” stated Coach Mrowka.

While dealing with a back injury last year, vonFischer still contributed eight runs scored, 12 hits (two home runs), 13 RBIs, eight walks and two stolen bases. Fellow graduate Joey Anderson had five runs scored, seven hits, three RBIs, and four walks.

CHS will have senior Altrin Kabashi (Most Improved) back at second base. In becoming a starter last spring, he batted .424 with 19 runs scored, 28 hits, eight RBIs, and nine walks in the leadoff spot.

“I’m looking for him to be a leader offensively and defensively,” said Mrowka. “He will solidify (the) middle infield.”

The outfield will have new starters after the graduation of Pierpont (.411 average, 14 runs scored, 30 hits, 20 RBIs, five walks), Jay Strollo (14 runs scored, 20 hits, 10 RBIs, six walks, three stolen bases), and Richie Mills (.354 average, nine runs scored, 17 hits and RBIs, four walks). Mills (three) and Strollo combined for four home runs last year.

When Mills got injured, senior Zach Barlok (five runs scored, four hits, RBI, two walks) stepped up in right field.

“We need him to be more consistent offensively. He can run and has a strong arm,” Coach Mrowka said.

Coach Mrowka feels that im-

Photos by Al Valerio/Cheshire Herald

Above, Altrin Kabashi sprints around the bases. Below, Nick Sansone is focused at the plate.

provement defensively will be key in 2016. Errors (58 total) cost CHS in several games last year, including a 2-1 loss in the Class LL First Round at South Windsor.

“If you pitch to contact like we teach, you need to make the plays,” explained Mrowka. “As (assistant) coach (Steve) Scialabba says, you need to make the routine plays under pressure.”

CHS graduated nine players total last season. Connor Gunneson received the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club honor and Cheshire Kiwanis Club

Sportsmanship Award. Pierpont received Record-Journal Scholar Athlete.

Cheshire traditionally plays a tough schedule. Housatonic rivals Sheehan (M) and Amity (LL) each won Class titles last year and finished as the top ranked teams in the state.

“You know you are tested. We battle each other for our eight or nine wins,” stated Mrowka. “You can throw in teams like Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame-West Haven. We have to be ready. The kids relish the challenge.”

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Four

Sports…

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Softball Team Looks To Reload

On June 13 of last year, the CHS softball team aimed to win the program’s first state title in the Class LL final at DeLuca Field in Stratford.

The Rams jumped ahead 4-0 against Southington, but the Blue Knights rallied to tie the game in the fifth inning and push across the winning run 5-4 in the seventh to earn their third straight crown.

“We are going to build off what is put in place for us,” explained Head Coach Kristine Drust, the 2015 Class LL Coach of the Year.

“Losing to Southington was a heartbreaker, but we’ve learned and taken from it. The first part of that bus ride home was hard, but the girls bounced back. It shows how important your team is to you. You can’t keep a family quiet that loves each other.”

Cheshire will return to the diamond this year without a deep senior class of 11 girls. The seniors led the Rams to a school-best 18-0 start, a record final win total (23-3), and consecutive Housatonic Division crowns.

“They have showed so much care for the program,” said Drust. “They did so much together as a class and built such a strong foundation that it doesn’t feel like they’ve left the program. People say it (the 2016 season) is a rebuilding year, but I think what those girls did will help us coming back this year.”

Cheshire hadn’t secured an unbeaten division record until last season when they went 8-0. CHS clinched the crown with an 8-0 win over host Amity in Orange.

“Anytime you can go to Amity at night and win at their place, it is a great experience,” stated Drust.

Amity eliminated CHS 3-0 in the Southern Connecticut Conference semifinals, but Cheshire

returned to shut out Danbury (6-0), Norwich Free Academy (7-0), and Darien (4-0) to reach the Class LL title game against Southington.

“It gives us more experience in (state) games like that. You learn a lot more from a loss than a win,” explained Drust. “We had the luxury of winning a lot of games last year.”

While losing seven players with starting experience, CHS will return letterwinners who contributed to last year’s success.

Senior Megan Hodgdon and junior Abby Abramson will be team co-captains. Hodgdon has been starting catcher since her sophomore year, while Abramson has started since her freshman season.

As a junior, Hodgdon improved her numbers for batting average (.445), home runs (four), runs scored (15), and RBIs (15). She was named All-Housatonic and Connecticut High School Coaches Association Junior All-Star.

Hodgdon will play at Eastern Connecticut State University.

“She is going to be the backbone of our team. Hodgy has been on the varsity level for four years. She has been a great athlete, leader, catcher, and hitter. She is a great kid. She has a huge passion for this game,” stated Drust. “Megan is going to give any pitcher who throws to her confidence. Whatever pitcher is out there, they benefit from her presence behind the plate.”

For the last two years, Hodgdon worked with pitcher MacKenzie Juodaitis. As a senior in 2015, Juodaitis posted eight shutouts.

She received MVP and RecordJournal Scholar Athlete from her team.

Fellow graduate Tori D’Amato twice defeated Career Magnet, including one shutout, last spring.

D’Amato, who was given the Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Leadership Award, has joined the coaching staff this year.

“I started right after college being a coach,” reflected Drust. “I see something in Tori. She was and still is a great teammate. Even though she didn’t have many innings, she was a huge part of our success. She epitomizes what a great teammate is.”

Drust feels that Abramson has a great chance to be the starting pitcher this year. As a freshman, she stepped into pitch when Juodaitis was injured for three games.

Last spring, she batted .388 with five home runs, 16 runs scored, and 15 RBIs. “I think her experience at shortstop will help her. She has a strong mind. She holds all the characteristics of what a strong softball player is and looks like.

She is a great leader and very strong in the classroom,” stated Drust. “She will definitely help us offensively. She can handle the pressure of being successful on both sides of the ball.”

Juniors Sam Simione (left field) and Hannah Salvietti (second base) are also returning starters. Last year, Simione hit .350 with 12 runs scored, 13 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. She also posted her first varsity home run.

“She is very coachable. She is a funny kid, too. We are lucky to have her,” stated Drust. “She (Salvietti) learned a lot about herself as a player. She has a huge passion for this game. She seeks out ways to improve 365 days a year. She wants to be a leader. She is a great kid and got a lot stronger. I know she will come back a much more confident player.”

Along with Juodaitis and D’Amato, graduation will change the team in the batting order and in the field. Casey Harding (third

Photos by Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Above, Megan Hodgdon makes contact at the plate last spring. Inset photo at left, Abby Abramson. base) and Sara Como (first base) were four-year starters and clutch hitters in the lineup. Olivia Odermatt (center field) was a threeyear starter and Maggie O’Reilly started for her last two seasons.

Last spring, Harding returned from anterior cruciate ligament/ meniscus surgery to set the CHS single-season record for home runs (10). She received the Ram Award and SCC Player of the Year, sharing CHS Offensive Player of the Year with Odermatt (nine home runs).

Harding (University of Massachusetts-Lowell), Odermatt (Endicott College-Massachusets), and Juodaitis (Rowan College-New Jersey) were all named All-Class LL, All-Housatonic, and CHSCA Senior All-Stars. Juodaitis and Harding were also selected to the Federation Umpires of Greater New Haven Senior Scholar Athlete Classic.

After a year hiatus, Jill Pulek returned to have a stellar senior year at the plate. She is playing at Suffolk University in Massachusetts.

Another graduate, outfielder Andrea Russo, is going to play at Bates College in Maine.

“It is hard to see great kids go on to do bigger and better things,

but it is exciting as a coach to have kids who are waiting and wanting to have this opportunity,” added Drust.

Senior players Gabby Batista and Alexa Czarkosky will return with varsity experience at the plate and in the field. Gabby’s older sister Angelina graduated last year.

“She (Gabby) is someone who is very strong, a great teammate who works very hard. She is someone who you want on your team. She is great on the field and in the classroom. She can be the glue to our team,” said Drust.

Czarkosky plans to compete for the College of New Rochelle (New York).

“She has worked really hard,” stated Drust. “Alexa has dedicated herself to getting stronger. She is another great kid who will give so much to this team.”

Drust doesn’t set goals for win total or titles in a season.

“We focus on the process and work on the journey. They (the team) really believe in that now,” Drust said.

Good Luck to our 2016 RAM SOFTBALL #Family

~Friends of Softball~ Building on Tradition Respect & Loyalty

Sports…

the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Five

On left, Brian Weyrauch fires a shot at the net. Above, Peter Brown was the 2015 MVP. On right, Andrew Criscuolo is the top returning scorer.

Boys’ LAX Seeks Return To States For the Cheshire boys’ lacrosse team, the 2016 season will be focused on returning to the playoffs. After making states in Head Coach Rich Pulisciano’s first 17 years, the Rams haven’t qualified in the last two seasons.

“I’m sure that is goal number one for these guys,” said Pulisciano. “For the last two years, we’ve been done before Memorial Day. There is going to be a lot of motivation for coaches and players to get back to the state playoffs.”

Despite graduating 12 players after last year’s 3-13 season, CHS returns letterwinners at positions around the field.

“A lot of young kids got playing time last year and that is a good thing for us,” said Pulisciano. “Number one, they are experienced and number two we still have a few more years with them.”

While junior Will DePalma changed schools, the Rams still have experience back on defense.

Junior Matt Federico has played on varsity since his freshmen year and senior Xavier Celestino has started for a few years.

“It’s great. Matt is a great player. He is committed to Quinnipiac (University),” said Pulisciano.

“He (Celestino) is a big, athletic kid. He is our thumper down

there on defense.”

Seniors Dave Moran, Matt Robidoux, Sal DeLucia (goal), and R.J. Oris played last season on defense and in the defensive midfield. Moran was named Most Improved.

“His stick skills and knowledge of the game stood out, but R.J. Oris also really stepped up in the defensive mid-field last year,” Pulisciano reflected.

Robidoux provides versatility.

“He has changed positions to short stick and will be doing faceoffs, but don’t be surprised to see a long stick in his hand,” stated Pulisciano.

Depth will help offset the graduation of Zach Winch (eight goals, three assists), Tucker Ecke, Tyler D’Errico, Tommy Sokoloff, Colin Thorne, Brandon Caterino, and Matt Bronson.

Graduation will also impact the team offensively. Matt Blois was the team leader in goals (25) and points (33), adding eight assists.

Anthony Trasacco added 16 goals and five assists. Christian Russo (goal, assist) captained the 2015 team with Blois and Winch.

Blois is playing at Arizona State University, while Trasacco and Russo are competing at Dean College in Massachusetts. Additionally, juniors Alex Wyck-

off and Ryan Lindsey have also changed schools.

“Everybody is going to have to pitch in. The offense is going to have to share the ball,” Pulisciano said. “It will be tough replacing those shooters, so we need to be smart out there.”

Seniors Andrew Criscuolo (19 goals, six assists) and Chris Papa (13, five) are the top returning scorers. Both started last spring.

“If you practice hard, you are going to play. Those two guys when they step on the field for practice and games, it is 100 percent. They listen and want to get better,” explained Pulisciano.

Criscuolo is the most experienced player on face-offs, winning 98 of 217 chances in 2015.

Trasacco and Ryan Shalagan both graduated from the position.

“If you don’t have the ball, you can’t win games,” Pulisciano added.

After sitting out the first half of last year, junior attack Sean Black earned three goals and nine assists. He has committed to Merrimack College (Massachusetts).

“Sean is a great player,” said Pulisciano. “It was unfortunate that Sean and (sophomore) Jack (Raba) didn’t get to play much together because they had injuries at different times.”

Photos by James Brandolini and Greg Lederer/Cheshire Herald

Junior Brian Weyrauch posted two goals and five assists last spring. As a freshman mid-fielder, Michael Jeffery contributed eight goals and four assists.

“The kid (Jeffery) has got great size and speed. He is another kid who has played in the summer and got a lot better,” stated Pulisciano. “He (Weyrauch) is a big, strong athlete and can control a lot of things with his size and speed. He had a couple of nagging injuries last year, but hopefully we get him right.”

Senior Griffin Cunningham (two goals, two assists) and junior Jared Chase (goal), also return points from last season.

“Those are kids who love the game of lacrosse and play hard.

We are going to lean on them for goals,” said Pulisciano.

CHS was dealt a blow when Raba tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing football last fall.

Raba had 11 goals and 10 assists (team-leader) as a freshman. He has already committed to Loyola University in Maryland.

“Number one, Jack was a starter last year and that always hurts to lose a player,” said Pulisciano.

“Jack has been around the game

his whole life with his father being the Wesleyan University coach. He know the game, so it is like having a coach on the field.”

In net, CHS returns junior Peter Brown (175 saves) and senior Austin Ingarra (85). Brown was voted MVP last year. Ingarra has chosen to play at the College of Saint Rose (New York).

“You have two guys who saw a lot of time last year,” said Pulisciano. “I think the first four or five games, we rotated guys. By game five, Peter got the nod and started for us. When Peter got hurt with a concussion, Austin finished out the year. It makes it easier for the coaching staff knowing we have two good goaltenders.”

In moving down to Southern Connecticut Conference Tier II, the 2016 schedule has changed.

“I’m not really happy that we dropped down to Tier II because we lost some state games that we’ve been playing back to when I was in high school,” explained Pulisciano. “I’ll miss the competition and the bus trips when you get camaraderie. I’ve told the kids that we haven’t done anything yet.

To get back our (usual) schedule, we need to change that.”

CHESHIRE BOYS’ LACROSSE HAVE A GREAT SEASON! GOOD LUCK TO SENIORS, COACH P & STAFF... ... From the Cheshire Lacrosse Club

RAM PRID E

Six

Sports…

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Rams Football Relied On Seniors

Photos by James Brandolini/Cheshire Herald

Above, Nick Sansone (33) and Andrew Budd (75) celebrate a big play against Southington. On right, Chris Hillburn runs with the football.

Cheshire football head coach Don Drust feels that the story of the 2015 season goes beyond his team’s final record of 4-6 (1-3 in Southern Connecticut Conference Division I East).

After graduating 21 players, including many two- and three-year starters the season before, CHS relied on 20 seniors for leadership in navigating a tough schedule.

“You have to look at the character and integrity that those guys had on and off the field,” stated Drust. “I think 4-6 is obviously not where we (coaches) or they want to be, but I think they set things in place for us to be successful in the future. You are looking for guys to leave their mark and put us in a good position going forward and they did both of those things.”

Drust felt that character was displayed against Southington on Thanksgiving. Facing the twotime defending Class LL Champions, the Rams rallied from a 14-point deficit three times and took a 29-28 lead with 1:48 left.

Southington rallied to win 36-29 and go up 11-9 in the Apple Valley Classic series.

“It was huge,” recalled Drust.

“At the end of the day, we didn’t win the game and that is the goal, but for us to do what we did against the number one team in the state says a lot about who we are. We are going to show up

and work hard. It showed how we grew together as a group.”

Chris and Nate Hillburn, R.J. Oris, and Nick Sansone filled the role of senior quad-captains.

“They continued to grow into the position of being a leader and a captain,” said Drust. “You look back at the end of every season and those guys are asked to be the voice of over 100 guys. They made the right decisions on and off the field and I can’t ask for more than that.”

Oris (Offense) and Chris Hillburn (Defense) were the team and Apple Valley Classic MVPs for CHS. Oris rushed for a teamhigh 521 yards and scored seven touchdowns. In a 34-12 win over Sheehan, he ran for a career-best 208 yards and four touchdowns.

Oris also made seven receptions for 118 yards.

Defensively, he posted 68 tackles, three fumble recoveries (team leader), and added a sack. Along with being named All-SCC D-I East for the first time, Oris was given the Tommy DiDomizio Memorial Award.

“He is so well-rounded,” said Drust. “If you look at that (memorial) rock, it talks about dedication to the team and not yourself. He is standout student and leader. He is not a rah rah guy, but he shows up every day like it is Friday night. It shows in what he did.”

Chris Hillburn led in sacks (six) and tackles for a loss (17). He had 48 tackles overall and recovered two fumbles.

He also rushed for 349 yards and six touchdowns, including 154 yards and two touchdowns in a 16-12 win over Amity.

“Chris did a great job on both sides of the ball,” reflected Drust.

“When you look at Defensive MVP, you look for the difference of when a player is in and out of the game. The stats speak for themselves, but you look at the final product and we were a different team when Chris was in there.”

Sansone posted 91 tackles (team-best) and a sack.

“He did a great job,” added Drust. “He is a smart, savvy player. He knew where to be and that is what you want from a middle linebacker.”

Junior Brian Weyrauch battled injuries to post 84 tackles and two fumble recoveries, earning the Bent Face Mask Award for the second straight year. Weyrauch also ran for 71 yards on offense.

Seniors Setor Adobor (51 tackles) and Alec Fowler (26) each had three sacks playing up front.

Fowler tallied two interceptions (personal-best) and two sacks in a 38-16 win at Wilbur Cross.

Seniors Andrew Budd and Xavier Celestino made 38 tackles apiece.

Cheshire reloaded on the offensive line. Senior center Peter Purcell (Cheshire Junior Football Scholarship) was the lone returning starter. Seniors Matt Palma and Arman Cabral and juniors

Cesar Pascal and Pat Bourdeau joined Purcell up front.

Sophomore quarterbacks Jack Raba and Will Graikoski both debuted on varsity. Raba started nine games, completing 83 passes for 983 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for 110 yards.

Raba’s season was cut short when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Sheehan. Making his first start on Thanksgiving, Graikoski completed 19 passes of 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Cheshire utilized depth at the receiver. Sophomore Michael Jeffery (20 catches, 228 yards) led in touchdown catches with three.

Junior Mike Millea was the leader in receptions (32) and yards ( 397), adding a touchdown catch.

Senior Andrew Criscuolo (167) and sophomore Eric Angelone (194) each posted 18 catches and a touchdown. Fowler added 15

catches for 180 yards.

As a cornerback, Criscuolo had a team-best four interceptions, along with 49 tackles and a fumble recovery. He made All-SCC D-I East for the first time.

Jeffery added 55 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries from safety.

Junior Zach Racow supplied 18 tackles and an interception, while junior Matt Nugent had 21 tackles and a fumble recovery. While missing games due to injury, Nate Hillburn (15 tackles, fumble recovery) finished out his career.

Junior Nick Nelson (17 tackles) received the Greg Schena Award.

Senior Matt D’Andrea and sophomore Ethan Bronson both kicked for CHS. A four-year varsity player, D’Andrea came back from an injury during the season.

Bronson also handled punting.

Girls Fall Short In 18th Powder Puff Classic

Two days before CHS football hosted the 2015 finale on Thanksgiving, 24 girls represented Cheshire in the 18th Powder Puff Classic at Southington.

Due to the smaller numbers,

CHS opened the team to nonseniors for the first time.

After a scoreless first half, the Lady Knights broke free to win 10-0 and take an 11-6-1 lead in the series.

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Sports…

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Seven

Boys Break Through On Pitch Last fall saw the resurgence of the Cheshire boys’ soccer team.

After winning a combined seven games in the previous two years, the Rams more than tripled that win total last year and regained a championship level.

CHS went 13-4-2, claiming the Housatonic Division title (6-1-1) for the first time since 2011. They last won it outright in 2006.

“When you win, it’s always great,” said Head Coach Artur Branco. “It is the last Housatonic title (with a division change next year), so there is a double joy that comes along with it. The program needed it and it came at the right time.”

CHS also made the Class LL Tournament, ending a two-year hiatus. The Rams beat Trumbull 2-1 in the first round before falling 2-0 to Simsbury.

“For the players, that was a great motivator, particularly for our senior group. They wanted to leave the program in a good position,” stated Branco. “The other players had a chip on their shoulder and put extra work into the off-season.”

A four-year starter and senior tri-captain with Colin Albrecht and Tommy Conlon, senior forward Jake Goldstein scored the third-most goals (21) in a singleseason at CHS. He also finished with a team-best 48 points.

Goldstein posted seven gamewinners and added six assists. He was named MVP and the Greater New Haven Officials Association Male Soccer Player of the Year, along with receiving All-Class LL, All-Housatonic, and New Haven Register All-Area Team.

He also played in the Senior Bowl with Conlon and Eric Dishnica. Goldstein will play at Bent-

ley University (Massachusetts).

“To have a player of his caliber on our team is a huge plus,” said Branco. “Jake came up strong in a lot of games when we needed him. He was a big piece of the puzzle.”

A mid-fielder, Conlon was given the RAM Award, All-Housatonic, and Record-Journal Scholar Athlete. He scored in a 4-0 win at Jonathan Law. “The fact that he won the Ram Award expresses how the coaches feel about him,” said Branco. “He was one of the most consistent players for us. Tommy did a great job in the middle and did a lot of things that people can’t see unless you understand the game. He is a complete player, great student, and tremendous person on and off the field.”

Dishnica and senior Sid Subramani were both three-year starters. In compiling 22 points (seven goals, eight assists), Dishnica earned his first hat trick in a 5-0 win over Amity. He earned AllHousatonic for the first time.

“Eric is the set up guy,” said Branco. “That is his role as a mid-fielder. He is the engine that makes the car go. A lot of credit for Jake’s goals goes to him.”

Subramani, who will play at Bard College (New York), played on defense with Albrecht and juniors Mitch Manware (three assists) and Nick Weimer.

“The experience that Sid had helped him flourish. He developed the confidence that held him back in years past. He was a big player for us,” said Branco.

Albrecht (assist) received the Cheshire Kiwanis Club Leadership Award. Weimer netted his first varsity goals, including the game-winner (header) in the

CHS Overcame Injuries To Make LL Tournament

continued from page 2 first All-Housatonic nod.

“It was great. She is a welldeserving player with a great attitude,” Luis said.

Junior Saige Bingman, who missed five games due to injury, returned to score her team’s lone goal at Greenwich. She joined sophomore Elizabeth Lurz in posting five goals (team-best) and an assist.

“She is a very talented player.

For her safety, we didn’t want to bring her back until she was healthy,” explained Luis.

Lurz also had a breakout season, including a two-goal effort in a 6-0 shutout of Lyman Hall.

“She improved, as she went along,” said Luis. “Her work rate was great.”

Sophomore Jill Klem (goal), Bellina (assist), senior Samantha Calabrese (assist), and juniors Allison Leonetti (goal, three assists), Sarah Clark (two goals, assist), Abby Abramson (two goals), and Kaitlyn D’Andrea (goal, two assists) also had career-best points.

Klem missed time with a concus-

sion.

“Right as she got injured, we were still trying to find the right spot for her,” said Luis.

As a freshman, Kaitlyn Loura led in assists (four) and netted three goals. Classmates Paige Perez (goal), Lila McNamee (assist), and Kayla Agostinelli also started games.

“She (Loura) showed great technical ability stepping right into the lineup,” said Luis.

Bellina, Abramson, D’Andrea, and Perez contributed on defense.

Abramson’s two goals both came on headers.

“Abby and Jill (Klem) will find a way to get their head in position on corner kicks,” stated Luis.

Sophomore Sam Mathews (89 saves) and junior Zoe Riccio (13) were the varsity goalkeepers. Mathews earned two shutouts (3-0, 6-0) against Lyman Hall.

Freshman Riley Pettit and Riccio also played in those respective games.

“The good thing is that it is an open spot. There is friendly competition,” added Luis.

Class LL First Round.

“He (Albrecht) really was a pleasant surprise because he was a kid who had played significantly at the JV level. It was nice to see him flourish as a player and as an individual,” said Branco.

“Nick Weimer is going to be a fun player to watch next year. He has matured a lot.”

Junior Jared Chase succeeded three-year starter Matt Skydel (graduated co-captain) as varsity goalkeeper last fall. Chase posted seven shutouts.

“He did a really good job for someone who hadn’t played a lot of soccer in the off-season,” said Branco. “He is a great athlete.”

Jake’s younger brother, Toby Goldstein (three assists), and Matt Mayano (three goals, five assists) earned starting spots as freshmen. Matt’s older brother, junior Andrew Mayano, supplied a goal and an assist.

Junior Dante Rubano scored his first three goals and added three assists. Classmate Quinn Boucaud netted his first goal, while junior Sean Black and sophomore

Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Jake Goldstein exploded for a career-high 21 goals in 2015.

CJ Andes added assists.

Manware will captain the 2016 team.

“The players recommended

him to be captain and the coaches agreed with them. We feel that he has the attributes to lead us on and off the field,” said Branco.

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Eight

Sports…

the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Winter Teams Stay Active

James Brandolini/Cheshire Herald

Boys’ Basketball (4-8, 2-2 in Housatonic Division) Senior tri-captains: Zach Barlok, Dylan D’Addio, and Heath Post An injury to Post, along with a tough road schedule and inexperience on the varsity level, contributed to a slow start, but the Rams have begun to heat up with wins over host West Haven (48-45, Jan. 26) and Career Magnet (5148, last Thursday).

D’Addio and Post are top scorers. Juniors Drew Hart, Mike Millea, and Mike Quint have taken on bigger roles in their first season as

Tracey Harrington/Cheshire Herald

Pictured are a sampling of winter athletes: sophomore Julia Schaff (top, girls’ basketball), junior Drew Hart (above, boys’ basketball), senior Joe O’Donnell (above on right; wrestling), junior Billy McKinley (below, ice hockey), seniors Kendal Frazier and Natalie Dicks (below right, cheerleading).

Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Photo courtesy of Pete Zovas

Photo courtesy of Kristin D’Andrea

Open Monday-Friday

varsity starters.

“Besides Heath and Dylan, we have a lot of guys who are seeing their most varsity minutes this year,” said Head Coach Dan Lee. “We are gaining experience and looking to get better every day.”

Girls’ Basketball (5-8, 1-3) Tri-captains/lone senior players: Nillie Burton, Ciara Haensel, and Emily Inzero Haensel and sophomore Brady McQuade are key inside players. Sophomore Julia Schaff and freshman Mia Juodaitis have provided consistent offense alongside Burton in the backcourt.

Inzero, along with sophomores Sara Mulligan and Mia Pulisciano, have played key roles off the bench. CHS is focused on earning three more wins to make the Class LL Tournament.

“I’m still confident,” said Head Coach Sarah Mik, who will step down at season’s end. “We have a competitive group of girls with our motto of, hard work is contagious.”

Boys’ Ice Hockey (6-3-1) Senior captain: Griffin Cunningham Senior assistant captains: Sanjay Montagna, Jake Verneris The Rams are riding a threegame win streak. Montagna and juniors Matt Federico and Billy McKinley are top scorers for the Rams who utilize multiple lines.

Cunningham anchors a veteran group of defensemen. Verneris has been a consistent performer as a two-year starter in goal.

“We are playing our best hockey right now,” said first-year head coach Anthony Giusto. “The tie against Conard (2-2, Dec. 19) and the loss to Glastonbury (4-1, Dec. 28) have prepared us for a tough schedule.”

Indoor Track and Field Senior tri-captains (Boys): David Amann, Jordan Kolpak, and Cameron O’Connor Senior tri-captains (Girls): Lauren Carbone, Brenna Reach, and Janaia Skibitcky Last Thursday, Cheshire girls reached one of their goals by winning the Southern Connecticut Conference East Sectional title (88.5 points) at Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven. CHS boys finished eighth (24).

“It’s nice. It’s a true team victory,” said girls’ head coach Allen Dvarskas.

Boys’ head coach Pam Gunneson feels that the weather has helped contribute to a great season.

“We’ve had the best conditions for training and you can see that in the boys’ times,” Gunneson said.

Read about the meet in this week’s regular section of The Cheshire Herald.

Wrestling (8-7) Senior quad-captains: Darren Barile, Owen Brown, Mike Marotta, and Matt Robidoux CHS has experience in the form of nine seniors, but forfeits have hampered them in dual meets.

The team was encouraged after going 5-0 in last Saturday’s St. Bernard Invite.

“The forfeits are tough. Individually, we look to be strong at the end of the season,” said Head Coach Jake Dilts.

The quad-captains, along with classmate Joe O’Donnell and junior Sean Black, are win leaders.

Skiing (Boys, 4-1; Girls, 2-2) Senior tri-captains (Girls): Samantha Bellina, Kelly Byrd, and Meghan Diamond Tri-captains (Boys): senior Aiden Murphy, juniors Peter Brown and Matt Urbano Cheshire teams enjoyed a strong opener on Jan. 27 at Mount Southington. Diamond and junior Anders Norback won for the girls and boys, respectively.

Junior Katie Tomko, Byrd, junior Rebecca Hyman, freshman Rachel Hyman, and junior Emily Bodurtha also scored for the girls.

On the boys’ side, junior Jared Chase, Urbano, Brown, Murphy, and sophomore Andrew DePalma joined Norback as scorers.

“Our goal is to make the (state) championship,” said Head Coach Toby Brimberg. “We want everybody to improve. If you come to a practice, you can see the exuberance of a JV (junior varsity) kid having a breakthrough. That is important for us.”

Boys’ Swim and Dive (6-0) Senior tri-captains: Karl Bishop, Mike Goodrich, and Matt Schock After not graduating anyone from last season, the Rams are off to a fast start. Bishop, a defending Southern Connecticut Conference and state champion, has shined in multiple events.

Seniors John Gaudio and Alex Cheruk, junior Kevin Erickson, and freshman Joey Cannata have been strong additions. Goodrich, Schock, juniors Ryan Mostoller, Ryan Nguyen, Jamie Eigner, and sophomore Dara Malone have also provided key points.

CHS is excited for their home meet against 11-time defending SCC Champion Fairfield Prep.

“I’m pleased with the way the team is swimming, but we still have work to do to get to the point where we can beat Fairfield Prep on Feb. 16,” stated Head Coach Kevin Reeder.

Cheerleading Senior tri-captains: Kendal Frazier, Madison Manware, and Brianna Mariano Cheshire has opened their competitive season, taking runner-up in the West Haven Tournament (Jan. 24) and third place in the Wolcott Tournament (Jan. 30).

The schedule has four invitationals, including a National Championship on Feb. 26 in Ocean City, Maryland. CHS will also compete in the SCC Championship this Saturday (11 a.m.) at North Haven and the State Open on March 5.

“Our biggest goal is to win SCC,” said Head Coach Lisa Frazier. “We want to be in the top three for states. We would also like to win at nationals.”

There are 19 girls on the team, 18 of whom are competing. Due to an injury and surgery, Mariano See BLADES, page 15

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Sports…

Nine

Girls Shined On V-Ball Court

Last fall, Cheshire girls’ volleyball showcased the program’s depth and consistency. Despite graduating a record-setting class that went 96-4, CHS remained a top contender locally and on the state level.

CHS won a share of a record seventh straight Housatonic Division title (7-1), made the Southern Connecticut Conference final for the fifth season in a row, and reached their sixth consecutive Class LL semifinal.

“I was thrilled,” reflected Head Coach Sue Bavone. “I wasn’t sure it could happen after the players we lost (to graduation). We don’t say rebuilding around here, but it was that kind of year.”

Since Cheshire only returned two starters from the year before, the senior class of nine girls had to step into leadership roles.

In helping the Rams go 20-4 in 2015, the seniors finished with a 93-7 career record.

Bavone felt that an early 3-1 loss at Mercy was a turning point for the team.

“The girls had so much pressure on them to perform and live up to what the previous (graduating) class had done,” recalled Bavone. “This was their team.

Once we talked after that match, it took the pressure off.”

Cheshire tied Amity atop the

division. After both teams earned road victories in the regular season, the rivals met up one more time in the SCC final. Amity pulled out a 3-2 win to end Cheshire’s four-year title reign.

CHS bounced back to beat Trumbull (3-0) and Glastonbury (3-2) in Class LL play. Trailing Glastonbury 9-4 in the fifth game, Cheshire rallied to win 15-11 and reach the semifinal round.

“Before that match, we had lost two five-setters (to Amity) in which we won the fourth game convincingly and then didn’t bring that same intensity in the fifth set,” said Bavone. “I imagined us imploding when we fell behind again (against Glastonbury), but the girls stepped up.

That was big for us.”

The Rams ended their season in a 3-1 loss to eventual state champion Fairfield Ludlowe.

“I think the semifinal is the toughest game. I feel the pressure is off after you reach the final,” said Bavone. “It was frustrating that some calls didn’t go our way, but I was proud we made it back to the semifinals. We take pride in consistency in this program.”

Seniors Marli Green (middle hitter) and Ele Ascheri (setter) were Co-Most Outstanding Offensive Players, both receiving All-Housatonic and New Haven

Register All-Area Team honors.

A tri-captain with seniors Lauren Carbone and Katelyn Morley, Green became the go-to hitter.

She led the Rams in kills (224) and blocks (56), adding 59 aces and 31 digs in earning All-Class LL First Team for the first time.

“She had to be a dominant hitter and she was. Marli stepped up big,” stated Bavone. “It helped that Ele set the middle well.”

A foreign exchange student from Italy, Ascheri was a strong newcomer. In compiling a teambest 518 assists, 61 aces, and 92 percent serve percentage, Ascheri became the first CHS setter to not make an error in a single-season under Bavone.

Ascheri used her versatility to also post 97 digs, 32 kills, and 28 blocks. She was rewarded with All-Class LL Second Team.

“Ele was a big reason for our success,” said Bavone. “She was an experienced player with a lot of court sense and maturity. I remember when I first saw her play, I thought she was lazy because she didn’t rush after the ball. I learned that the game was actually slow for her coming from Italy and since she always knew where to be, she moves smoothly.”

In starting for the first time as seniors, Alaina Capasso (46 digs) and Mairead Peters (60 digs) were

Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Marli Green (left) and Alaina Capasso (right) celebrate a point during the 2015 SCC final against Amity. chosen as Co-Most Outstanding Defensive Players. Along with being a defensive specialist with Capasso, Peters rotated at libero with junior Panru Jing.

“I put Mairead in that (white) jersey because she is a confident player. She went after the ball,” stated Bavone. “Alaina had some really big digs in the left back position.”

The Most Improved Player, junior Molly Michaud (70 kills, 24 blocks) emerged as key complement to Green in the middle.

“Molly works very hard. She does whatever you ask of her,” said Bavone.

A first-time All-Housatonic honoree with Green and Ascheri, senior Janine Zumerchik posted 123 kills, 114 digs, and 18 aces.

Zumerchik was named RecordJournal Scholar Athlete.

“Janine was by far the most athletic with the exception of Ele,” said Bavone. “She was really big for us on defense and was the only player to go all the way See SENIORS, page 14

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Ten

Sports…

Tennis Teams To Fill In Spots

Cheshire tennis teams will both have new looks this spring.

Graduation losses have opened up spots in the boys’ and girls’ lineups.

Justin Lucht coached CHS boys to a 13-3 record last year.

“Granted, losing our (five) seniors hurts any team, but I do believe we have a strong group ready to step up to the challenge,” said Lucht.

The Rams will replace the top singles players in graduates Jackson Ajello and Reilly Eldredge.

Junior Arnav Velaparthi played in the third spot in 2015, while junior Jaden Tiriolo and senior Joe Cashore rotated at number four.

Velaparthi and senior Owen Murray will captain this year’s team.

“I feel great about my captains.

They both have good leadership skills,” added Lucht.

CHS graduated the number one doubles team of Abdullah Choudhry and David Light.

Choudhry was the 2015 MVP and captained the team with Ajello.

“We had a very strong doubles core and finding a new number one team will be a challenge,” stated Lucht. “Those guys (Choudhry, Light) were tough to beat, but with our boys having a full season under their belts, it’s nice to know we have some depth and will be ready.”

Junior Sean Crowley competed in the second spot last year with 2015 grad Dennis Ryley. Seniors Sanjay Montagna and Jeff Russitano started together in the third position. Evan Zovas is another senior with doubles experience.

“Our goals, as a team, will be to hit the ground running and play each match with intensity and determination,” added Lucht. “If we do that every match, we will be tough to beat. We have a great group of kids and I look forward to this upcoming season.”

Cheshire girls are coming off a 10-10 season that ended with a 7-0 loss in a Class L qualifier at Amity. Graduated tri-captains Sara Bruce, Radhika Kanaskar, and Sidney Tomko, along with Emily Acquavita and Katherine Wang, all started in the lineup.

“It is tough to lose seniors,” said girls’ head coach Scott Matthews. “As I keep coaching more and more, it gets easier. I’m used to working with the younger girls.”

Seniors Ariana Pepper, Durga Rathi, and Serena Steskla will lead the 2016 team as tri-captains.

With the graduation of Bruce, the team will have a new number one singles player for the seventh consecutive season. Rathi produced her best season in the second spot last year and she will

return with the most experience against top competition.

“The number one (spot) has been changing. It is good to have someone who wants to play singles there,” stated Matthews.

“Ever since freshman year, she (Rathi) has worked really hard.

She is a nice person who gets along with everyone.”

A three-year starter like Rathi, senior Amanda Murray began last season in singles before moving to team with Tomko at number one doubles. Wang took her place in singles.

“I feel that she (Murray) can do anything,” added Matthews. “She could play singles or doubles.”

As a freshman last year, Caroline Jentzen secured a starting spot in singles.

“I was super thrilled for her to step right in,” said Matthews.

“She is one of the best athletes I’ve worked with in my five years of coaching.”

Junior Alexa Wetmore has started in each of her first two seasons. Classmate Katie Tomko, Sidney’s younger sister, also returns varsity experience.

After graduating four of six starters in doubles, including the MVP in Tomko, Matthews will build new teams this spring.

“I had a soft spot for Sidney because I played doubles and I

The CHS girls’ golf team will return with familiarity this year.

“I am rather excited in that I don’t know if we can be totally as good as we were three or four years ago, but we do return a pretty good nucleus with match experience,” said Williams. “Of the top five returning players, three are seniors and two are juniors, so we should be good.”

The top player in her two seasons, junior Sophia Qiu had a 48.3 stroke average last year.

“The greatest thing is that she has bonded with the team more.

She was shy as a freshman,” said Williams.

Seniors Savannah DeBauche (50.9) and Natalie Anastasio

(55.0) will captain this year’s squad. DeBauche, who moved to Cheshire as a sophomore, was last year’s Co-MVP with 2015 captain Dana Zappone (53.0).

Anastasio received the 2015 Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Leadership Award.

“There is no way that she (DeBauche) shouldn’t be shooting 50 or below, especially at home,” said Williams. “Natalie should be around 49-52. She gained quite a bit of confidence last year and has gotten bigger.”

Junior Karen Larkin was named Most Improved after averaging a 56.444 average last season.

“I’m very excited about Karen,” said Williams. “She didn’t

surprise me last year, but she did surprise herself with how she played.”

Along with Zappone, Cheshire has also graduated Kathleen Castrilli, Olivia Villecco (RecordJournal Scholar Athlete), and Jennie Paulsen. Williams hopes that Olivia Hally and Olivea Kiefer emerge in their senior seasons.

“I’m hoping that she (Hally) can shoot around 50. This is her chance to be in the starting lineup,” added Williams. “I believe her (Kieffer) best score last year was a 53. We’ll see if she can give us that consistently because that would be huge.”

CHS will play eight home matches at Southington Country

James Brandolini/ Cheshire Herald

Al Valerio/Cheshire Herald

On left, Durga Rathi hits a return. On right, Arnav Velaparthi jumps up for a serve. liked how people would use strategy over power. She always knew the right shots to take,” explained Matthews.

Pepper was a fixture in the second spot last year, teaming with sophomore Camille Bisson and senior Katherine Wu. “I think she’ll (Pepper) be in doubles again. She attacks her volleys and looks to place the ball in the open court,” said Matthews.

The number three spot has been vacated. In 2015, Kanaskar and Acquavita became starters and shared Most Improved honors.

Matthews feels that Steskla will help on and off the court.

“I’m excited for her as a captain. Over the last few years, she has shown great leadership skills,” said Matthews.

According to Matthews, he wants his team to display good sportsmanship and do their best.

Club, but Williams feels the key will be how the team performs on the road.

Cheshire finished 11-6 last year, placing third (399) in the Southern Connecticut Girls’ Golf League Tournament.

“I would say the ultimate goal is to get back to the (state) tournament, but it is a long shot.

That 60 differential is tough and it goes down every year,” stated Williams. “I don’t think we can win the league because (Daniel) Hand is loaded, but earning second would be great.”

This spring, Cheshire boys’ golf will head back to the links with a lineup built for the future.

Returning starters, junior Dan Schena and sophomores Owen Reach and Drew Bellina, all have multiple seasons ahead of them.

CHS will return without captain Chris Simione, along with fellow graduates Ben Klanica and Ray Albanese (Cheshire Kiwanis Club Sportsmanship Award).

“We lost a lot of varsity experience,” said boys’ head coach Dan Lee. “We hope the (returning) guys played over the summer and embrace the challenge of stepping up.”

A four-year starter, Simione won his first Southern Connecticut Conference title (70) last spring at Racebrook Country Club in Orange. He tied for 13th (76) in the Division I Open at Berlin’s Timberlin Golf Course.

Simione received MVP, New Haven Register All-Area Team, and Record-Journal Scholar Athlete. He is now playing at Bentley

University in Massachusetts.

“Chris worked extremely hard in and out of season,” explained Lee. “He worked his way into an All-League player by his senior year. We stress to the young guys how you have to work hard to get better.”

Like Simione, Schena has started since his freshman year. Last spring, Schena shot 86 in the SCC meet and tied for 65th (84) in the D-I Open.

“He is another guy who has come a long way,” said Lee. “He has playing experience on the courses and can help the younger guys managing them.”

As freshmen in 2015, Reach (85) and Bellina (93) joined Klanica (87), Schena, and Simione competing in the SCC meet. Reach was chosen as Most Improved.

“It is always good to get varsity experience as a freshman,” added Lee. “They (Reach, Bellina) now know the competition and courses we face.”

Carter DeFigueiredo also has match experience.

“Coming back as a senior, he has waited his turn and hopes to contribute consistently on the varsity level,” stated Lee. Last season, Cheshire placed fifth (328) in the SCC. “There is no Housatonic Division anymore, so we hope to finish as high as we can in Division I,” said Lee. “We hope to score high enough to make the SCC meet and be one of the top 20 teams competing in the State Open.”

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the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Sports…

Eleven

CHS Girls Swim To SCC Four-Peat

Despite having lost experience to graduation, Cheshire girls’ swim and dive utilized a strong group of 18 freshmen to keep up their winning ways last fall.

CHS went 11-0 to win their second straight Southern Connecticut Conference Division I regular season crown.

“It was certainly a different dynamic,” said Head Coach Dan Mascolo. “We were lucky to have so many freshmen be able to step in and help the team right away.”

In the SCC final, Cheshire won their fourth straight crown (21st title in 22 years). CHS only won the 400-yard freestyle relay (freshman Esther Han, sophomore Jordyn Deubel, junior Cameryn Guetens, freshman Shannon Lindsey; 3:41.89), but they used depth to earn 1,426.5 points.

“The girls worked hard and showed what kind of depth we have,” stated Mascolo. “No one commands the spotlight. They are just out to get best times and help the team.”

Tri-captains Clare French, Izzi Gessman, and Danielle Grenon

led an eight-member senior class.

“They had a real challenge in front of them with the 18 freshmen. The freshmen listened to them and wanted to get better.

They (captains) led by example in the pool,” explained Mascolo.

“We had captains in the various lanes. Izzi was great to have because she is quiet, but when she talks, it is so important. People know that Danielle has been swimming a long time and they listened to her.”

French was honored with the Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Leadership Award.

“Clare has a great way with the girls. She can express the gravity of the situation with levity,” added Mascolo.

Not only did the seniors earn an SCC title each season, but they also came away victorious in their last 22 dual meets to finish 40-2 for their career.

“You’ll always remember your first senior class,” said Mascolo, who became head coach four years ago.

In the dual-meet finale, CHS

James Brandolini/Cheshire Herald

On Senior Night, Danielle Grenon is pictured with (from left) her sister Samantha, father Jim, and mother Melissa.

Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

A newcomer to the team last fall, Cameryn Guetens shined in distance freestyle events and earned MVP. beat host Lauralton Hall 102-84 in a battle of unbeatens. Cheshire took third in Class L (576.5) and seventh (256) in the State Open.

“That is where I was expecting to be this season. New Canaan and Darien were so strong and we had graduated a lot of points from our state team last year,” said Mascolo.

Sophomore Liz Boyer and Guetens led in points, each earning All-State, All-SCC, and New Haven Register All-Area Team.

For the second year in a row, Boyer made history in the Class L final. She won the 100-yard butterfly (55.85), breaking the CHS record of Kim Fiore from 1999.

Boyer earned another AllAmerican consideration time in the 100-yard breaststroke (third, 1:04.11).

In the SCC final, Boyer placed second in the 200-yard individual medley (2:10.97) and 500-yard freestyle (5:12.74).

She ended her season in the State Open, finishing second in butterfly (56.38) and fifth in breaststroke (1:05.13).

“She did a fantastic job. She swam the 200 free (freestyle) last year at states because we needed her there and this season she was needed in butterfly,” stated Mascolo. “Liz is such a team player and kids like her don’t come along often. She has grown so much in butterfly.”

In her first season, Guetens was voted Most Outstanding Swim-

mer. She showed her versatility in the SCC meet, cracking the top six of the 100-yard backstroke (fourth, 1:02.51) and 200-yard IM (sixth, 2:15.21).

Guetens finished as the Class L runner-up in the 200- (1:54.42) and 500-yard (5:02.12) freestyles.

In the State Open, she placed third in the 500-yard race (5:00.96) and eighth in the 200-yard event (1:55.32).

In CHS history, Guetens ranks third and ninth in the 500- and 200-yard freestyles, respectively.

“I was so thrilled when I heard that Cameryn was going to swim with us,” reflected Mascolo. “I knew what I was getting and she exceeded expectations. What she did at practice was amazing and it motivated everyone to work hard around her.”

Guetens and Boyer also factored heavily into relays. Along with winning the gold medal in the SCC 400-yard freestyle race, Guetens joined Boyer in the 200yard medley event (junior Lily Kurtz, Han; third, 1:52.9).

Boyer contributed to second place in the SCC 200-yard freestyle relay (Lindsey, sophomore Amanda Go, junior Emily Murphy; 1:41.44).

For the 200-yard medley relay, Guetens and Boyer teamed with Kurtz and Murphy to finish top five in Class L (fourth, 1:50.69) and the State Open (seventh, 1:51.04). Lindsey, Han, Guetens, and Boyer formed the 400-yard

freestyle team at those respective meets (fourth, 3:36.62; eighth, 3:36.57).

Lindsey and Han made an immediate impact. Lindsey posted top times in the SCC 50- (fifth, 25.5) and 100-yard (fourth, 55.6) freestyles. Han supplied seventh (25.63) and fifth (55.66) in those events.

In Class L, Lindsey was fifth in the 50-yard race (25.01) and Han was seventh in the 200-yard freestyle (1:58.23). Lindsey (5:12.48) and Han (5:14.15) finished ninth and 10th, respectively, in the 500yard event.

They also joined Deubel and Go for the 200-yard freestyle relay in Class L (sixth, 1:42.55) and the State Open (18th, 1:42.54).

“They swam like true competitors. They battled at the end of the season,” said Mascolo, of Han and Lindsey.

Deubel, junior Kathryn Robinson, and Kurtz also had top 10 times in the post-season. Another All-SCC honoree, Deubel placed third in the 200-yard freestyle (2:00.4) and added eighth in the 500-yard freestyle (5:24.31).

For Class L, Deubel took sixth in the 200-yard IM (2:12.24).

Robinson had top butterfly times in the SCC (fourth, 1:01.66) and Class L (sixth, 1:00.26). Kurtz added key points in breaststroke, taking ninth in the SCC (1:11.13) and eighth in Class L (1:07.83).

“It makes the future look See FRESHMEN, page 14

GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE

2015 scc regular season champions/ Four-time defending scc Meet champs thanks to head coach dan Mascolo, assistant shea Moriarty, and diving coach Patty conte

We’ll Miss You Seniors

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Twelve

Sports…

CHS Girls’ Lacrosse Aims To Regain Top Spot In SCC Often when a high school sports team graduates a big senior class, they return younger the following season. However, in the case of the 2016 Cheshire girls’ lacrosse, experience will pay dividends this year.

Despite CHS graduating 11 seniors, many returning girls contributed to last year’s 10-9 season.

“The funny thing is that this year’s group is a young group,” said Head Coach Dan Warburton. “People assumed we were a young team last year, but were just inexperienced (on the varsity level). If people come together and fill spots, we will be good.”

The tradition-rich program seeks to return to the top of the Southern Connecticut Conference. Last season, Cheshire fell to rival Daniel Hand in the regular season finale (13-6) and in the SCC semifinals (14-6).

Prior to that point, CHS had won a school record three straight regular season crowns and four consecutive tournament titles.

“Every year, our goal is to win the league title and make the (SCC) championship game,” said Warburton. “Hand had one of the best teams they’ve ever had last year and took advantage of it.”

Cheshire aims to go deeper in the Class L Tournament. In 2015, CHS won 15-6 in the first round at Shelton before falling 14-3 in the quarterfinals at Simsbury.

“We go into every season with high expectations. We didn’t live up to those last year, but we play a tough schedule. We still made the quarterfinals of states,” said Warburton. “Success isn’t measured by wins and losses, but by achievement. It (last year) wasn’t a season where we underachieved. We had a group that worked really hard and what we did last year will help us this season.”

For leadership, Warburton will look to his senior class led by co-captains Meghan Dutchyshyn and Hannah Hackett. The captains, who both became starters as sophomores, were named Super Juniors last spring.

“They are great leaders and strong players. The two of them and the senior class as a whole has an opportunity to have a special season,” said Warburton.

An attack player who also contributes heavily on the draw, Dutchyshyn led the Rams in goals (61) and points (64) last year. She added three assists.

Dutchyshyn netted a careerhigh eight goals in the Class L First Round. She received AllClass L Second Team, All-SCC First Team, and New Haven Register All-Area Team.

“Going into last year, we knew Meghan was going to get a lot of attention. She scored 30 percent of our goals,” said Warburton.

“Teams will gear defenses around her this year, so we hope we can have young players step up and contribute on the offensive side.”

CHS lost 46 points in the graduation of twin sisters Erica Stauffer (15 goals, team-best 12 assists) and Taylor Stauffer (eight, 11), but CHS returns depth. Juniors Brooke Jackson (33, seven), Vicki Palmer (20, seven), and Kaitlyn D’Andrea (12, five) are all back after starting last season.

“They were able to get a lot of experience as sophomores. It was a great opportunity for them to grow,” Warburton reflected.

D’Andrea also excels at getting ground balls off the draw.

“She is one of the few players I’ve had who can dominate a game without scoring,” stated Warburton, of the 2015 Most Improved Player.

Last spring, Mia Pulisciano stepped right in to post 15 goals and five assists.

“Mia saw a lot of time as a freshman. She has experience from playing and is an imposing presence,” said Warburton.

In netting her first eight goals last year, Colleen Carroll scored the game-winner 12-11 at South Windsor. Fellow juniors Maggie Hoynes (goal), Julie Roche (two goals), Maggie Devine (two goals), and senior Emily Peck (assist) also return points.

Warburton feels that a strong freshmen class will add depth.

“This is going to be one of our

Photos by Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Above, Meghan Dutchyshyn is back as Cheshire’s top scorer. Below, Brooke Jackson looks for an open teammate. most competitive teams. There are going to be a lot of spots wide open,” said Warburton.

Reloading defensively will be key after Cheshire graduated Kya O’Donnell, Natalie Bigler (Coaches Award), and Mikayla Crieger as starters. A tri-captain with Alexa Carbone and Taylor Stauffer, O’Donnell was awarded Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star, All-Class Second Team, and AllSCC First Team.

A low defender, Hackett will provide leadership this spring.

“Hannah is a positive leader and she also knows what to say when it’s time to get things done,” said Warburton. “She is energetic and has a passion for the game.”

Junior Bailey Cunningham had the chance to start on defense last year. Classmate Carolynn Pechmann is expected to succeed Carbone (University of New Haven) in net.

Carbone is the only goalkeeper to have started three years for Warburton. She was presented

2015 team MVP and the Lacrosse Award, CHSCA Senior All-Star, and All-SCC Second Team.

“We had to throw her in as a sophomore and she took full advantage of it,” recalled Warburton. “Carolynn came up to varsity last year. If you are going to replace a three-year starter and captain, it is good to have someone ready to step in.”

Meaghan Carroll (goal, assist), Emma Gaudio (two goals, two assists), Bethany Kalach (five goals, assist), and Caroline Hague (two goals) joined the Stauffer sisters with career-best numbers as seniors last year. Meaghan Carroll (Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Sportsmanship Award) and Taylor Stauffer (Record-Journal Scholar Athlete) were additional award winners.

Like in the past, Warburton has put together another tough schedule against top teams this year.

“I would rather go in (to states) as a lower seed than a higher seed without being tested,” said Warburton.

Cheshire Girls’ Lacrosse Have a great 2016 season.

Good luck after graduation to our seniors!

From the Cheshire Lacrosse Club

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

Sports…

Thirteen

Cheshire Field Hockey Gelled En Route To L Final For Cheshire field hockey, the phrase ‘it’s not how you start, but how you finish’ told the story of the 2015 season. Starting the year without 16 graduates from the year before, the team went scoreless in their first two games, but as the chemistry developed, CHS finished among the state’s elite.

For the fourth time in five years, Cheshire (15-3-2-2) reached the Class L title game. They played Wilton to a scoreless stalemate before the Warriors scored the lone goal (1-0) in overtime.

“This is the most exciting season because of the way they finished,” explained Head Coach Eileen Wildermann. “We had a tough road in states going up against Fairfield County (teams), but we kept surprising people on the way to the finals.”

Cheshire went 12-2-1 to end the season. Despite being outshot, they shut out Ridgefield (2-0) and Norwalk (1-0) to reach the Class L semis for the fifth straight year.

For the second year in a row, CHS faced defending champion Glastonbury in the Final Four. The Rams fell 1-0 in 2014, but the rematch went to Cheshire.

With the game tied 1-1, the rivals played two scoreless overtimes leading up to penalty strokes. Junior goalkeeper Alyssa Stevens made three saves and classmate Sam Simione converted the lone stroke to clinch a 2-1 victory (1-0).

“We were huge underdogs. They (Glastonbury) were ranked top 25 in the region,” stated Wildermann. “It was a back and forth game until (penalty) strokes. You could she (Stevens) was nervous, but she was phenomenal to stop them.”

Wildermann felt the turning

point of the season was a 1-1 tie at Daniel Hand. CHS had beaten the Tigers 1-0 earlier in the year, but Hand outshot them in that game.

CHS controlled play when the rivals met in the Southern Connecticut Conference semifinals, but Hand pulled out a 1-0 win.

Co-captains Hannah Hackett and Nicole Salamone, along with Natalie Anastasio, Meghan Dutchyshyn, Lily Graham, Erin Mellitt, and Samantha Vitale led as senior players. Classmates Maggie Hoynes and Taylor Monti served as managers.

“They were awesome,” stated Wildermann. “Your success is reflected in your leadership. They (co-captains) epitomized how to bring a team together. We had such great chemistry.”

Salamone, who posted a personal-best five goals and six assists, impacted both ends as a defensive mid-fielder. She scored timely goals in Class L play, converting the game-winner at Norwalk and the opening goal against Glastonbury.

Salamone received the P.L.A.Y.E.R. Award and Defensive Player of the Year, sharing MVP with Stevens. She was awarded All-Class L and All-SCC First Team honors and New Haven Register All-Area Team for the first time, along with being a Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star.

Salamone will play at Colgate University (New York).

“She is definitely a Division I player,” said Wildermann. “She went from becoming a sophomore starter to being one of the best players in the state.”

A three-year starter with Salamone, Hackett was a versatile player as a senior.

“Hannah is a vocal leader on the field and such a great person off it. She led the defense with her

voice,” added Wildermann.

In her second season as starting goalie, Stevens had 14 shutouts.

She was awarded National Field Hockey Coaches Association AllSouthern New England Region Team and New Haven Register All-Area MVP for the first time, along with All-Class L and AllSCC First Teams.

“We couldn’t be in the games we were in without her,” stated Wildermann.

Freshmen Mikayla Crowley (Rookie of the Year, five goals and three assists), Sophie Cremo, and Annie Eddy all played on varsity. In starting from day one, Crowley was a leader at forward.

“The three freshmen brought a different level to the team,” stated Wildermann. “Annie is going to be phenomenal. We used Sophie for her speed. She (Crowley) has that aggressive mentality to get to the ball.”

Sophomores Julia Schaff (Most Improved) and Mia Pulisciano (two goals, two assists) cracked the lineup on defense.

“She (Schaff) is the player who I worry about the least. She is calm even when a player is on her,” explained Wildermann.

“Mia’s last game (Class L final) was her best game. Her potential is one of the highest on the team.

She has to believe it.”

Simione, who scored her first goals and posted four assists, also contributed to a stingy defense.

“Sam didn’t get the accolades that other people received, but she stepped up big time for us and will be a leader next year,” said Wildermann.

Junior forward Sarah Pierpont led in assists (12) and points (24), tying Dutchyshyn (four assists) with six goals. She was Offensive Player of the Year, All-Class L Second Team, All-SCC First Team, CHSCA Junior All-Star, NFHCA Academic All-American, and Record-Journal Scholar Athlete.

“Her acceleration and knowl-

Photos by Allen Paul and Al Valerio and Jim Brandolini/Cheshire Herald

Above, Sarah Pierpont races to the ball. Below, Alyssa Stevens directs her team in the Class L final. Inset photo at left, Hannah Hackett. edge of the game is great,” stated Wildermann. “She dominates the right side of the field.”

Junior Bailey Cunningham (five goals) earned All-SCC Second Team for the first time. Classmate Julie Roche (three goals) joined her with five assists in the mid-field.

“Bailey had a huge season.

She doesn’t give up. She has an unbelievable fire,” added Wildermann. “Julie came into the year with the biggest growth, along with Nicole. She fought through an injury.”

As seniors, Dutchyshyn, Hackett (assist), Graham (two goals, assist), Mellitt, and Anastasio all scored for the first time.

Dutchyshyn became a starter and scored both goals against Ridgefield, while Vitale posted a careerhigh five goals.

“She (Dutchyshyn) used her height really well. She has a good stick,” said Wildermann. “Lily was a fun member of the team.

She made us laugh every day.

Sam had a great end to the season. She got more confidence in herself.”

Despite missing time due to a concussion, junior Maggie Devine tallied two goals and an assist. Sophomore Alexa Purcell scored her first goal.

Cunningham, Pierpont, Roche, and Simione will captain the 2016 team.

Congrats to the 2015 Cheshire High School Field Hockey Team on extending the program’s traditional success!

Class L Finalist Good luck seniors! A special thank you to Coaches Gallagher, Bowman, DeVylder, Libby Vieira and Mrowka for your dedication to helping these girls reach their potential.

the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Fourteen

Sports…

Freshmen Added Depth In The Pool

X-C Squads Won Big Races Cheshire boys’ and girls’ cross country teams both enjoyed their traditional success last fall.

CHS girls went 8-1 (3-1 in Housatonic Division) in the dualmeet season, only falling 26-31 to rival Amity. Cheshire won the Bethel Invite (23 points), placed third in the Nonnewaug Invite (63), and earned runner-up (104) to Amity in the Southern Connecticut Conference meet.

With just three upperclassmen (juniors Camille Lewis and Maya Kreidwise, senior Emily Peck) representing the varsity team in the post-season meets, Cheshire had a youthful lineup.

Sophomore Lauren Daddi led the way, earning All-Southern Connecticut Conference First Team, New Haven Register AllArea Team, and CHS MVP for the second year in a row. Daddi took first place in three dual meets and won the Bethel Invite (21:11.39).

She finished fourth in the SCC (19:43) and 25th in Class LL (20:29). In the State Open, Daddi came in 19th (19:48) to earn AllState for the first time.

“I was surprised. She had had a good season, but the state is very good,” stated girls’ head coach Rob Schaefer. “She peaked at the right time. She found a great race inside her. The only disappointment was not having her team run with her.”

In her first New England Championship race at Thetford Academy in Vermont, Daddi placed 97th (21:02.4). Along with her running, she was also named the Record-Journal Scholar Athlete.

Freshman Amanda Addesso (11th, 20:24) joined Daddi on the All-SCC First Team. Lewis (15th, 20:44) made the Second Team.

Sophomore Rachel Kaplan took 25th (21:03) in the SCC meet.

Photos by Allen Paul/ Cheshire Herald

Last fall, Lauren Daddi (left) and Brendan Murray (right) led their respective teams for the second straight year.

“I know Amanda has talent, but she is so young and will only get better,” said Schaefer. “Camille improved by leaps and bounds this year. In her sophomore year, I knew things were starting to click.

Her determination increased this year. It was tough that Rachel just missed it (All-SCC by one place).

She is another great kid.”

Freshman Emily Longmore won a dual meet and rotated with Addesso in the second position in dual meets, but she injured her ankle late in the regular season.

“Cross country on the high school level was new to her, but she is very smart,” stated Schaefer. “I was amazed by her determination and maturity. Some people would have quit, but she kept on trying to finish strong.”

CHS placed 10th (251) in the Class LL race. Lewis (41st, 21:13), Addesso (47th, 21:23), Kaplan (52nd, 21:36), Kreidwise (90th, 22:46), sophomore Camille Bisson (106th, 23:13), and Longmore (107th, 23:17) followed Daddi. Kreidwise was added to the LL team after winning the SCC JV race (22:03).

“When you have a varsity team rolling and then you have an injury (to Longmore), it is hard,” explained Schaefer. “You have to think about what you have and we still did very well. I’m very proud of the girls.”

According to Schaefer, twin

sisters Emily and Isabel Peck, along with Lauren Votto, were among his best senior captains ever. Emily Peck ran varsity in the SCC race, clocking 22:26 in 48th place. Votto won the Bethel JV race (23:18.06), while Isabel Peck took seventh (24:10.26).

“They were so close as friends,” said Schaefer. “Every kid on the team said that these girls make me feel tremendous. Each captain wanted to do well, but they also wanted to make sure that every one succeeded.”

Junior Sophia Pellegrino also ran varsity in the regular season.

Senior Emily Inzero (Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Leadership Award) and junior Hannah Cremo (Most Improved) were honored at the end of the year.

“Hannah is a great kid and a wonderful student. She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet,” said Schaefer. “Emily would have made a great captain, too. She has a joy of running. Everybody likes her. She was the first one out to cheer for everyone else.”

Cheshire boys went 6-3 (2-2 in Housatonic) in the regular season, earning first place at Bethel Invite (39) and second at Nonnewaug (55). After posting fourth (115) in the SCC, the Rams took 11th (317) in Class LL. The team also made the State Open (13th, 305).

See murray, page 15

3931 Whitney Avenue (Rt. 10)

continued from page 11 bright. All of them (Deubel, Robinson, and Kurtz) made the top heat at states. Lily has been in the top heat for the breaststroke every year and that isn’t easy,” Mascolo explained.

Go was a top finisher in the SCC, placing ninth in the SCC 50- (25.96) and 100-yard (56.58) freestyles. Murphy took eighth in the 100-yard freestyle (56.49).

Like in the sprints, breaststroke was an area of depth. Senior Lauren Pasinski (1:09.85), freshmen Haley Grayson (1:09.88) and Elli Haskes (1:10.3) nabbed the fourth through sixth spots in the SCC. In the SCC 200-yard freestyle, junior Danielle Dietrich (2:04.29) and French (2:04.66) took eighth and ninth place, respectively.

Freshman Samantha Grenon was 10th in the 500-yard freestyle (5:29.62), while her older sister Danielle took 11th in the 200yard IM (2:17.48).

Freshman Tess McConnell was elected Most Improved.

“With Tess, it was a no-brainer,” Mascolo added. “She had never swum competitively be-

fore. She was a synchronized swimmer and became someone who could do 28 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle.”

For diving, CHS had a very young squad. Sophomore Stephanie Silin, the only hold-over from the year before, was the lone nonfreshmen among six girls. Silin finished seventh (289.85) in the SCC and 18th in Class L (284.75).

Sienna Breton, Gabby Russitano, Kelsea Mann, Rebecca Barto, and Erin Wu were freshmen divers. Breton (eighth, 285.65, 23rd, 252.6) and Mann (16th, 230.9, 26th, 158.5) competed in SCC and Class L. Russitano earned 13th (237.4) in SCC. “Patty has done such an incredible job with this group. A lot of the girls hadn’t dove before the summer coming into the season.

They had a gymnastics background,” said Mascolo. “Patty had to find time for the girls to dive and the girls worked hard.”

Robinson and Murphy will captain the 2016 team.

“They are great leaders and friends. I’m looking for a lot from these girls,” added Mascolo.

continued from page 9 around (the court).”

Morley displayed versaility in posting 62 kills, 26 digs, 23 assists, 18 blocks, and 17 aces. She was given the Coaches Award.

“You know what you are going to get with Katelyn. She did a nice job on the right side,” stated Bavone.

After losing two years to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Carbone (54 kills, 42 aces, 16 digs) played a full season and received the Cheshire Junior Women’s Club Leadership Award.

“This is a tough sport to miss two years,” said Bavone. “Lauren (Carbone) worked hard to come back. She had the toughest serve by far.”

Junior outside hitter Mallory Groom contributed 66 kills.

“Mallory gave us a spark off the bench. She is going to be big for us next year,” added Bavone.

Junior twin sisters Panru (87 digs, 22 aces) and Qianru Jing (27 digs), along with senior twin

sisters Ashley (29 digs) and Brianna Hunt (six digs), contributed on defense and in serving.

Sophomore Megan Kroqi was the recipient of the Relentless Pursuit Award.

Michaud and junior Taryn Murasso will be co-captains this fall.

Seniors Led 2015 Rams

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Sports…

the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

Track And Field Teams To Head Outdoors With 18 events in outdoor track and field, depth and versatility are key assets. The Cheshire girls program will have the advantage of having letter winners back at multiple spots this year.

“We will have a lot of returning athletes, so now they can build on that experience this year,” said Head Coach Barbara Hedden.

Last year, CHS went 7-5 in dual meets, took second in the East Sectional (99.5), and sixth in the Southern Connecticut Conference (48). They earned ninth in Class LL (35) and 13th in the State Open (15).

Seniors Janaia Skibitcky, Brenna Reach, and Janine Zumerchik return experience as tri-captains.

“I feel really good about them,” stated Hedden. “They have a nice balance between the three and I think they will lead us well throughout the season.”

Skibitcky, who has committed to Northeastern University in Massachusetts, holds CHS marks in the long and triple jumps, along with the 4x100-meter relay.

An MVP (Field) last year, Skibitcky won her first SCC crown in long jump (19 feet, two inches). She captured her first Class LL titles in long (17’4.75”) and triple (35’3.75”) jumps. In the State Open, she placed third in those events (17’7.25”; 36’4”) to make regionals.

“I feel that this will definitely be a strong year for Janaia. We expect strong things,” explained Hedden.

Skibitcky also joined Zumerchik, junior Sarah Clark, and 2015 graduate Olivia Palmer on the 4x100-meter relay team that won the East Sectional (49.88) and SCC (49.54) crowns last year.

Senior Madison Hunt filled in for Palmer (MVP-Track/RecordJournal Scholar Athlete) in the New England meet.

Clark and Zumerchik, both 2015 Coaches Award recipients, will add points in the 100- and 200-meters.

In middle distance, co-captain Erin Mostoller graduated and sophomore Calli Parlier (Will To Win Award) moved out of state.

Junior Chellum Okoro has experience in the 400-meters.

Junior Camille Lewis, senior Lauren Carbone, and Reach have experience in middle distance events such as the 800-meters.

Sophomore Lauren Daddi, who took runner-up in the 2015 East Sectional 1,600-meters (5:30.37), received the Outstanding Freshmen Award last spring.

CHS returns three hurdlers in Hunt, senior Alyssa Addesso, and

Fifteen

Runners Excels In Post-Season Races

Allen Paul/Cheshire Herald

Janaia Skibitcky returns as one of the state’s elite jumpers. junior Abigail DelVecchio.

“We’ve always been strong in technical events because we stress it. It is important to start slow and then build them up,” stated Hedden.

CHS graduated Alex Liberti, the 2015 All-Around MVP and East Sectional high jump champion. Junior Lizzy Goul is currently working in high jump and pole vault indoors. Zumerchik also performs high jump.

Junior Lexie Gula and Hunt can join Skibitcky in jumps. Junior Angela Zhu and senior Jasmine Greene are veteran throwers.

“I’d like to see us do well in the SCC and Class LL,” said Hedden.

“We’d like to have a couple more kids qualify for New Englands.

We want everyone to improve and have fun.”

Like on the girls’ side, many members of the boys’ outdoor team will transition from the current indoor season.

“The times haven gotten better indoors,” said boys’ head coach Allen Dvarskas. “I think Coach (Pam) Gunneson has done a great job with the distance boys and sprinters indoors and I hope to build from there.”

Seniors Ethan LaChance, Andrew Levy, and Peter Bellantonio will be tri-captains this year.

“I think they are going to be great leaders,” stated Dvarskas.

“They each bring something individual to the team that will make us better.”

A versatile contributor since his freshman year, LaChance excels in javelin. He won last year’s East Sectional crown (158’11”), taking second in the SCC (171’5”).

In the State Open, he earned a personal record (fifth, 172’0”) to make regionals for the first time.

“I would love to see him develop his javelin more,” added Dvarskas, who may also use LaChance in the 400- and 800-meters.

Dvarskas expects that Levy will be the top sprinter, contributing in the 100- and 200-meters, along with the 4x100-meter relay.

Bellantonio will help in the 200and 400-meters.

CHS graduated key points from co-captains Frank and Mark Fusco, the 2015 Co-MVPs, and Cullen Clairmont. Frank Fusco led in the sprints, while his twin brother excelled in the 800-meters. Mark Fusco was the East Sectional and

SCC runner-up last spring, taking third in the State Open.

The Fuscos are both running at Bates College in Maine.

“The Fuscos showed that you have to put out all the energy you have to accomplish something,” reflected Dvarskas.

Last year, Clairmont (RecordJournal Scholar Athlete) won the East Sectional discus title and added second in shot put last year. “(Junior Tyler) Steskla is developing well (indoors), but it will be tough to replace what Cullen gave us,” added Dvarskas.

Seniors Jared Dennehy and Jeremy Bennett will help in the jumps and pole vault, respectively.

Sophomore Brendan Murray (Rising Star Award) is one of the state’s elite distance runners. In 2015, he took fourth in the East Sectional 1,600-meters (4:31.21) and SCC 3,200-meters (9:58.15).

Murray may also run the 4x800-meter relay.

Seniors Jordan Kolpak (Most Improved) and David Amann and Phil Bodurtha and junior Jake Lawlor have experience from middle to long distance.

CHS earned an 8-4 record last year. They took fourth in the East Sectional (71), 10th in the SCC (18), and 11th in Class LL (23).

“We want to put together a team that does well and has fun,” added Dvarskas. “We want them (the boys) to want to compete again.”

continued from page 14 “All in all, I thought we did great. It was disappointing to have (senior co-captain) Jordan (Kolpak) get sick and not having (junior) Jake (Lawlor) for the first part of the season, but I was proud of the guys for stepping up,” said boys’ head coach Will Lathrop.

Like Daddi for the girls, sophomore Brendan Murray returned as the top runner for his team.

Murray took first place in three dual meets, along with winning at Bethel (16:31.76), Nonnewaug (15:59.3), and Wickham (15:56). He was the SCC runnerup (15:46) for the second straight year, making All-SCC First Team.

Murray placed fifth (16:05) in Class LL and earned his first AllState nod with an eighth place finish (16:18) in the State Open. He placed 45th (17:08.7) regionally.

Like in his freshman season, Murray was MVP and a New Haven Register All-Area selection.

“I thought Brendan ran great all year, breaking 16 minutes as a sophomore at Wickham is a great accomplishment,” said Lathrop.

Lawlor (20th, 17:07) and Kolpak (24th, 17:09) secured AllSCC Second Team. A quad injury limited Lawlor to running in just one dual meet. Kolpak, the team’s number two runner, dealt with sickness in the post-season.

“It was huge for Jake (to get All-SCC) in just his second race

coming off his injury. For Jordan to earn that honor coming off having strep throat, was impressive,” stated Lathrop.

Senior James Robitaille became a varsity runner and received Most Improved for the second season in a row. Sophomore Cal Odermatt also ran in the team’s top five.

“Cal is going to be huge for us next year. He is going to put in the work over the summer and be a big part of the team,” Lathrop said. “James went from being high 18s (minutes) as an underclassmen to running over the summer and doing 17:00s as a senior. He was also a great captain with Jordan (Kolpak).”

Lawlor (79th, 17:35), Odermatt (100th, 17:52), Robitaille (128th, 18:13), Kolpak (132nd, 18:16), sophomore Jack Hanke (143rd, 18:28), and junior Erik Galuska (176th, 19:45) joined Murray in the State Open.

Senior David Amann (124th, 18:40) and junior Henry Klarman (137th, 19:12) also represented the team in Class LL. Sophomore Isaac Moskowitz received the Cheshire Kiwanis Club Sportsmanship Award and Amann was the Record-Journal Scholar Athlete.

Lewis, Cremo, and Kreidwise will captain the CHS girls’ team this fall. Lawlor and Galuska will lead the boys’ squad.

Blades Excel On The Ice

continued from page 8 won’t compete this season.

Senior twin sisters Avery and Callie York captained the Rams during the fall season last year.

Girls’ Ice Hockey (11-1) Senior Emily Gotowala and freshman Meghan Hogan are contributing heavily for the Amity/North Haven/Cheshire Co-Op girls’ ice hockey team. Gotowala is a tri-captain with classmates Catherine Babbidge (North Haven) and Peri Sosensky (Amity).

Hogan is part of a deep fresh-

men class that has helped propel the Connecticut Blades to a strong season. The team started 11-0 before falling 5-2 to host Hamden last Saturday.

“I’m really happy with how they are playing,” said assistant Kate Mrowka, a 2009 CHS graduate. “Even though we were down 5-2 on Saturday, the girls kept fighting out there. That was a positive thing to see because we hadn’t seen how they would react to a loss. You realize what a great team you have.”

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the cheshire herald, February 4, 2016

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