Jersey Sporting News April 3, 2012

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Softball Players to Watch: Pitchers

JERSEY SHORE— There never seems to be a shortage of ace pitchers in Shore Conference softball. The 2012 season will be no exception with many star pitchers returning or ready to shine despite several big names graduating last June. Any discussion of pitchers could start with Middletown South which has a pair of aces in senior Allison Nolan and junior Alli Podmajersky. The duo will likely split the schedule and maybe even share time in some games.

Seniors hoping to turn in sterling performances in their final seasons include Toms River North’s Amanda Neveroski, Howell’s Carsin Conner and Neptune’s Katie Hourihan. Hourihan is coming off a season in which she was third in the Shore Conference in strikeouts and had a 1.94 ERA. The Scarlet Fliers rely heavily on her pitching to win games.

St. John Vianney sophomore Katie Beriont has the biggest shoes to fill for the graduated ace, Jen Retzer. Beriont saw plenty of innings in 2011 and finished with 13-0 record and a 0.77 ERA. Two other sophomore stars are Brick Memorial’s Gabriella Hill who set the school record for strikeouts in a season and Raritan’s Emily Schaffer who also Among the juniors to watch this season are Jackson Liberty’s two-year captain Amy Hickman, Toms River East’s Jordan Weed and Sarah Bencivenga and Ocean’s Gianna Kinhofer, who also led the Spartans with her batting average.

Carsin Conner Pitcher H o w e ll

PHOTOS: Francine Attardi

Gabriella Hill Pitcher Brick Memorial

Katie Beriont Pitcher St. John Vi a n n e y

Allison Nolan Pitcher Middletown South

Ally Podmajersky Pitcher Middletown South

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 3

Amy Hick Pitcher Jackson Libert y

Emily Schaffer Pitcher Raritan

Amanda Nevero s k i Pitcher Toms River Nort h

St. Rose Looks to Repeat In B Central Division

By Mike Rogers St. Rose is coming off of a successful 2011 season as the Purple Roses posted a 22-3 record and a 12 -0 record in their division. The undefeated record earned them the Class B Central division title. In the Shore Conference Tournament, St. Rose reached the quarterfinals before losing to Jackson by the score of 6 -5. In the NJSIAA Tournament the Purple Roses reached the semifinals before losing to Holy Cross by the score of 6 -2.

This season St. Rose will look to be just as successful and even though they lost some key players to graduation they should once again battle for a division title. Jim Angello takes over as head coach for the Purple Roses and he has another chance at a successful season.

Chris Reynolds returns behind the plate and is coming off a season where he batted .395. Tom Elkbow also returns at second base after batting

.380 last and Brad Currao returns in the outfield and will also pitch.

Other pitchers will be Rob Kurtz and Joey Delacruz. Both players will also play in the outfield when they aren’t pitching. Brandon Lynch, Zach Vuono and Mike Mahon also return for the Purple Roses. Some new players looking for field time will include: Andrew Atkins, Alex Patrick and Conor Gammond. Travis Petillo and Jeff Coakley will also look for some playing time in the outfield. St. Rose will look to start the season on a winning note as they open the season against Wildwood Catholic and Holy Cross before they start play within their division.

St. Rose will look to start the season on a winning note as they open the season against Wildwood Catholic and Holy Cross before they start play within their division.

Gianna Kinhofer Pitcher Ocean Tw p .

Sarah Bencivenga Pitcher Toms River East

Jordan Weed Pitcher Toms River East

Katie Hourihan Pitcher Neptune

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 5

Baseball Players to Watch: Outfield

JERSEY SHORE — In the Little League ranks, playing outfield is sometimes considered a demotion. Struggling with ground balls? Go stand out in right field and maybe a ball will come your way once a game. But in high school baseball, the outfield is an important position for shagging fly balls, tracking down line drives and throwing runners out from a distance. The Shore Conference has several key outfielders to watch this year.

Red Bank Catholic’s offense is paced by a pair of outfielders in seniors Andrew LaMura and Nick Liggett. Raritan also has a duo capable of driving in runs with Jake Vanderveer (42 RBIs in 2011) and Mike Langan. Freehold Township hopes to stay in the mix in the Class A North Division on the back of centerfielder Nick Cardamone. “We feel very confident. Our team gets along well and I don’t see a team that we can’t compete with,” explained Cardamone who is already committed to play at St. Peter’s next year. “I think we are going to surprise some people.”

Other notable outfielders include a pair of Holmdel sluggers. Cole Whatley is a Northern Kentucky recruit and Eric Scamardella is headed to Catholic in the fall. Also, keep an eye on Christian Brothers Academy junior Matt Pidich who will play the outfield when he’s not pitching.

Andrew LaMura Outfield RBC

PHOTOS: Francine Attardi

Nick Cardamone Center f i e l d Freehold Tw p .

Eric Scamardella Outfield Holmdel

Nick Liggett Outfield RBC

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Baseball Players to Watch: Infield & Catchers

JERSEY SHORE — The Shore Conference baseball infields are loaded with talent. At first base Christian B r o t h e r s Academy’s (CBA) Joe Dudek is a player to watch for the second year in a row as he has already verbally committed to North Carolina as a junior. Several of this year’s pitchers will also see playing time at first base when they are not on the mound.

The middle infield is stacked with PHOTOS: FRANCINE ATTARDI stars including Lacey shortstop Manalapan senior Brian Lamboy returns Ryan Reitmeyer, one of the Lions top with a .389 batting average and Jackson hitters. “Compared to last year, our work Liberty’s Angel Garced is another one of ethic is even better. The atmosphere in the area’s top players. From Garced’s practice is great,” explained Reitmeyer. rival school, Joe Ogren (.447 batting “I feel like this is the year. We always avg., 6 HRs) will play shortstop and secwant to do better than the year before, ond base as well as pitcher for Jackson raise the bar and make states.”

Memorial. Brick Memorial has a superb Also at shortstop is Toms River South double-play combination in seniors senior R.J. Devish who batted .324 last Kevin Nilsen and Ray Triano. season and CBA’s Sean Arnott who has At third base, keep an eye on Red Bank given a verbal commitment to Temple.

Catholic’s Matt Rescigno, Manalapan’s

Matt T h a iss Catcher Jackson Memorial

Joe Serrapico (.305, 18 RBI), Monmouth Regional pitcher Luke Cahill and Howell catcher Carmine Palummo who will play there on occasion. Other Connor White catchers in the Shore Catcher Conference include Wall’s Wa l l Connor White who is a returning All-Shore first team selection after hitting .513 with 27 RBIs in 2011 .

Junior Brendan Benecke from Jackson Liberty is coming off a big sophomore year with six home runs and 24 RBIs. Brick Township’s Brian Mayer has already committed to Delaware, St. Rose senior Chris Reynolds is fresh off a season in which he batted .395 and Jackson Mike Rescigno Memorial’s Joe Thaiss Pitcher, Third Base returns after hitting .310 RBC with six home runs.

Brian Mayer Catcher Brick Tw p .

Joe Dudek First Base CBA

Ray Triano Shortstop, Second Base Brick Memorial

Sean Arnott Short s t o p CBA

Ryan MacFarlane Pitcher, S h o rt s t o p Freehold Tw p .

Kevin Nilsen Pitcher, S h o rt s t o p Brick Mem.

Joe Ogre n Short s t o p Jackson Mem.

Ryan Reitmeyer Short s t o p Lacey

R.J. Devish Short s t o p Toms River South

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 7

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Baseball Players to Watch: Pitchers

JERSEY SHORE— The Shore Conference has produced some fine pitchers in recent seasons. This spring has another crop of pitching talent ready to shine. Monmouth Regional’s Luke Cahill is one of the top returning starters to watch. As a junior, he had a 2.29 ERA with 69 strikeouts. Cahill also batted at a .413 clip and spent some time at third base. He’ll play both positions at Seton Hall next year. “I really liked the program there,” Cahill said of Seton Hall. “The coaching staff and the team was a nice group and it was close to home so I can keep family support nearby. I’ll play both pitcher and third base there so I will just try to have a good work ethic this year and maybe work to get my curveball a little stronger on the mound.”

While Cahill is clearly the headliner of the Monmouth Regional staff, a few schools lean on a pair of stars atop the rotation. Barnegat will be a force with Wake Forest-bound Mark McCoy and fellow senior Ray Waszkiewicz. Red Bank Catholic’s duo Ryan Spahr (5-1, 3.35 ERA) and Ryan Slate (6-0, 4.70 ERA) are formidable starters. Christian Brothers Academy has juniors Joe Dudek and Matt Pidich; Holmdel has seniors Dylan Baxter and Cole Whatley. Toms River South will also have a strong top two when Kyle Driscoll returns from a

broken non-pitching arm in a few weeks and joins fellow senior John Leiter in the rotation.

Other top arms in the Shore Conference include Rutgers-bound Howie Brey of Middletown South. Brey had a 1.94 ERA and struck out nearly a batter per inning last season for the Eagles. Wall’s Harry Paytas is headed to Monmouth University and Jackson Liberty’s John Holland is going to Felician for baseball. Also watch for aces Brandon Kieslor (Brick Township), Ryan MacFarlane (Freehold Township), Donovan Waller (Lacey) and John Dunbar (Point Boro).

PHOTOS: FRANCINE ATTARDI

Donovan Waller Pitcher Lacey

Ryan Slate Pitcher RBC

Mark McCoy Pitcher Barnegat

Brandon Kieslor Pitcher Brick Tw p .

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 9

Ryan MacFarlane Pitcher Freehold Tw p .

Dylan Baxter Pitcher Holmdel

Ray Waszkiewicz Pitcher Barnegat

Ryan Spahr Pitcher RBC

Joe Dudek Pitcher CBA

John Leiter Pitcher Toms River South

Luke Cahill Pitcher Monmouth Regional

Kyle Driscoll Pitcher Toms River South

Harry Paytas Pitcher Wa l l

C o l e Whatley Pitcher Holmdel

John Holland Pitcher Jackson Libert y

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Softball Players to Watch: Outfield

JERSEY SHORE— Although a lot of the softball talent in the Shore Conference is concentrated at the infield positions and pitcher’s mound, there are a few outfielders to keep an eye on this spring. One outfielder especially happy to be back on the field is Toms River East junior centerfielder Sarah Bencivenga. As a freshman in 2010, she led the Cassidy Brz o z o w s k i Centerfield Raiders in hits. However, H ow el l Bencivenga missed all of the 2011 season due to injury.

“Coming off the injury, I’m just excited to get back out there,” said Bencivenga. “I have a whole new appreciation for the game.” She’ll be joined in the outfield by senior Brianna Dziedzic. The Ramapo commit led the Raiders in batting average in each of the last two seasons.

Red Bank Catholic (RBC,) while hit hard by graduation, returns senior Gabrielle Klecko in centerfield. She led the Caseys in stolen bases and had the highest on base percentage on the roster. Meanwhile, RBC’s rival, PHOTOS: FRANCINE ATTARDI St. John Vianney, returns Amanda Durham who had a .400 batting average with 10 doubles and 11 stolen Other players to watch this season include Howell outbases. fielder Cassidy Brzozowski Ocean junior Jenna Ambrosio.

“We always look forward to our game against SJV,” Brzozowski was an All-Shore selection in 2010 and explained Klecko. “You know it’s going to be good comAmbrosio will split time between shortstop and right field. petition.”

Brianna Dziedzic Outfield Toms River East

Gabrielle Klecko Center Field RBC

Amanda Durham Outfield St. John Vi a n n e y

Sarah Bencivenga CF & Pitcher Toms River East

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 11

Lofty Expectations for RBC Baseball

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

B y Ted Kaiser RED BANK— Winning a school record 26 baseball games including a streak of 24 in a row will garner some attention. There will be plenty of spotlights on the Red Bank Catholic (RBC) baseball this spring. After a 26-4 season that included a Shore Conference Tournament championship, the Caseys return several key players and look poised to make a push for numerous titles. The expectations are obviously high, but RBC is handling them well. “We feel we have a great team and our team chemistry is good,” said senior centerfielder Andrew LaMura.

LaMura is one of those returning starters counted on to lead the Caseys. He was a first-team All-Shore selection with a .413 batting average as a junior and has committed to play baseball at East Carolina University next year. Nick Liggett is another returning outfielder/pitcher who has committed to Delaware. The rest of the pitching staff is made up of senior Ryan Spahr, Ryan Slate and Mike Rescigno.

Spahr is the ace and a Wagner commit.

Slate is undecided for college, but follows in the family pitching legacy after his brother Kyle who starred for Christian Brothers Academy. Rescigno is a rising junior who will also see time at third base.

“Obviously we want to win states, win the Shore Conference and really just try for all five baseball championships,” explained Spahr. “Everyone knows we’re going to

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

score runs with our offense. We just have to pitch and throw strikes.”

RBC will have their share of tough opponents to face if they hope to capture all five of the coveted titles including the Class B North Division, the Shore Conference Tournament, the Monmouth County Tournament, the Non-Public South A crown and the overall Non-Public group championship. “We just have to take it one game at a time,” said Ryan Slate. “We just have to come out with the same intensity every game if we want to accomplish our goals.”

TR East Softball Seeks 6th Straight Division Crown B y Ted Kaiser TOMS RIVER— It has been a dominating stretch for the Toms River East softball team. The Raiders have won five straight Class A South Division championships and are loaded for another run this spring. Brick Memorial and Jackson Memorial figure to be competitive challengers, especially since the Mustangs were the first divisional foe to beat the Raiders since 2006 when they won last season. But TR East returns the kind of talent that championship teams are made of.

Back in the fold is their ace pitcher, junior Jordan Weed. In addition to starring on the hill Weed led the Raiders in homeruns. Weed has already given a verbal commitment to Boston College. “We have high PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI expectations, but we do every year so it is nothing different,” said Weed. “The bar is Maryland commit had the highest fielding percentage on the team last season. always set extremely high.”

Fellow junior Sarah Bencivenga Outfielder Brianna Dziedzic has held returns at center field after missing the the top batting average on the squad for 2011 due to injury. She is happy to be the past two years.

The Raiders might not go unscathed back and says she has a whole new appreciation for the game after being through their division schedule with away. As a freshman, Bencivenga led Brick Memorial and Jackson Memorial the team in hits and she could also fac- looking strong. But the experience and tor in to pitch some innings. Senior talent still favors TR East for a sixth shortstop Corey Schwartz anchors the consecutive division title and maybe team’s defense. The University of more.

SJV Softball Team Has High Expectations

By Sean Simmons HOLMDEL—The St. John Vianney (SJV) softball team is coming off a very impressive 29-1-1 campaign and ending their season last year as the number one ranked team in New Jersey.

The Lancers capped off their season with a 21-game winning streak and won their second straight NJSIAA Non-Public A championship by defeating Immaculate Heart Academy.

Other key highlights for the Lancers last season were beating Red Bank Catholic (RBC) in the Monmouth County Tournament final avenging their only loss of the season and defeating Middletown South in the Shore Conference Tournament championship game.

The key losses from last year’s team are Jen Retzer and McKinley Tretler. Retzer finished the season with a 16-1-1 record and struck out 202 batters. Retzer also had a microscopic 0.79 ERA and was one of the top hitters on the team with a .389 batting average. Tretler

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

batted .382 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs. “With eight returning defensive players, our team goals are very high,” SJV Head Coach Kim Lombardi said.

Players expected to make an impact for the Lancers this season include: catcher Kristen Solari outfielder Amanda Durham, pitcher Katie Beriont, second baseman Cailin Winokur and third baseman Taylor August.

Beriont, who is only a sophomore, might be the most dominant pitcher in the Shore Conference this season.

Other key returning players for SJV include: outfielders Katie Baron, Marlena Bevilacqua, Zoe Otterman, Emma Tabacchi and shortstop Jackie Gallagher. The top newcomers for the Lancers are first baseman Erica Krumbine and pitcher Ashley Ventura.

The Lancers will open up their season on April 3rd at Red Bank Regional High School..

“We are looking to have a great 2012 softball season and our goal is to make it back to the state finals,” Lombardi said.

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 13

Dragons Look Strong On The Diamond

By Michael Rogers The Brick Township High School baseball team looks ready to have another successful season after going 22 - 6 last spring. The Dragons won the Class B South division with a 8 - 2 record and they also won the Ocean County Tournament defeating Jackson Memorial by the score of 10- 7.

They also reached the semifinals of the Shore Conference Tournament before losing. Head Coach Jason Groshel has a solid core group of players returning from last season and according to Coach Groshel the team will be led by their pitching and defense. “If we win the close games, we can make another run in the playoffs,” said Groshel.

Players returning from last season

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

include Bill Berg (second base) who hit .315 while tallying 20 runs batted in and 18 runs scored.

Brian Mayer returns behind the plate as catcher after batting .365 last season with 12 RBIs. At first base Tyler Iannarone returns after batting .373 last season with five doubles.

John Kizzman will be returning to the outfield after batting .255 last season with 14 RBIs. Pitchers returning are Brandon Kiessor who posted a 5 - 1 record last season with a 2.39 ERA while striking out 47 batters. Also returning to the mound is Gann Minch who posted a 2 - 0 record in 17 innings and a 2.39 ERA. Jake Voorhees also returns to the mound after going 2 - 2 last season with a 3.67 ERA in 18 innings.

Some players who will be competing for playing time include outfielders: Brian Applegate, Dan DePaul, John Pullino and Kevin Voorhees while Joe Bench, Jessie Alfano and Ryan Griffith will all compete for playing time in the infield. Some pitchers looking for innings will be: Trevor Masstria, Jessie Alfano and Evan Lobatto.

The Green Dragons will open the season with Middletown South and Central Regional and Coach Groshel is anxious to get the season started.

"Our pitching will lead the way for this team and we are looking forward to defending our division title and make some noise in the playoffs,” said Groshel.

Jackson Memorial A Dominant Force This Season Page 14

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

By Pat Ralph One of the most dominant teams in the Shore Conference is the Jackson Memorial Jaguars and they enter the 2012 season with four important goals in mind: win Class A South, win the Ocean County Tournament, win the Shore Conference Tournament and win a state championship. However, the Jaguars will be challenged along the way if they want to accomplish these goals.

The Jaguars went 21-6 in 2011, posting an unblemished 10-0 record against Class A South opponents, which is considered to be one of the most dominant divisions in the Shore Conference. Despite a tremendous season, the Jaguars fell short in the state tournament and were hit by a bitter tragedy when senior outfielder Jason Volpe was killed in a car accident during the season.

The Jaguars enter this season as the preseason favorite to win the Ocean County Tournament and as one of the top contenders for the Shore Conference crown. The biggest chal-

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

lengers to the Jaguars in Ocean County will be crosstown rivals Jackson Liberty, as well as both Toms River North and South.

Under Head Coach Frank Malta, the Jaguars will have both a very talented lineup and pitching staff this season. Headlining the Jaguars powerful lineup are senior infielder Joe Ogren and junior catcher Matt Thaiss. Ogren, who is

committed to Bucknell University, had a superb junior year in which he hit .447 with six home runs and 23 RBI’s. As a junior, Thaiss, who has committed to play at the University of Virginia, will be moving from right field to his natural position of catcher this year. Last season, the junior sensation hit .310 with six home runs and 20 RBI’s, but he suffered a hip injury last year that kept

him out for three weeks.

Anchoring the Jaguars pitching staff will be senior pitchers Brandon Holup and Alex Daniele. Holup went 5-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 2011, while Daniele posted a 4-0 record with a 1.91 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

The Jaguars open up the 2012 season on the road against Southern on Monday, April 2nd, while their home opener is

Monday, April 9th, against Brick Memorial. With a healthy Matt Thaiss behind the plate teaming up with a loaded pitching staff, the Jackson Memorial Jaguars have the potential to have an incredible season.

Middletown South Looks For Newbies To Step Up Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 15

By Jim Hintelmann MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP - Although losing three quality players, Jackie Bates (Rutgers), Julie Kuhn (Northwestern) and Aloi Muratore (Brookdale), Middletown South Head Coach Tom Erbig is still looking for a solid season and the Eagles, who won the A Division North and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III titles last year, should be among the area's best, especially with seven returning starters.

"Replacing them will be difficult," admitted Erbig, "but the three new kids have the ability to replace them. They just need to refine a few things. I see no reason why we can't still be contenders in the division and post season."

The three new players are third baseman Abbey Schultz, catcher Veronica Zega and outfielder Alex Corrigan and all of them have good potential.

The seven returning starters include: shortstop Jill Troiano who hit .480 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs last year, outfielders Taylor Landis (.327 / 32

hits) and Grace Heller, second baseman Alex Jacinto and pitchers Allison Nolan (12-3, 1:40 era) and Ali Pomajersky (12-3, 1:40 era). "Our past teams have so much tradition," said Troiano, a four- year varsity starter who played on South's 2009 and 2010 state champion teams. "We lost some key players but the new players have the potential. We just have to work hard and put everything together. We want to go out with a state title. We always know how to win.”

Troiano is also an outstanding player in field hockey, but has not decided on a college at this time.

“Troiano hits well with power," said Erbig. "She is a top notch player.

The remaining players are infielder Kelsey Lawrence, catcher Megan Mitteenzweig and outfielders Megan Davidson, Courtney Taylor and Kristen Pomajersky.

South lost to St. John Vianney in both the Shore Conference and Monmouth County tournaments last year along with losing to

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

Sparta in the NJSIAA Group III finals, but Erbig remains hopeful even though the Eagles move up

to Group IV this year. "We play almost all Group IV teams anyway," said Erbig, whose team went 24-7 a

year ago. "Our defense is good and our hitting is solid. All we need are the new players to step up."

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 17

Softball Players to Watch: Infielders & Catchers

Softball JERSEY SHORE— The Shore Conference softball scene is loaded at the infield and catcher positions this year. There is talent all around the horn at every spot. At first base, one of the top players is Red Bank Regional sophomore Jess Stevenson. As a freshman, she earned All-Shore third team honors for her talents with the bat.

She is one of the leaders on the Bucs even though she is only in her second season. “I’m really looking forward to this season. I just want to do what I did last year,” explained Stevenson. “I definitely think we have a good team.”

Also at first base is Raritan’s Tiffany Dahlquist (.476 avg.).

Her teammate Emily Schaffer and Toms River East’s Jordan Weed are two pitchers who expect to see some time at first base.

In the middle infield there are several shortstops to watch including Barnegat’s Stephanie Butler who will attend Villanova next fall. Butler led the Bengals in RBIs, hits and fielding percentage and batted .558 in 2011.

Cailin Winokur Second Base St. John Vianney

PHOTOS: FRANCINE ATTARDI

Jill Troiano is the big bat in the Middletown South lineup with seven home runs and 42 RBI’s last year. Raritan shortstop Bobbie Boehler batted .433 last season. Jenna Ambrosio of Ocean and Sydney Canessa of Wall (led Shore Conference in runs scored) are rising juniors.

Also, watch for TR East’s Corey Schwartz, RBC’s Gabrielle

Klecko and Brick Memorial’s Gabriella Hill. Manasquan shortstop Keara Homan teams for a great double-play combination with second baseman Meredith Bryant. St. John Vianney’s (SJV) Cailin Winokur batted .495 at second base last spring.

Among the stars at third base are SJV’s Taylor August who hit .527 with five home runs,

Howell senior Lauren Saal, and Red Bank Regional’s Trish Langley. At catcher, keep an eye on Red Bank Catholic’s Dakota Canta, Wall’s Dani Petrone, SJV’s Kristen Solari, and Freehold Boro’s Gabrielle Romanowski.

Sydney Canessa Shortstop Wall

Corey Schwartz Shortstop Toms River East

Gabrielle Romanowski Catcher Freehold

Lauren Saal Infield Howell

Trish Langley Third Base RBR

Tiffany Dahlquist First Base Raritan

Meredith Bryant Second Base Manasquan Jenna Ambrosio Shortstop Ocean Twp.

Jess Stevenson First Base RBR

Taylor August Third Base St. John Vianney

Dakota Canta Catcher RBC

Keara Horman Shortstop Manasquan

Jill Troiano Shortstop Middletown South

Gabrielle Klecko Shortstop RBC

Katie Beriont First Base St. John Vianney

Gabriella Hill Pitcher & Short Stop Brick Memorial

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Bobbi Boehler Shortstop Raritan

Download your FREE Quick Response Code APP to your Smart Phone Dani Petrone Catcher Wall

Kristen Solari Catcher St. John Vianney

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

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Rebels Energized for 2012 Season

By Ted Kaiser HOWELL— After finishing 16-9 overall last season with a Central Jersey Group IV sectional title, the Howell softball team looked to 2012 with optimism. The team is set to return six starters expected to help challenge for a division title against perennial power Class A North power Middletown South.

Giving the team an extra boost is the energy and enthusiasm of first year Head Coach Tricia Reingle-Savino, a star pitcher for St. John Vianney just a few years ago. Between the confidence gained from the state PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI championship run and the atmosphere under Coach Reingle-Savino, Howell is poised for Howell only lost a few starters and a successful spring. “We would like juniors such as Julia Moscato and to win our division. Our new coach Monica Smith are expected to earn has been training us very hard and I bigger roles. “The girls coming up think she gives us a good chance to know they have big shoes to fill,” do well,” explained senior pitcher said Cassidy Brzozowski, an AllShore player in 2010. “They know Carsin Conner.

Conner will be a key to the team’s the expectations and I think we had a fortunes. She was 11-3 with a 1.61 on good off-season.”

Howell will have a tough divisionthe mound and .426 with five home runs at the plate last season. Back in al test right away when they face center field is senior Cassidy defending champion Middletown Brzozowski and Lauren Saal returns South. If the Rebels hope to capture at third base. Saal led the Rebels with the Class A North crown it will have a .436 batting average in 2011. to go through the Eagles

Rockets, Hornets Take Aim at St. John Vianney

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 19

By Ted Kaiser HAZLET— The St. John Vianney (SJV) softball team has ruled the roost in the Class A Central Division over the past few seasons. There is now doubt that the 2012 campaign will be another big one for the Lancers who figure to be one of the top teams in New Jersey. But a division title will not be a cake walk for the defending champions. Raritan and Holmdel are chomping at the bit for their chance at the powerhouse program.

Last season, Raritan (17-8, 8-4) dropped both games to the Lancers (29-1-1, 12-0), however, a close 1-0 defeat in their second meeting proved that the Rockets could hang tough. It helps to have Head Coach Aado Kommendant, the former head coach at SJV, in their dugout.

“Coach K prepares us very well for the games with all kinds of knowledge from previous years and anything to get us ready for our opponent,” said senior shortstop Bobbie Boehler who batted .433 in 2011.

The Rockets return several key starters including Boehler and first-team AllShore selection Tiffany Dahlquist at first base.

Dahlquist hit at a .476 clip last season. On the mound will be sophomore Emily

Play Ball!

By Mike Celli Diamonds. Just like the matter, diamonds are made of baseball and its derivatives are solid foundations in American sports today.

With its origins in upstate New York, every participant on any level can't help but feel a bit patriotic every time they hear the crack of the bat. I have represented MLB players and their journey is graceless and traveled in their quest for the Majors, yet one element resonates and it’s their perseverance. Perseverance in any goal is always the will to win and do better.

Perseverance in one area of activity rubs off on other areas because wanting to win and move to the next level becomes a state of mind. It quickly transfers to an overall satisfaction that illustrates benefits both on and off the diamond. It’s the diamond season. Let it shine. Grab a bat and glove.

Be an American and play ball.

Schaffer who won nine games and had a 1.17 ERA as a freshman. She was a third-team All-Shore selection in her first season. “We have new players coming up this season,” explained Dahlquist referring to a freshman class that might field at least two starters. “We’re coming together as a team and look forward to being competitive.”

Meanwhile, Holmdel (15-9, 9-3) was last season’s second place finisher in the Class A Central standings.

The Hornets return five starters including top hitters Lauren Reidy at center field and Emily Morgan at shortstop. Emma Brody will get most of the starts at pitcher with Emma Katz out for the season due to a knee injury.

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

JSN Baseball Division Preview Page 20

Jersey Sports News • April 4 - April 24 Class A North

PREDICTED CHAMP: CBA The Colts struggled a bit in the division last year, but in fairness, the competition was incredible. Other than Manalapan, most of the schools largely beat up on each other. Look for CBA to bounce back from their first losing season in ages on the backs of key players such as Joe Dudek, Sean Arnot and Matt Pidich.

CONTENDERS: Middletown South, Manalapan – Ace Howie Brey will keep the Eagles competitive despite graduation losses. Losing fellow ace Will Siegfried to graduation will hurt but South still has talent to contend. Manalapan only lost one divisional game in 2011; however, they have to replace a lot of starters.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. CBA 2. Middletown South 3. Manalapan 4. Marlboro 5. Freehold Township 6. Middletown North 7. Howell Class A Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: Raritan The Class A Central is perhaps the most wideopen division with a handful of teams who could end up winning. Raritan gets the edge based on slugging outfielder Jake Vanderveer and the rest of

upperclassmen-dominate lineup.

CONTENDERS: St. John Vianney, Holmdel, Rumson/Fair Haven – SJV might be the next best bet to finish in first place. RFH has a new coach after a 10-11 season. Holmdel could be poised for more success after a 5-7 mark in the division in 2011.

“We are going to be solid throughout the lineup. We have a lot of kids that know how to play the game and go about things the right way and it should translate onto the field.” – Holmdel senior outfielder Eric Scamardella PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Raritan 2. St. John Vianney 3. Holmdel 4. Rumson/Fair Haven 5. Matawan 6. Red Bank Regional 7. Shore Regional

Class A South

PREDICTED CHAMP: Jackson Memorial The Jaguars can rake at the plate with senior Joe Ogren and junior catcher Joe Thaiss anchoring the lineup.

Look for junior Spencer Young and sophomore Matt Guarino to improve on their stellar statistics from 2011. Despite some graduation losses, the Jags have what it takes to go 10-0 in the division again.

CONTENDERS: Toms River North, Toms River South – The Mariners return a trio of .300 hitters in Brett Fontenelli, Ron Marinaccio, and Scott Buxbaum.

TR South will be especially formidable when Kyle Driscoll returns to the rotation after healing from his broken non-pitching arm.

“The expectations are high. Last year we had a really strong team and expected to do better so this year we want to win the Class A South and go on from there.”

– TR South senior shortstop R.J. Devish PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Jackson Memorial 2. TR South 3. TR North 4. Brick Memorial 5. TR East 6. Southern Regional

Continued on next page

Division Preview Class B North

PREDICTED CHAMP: Red Bank Catholic The Caseys should be able to score lots of runs and they have the pitching to keep other teams off the scoreboard.

After setting a school record for wins in 2011, it would not be surprising if they flirt with breaking that record this spring.

“We want to beat last season’s record for wins and obviously win states and all five championships.” – pitcher Ryan Spahr C O N T E N D E R S :Monmouth Regional, Freehold Boro – It is difficult to see anyone overtaking RBC for first place. The Caseys only lost one divi-

Continued from pre v i o u s p a g e

PREDICTED CHAMP: St. Rose The Roses were undefeated in the division last year and their dominance should continue despite having to adjust to a new coach. Three seniors with high .300 batting averages return including catcher Chris Reynolds, second baseman Tom Elkow and first baseman Brad Currao. However, St. Rose does not return any top tier starting pitchers and that could leave them vulnerable in their quest for another division crown.

CONTENDERS: Mater Dei, Point Beach – The Seraphs and Gulls tied for second place in 2011 and they’ll likely battle it out again this spring. Both teams return a host of starters and could end up giving St. Rose a run for first place. Mater Dei is more a pitching-focused squad, while the Gulls are an offensive force.

PREDICTED S TANDINGS:

1. St. Rose 2. Mater Dei 3. Point Beach 4. Keansburg 5. Keyport 6. Henry Hudson 7. Asbury Park

Class B South

sional game last year and they might not lose one this time around. Monmouth ace pitcher Luke Cahill will hope to steal a game from them at least once.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Red Bank Catholic 2. Monmouth Regional 3. Freehold Boro 4. Ocean 5. Neptune 6. Long Branch

Class B Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: Brick Township This division will likely be a dogfight between the Green Dragons and Manchester, but a few other teams could surprise too. Brick will rely on a strong battery of pitcher Brandon Kieslor and catcher Brian Mayer.

“We lost a few big time players, but we have guys that still have varsity experience. I’m hoping to be part of leading the team to winning the division.” – senior pitcher Brandon Kieslor CONTENDERS: Manchester, Lacey, Central, Barnegat – Manchester has the offense with Aaron Kane and Tim Rogers returning. The Hawks could very well take first place. Either one of Lacey, Central or Barnegat might end up breaking through to the next level.

“We want to win the division. We’ve got to change the mentality of the program because we’ve been down. We’re trying to bring back success.” – Barnegat senior pitcher Ray Waszkiewicz PREDICTED S TANDINGS:

1.Brick Township 2. Manchester 3. Lacey 4. Barnegat 5. Central 6. Pinelands

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 21 Class C Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: Wall

Senior pitcher Harry Paytas was 8-1 with a 1.75 ERA as a junior and catcher Connor White batted .513 last season. Both will play at M o n m o u t h University next year.

That’s a good recipe for winning especially considering the talent surrounding them in the lineup and on the field. The Crimson Knights are poised to repeat as division champions and best last season’s 18 win total.

“Last year we kind of fell apart in the postseason, so we want to make sure that doesn’t happen this time around.” – Wall senior Harry Paytas

CONTENDERS: Jackson Liberty – The Lions return some key players from last year’s 17-7, 8-2 squad. They have the depth to challenge Wall and look to be a definite top ten team in the Shore Conference.

“We lost three starts, but all of our pitchers are back and I’m confident in our group. Our defense is pretty much the same. We want the division title and

know that Wall is our biggest competition for that.” – senior pitcher John Holland PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1.Wall 2.Jackson Liberty 3.Point Boro 4.Manasquan 5.Monsignor Donovan 6.Lakewood

JSN Softball Division Preview Page 22

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

Class A North

PREDICTED CHAMP: Middletown South The Eagles are primed for another division title and have been in the group final for three straight years.

“The goal is always to win a state title. We moved up to Group IV this year so it could be more challenging.” – senior pitcher Allison Nolan CONTENDERS: Howell – Last year’s Central Jersey Group IV champs return a handful of key starters.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Middletown South 2. Howell 3. Freehold Township 4. Middletown North 5. Manalapan 6. Marlboro

Class A Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: St. John Vianney SJV might be the top team in the state.

public school division title.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. St John Vianney 2. Raritan 3. Holmdel 4. Red Bank Regional 5. Matawan 6. Rumson/Fair Haven 7. Shore Regional

Class A South

PREDICTED CHAMP: Toms River East TR East has locked down this division and despite some challengers; the Raiders are positioned for a sixth straight first place finish.

“We’ve worked hard in the off-season and focused on little things such as executing when runners are in scoring positions.” – senior shortstop Corey Schwartz CONTENDERS: Brick Memorial, Jackson Memorial - The Mustangs proved they could beat TR East last season and they return sophomore pitcher Gabriella Hill who set the school record for strikeouts in a season. The Jaguars also look solid after a 7-3 divisional record in 2011.

PREDICTED S TANDINGS:

1. Toms River East 2. Brick Memorial 3. Jackson Memorial 4. Toms River North 5. Southern 6. Toms River South Class B North

Sophomore Katie Beroint likely takes over as the top pitcher with Jen Retzer having graduated. Third baseman Taylor August and her .527 batting average leads the offense.

CONTENDERS: Raritan, Holmdel – Both squads will try to give the Lancers a challenge and battle it out for the

P R E D I C T E D CHAMP: Red Bank Catholic The Caseys lost a lot of talent to graduation, but this is RBC where rebuilding is reloading. It will be interesting to see who steps up as the ace of the pitching staff.

“We have new key players and our fielding needs to be a lot stronger this year to support our new pitching staff.”

– senior outfielder Gabby Klecko CONTENDERS: Ocean – It would not be surprising for the Spartans to overtake RBC for first place with juniors Jenna Ambrosio and Gianna Kinhofer leading the way.

PREDICTED S TANDINGS:

1. Red Bank Catholic 2. Ocean 3. Neptune 4. Colts Neck 5. Freehold Boro 6. Monmouth Regional 7. Long Branch

Class B Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: Point Beach Senior Amy Picciacco is a pitching ace (1.18 ERA) who should give the Garnet Gulls a leg up over rival Mater Dei for first place.

Also returning are seniors Grace M cGuigan, Brianne Barry and MacKenzie Donald who each batted over .300. The Gulls were 9-3 last season and finished one game behind the Seraphs.

CONTENDERS: Mater Dei – Last year’s division champs lost a lot of offensive talent to graduation. They return top starter junior Jackie Nash who will keep them in games with her arm.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Point Beach 2. Mater Dei 3. Keyport 4. St. Rose 5. Keansburg 6. Henry Hudson 7. Asbury Park

Class B South

PREDICTED CHAMP: Barnegat

The Bengals set a school record with 14 wins last season and finished tied for second place. This spring, the division looks like theirs for the taking with the entire starting lineup returning.

Shortstop Stephanie Butler, a Villanova commit, led the team in batting average (.558), RBIs, hits, and fielding percentage last season.

“I believe we can win the division this year and move a few rounds into states.”

– senior shortstop Stephanie Butler CONTENDERS: Central, Pinelands – Both teams lost key pitchers, Central’s Ashley Aires is not playing softball this spring and Pinelands graduated ace Morgan Schwartz.

PREDICTED STANDINGS:

1. Barnegat 2. Central Regional 3. Pinelands 4. Lacey 5.Brick Township 6. Manchester

Class C Central

PREDICTED CHAMP: Wall The Crimson Knights looked poised to regain control of the division. They lost twice to Jackson Liberty, but paid them back in the state playoffs. Sydney Canessa is a two-time first-team AllShore shortstop who led Wall in batting average. Catcher Dani Petrone was tied for the Shore Conference lead in home runs with seven in 2011.

“We lost our star pitcher to graduation so we’ll rely more on strong defense and offense. We’re a lot closer as a team so that will help.” – junior shortstop Sydney Canessa CONTENDERS: Jackson Liberty, Manasquan – After beating Wall twice in the regular season, the Lions lost to them in the state playoffs. Even if they don’t win the division this spring, the Lions might find themselves in the opposite role this season. Two-year captain Amy Hickman is the starting pitcher to watch. Manasquan has an all-star caliber senior double-play duo in Keara Homan and Meredith Bryant.

PREDICTED STANDINGS: 1. Wall 2. Jackson Liberty 3. Manasquan 4. Monsignor Donovan 5. Point Boro 6. Lakewood

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 23

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The Beat Goes On At TRS Despite Graduation Losses Page 24

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

By Josh Lashley Of course there will be some obstacles for the Toms River South High School baseball team to overcome this spring but that comes with the territory. The good news for those involved with the Indians program is that this squad appears to have the type of chemistry and team unity needed to handle adversity despite the loss of several players from last year’s squad.

While the Indians lost a significant amount of players to graduation in 2011, Head Coach Ken Frank is optimistic about this season. Toms River South had an overall record of 16-9 and advanced to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV semifinal round before losing a one-run game to Millville last spring. Frank’s great career will likely reach a

memorable milestone this year as he is just four victories away from becoming the alltime winningest coach in the history of high school baseball in New Jersey. He currently has 751 career victories and the state record is 754 achieved by Tony Ferrainolo from Memorial High School.

“I never like the word rebuild,’’ Frank said. “We will be competitive in every game even though we graduated seven starters from last season.

The boys always give 100% and would like to continue our baseball tradition.’’

Key returning players for the Indians include: Kyle Driscoll (pitcher), RJ Devish (short stop) and John Leiter (pitcher).

Coach Frank mentioned that there are a whole host of

players who can earn a varsity letter and make an overall positive impact this season.

Among them are: James Burke (pitcher/first base), Casey Cranmer (short stop/ first base), Andrew Hourigan (third base), Shane McCullough (designated hitter/first base) and Russell Messler (outfield).

“Driscoll is 6’ 7’’ and has signed with Rutgers,’’ Frank said. “Leiter had three wins last season and has really gotten stronger and quicker.

Burke and Cranmer had good pre-seasons to round out our staff. Hitting-wise Devish, Hourigan, Burke, McCullough and Messler have carried our offense. We want to be competitive in the tough A South Conference and do well in our non-conference games.’’

Bounty Style Play In The NFL Is Unacceptable The NFL must act in a very dramatic and definite manner in dealing with the NFL teams who have had a bounty system that rewards players for injuring opposing players in a game. An NFL coaching staff cannot allow their players to be involved in deliberately trying to injure opposing players. When you reward players who play outside the rules of the game seeking to hurt their oppo-

nents, you tell players that this type of behavior is acceptable on all levels.

Coaches behind the bounty type style of play must be suspended for a whole season. It is impossible to believe that a coach in the NFL could stand in front of his team and propose a bounty system.

NFL players do not play to injure their opponents. The NFL players clearly know how fragile and brief their careers

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

can be. NFL players sitting in a team meeting hearing the bounty system being introduced should immediately lose respect for any NFL coach promoting such a program.

Players who play with aggressive legal position technique skills do not have to cheat to win a game. The bounty system has no place in the NFL and can leave a bad image of the league. The

coaches that use the bounty system should no longer be allowed to have the privilege of being an NFL coach.

Immediate action must be taken by the league prior to the start of the next season so that similar situations are not repeated and the game of football as we know it is not tarnished any further.

Colts Come into Season with High Expectations

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 25

By Pat Ralph As one of the most successful baseball programs in the state of New Jersey, the Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Colts enter their 2012 campaign with high expectations to succeed.

With a team comprised of great senior leadership and a talented group of underclassPHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI men, the Colts are focused on returning with three Division I college combaseball glory back to Lincroft.

Since their last state championship mits. Highlighting the group is junior in 2009, the Colts have had two dis- first basemen/pitcher Joe Dudek, who appointing seasons. Last year, the has verbally committed to play for Colts went 11-11 on the season, post- the Tar Heels of North Carolina in ing a 5-7 record against Class A college. Dudek hit .352 last year with North foes. Even though Class A five home runs and batted in nine North is one of the most competitive RBI’s. He is considered by many and talented divisions in the Shore experts to be the best slugger in the Conference, an under .500 record in Shore Conference and one of the best division play is unacceptable for in New Jersey. On the diamond, he CBA, as anyone who has played for finished with an ERA of 2.13. Along the program can tell you. With Head with Dudek, junior pitcher Matt Coach Marty Kenney in command Pidich, who has committed to play at for his 38th season in Lincroft, the the University of Pittsburgh for colColts are looking to restore the base- lege, spotted a 1.72 ERA on the ball glory that has been a key compo- mound for the Colts.

The leader of the CBA pack is sennent to Kenney’s system.

The Colts enter their 2012 season ior captain shortstop Sean Arnott,

who is committed to play at Temple University next year. Last season, Arnott batted in 12 RBI’s and is confident the Colts will have a good season. “We have a lot of potential on our squad and we’re really happy about how we have played in our scrimmages. Our goal is to take it one game at a time,” explained Arnott.

One of the keys to success for the Colts this year will be their impressive pitching staff. One of the strongest in the Shore Conference, the Colts have a junior-led pitching core of Dudek, Pidich, and Division I pitching prospect John McCarren, who has yet to commit to any college.

In addition to this talented group of juniors, the Colts have a solid group

of senior pitchers in players like Bobby Byrne, Dave Rosone, Mike Yacabonis and Sean Clarke. Another key for the Colts this season will be the offensive production they are able to get in games. The dominating pitching will be a constant for this squad; it will be the offense that determines how far this team can go in local tournaments and the state tournament.

The Colts are projected by many to win the Class A North division this year and contend for not only a Shore Conference Championship and a Monmouth County Championship, but possibly a state championship. The Colts open up their season on Monday, April 2nd, on the road against Freehold Township, while their home opener is Wednesday, April 4th, against crosstown rival Middletown South.

However, the biggest game of the season for the Colts will no doubt be on May 5th, when the Colts take on archrival Red Bank Catholic, a very possible Monmouth County Tournament title game and Shore Conference Tournament title game preview.

Klecko’s Confidence Key For Red Bank Catholic Page 26

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24

By Jim Hintelmann RED BANK - It was a mixed softball season for Red Bank Catholic (RBC) last season, despite a 22-5 record. RBC won the B Division North title and handed state power St. John Vianney (SJV) its lone setback, 6-5, with a six-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning. RBC, though, failed to win any other titles.

SJV ending up winning the NJSIAA Non-Public A, Shore Conference and Monmouth County championships, and the Lady Lancers will be the team to beat in all three tournaments again this spring.

Despite losing some key players by graduation, RBC Head Coach Tony Flego is optimistic about the upcoming season and expects to make a strong challenge for all three titles. "We expect to compete and win a tournament," said Flego. "I would be disappointed if we didn't. Ocean Township and Neptune will be the teams to beat in the B North division."

Five starters return, led by outfielder Gabby Klecko, one of the Shore's top hitters a year ago with a .600 batting average. She will be playing at the

University of Delaware next year.

"She's one of the best players at the Shore," said Flego. "She has great speed and always puts the ball in play. She keeps the defense on its toes."

Klecko is confident going into the season. "Other teams might be overlooking us because we lost a lot of players but we'll be okay. Our pitching staff is young but has talent; I'm looking forward to the season."

Also back on the field this season are shortstop Dakota Chayes, third baseman Jackie Gheraldi, catcher Dakota Canta and outfielders Morgan Chayse and Byrnne Bauman.

Others likely to play are first baseman-pitcher Gabby Bram, outfielder Colleen Signorelli, second baseman Veronica McCarthy, first baseman Sarah Dnistrian and pitchers Meg Loder, Emily Simon and Jackie Strully. "We have good depth in pitching and all will get some innings," said Flego.

"Our hitting will be pretty strong and we have good speed. If we keep playing good defense and our pitching levels out, we'll be pretty solid”.

PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI

Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24 Page 27

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Jersey Sports News • April 3 - April 24