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2018 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW April 5, 2018

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

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April 5, 2018 — 3

3/22/18 4:28 PM

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

TEAM IndEx

Baldwin Bruins ................................ 6 Calhoun Colts (Bellmore-Merrick) ... 8 Carey Seahawks (Franklin Square) 10 Clarke Rams (Westbury) .............. 12 East Meadow Jets ........................ 13 East Rockaway Rocks................... 14 Elmont Spartans .......................... 16 Freeport Red Devils ....................... 17 Hewlett Bulldogs .......................... 18 Kennedy Cougars (Bellmore-Merrick) ....................... 20 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ......... 22 Long Beach Marines...................... 24 Lynbrook Owls .............................. 26 MacArthur Generals ..................... 28 Malverne Mules ............................ 30 Mepham Pirates (Bellmore-Merrick) ....................... 32 Oceanside Sailors ........................ 34 Seaford Vikings ............................ 36 Sewanhaka Indians (Floral Park)... 37 South Side Cyclones (Rockville Centre) ......................... 38 Valley Stream Central Eagles ........ 40 Valley Stream North Spartans ...... 41 Valley Stream South Falcons ........ 44 Wantagh Warriors ......................... 45 West Hempstead Rams ................ 46

Spring Sports Preview A speci

September 8, 2011

Mike Proios Mepham High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

Publishers Clifford riChner StuArt riChner Executive Editor SCott brinton Section Editor tony belliSSimo Editorial Designer Jeffrey A. negrin Production Manager byron StewArt Production Assistant fAtimA rodrigueS Art Director CrAig CArdone Photo Editor ChriStinA dAly Photo Processing ChriStinA dAly Vice President of Sales rhondA gliCkmAn Page Editors Jeff beSSen Contributing Sportswriters tony belliSSimo Andrew mCClure Andrew Coen briAn kAChArAbA dAVid weingrAd JoSeph kellArd gArrett d. uribe On the cOver

east meadow high School - 2017 new york State Class AA softball champs - photo by keith o’reilly

Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photo - John Heckman Cover Photo - Jessica Budrewicz and Ashley Budrewicz MacArthur High School

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

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April 5, 2018 — 5

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

BaldwIn Baldw Bruins relying on young arms

By TONy BELLISSIMO

I

njuries to most of the pitching staff hampered the 2017 Bruins, although some young arms stepped up and they still managed to reach the playoffs for the 14th time under coach Frank Esposito.

With all the replacement hurlers back in the fold and one of the deepest rosters Esposito has had in nearly two decades at the helm, he’s expecting another trip to the playoffs.

“We should give it a run and compete with all the top teams,” he said. “We have to stay healthy, that’s the most important thing. It was one injury after another last year.”

If anything positive came from Baldwin’s troubled rotation situation, it provided three underclassmen with valuable varsity experience, Esposito noted. Now he’s counting on juniors Michael Ahearne and John Strategakos, and sophomore Anderson Moreno to get the job done on the bump.

“I’m hoping all three starting pitchers can get six, seven, eight strikeouts per game and take some pressure off the defense,” Esposito explained.

Ahearne could start each series opener, followed by Moreno, a lefty, and Strategakos. Ahearne, also an outfielder, has a live fastball and solid breaking pitch. Moreno, who worked in relief a year ago, threw a lot over the summer and relies mostly on the fastball and slider. He’ll play in left. Strategakos, who plays third base, had many quality outings last spring but didn’t always get the necessary run support.

Senior John Davison has a strong lefty arm and will 6 — April 5, 2018

serve as the closer. Handling the staff is junior catcher Reid Hoskins, who has started every game two straight years and brings a strong arm and an electric bat.

Senior center fielder Jake Myles and senior second baseman Chris Morro will set the offensive table from the top of the order. Myles earned All-Conference honors a year ago. Both are lightning on the bases, Esposito said.

Senior first baseman/ reliever Tommy Airey was one of the injured a year ago.

Junior Nick Diaz has range at shortstop, while junior Chris Estevez can contribute anywhere in the infield.

and she plays lights-out defense,” Llewellyn said.

Burns’ average was second on the team last spring to Yaya Spencer’s .556. Spencer emerged in the pitching circle in midApril and came up big in the playoffs, beating Hicksville and tossing a gem in a 1-0 loss to Long Beach in the quarterfinals. She was All-County for a second straight year and struck out 121 in 83 innings.

“If she picks up where she left off, we’ll be that much more dangerous,” Llewellyn noted.

Juniors Katelyn Borello (shortstop) and Juliette Bernstein (catcher) were

Jake Myles

High expectations for Lady Bruins

Winning four conference titles in the last four seasons and with multiple All-County performers back in the fold, Baldwin will compete in Nas-sau’s top softball conference for the first time since 2009.

The Lady Bruins, with their most experienced and talented roster during coach Tom Llewellyn’s tenure, have expectations of challenging defending county champion East Meadow and others for the crown.

“Not only is our conference so tough, but in my opinion all the teams in the top 10 can beat each other any given day,” Llewellyn said. “We’re looking to have the best regular season we can and get a top playoff seed. We have eight kids with at least three years of varsity experience.”

Senior center fielder Alex Burns in a fifth-year member of the varsity with two AllState and three All-County awards on her resume. In 2017, she had five homers, 30 RBIs and hit .500 while striking out only six times. She has 34 career dingers and will play at Molloy College. “It’s so tough to get a pitch by her

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 Long Beach 27 @ Long Beach 29 Long Beach

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2 3 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 30

East Meadow @ East Meadow East Meadow @ Plainvew Plainview @ Plainview @ V.S. Central V.S. Central @ V.S. Central Calhoun

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

@ Calhoun Calhoun @ Herricks Herricks @ Herricks

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Matt Guilfoyle

April

Yaya Spencer Honorable Mention AllCounty. Borello’s the leadoff hitter and had a .468 on-base percentage with 10 steals, while Bernstein hit .457 with 25 RBIs in a breakout season and also threw out 11 runners attempting to steal.

Senior Caitlin Karl (second base) and junior Brianna Salvatore (first) are shifting infield spots, while junior Lexi Aponte and Merysee DeJesus handle the hot corner. Junior Nicolette Manzella starts in left, with junior Samyah Smith the lead candidate for right.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

May

SOFTBALL March 28 Long Beach 29 Massapequa

April

3 4 10 12 14 17 19 21 25 27 30

Oceanside @ East Meadow @ Hicksville Plainview @ Calhoun Port Washington @ Farmingdale Syosset @ Long Beach @ Oceanside @ Massapequa

May

2 East Meadow

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

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April 5, 2018 — 7

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

CAlhoun Colts loaded with live arms

By JOSEPH KELLARD

A

fter falling to Plainview-JFK in the Nassau Class AA baseball semifinals last season, Calhoun is stacked with enough seniors and juniors, pitchers and speedsters to compete for a Conference AA2 title.

“If we can be consistent with our pitching and hitting, we should have a really good year,” coach Art Canestro said.

The Colts have up to nine legitimate pitchers including junior Anthony D’Andrea, a 6-foot-4 righty who earned All-County honors thanks to a 1.60 ERA last year. “If Anthony can locate his pitches, he’s a very tough pitcher to hit off of,” Canestro said.

Like Dandrea, senior Mike Porcelli has an effective curveball and good off-speed stuff that lead to a 1.1 ERA and an All-League selection last year. Junior Ben Kovel has developed an impressive fastball, and senior Jack Pugliano can start and serve as a reliever from shortstop and the outfield.

Speedy sophomore Matt Pelcher will start as catcher for the third consecutive season. Canestro expects him and first base starter senior Nick Vicino to produce more with their bats.

While D’Andrea and Pugliano will share time at shortstop, Pugliano will employ his glove and fleet feet mainly at second base, and both players are also expected to up their offensive production.

Sophomore Dante DiMarco, who will backup Pelcher behind the plate, and junior Val Tagano, will compete to start at third base.

Varsity newcomer junior Brandon Borrelli will run down balls in center field.

Junior Jake Edwards, whose 8 — April 5, 2018

.402 batting average and 16 doubles made him an AllCounty honoree in 2017, and senior Mike Porkorny, whose legs let him cover a lot of real estate, mans the corner positions. Edwards and Porkorny will also take the mound.

The Colts will compete in the conference with Baldwin, East Meadow, Herricks, Long Beach, Plainview and Valley Stream Central.

“Plainview has some of the best pitchers in the county and East Meadow is always strong, and all the other teams are competitive and can beat you,” Canestro said.

“I think the league is even better this year.”

Experience a key for Lady Colts The Lady Colts will lean on experience and depth in 2018 after a first-round playoff loss to Port Washington last year in the Class AA soft-ball tournament.

“The kids have been here before and they’ll remember what that loss was like,” coach Jason Boland said.

The senior-and-juniorheavy squad includes sophomore Lindsay Roman, who is entering her fourth season.

The left-handed ace earned All-County honors with a 1.9 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched while hitting .327 with 13 RBIs last year.

“Lindsay’s command on the mound is certainly her strength, but she’s definitely one of our strongest hitters also,” Boland said.

The rotation also features junior Heather Berberich, who went 4-2 with a 3.6 ERA last season, and freshman Meghan Vecchione, who batted .290 as a first-year varsity eighth grader in 2017.

Sophomore Hannah Aievoli will start as the catcher and Gabrielle Razza, an eighthgrade newcomer, will back

her up.

The Colts have multiple players who fit various infield slots. Among them is Christine Argentieri, who will rotate with two All-Conference selections last season: junior Heather Berberich at shortstop and Taylor Baumann at third base. Baumann will also see some time at shortstop.

Vecchione will start at first base, where she practiced during the offseason after playing mostly in the outfield last year. Senior Keri McLaughlin will return to second base as an All-County Honorable Mention who hit .388 as a varsity newbie last season.

“It’s rare to see someone come in as a junior and step

Lindsay Roman

Schedule

BASEBALL March 26 V.S. Central 27 @ V.S. Central 29 V.S. Central

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 3 5 9 10 12 23 24 26 26 30

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

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 7 8 9

@ Baldwin @ Long Beach Long Beach @ Long Beach

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April

Jack Pugliano it up to varsity so quickly, but Keri was one of the better hitters in our lineup,” Boland said.

Kayla Pilotti, one of the team’s best all-around player, is slated to return to centerfield. Senior Jennifer Imhof, who hit .400 or better for three of her four years as a starter, will again test her outstanding arm in right field. Berberich, Razza and junior Liz Riccetti will platoon in left.

Senior Maggie Flaherty and junior Lisa Anne Orlich will serve utility roles in the outfield and elsewhere.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

May

SOFTBALL March 26 @ Syosset 28 @ Plainview

April

3 5 7 10 12 14 19 23 25 27 30

Port Washington Hicksville Farmingdale Oceanside @ Long Beach @ Massapequa East Meadow Syosset Plainview @ Port Washington @ Hicksville

May

2 @ Farmingdale

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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April 5, 2018 — 9

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Carey Seahawks face tougher schedule

C

By ANDREW MCCLURE

arey had a solid 15-8 record and won the Nassau Conference A-II baseball championship, but fell to Manhasset in the elimination game of the 2017 county quarterfinals.

The Seahawks move to Conference I to compete among New Hyde Park, MacArthur, Manhasset, Mepham, Garden City, and South Side in what figures to be one of the most competitive leagues in Nassau.

Coach Mike Farina, who is assisted by Ron Giarraffa and Frank Sonnenberg, likes his team’s approach. “The loss to Manhasset left a chip on their shoulders,” Farina said. “I like that. It means they care.

We had a strong winter in the gym. The guys have great work ethic and love baseball.”

A pair of All-County pitchers, Dominic Rutigliano, who has signed on with the University of New Haven, and A.J. Vincenzi, return to anchor the starting rotation. Rutigliano throws four pitches for strikes, while Vincenzi, who’s headed to York University, pounds the zone with his fastball, curve, and change. Senior Michael Ruffini has committed to NYIT. He rounds out a strong trio.

Senior Vic DeNicola is a returning starter behind the plate. DeNicola, who will play at LIU-Post, is a prototypical catcher who will have a spot in the meat of the order.

Junior first baseman Matt Cosgrove, an All-Conference honoree, gives Carey a big bat in the middle of the order.

Cosgrove will see spot starts and innings out of the pen.

Junior Connor Huckemeyer was dominant on the mound on the JV. Huckemeyer will pitch and see time at both middle infield positions.

10 — April 5, 2018

Shortstop Kevin Bell and second baseman Nick Brusca have the inside track at manning the middle of the infield.

Third baseman Christopher Tile, who earned All-Conference recognition as a junior, will be counted on for big things at the plate.

Sophomores Garrett Scavelli and Nick Bell both have the potential to be cogs at the top of the order. Senior Chris Oliver and juniors Riley DeMeo and Devin Hartz are in the mix for time in the outfield.

Lady Seahawks eye more success

The Carey girls finished with a record of 13-6, and fell one game short of advancing to the county softball finals in 2017. While there are key returnees on the roster, the Lady Seahawks must replace three players who were a huge part of their success.

There will be no easy ones in league play. Carey will play in a conference comprising defending Long Island-champion MacArthur, Mepham, Island Trees, and BellmoreJFK. Carey coach Anthony Turco, who is assisted by Denise Tretolla, is happy with the makeup of his team.

“I like the atmosphere,” Turco said. “It’s all about putting the team first. While we lost a lot, those who are returning have a good amount of varsity experience. Every year the goal is the same; get to the semifinals and see where it takes us.”

While Turco doesn’t have a clear-cut ace, he has an assortment of capable pitchers.

Senior Dana Romano doesn’t overpower anyone, but relies on off speed pitches to get batters out. Romano had seven wins as a junior.

Jaclyn Schemmer throws a bit harder than Romano, and fellow junior Julia Ricco-

bono’s ball has a natural late sink. Southpaw sophomore Arianna Millan is also vying for time in the circle. Millan figures to be the right fielder.

Junior Julia Parinello will be the starting catcher.

Parinello does a good job behind the plate as well as in the batter’s box. Senior Frankie Cirone has a stronger throwing arm and will also see time behind the dish. Cirone will play first base and likely serve as the team’s cleanup hitter.

Junior Gianna Castagliola moves from second base to shortstop.

Senior Kelsey Ulzheimer and junior Catherine Hammer are vying for time at second. Senior

Dominic Rutigliano

Schedule

BASEBALL March 26 New Hyde Park 27 @ New Hyde Park 29 New Hyde Park

April

Matt Guilfoyle 2 @ Manhasset

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

3 5 16 17 19 23 25 26 30

Manhasset @ Manhasset MacArthur @ MacArthur MacArthur @ Mepham Mepham @ Mepham @ Garden City

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Francesca Cirone

1 3 7 8 9

Garden City @ Garden City South Side @ South Side South Side

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Marissa Nicoletti is the whole package. Nicoletti will play third base and likely hit second or third.

Senior outfielder Madeline Lafferty has speed that could land her a spot at or near the top of the order. Junior Francesca Nunges, talented freshman Destiny Nardello, and junior Erin Mehr are all in the outfield mix.

SOFTBALL March

May

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

27 @ Island Trees

April 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 28

5:00 p.m.

MacArthur 10:00 a.m. @ Mepham 10:00 a.m.

Kennedy 4:30 p.m.

Seaford 4:45 p.m. @ Division 5:00 p.m.

Plainedge 4:45 p.m. @ New Hyde Park 4:30 p.m.

Clarke 4:45 p.m.

Island Trees 4:30 p.m. @ MacArthur 10:00 a.m.

May

1 Mepham 3 @ Kennedy

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 5, 2018 — 11

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Clarke Rams always in title conversation

T

By TONy BELLISSIMO

hough Clarke was unable to keep its dominance of conference foes going in 2017, falling short of a first-place regular-season finish for only the second time in 20 years, the Rams still won 16 of 20 games overall and reached the Nassau Class A quarterfinals.

The program has captured five county and three Long Island and two state championships under longtime coach Tom Abruscato, who said the goals of winning the conference and going deep into the playoffs are the same every year. “We’re looking to have more success in the playoffs than we’ve had recently,” he said. “When you replace your entire pitching staff it’s usually not a good sign, but we’ve got talented kids up.”

The new rotation could feature all juniors. Brendan Turton and Chris Lydon received late-season callups from the JV a year ago and project to be the No. 1 and 2 starters. Turton, a righthander, has an 85 mph fastball, good command of his secondary stuff, and poise on the mound.

Lydon is a crafty lefty but also has a fastball with zip, topping out around 80 mph.

Tyler Wynans, also up from JV, and senior Matt Rubenstein, a varsity returnee who worked out of the bullpen in 2017, are vying for the No. 3 starter spot. One could be the closer and called upon to throw back-to-back days, Abruscato said.

The staff is handled by talented young catcher Chris Giardino, who last spring earned All-Conference honors as a freshman. “He has a quality bat and all the defensive tools,” Abruscato said.

Senior Mike Rodriguez (.400 average) is bound for 12 — April 5, 2018

New York Tech and will play first or third base and hit in the meat of the order. Senior Jimmy Aspenleiter will be at second or third, and sophomore CJ Cumbo takes over at shortstop.

Junior Derek Smith is a five-tool center fielder. Senior Teddy Vitetzakis will play a corner outfield spot and possibly hit leadoff again. Senior Brendan Peters swings a quality bat.

Lady Rams hit reset button

Between 2015-16, the Lady Rams won 40 softball games including a pair of Nassau and Long Island Class A championships. Last spring, with many new faces, Clarke had an inconsistent .500 campaign that ended with a tough loss in the opening round of the playoffs.

“It’s time to push the reset button and find our way back,” coach Rachel Barry said. “Our motto this year is “Chasing Greatness.”

The Lady Rams are part of Conference ABC-II in the new county alignment and will face Division, Seaford, New Hyde Park and Plainedge twice apiece as well as each of the five teams in the top conference —MacArthur, Carey, Island Trees, Kennedy and Mepham — once apiece. “It’s a competitive conference and we’re in a healthy position,” Barry said.

Senior Ally Koutsogiannis is the team’s lone returning award winner after batting over .450 and making all the plays at first base. She was Honorable Mention All-County and will anchor the offense as the No. 3 hitter. “Ally’s a consistent hitter who can drive in a lot of runs,” Barry said.

The coach said it could take a week or two worth of games before she feels confident with

a set lineup. The rest of the infield around Koutsogiannis is a work in progress. Senior Erin Connolly, a solid contact hitter and smart baserunner, will likely move from third base to second or shortstop.

Sophomore Toniann Serveder could take over at third but is also a candidate in center field. Sophomore Kayla Connolly may get the nod at second, replacing senior Sabrina Richards should she move to the outfield. Senior Sonia Iacoboni is an outfielder with varsity

Alexandra Koutsogiannis

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ Seaford 27 Seaford 29 @ Seaford

April

2 Locust Valley 3 @ Locust Valley 5 Locust Valley Matt GuilfOyle O Oyle 9 C.S. Harbor 10 @ C.S. Harbor 12 C.S. Harbor 16 @ Island Trees 17 Island Trees 19 @ Island Trees 30 @ V.S. South

May

Mike Rodriguez experience.

The pitching situation is the same as a year ago. Lizzy Belfiore, a senior, and Alex Karavias and Arianna Fracchioni, both sophomores, will have opportunities to start and close games. “They’ve all improved and added weapons,” Barry noted.

Junior Leanne Tallon did a nice job while handling 90 percent of the catching workload in 2017. Freshman Cheralyn Dusharme is also in the mix.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

1 3 7 8 9

V.S. South @ V.S. South Mineola @ Mineola Mineola

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SOFTBALL March 27 Seaford

April 2 4 6 11 13 16 18 20 24 26 28

@ Division Plainedge @ New Hyde Park @ Island Trees Kennedy @ Mepham MacArthur @ Carey @ Seaford Division @ Plainedge

May

1 New Hyde Park

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Photos by Keith O’Reilly

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

EaSt MEadow adow Jets to lean on experience will backup Grigonis behind the plate, plays both outfield corner positions. Senior Mike Wood, who hit .400 last year, senior Mike Romeo, who has a sure oach John Marciante believes the sky’s the limit glove, sophomore Sean Kennedy, for his East Meadow base- who covers a lot of ground, and ball team that fell to Calhoun in junior Dan Majkowski, another a three-game quarterfinal series fleet-footed and strong-armed player, will all see time in the last spring. outfield.

A battle-tested pitching “Hopefully with the experirotation comprised of all news ence my players have gained, starters last year will return. and if we end up on the right Left-hander Patrick Hoffman side of our one-run games, we and righty Billy McQuillan can make another run,” Marare workhorse seniors capable ciante said. of throwing into the seventh inning.

“It’s so huge now with the Lady Jets seek title repeat pitch-count limits to be able to East Meadow softball last put them out there and go deep year beat Long Beach to win a in games,” Marciante said.

Third-starter Charlie Cucchi- third county championship and defeated Binghamton to take a ara earned All-League honors second state title during coach last year after going 5-0 with 47 Stew Fritz’s five-year tenure. strikeouts.

But to repeat, the Jets will “We’re definitely looking need to do after losing half their to Charlie to take a step up,” Marciante said about the junior team either to graduation or others interests. Lack of experi-right-hander. ence and depth are concerns, Hard-throwing righty Matwith new position players takthew Mackay pitched some ing one side of the field. big innings in relief down the Senior Christina Loeffler, stretch in 2017, striking out 13 an All-County and second-team batters in 11 innings, and will see more innings out of the pen. All-State selection last season, Senior catcher John Grigonis returns to the mound as the top starter and will compete to play will again handily manage the first base with junior Julia Cutrotation and block their many tone, a first-time varsity player dirt-bound breaking balls and who will also pitch, and senior sliders.

Sydney Inger.

Hoffman returns to first Senior Sam Reyes, who base, where he was an All-Counearned All-County honors last ty selection last season while leading the Jets with 25 RBIs, 10 season with a .342 batting averdoubles and a .365 average. Cuc- age, will switch to second base chiara will start at second base, from right field. “Sam is a good Mackay at third base, and senior hitter, works hard and is a total team person,” Fritz said.

Joseph Randolph is penciled in Sophomore Isabella Shepat shortstop after serving as an herd will vie for playing time at exceptionally smooth backup second base and serve as a utillast season. ity infielder.

Enter Matthew Fried, a Fritz will test the live arm junior who provides a utility of sophomore Brooke Muñoz option when the three pitcherinfielders take the mound. Fried as Reyes’ right field replacement, and he’s excited about was brought up late last season and smacked seven hits, includ- her power bat and ability to find gaps. “I think Brooke is going to ing three doubles, in 16 at-bats.

Junior Tyler Patterson, who be a very helpful hitter for our

By JOSEPH KELLARD

C

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lineup,” he said.

The Jets are stacked with catchers. Senior starter Sara Polansky, an exceedingly solid defender, will share about 20 percent of her playing time with Inger, Muñoz, sophomore Amanda Thompson and Cuttone’s twin sister and first-time varsity player, Roseanna.

The infield’s left side will feature two returning capable gloves: sophomore Jenna Laird, who batted over .600 to make first-team AllState in 2017,

Patrick Hoffman

Schedule April

BASEBALL

2 @ Baldwin 3 Baldwin 5 @ Baldwin 9 Calhoun 10 @ Calhoun 12 Calhoun Matt Guilfoyle 16 @ Herricks 17 Herricks 19 @ Herricks 23 @ V.S. Centrral 24 V.S. Central 26 @ V.S. Central 30 Long Beach

May

Christina Loeffler

1 3 7 8 9

and junior third baseman Amy Mallah, whose Fritz nicknamed “Brooks” after Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson.

Junior left fielder Julianna Sanzone, who hit .413 with 19 RBIs to earn All-Conference last year, helps solidify the left side of the field. Sophomore Stephanie Christoforatos has speed and range to cover centerfield.

The Lady Jets will compete for a Conference AA1 title against Massapequa, Long Beach, Oceanside and newcomer Baldwin.

SOFTBALL March

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

@ Long Beach Long Beach Plainview @ Plainview Plainview

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26 @ Long Beach 28 Oceanside

April

4 10 11 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27

Baldwin @ Farmingdale @ Massapequa Syosset @ Hicksville Plainview @ Calhoun Port Washington Long Beach @ Oceanside Massapequa

May

2 @ Baldwin

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Photos by Ron Manfredi

April 5, 2018 — 13

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

EaStt Rockaway Deep lineup to lead Rocks

By ANDREW MCCLURE

L

ast spring was an excellent one on the diamond at East Rockaway. The Rocks went 9-6 in league play, good for second place in Conference BC, won a series from Class B champion Wheatley, and took a game from perennial-power Oyster Bay. Graduation hit the pitching staff hard, but despite being relatively young, East Rockaway has experience throughout the lineup, as last year’s team was laden with sophomores. Malverne, Carle Place, Oyster Bay, and Wheatley await the Rocks in league play.

“Having a lot of guys play at the varsity level as sophomores helps us in terms of our experience,” East Rockaway coach James Hickey said.

“We have a deep team with a bunch of guys who can play multiple positions. I like the energy and life they’re showing.”

Junior Dylan Henshaw, an All-County honoree, has good mechanics and an aboveaverage fastball. Henshaw is also highly productive at the plate. When he’s not pitching, he’ll play third base or a corner outfield position.

Dan DelValle earned AllLeague recognition as a sophomore. He’ll be in the pitching rotation and figures to be the everyday center fielder. DelValle will hit third or fourth in the order. Junior Stefano Cilluffo has a plus curveball and decent fastball. Cilluffo is the team’s shortstop and will hit in the middle of the order.

Hard-working junior Bryan Morganthaler made the most of winter workouts to prep for the season. He’ll see spot starts on the mound, pitch in relief, and be the team’s second baseman.

Morganthaler will likely bat 14 — April 5, 2018

leadoff.

Sophomore catcher Matt Perri did a solid job when he was called up as a freshman.

Perri always gives Hickey a good time at bat. Jon Starkman, the only senior returnee, will play first base and be looked to for run production.

Versatile freshman Anthony Piazza give the Rocks depth on the infield.

Sophomore left hander Joe Acampora will see time out of the pen and will back up Starkman. Sophomores Chris Perri and Kyle Barth are competing for time in the outfield.

Lady Rocks fresh off L.I. championship

The East Rockaway girls captured the Nassau County small schools championship and the sixth Long Island title in program history before dropping a 3-2 heartbreaker to Pine Plains in the NYS southeast regional final in 2017.

Playing a challenging schedule means the Lady Rocks will no doubt be battletested when the playoffs come around in May. East Rockaway will compete in Nassau Conference ABC-III with the likes of South Side, Wantagh, Bethpage, Locust Valley, and Valley Stream North.

The plan never changes for long-time coach Joe Lores. “Our goal is always to make a deep run in the playoffs and make the trip upstate,” Lores said. “The key to softball is almost always pitching. We have a talented, experienced pitcher. When you have that, you always have a chance.”

Junior Emily Chelius returns in the circle for her fourth year on the varsity.

Chelius features a multitude of pitches and has progressed each year. She had 13 wins as a sophomore. At the plate,

the two-time AllCounty recipient hit an eyepopping .612 with a team-high five home runs.

Junior catcher Siobhan Perini takes over behind the plate. Perini is a solid defensive catcher who blocks the ball well and has a strong throwing arm.

Senior first baseman Sarah Donnelly, an All-Conference honoree, brings leadership, strong softball IQ, and a powerful bat to the lineup.

Sophomore shortstop Hunter Vertuccio has great range and a strong throwing arm. Lores may look to use Vertuccio’s at the top of the order to take advantage of her speed. Hard-hitting sophomore Leanne Wright and junior Najeri Felton are options at both second base

Emily Chelius

Schedule BASEBALL March 29 Carle Place

4:00 p.m.

April 2 3 5 9 10 1 2 16 23 24 26 30

@ Carle Place @ Oyster Bay Oyster Bay Malverne @ Malverne @ Wheatley Wheatley @ Carle Place Carle Place Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay

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1 3 7 8

@ Malverne Malverne Wheatley @ Wheatley

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May

Bryan Morgenthaler and in the outfield.

Junior Kaitlyn Collison is the team’s strongest outfielder. Collison will likely be penciled in to play centerfield.

She may also see time at second and third base. Junior Lia Gladstone, who went 3-for3 in the Long Island championship game, is expected to play third base.

Sophomore Madison Cipriano, junior Caroline Slade, and senior Jess Mistretta are all vying for time.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 27 @ V.S. North

April 2 4 6 9 11 13 14 16 18 24 26 28 30

South Side Locust Valley @ Bethpage @ Wantagh Wheatley @ Garden City Lynbrook Glen Cove @ Mineola @ Oyster Bay V.S. North @ South Side @ Locust Valley

May

2 Bethpage 4 Wantagh

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Photos by Victoria Lodi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

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April 5, 2018 — 15

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Elmont Spartans undergo youth movement order.”

Another leadoff option for Elmont is fleet-footed junior Dante Lewis, the Spartans’ JV captain last year who is slated lmont is hoping a fresh crop will lead to greener to start in left field. Junior pastures – even as ques- Evan Balafortune is projected to start in right field, while tions remain as to the timesophomores Ricardo Fortuna frame of a harvest.

– Elmont’s number three Coming off back-to-back hurler – and Angel Vargas, 5-win campaigns, the Sparcurrently a backup catcher, tans return to the newly also figure in the outfield mix. expanded Nassau CountyMcCormack said Roosevelt wide baseball conference with a sophomore-heavy squad led and Uniondale remain the teams to beat in Countywide. by a small cadre of experi“I think we’re on the right enced upperclassmen. track to climbing up the And though it has been standings,” McCormack said. something like a generation “If we minimize mistakes since Elmont held frontrunwe’ll be competitive in this ner status in its conference, league, looking ahead to movfourth-year Spartans coach Ed McCormack is not uncon- ing up out of the conference.” vinced that the seeds of resurLady Spartans eye gence are sown. more success “We’ve got sophomores Doubling its wins from a who will be under the leadseason earlier, Elmont softership of our two seniors,” ball went 8-4 in ABC-V last McCormack said. “These year – 10-4 overall – to wind kids will be our mainstays up a game behind first-place the next three years; there’s finishers Malverne and big stuff ahead. The seniors North Shore, narrowly misshave embraced the idea that ing the playoffs. it’s a new regime coming up.

In no small measure, the But even now I think they’re Lady Spartans’ turnaround ready to compete.” derived from a pair of A third-year varsity starter, team co-captain Mohmmad breakthrough performances, Arif is the Spartans’ dean and namely pitcher Kimberly Rodriguez’s 10-3 showing as centerpiece. The left-throwa freshman, and the 2-homer, ing, right-batting senior will .620 offensive eruption that head Elmont’s starting rotation, and will switch from his made shortstop Akemi Shard, customary left field to start at now a junior, an all-conference honoree. first base. Senior co-captain Both young Elmont stars Damien Rubio starts at secare returning, with a host ond base and gives Elmont’s of mostly young but mainly bullpen right-handed depth. proven talent throughout Sophomores round out the lineup – a state of affairs the Spartans infield, with Lady Spartans coach John Cameron Patterson at shortSquillace sees as cause for stop, Andrew Peguero – also the highest optimism. The a starting righty – at third, and speedy Antonio Marcello, 13th-year Elmont skipper was moved even to (almost) make who is penciled in at leadoff, big predictions. taking over behind the dish.

“Some records might be “Antonio might even pitch broken this year,” Squillace in an emergency,” McCorsaid. “Akemi could bat .800. mack said. “He gives us Kimberly has even more pop good wheels at the top of the

By ANDREW MCCLURE

E

16 — April 5, 2018

on her fastball and is working on a riser and changeup. We’re very excited about her 10th grade campaign.”

Rodriguez will be tossing to a trusty target in junior returning starter Eloni Peralta, whose steady play at catcher and reliable bat – pivotal factors in last year’s run at the title – will once again be counted on, Squillace said.

The coach elaborated: “Eloni was tremendous behind the plate as a 10th grader. She’s a safety net who keeps everything in front of her. We’re looking forward to more of her glove and bat.”

Seniors Ericana Thomp-son, a first-year starter at first base, and Andrea Ayala, a

gram can be overlooked. “But if we keep our winning attitude,” Squillace began.

“I believe we can improve on our success.”

Muhammad Arif

Schedule BASEBALL

April 2 @ Sewanhaka 3 Sewanhaka 5 West Hempstead Matt Guilfoyle 9 @ West Hempstead 10 @ Friends Academy 12 Friends Academy 16 Hempstead 17 @ Hempstead 19 @ Westbury 23 Westbury 24 G.N. South 26 @ G.N. South 30 @ Uniondale

Akemi Shard third-year starter at second, will man Elmont’s infield with junior Gigi Faison returning from a one-year hiatus to reclaim her starting job at second.

Aside from second-year starting sophomore Ambar Naar in left, Elmont’s outfield is yet unsettled. Four seniors in contention for the open slots are Rashay Thomas, Natasha Torres, Stephanie Gutierrez, and Reign Worrel.

Returning to ABC-V, Squil-lace expects no let-up by the aforementioned conference leaders, and states no pro

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

May

1 3 7 8 9

Uniondale @ G.N. North G.N. North Roosevelt @ Roosevelt

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SOFTBALL March 26 Roslyn 28 @ G.N. North

April 3 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

@ Lawrence @ Malverne Roosevelt Westbury @ Hempstead V.S. Central @ Uniondale Herricks @ Freeport @ Roslyn G.N. North Lawrence Malverne

May

2 @ Roosevelt

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Photos by Sue Grieco

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball preview

Freeport Red Devils seek better start along with junior Daniel Garcia. They will throw to junior catcher Viandy Abreu, who started behind the plate on varsity as a sophomore. reeport has made Delgado said senior David strides on the baseball diamond under seventh- Herrera could play a big role in Freeport’s drive for a big year coach Roberto Delgado season as the Red Devils’ and is looking to make furstarting center fielder. He will ther gains this spring fueled be joined in the outfield by by a trip down south. sophomore Kyle Dorset, who The Red Devils will be was called up from junior varheading to Vero Beach, Florida during April vacation sity at the end of last year.

“We have very good leaderto scrimmage various teams from around the country and ship from the seniors and we have a lot of solid players,” practice in warmer weather Delgado said. “The chemistry to gear up for the home on the team is very good.” stretch of the season. After ending a 13-year postseason drought in 2015, Freeport has Lady Devils defending conference champs now reached the playoffs Fresh off the program’s three straight years and first conference title in 16 Delgado hopes the Sunshine years, Freeport softball State journey boosts team begins a new era in 2018. chemistry to lay the founda Rich Genzone takes over tion for continued progresas the Lady Red Devils coach sion as a program. this spring after guiding the ”It will be a very good bonding experience for them,’ JV the last two years. With six seniors graduated from said Delgado of the Florida last year’s 13-3 team that trip, which the team fundreached the Nassau County raised for. “It will be a good playoffs after placing first in experience for them.”

Conference AA-II. Genzone Freeport went 6-12 in a challenging Conference AA-1 is looking to establish dedication on and off the field and upset eventual Long Island champion Massapequa that will set Freeport up for future postseason trips. Gen-in the regular season finale. zone established a motto for Senior shortstop/pitcher the 2017 season called “all Braylin Marine, who went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and got out, all inning, all game, all season,” that he hopes builds the save in the Massapequa a winning culture. triumph, returns as one of Freeport’s team leaders in “We have a driven team,” Genzone said. “I think we can 2018. Delgado is also hoping be competitive.” for a big senior campaign from catcher Anthony Lamar, Senior third baseman Daelyn Ross provides experience who was named team MVP and leadership as Freeport’s last year. lone senior. The Red Devils’ “We started to play much captain smacked seven home better at the end of last searuns during the Red Devils’ son,” said Delgado, whose magical 2017 season that team reached the Class AA ended with a 13-3 first round semifinals before falling to Farmingdale. “Hopefully this playoff defeat to Syosset. year we can play better at the “She has a very good bat,” Genzone said of Ross. “She start of the season.” has power to all fields.”

Marine will help lead Junior Naggalie Cruceta the Freeport pitching staff

By andrew coen

F

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the mound as returns to the mound as top pitcher this Freeport’s top pitcher this after winning 10 season after winning 10 2017. Cruceta, who games in 2017. Cruceta, who coached on JV in Genzone coached on JV in 2016 as a freshman, also has a freshman, also has a strong bat and hit one home and hit one home run last year. year.

Freeport’s ace pitcher will Freeport’s ace pitcher will throw to a familiar catcher in familiar catcher in her cousin Kisaire Cruceta, Kisaire Cruceta, who may also see time at also see time at second base. Genzone is also base. Genzone is also looking to develop sophomore develop sophomore Yulianna Frometa as another Frometa as another capable catcher. catcher.

The infield is anchored infield is anchored by junior shortstop Gianshortstop GianRuynoso, who ny Ruynoso, who plate is a at the plate is a hitter. line driver hitter.

Gianna Junior Gianna

Naggalie Cruceta

Schedule

BASEBALL March 26 Oceanside 27 @ Oceanside 29 Oceanside

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

3 4 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 30

@ Syosset Syosset Syosset @ Massapequa Massapequa @ Massapequa @ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville Port Wash.

4:15 p.m.

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1 3 7 8 9

Port Wash. @ Port Wash. @ Farmingdale Farmingdale @ Farmingdale

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April

May

Braylin Marine Baez is expected to take over the reigns at first base.

Freeport will once again compete in Conference A-III, which features Herricks, Uniondale, Valley Stream Central, Hempstead and West-bury. The Red Devils have little margin for error if they want return to the playoffs, but Genzone said the goal for 2018 is building toward the future.

“We’re trying to build the program up,” he said. “We want to build growth in these kids.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 26 Herricks 28 Westbury

April 3 5 7 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

@ Hempstead V.S. Central @ Uniondale @ Malverne Roslyn @ Lawrence Roosevelt Elmont @ Herricks @ Westbury Hempstead @ V.S. Central

May

2 Uniondale

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4:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

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10:00 a.m.

4:15 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Keith O’Reilly

April 5, 2018 — 17

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Hewlett Bulldogs set to face new rivals

H

By TONy BELLISSIMO

ewlett comes off a strong season on the diamond with a dozen wins and runner-up finish to Carey in Conference A-II. The playoff bracket wasn’t kind to the Bulldogs, however, as they lost tight games to defending Class A champion Wantagh as well as top-seeded Seaford.

Coach Andy DeBernardo has a few positions to fill but is banking on a talented pitching staff to lead the way. A new conference alignment featuring now two-time defending county champion Wantagh, Plainedge, and Kennedy makes for a challenging road.

“I thought we had a great season and unfortunately we fell into a tough playoff bracket,” DeBernardo said.

“We’re going to know where we stack up pretty early with two of our first three series against Wantagh and Plainedge. I think as long as we get through those in not too bad a shape, we’ll be fine.”

Hewlett brings back two of its three starting pitchers. Senior Matt Kim is a flamethrower and earned All-County honors in 2017.

He registered four wins and had a sub-1.00 ERA. He’ll also play third base. “It’s going to be hard for Matt to top what he did last year, so we’re just looking for him to be in the neighborhood of those stats,” DeBernardo explained. “He throws hard and keeps the ball down in the zone.”

Senior Matt Kohn is another All-County returnee and provides a lefty arm in the middle of the rotation. He was solid on the mound last spring and exceptional at the plate in the No. 2 spot, hitting over .500 through 15 games.

Junior shortstop Jason Barry anchors the infield defense 18 — April 5, 2018

and will be the No. 3 starter.

Junior Dillon Ristano, an All-Conference choice, is likely to handle catching duties, while senior Chris Rodriguez moves from behind the plate to second base. Rodriguez, an All-County selection who batted .450, is the No. 3 hitter in front of Ristano.

Speedy sophomore Anthony Asayz leads the outfield in center. Senior Luca Preziosi will be in left, while junior Antonio Edgio brings a big bat from the JV.

Lady Bulldogs look to continue success

The Lady Bulldogs have captured 23 of their last 24 games dating back to the tail end of the 2016 campaign and won the Conference AB-IV crown last spring while going 14-1.

A restructuring placed Hewlett in a conference with Manhasset, Sewanhaka, North Shore, Jericho, and Great Neck South. Of those, only Jericho was a conference rival of Hewlett’s last year. “Most of our team is returning and we should be competitive,” coach Vinnie Lospinuso said. “We’ve got a strong hitting team and I’m hoping to be able to split the pitching duties.”

Senior shortstop Harper Manus ranked among Nassau’s leaders in home runs in each of the past two years, swatting seven in 2017 after belting five as a sophomore.

She comes off an All-County campaign that saw her drive in 26 runs and bat .343 as the No. 3 hitter. “She’s got a great bat and a strong arm and unbelievable footwork in the field,” Lospinuso said.

Freshman Valerie LiaoGreene is already in her third varsity season with an Honorable Mention All-County 2017 under her belt. She batted over .300 with an on-base percentage of .569 from the

leadoff spot. She was moved from second base to pitch 12 games after Dayne Biesel was deemed unable to throw due to forearm tendinitis. “Val’s been playing travel ball a long time and has a great eye and speed,” Lospinuso said. “The hope is we’ll split innings between her and Dayne and use them both at second base.” Biesel, who in the coach’s opinion is about 85-90 percent healthy, can also play first base.

Having a fifth-year starter behind the plate is one of Hewlett’s main assets. Senior Lauren Dori (22 RBIs) threw out 11 baserunners attempting to steal and is also the clean-up hitter. The corner infield spots are in the hands of young talents Izzy Martino, a sophomore moving from the outfield to third

Matt Kim

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ Plainedge 27 Plainedge 29 @ Plainedge

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

3 5 6 9 10 12 16 17 19 30

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April Matt Guilfoyle @ Roslyn Roslyn Roslyn Wantagh @ Wantagh Wantagh @ Glen Cove Glen Cove @ Glen Cove @ Jericho

May Harper Manus base, and eighth-grader Molly Williams, who played varsity basketball.

The starting outfield looks like it’l feature junior Kate Geotina in center, sophomore Emma Blumenstein in left, and senior Mai Menache in right.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

1 3 7 8 9

Jericho @ Jericho Kennedy @ Kennedy Kennedy

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

27 North Shore

April 2 4 6 9 13 16 18 23 24 26 28 30

4:45 p.m.

@ Manhasset 10:00 a.m. @ Jericho 10:00 a.m. @ Sewanhaka 10:00 p.m.

G.N. South 4:45 p.m. @ Floral Park 4:30 p.m.

Carle Place 4:45 p.m. @ V.S. South 4:30 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 5:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m. @ North Shore 4:30 p.m.

Manhasset 10:30 a.m.

Jericho 4:45 p.m.

May

2 Sewanhaka 4 @ G.N. South

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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April 5, 2018 — 19

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Kennedy Cougars leaning on experience School, wants his hitters to not be afraid to swing early in the count.

“A lot of times the best ennedy endured plenty pitch you’ll see is the first pitch,” Bailin said. “I want of growing pains durthem to be aggressive, but ing a four-win 2017 baseball season which second- also smart.”

Kennedy moved down to year coach Jim Bailin hopes translates into a more bloom- Conference A-II due to a drop in enrollment, The Cougars’s ing spring this time around.

The Cougars graduated the quest for postseason trip will be tested right off the bat bulk of their 2016 team that with three-game sets against was one win from the county defending Long Island Class title and struggled to gain wins last year with almost an A champion Wantagh and longtime power Plainedge all-new starting lineup. With 15 of last season’s 22 players High hopes for back in the dugout, Bailin Lady Cougars expects far more victories Krista Thorn is looking for this spring.

“The expectation is that we big strides in her second year as Kennedy softball coach. will be back in the playoffs,” The former star Hofstra said Bailin, who took over third baseman went through the Kennedy program from growing pains trying to instill longtime head coach Eric Passman last year. “We have a a winning culture in Bellmore with the Lady Cougars lot of experience back. finishing last year at 6-8 in Jason Coules returns to anchor the Kennedy pitching Conference ABC-1 with three staff and is also the Cougars’ losses by one run. While the top hitter. The Fordham com- season produced frustration at times, Thorn hopes the mit put up monster offensive experience will make shape numbers from the leadoff position last year including a a brighter 2018 for a senior.377 batting average and a .600 laden team.

“The seniors are very on-base percentage. excited to get the season “He is one of the best going,” said Thorn, who led players on Long Island,” said Bailin of Coules. “He is prob- Hofstra to within a game of ably the best offensive player I the College World Series in 2012. “They learned from last have ever coached.” year and want to improve Coules leads a deep pitchthis year.” ing staff that also features Senior center fielder seniors Terry Beeker, Dylan Judd and Shon Kehati. Bailin Kaitlyn Judd returns after said there are also some new- hitting above .400 as a junior and Thorn sees potential comers who had success on for an even bigger offensive junior varsity who may start season this spring. Senior or come out of the bullpen. outfielder Amanda Maffucci “Right now there is no set rotation,” Bailin said. “I have will also be an integral part of the offense as a slap hitter eight or nine capable guys.” in the leadoff spot along with The Cougars boast plenty shortstop Azaria Vargas, who of bite in their lineup led by earned All-County honors as Coules, Zack Rosenfield, Jora junior last year. dan Canner, Tom Tiongson “She is an all-around athand Jack Goldstein. Bailin, lete,” said Thorn of Vargas, a former standout player at who moved from outfield to Levittown’s Division High

By ANDREW COEN

K

20 — April 5, 2018

shortstop last season. “I can put her anywhere.”

Senior pitcher Danielle Polirer is back in the circle after missing much of last year due to injury. She won eight games as a sophomore in 2016 and recorded four victories in limited action last year.

“She has excellent control,” said Thorn of Polirer. “She spins the ball great.”

Freshman third baseman Morgan Tesser can also take the mound if needed after gaining pitching experience last year as an eighth grader when Polirer was hurt. Polirer and Tesser will throw to freshman catcher Jessica

Kaitlyn Judd

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ Wantagh 27 Wantagh 29 @ Wantagh

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

2 Plainedge Matt Guilfoyle 3 @ Plainedge

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April

5 9 1 0 12 16 17 19 23 24 26

Plainedge Jericho @ Jericho Jericho @ Roslyn Roslyn @ Roslyn Glen Cove @ Glen Cove Glen Cove

May

Jason Coules Nachamie, who has fostered excellent communication skills, according to Thorn.

Senior Sarah Porcelini is slated to contribute in the des-ignated player spot.

“It’s going to be on all of us to get this done whether on the field or in the dugout,” Thorn said. “They have now had a year of my style and know what I expect of them.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

7 @ Hewlett 8 Hewlett 9 @ Hewlett

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

27 MacArthur

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

April 2 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 26

@ Mepham Island Trees @ Carey New Hyde Park @ Clarke Seaford @ Division Plainedge @ MacArthur Mepham

May

1 @ Island Trees 3 Carey

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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April 5, 2018 — 21

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Lawrence Fresh slate for Golden Tornadoes Pasquarello at first base and junior Tyler Kim at second.

Both are in the mix to pitch in relief. Pasquarello will ast spring was a difficult hit cleanup. Senior Aaron Jackson could work at second one for Lawrence baseor right field, and give senior ball. A year after tastcatcher Joe Amoroso, a threeing success with a winning year starter, a breather if record in the Countywide league, the Golden Tornadoes necessary.

Senior outfielder/pitcher stormed back into the fire in 2017 and were unable to come Santino Dalmazeo has made huge strides over the years away with any victories. and brings a tremendous However, with most of the work ethic, as does junior squad returning this spring Harrison Kim. and a solid commitment during the offseason program, Lady Golden Tornadoes’ they’re looking to find a way growth continues to compete in a conference wStrength in numbers at that includes North Shore, the lower levels makes for Division, Lynbrook, Valley a promising future for LawStream North, Bethpage and rence softball, which earned Floral Park. A lack of numthree conference wins on the bers for the second year in varsity field last spring in a row means no JV team for addition to suffering a handLawrence. ful of narrow defeats.

“It’s often been a question Nowhere is the uptick in of arms,” coach Dennis Leoninterest in the sport within ard said. “We’re bringing the community more reflecback a lot of pitchers and all tive than in the pitching but one of our starters was a department, coach Tom sophomore last year.

“We have to do the best we Frawley noted. “It’s my fifth year and when I started we can to bring the defense and give them as much support as had one pitcher in the program,” he said. “Now we’ve possible,” he added. got seven. Our numbers over-Senior Carlos Duran has all have increased and we’re been a three-sport athlete hoping to be competitive at throughout his high school career and will again serve as the varsity level despite losing a lot of quality hitters.” the front line of the pitching The key to improvement is staff and leadoff batter. He’ll be at shortstop on non-throw- defense, the coach said. Howing days and has the ability to ever, the brutal weather in make big plays with the glove. March kept the Lady Golden Tornadoes and most other Junior James Kelly is teams indoors and limited the team’s hardest thrower, Leonard said, and is expected much-needed practice reps.

“We are going to be a punch to take a step up with a year and judy offense, which puts a of experience under his belt. little more pressure on pitchKelly will play shortstop ing and defense,” Frawley when Duran toes the rubber. said. “We’re going to try to The No. 3 starter is junior use our speed on the bases.”

John Loughlin, who showed Last year’s primary positive signs last spring. pitcher, junior Lina Mavruk, Loughlin and seniors held her own but is moving to Dave Vacchio and Nathaniel Serrette will see time at third the outfield or DH due to arm issues. Sophomore Jardina base. The left side of the Gomez takes over in the circle infield features junior Nick

L

By TONy BELLISSIMO

22 — April 5, 2018

and brings the type of accuracy Frawley relishes. “Jardina does a nice job of staying around the plate,” he said.

Senior Olivia Levy, a standout three-sport athlete, will hit in the leadoff spot again and play third base.

She could also pitch in relief along with senior Sharon Canales. Levy and senior Rachel Katz (second base) are captains. Katz has been in the program six years and bats second.

Junior Brooke Kirchner has pop in her swing and versatility in the field.

She’ll likely play first base and catch. Senior Diana Nyman has lots of experience behind the plate, while sophomore Brianna Ramirez flashes

Joe Amoroso

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ V.S. North 27 V.S. North 29 @ V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April 9 Lynbrook Matt Guilfoyle 10 @ Lynbrook 12 16 17 19 23 24 27 30

Lynbrook Bethpage @ Bethpage Bethpage @ Floral Park Floral Park @ Floral Park @ North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May 1 3 7 8 9

Olivia Levy a nice glove and arm at shortstop.

Junior outfielder Erica Pagano is a newcomer with excellent speed. She’ll play somewhere in the outfield.

Senior Dayris Beltran returns to the outfield and junior Tamia Vasser can provide an offensive spark and is a versa-tile defender.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

North Shore @ North Shore Division @ Division Division

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 26 @ Roosevelt 28 Roslyn

April

3 7 9 10 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

Elmont @ Malverne @ G.N. North @ V.S. Central Uniondale @ Herricks Freeport @ Westbury Hempstead Roosevelt @ Roslyn @ Elmont G.N. North

May

2 Malverne

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

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April 5, 2018 — 23

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Long Beach Marines bring depth on mound

I

By TONy BELLISSIMO

t’ll be all arms on deck this spring for the Marines, who come off their fourth Nassau Class AA baseball playoff appearance in the last six years following a five-win regular season.

They lost a tight playoff opener to then-defending county champion East Meadow, one of their six conference rivals in 2018. Long Beach will also face Baldwin, Valley Stream Central, Plainview, Herricks and Calhoun in three-game sets.

“We have only 13 on the roster, but almost everyone can pitch,” coach Jason Zizza said. “We’re happy with where we’re at. It’s a tight-knit team with definite playoff potential.

As a program, we want multiple-year playoff runs.”

With endless options on the mound, Zizza isn’t sure how the Marines will attack each series after seniors Sam Brinster and Evan Garcia face every opponent once. “One of the three games, we could throw the kitchen sink,” said Zizza, who could use three or four arms in one game each week.

Brinster is looking to become only the program’s second four-year award winner. He earned All-League honors in 2017 after logging a 3.80 ERA in 30 innings and batting .365 with 15 RBIs. Garcia was an All-Conference selection and had a 4.30 ERA with a team-high .417 batting average.

They’ll play first base and outfield, respectively, on nonpitching days.

Senior Dillon Razler does quality work with the glove at shortstop and second base, and he’s one of many candidates to pitch. Sophomore Aidan White can also throw and play short or first. Even the catchers, junior Evan DeNardo and 24 — April 5, 2018

sophomore Jaranda Hamilton, are able to toss some innings to go along with their strong bats and defensive skills.

Junior Devon McKenna and sophomore Matt Gernhardt are vying for the third base job, while junior Michael Haldky is in the mix to pitch Senior John Diaz doesn’t pitch but is a strong defensive center fielder and the Marines’ leadoff hitter. Senior Matteo Carmada can play left or right, and junior Rob Cody and Cole Goldstein are up from JV.

Defense a key for Lady Marines

Behind All-State pitcher ToniAnn Larson, the Lady Marines made a valiant run at the Nassau Class AA title a year ago but came up just short in a classic series against eventual state champion East Meadow.

“All three games literally came down to the final at-bat,” Long Beach coach Carmine Verde said of the best-of-three county finals. “It was a great series.”

After winning 14 games, including four in the playoffs, the Lady Marines will try to remain in the title hunt along with East Meadow, Massapequa, Baldwin and East Meadow despite the graduation of Larson and other key contributors.

“We have to play strong defense,” Verde said. “ToniAnn struck out 11 batters per game and that was extraordinary. This year, we’ll need to get more outs with our gloves.”

Senior Taylor Haines takes over in the pitching circle after starting a half-dozen games over the past two years.

“She throws strikes and doesn’t walk a lot of batters,” Verde said. “I’m confident in her ability and we need to give her defensive support.”

Having an All-County target behind the plate will only

help Haines handle a heavier workload. Senior catcher Meredith Fagan has been a travel ball teammate of Haines and comes off her best offensive season.

Fagan hit .438 in conference games and drove in 11 runs.

The left side of the infield features a pair of award winners. Senior Paulina Cardona (All-County) brings reflexes and range to the hot corner and wields a dangerous bat (.405 average.) Sophomore shortstop Katie Frisch thrived after a midseason callup and was Honor-

Paulina Cardona

Schedule

BASEBALL March 26 @ Baldwin 27 Baldwin 29 @ Baldwin

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

April

Sam Brinster able Mention All-County after swatting three homers. Frisch and senior Honorable Mention All-County left fielder Colleen Mannle will set the offensive table for Cardona.

Junior Megan Korotz (AllConference) returns in center, and junior Fiona Eramo returns in right. Junior Nicole Grandinetti and freshman Lainie Kassap are vying for time at first base and can also give Fagan a breather behind the plate. Sophomore Jillian Domingo will start at second base and serve as the backup pitcher.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

2 3 5 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

@ V.S. Central V.S. Central @ V.S. Central Plainview @ Plainview Plainview Herricks @ Herricks Herricks @ East Meadow

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

East Meadow @ East Meadow Calhoun @ Calhoun Calhoun

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

SOFTBALL March 26 East Meadow 28 @ Baldwin

April

5 9 10 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 30

Oceanside @ Massapequa @ Plainview Calhoun @ Port Washington Farmingdale @ Syosset Hicksville @ East Meadow Baldwin @ Oceanside

May

2 Massapequa

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

LynBrook Owls rebuild with young talent

E

By TONy BELLISSIMO

xperience, not talent, are the main concerns for coach Al Marrazzo as the Owls rebuild a bit following a 14-win 2017 campaign that brought a conference title.

“We’re going to be young in a lot of areas, but we’re loaded with talent,” he said.

“We have a few veterans, but also a bunch of kids not battle tested at the varsity level.

We have to limit mistakes because we’re in a very tough conference.”

Many of Lynbrook’s foes in Conference A-III are familiar: North Shore, Valley Stream North, Bethpage, Floral Park and Lawrence.

Joining the fray is perennial power Division.

“We’re hoping to get off to a strong start,” Marrazzo said. “I’ve been stressing to the kids to just go out and compete for playing time and against the other teams.”

Senior Ryan Mueller leads the pitching staff after recording four wins in each of the past two seasons. He earned All-Conference honors a year ago and is bound for N.Y. Tech. “Ryan’s a workhorse who loves to be on the mound,” Marrazzo said. “He throws hard and has a nice breaking ball.”

Senior southpaw Taner Ceylan as one of the team’s top offensive weapons and best outfielder who’ll patrol center. He’s vying for the No. 2 spot in the rotation and features a fastball and curve.

He’ll hit somewhere in the top three, Marrazzo said. Senior Mike Quagliozzi and sophomore Jordan Caceres top the depth chart in left and right, respectively.

The coach is excited about three-sport athlete Dan Dalrymple, a sophomore pitcher 26 — April 5, 2018

projected to start and play either second or third base on non-throwing days. Senior John Walsh can also handle third and pitch.

Anchoring the infield defense is senior Sean Sebazco, who moves to shortstop.

“He was a vacuum at second base last year and has a solid glove and skill set,” Marrazzo said.

Sophomore catcher Anthony Ulrich has all the tools, while sophomore Phil Piro is another lefty arm who should see time at first base along with junior Kyle Schneider.

Tough schedule awaits Lady Owls

Coming off a .500 season, the Lady Owls will navigate a challenging road this spring after Nassau County softball realignment placed them in a conference with Mineola, Glen Cove, Garden City, Wheatley, and Oyster Bay. “It’s the toughest schedule we’ve had in six or seven years,” coach Pete Toscano said. “We had a young team last year and faded after a strong start. We’re hoping to get off to a quick start again and keep it going.”

Lynbrook returns most of its roster, including some award winners. Senior pitcher Julianne Graepel struck out more than 180 batters a year ago with a 2.00 ERA on the way to earning All-County honors. “She’s developed an off-speed and curve to go with a good fastball,” Toscano said. In addition to shutting down opponents, Graepel hit .360 with 24 RBIs. Junior Jessica Graepel is Julianne’s younger sister and one of the top catchers in the conference. An Honorable Mention All-County lefty with power and speed, Jessica batted .560 out of the leadoff spot and drew 17 walks. She also has topnotch defensive skills.

Junior Madison Barosso

is expected to hit behind between the Graepels and start at third base. Senior shortstop Lindsay Ostroff is a line-drive hitter coming off an All-Conference season that saw her hit .300 with 13 RBIs. She also makes all the plays in the field.

At first base, senior Olivia Pipia has improved her footwork and ability to pick throws out of the dirt.

She’s got a powerful bat in the No. 5 slot and drove in 17 runs a year ago.

Though senior Chelsea Domon will primarily play second base, Toscano noted her versatility is sure to come in handy.

The outfield is led by junior Deidre Murphy, who smacked a couple of homers and knocked in a dozen runs last season while providing consis-

Ryan Mueller

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 Bethpage

29 Bethpage

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 3 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

27 @ Bethpage Matt Gui GuiLfoyLe

April

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

May

Jessica Graepel tency in left. Junior Samantha Barbato and sophomore Andie Glanzer both have experience in center, while junior Amanda Palazzo and sophomore newcomer Natalie Salazar could both see time in right and in the DH spot.

Five of the team’s first eight conference games are on the road.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

1 @ V.S. North 3 V.S. North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 Garden City

4:45 p.m.

April 2 6 9 11 13 14 16 18 19 24 26 27 30

@ Mineola 10:00 a.m. @ Glen Cove 10:00 a.m.

Oyster Bay 4:30 p.m. @ Locust Valley 4:30 p.m.

Bethpage 4:30 p.m. @ East Rockaway 10:00 a.m. @ Wantagh 4:30 p.m.

South Side 4:30 p.m. @ Wheatley 4:30 p.m.

V.S. North 4:30 p.m. @ Garden City 4:30 p.m.

Mineola 4:30 p.m.

Wheatley 4:30 p.m.

May

2 Glen Cove 4 @ Oyster Bay

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Victoria Lodi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 5, 2018 — 27

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

MacArthur M Generals revamp pitching staff season, according to Costello.

“They are pleasure to work with,” Costello said. “They have put a lot of time in.” acArthur graduated MacArthur competes in Conference A-I, which feaits entire starting tures Garden City, Mepham, pitching staff that Manhasset, Carey, New Hyde helped fuel a strong 2017 seaPark and South Side. Costello son that ended just short of the Nassau Class AA baseball hopes for a return trip to the Class A playoffs, which typisemifinals. cally features wide-open com The Generals marched to a 16-6 mark last year — aided petition in a 16-team bracket.

“There is tremendous by senior pitchers Bobby Lewis, Michael Andreoli and depth in Class A,” Costello said. “Nassau County Class Max Ziegler — that ended early in the playoffs after two A is probably the best baselosses to crosstown rival Divi- ball in terms of depth in the sion in the double-elimination state.” tournament. Longtime coach Lady Generals seek Steve Costello will turn to more hardware a new trio of hurlers this MacArthur softball is aimspring in hopes of a deeper ing for a three-peat and more postseason run.

“I have a lot of solider play- in 2018. ers back,” said Costello, who The Lady Generals guided MacArthur to county marched to a repeat Long Island title last season, but titles in 1994 and 2015. “We for a second straight year have a very solid team.” fell just shy of a state crown.

Costello boasts plenty of With a strong senior class pitching depth in 2018 with 16 pitchers on the 2018 roster back led by the dominant battery-mate of ace pitchincluding senior lefties Joe her er Jessica Budrewicz and her Keller, who has four pitches twin sister Ashley at catchin his arsenal and Brandon er, MacArthur is positioned Buchan, who has a fastball for another deep postseason that clocks in the high 80s.

Senior right-handed pitchers run.

“The last two years we Anthony Esposito and Jake Sarni are capable of starting made it to the last day of the season, but didn’t finafter earning some experiish the job,” said 22nd-year ence out of the bullpen last MacArthur coach Bobby Feh-year. renbach, whose squad fell “I think pitching is going to Maine-Edwell in the state to be a big part of our team semifinals last June. “They this year,” Costello said. want to get back to where we “We’re very deep.”

Keller also plays first base have been last couple years, and is one of MacArthur’s top but they don’t take it for returning hitters after batting granted.” .320 as a junior. Senior infield- Jessica Budrewicz had a er Joe Apollo is also back this monster junior season leadspring following a .340 season ing the MacArthur pitching at the plate along with junior staff that included a 13-stikecenter fielder Justin DeMaria out performance in the Generals’ 2-0 win over crosstown and senior infielder Pete Zierival Island Trees to clinch linski.

The Generals arm 16 seniors the Nassau County Class this year who stepped up on and A title. Ashley Budrewicz leads her sister behind the off the field leading up to the

By ANDREW COEN

M

28 — April 5, 2018

plate and will be joining her to play collegiate softball at New York Institute of Technology next year.

“They have worked harder and harder each year,” said Fehrenbach of the Budrewicz duo. “They have both gotten better and better.”

The Budrewiczs are among eight returning starters giving MacArthur a veteran presence on the diamond. Senior first baseman Ali Verdi is back for a final season of high school softball and was a big part of of last year’s run to the states.

Junior third baseman Lisa Fabig, who can also play outfield, was also clutch last spring delivering three RBIs RBIs in McArthur’s 7-0 Long Island Island Sinai. title win against Mount Sinai. an Fehrenbach brings back an featuring experienced outfield featuring

Ali Verdi

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ South Side 27 South Side 29 @ South Side

April Matt Guilfoyle 2 3 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26

Garden City @ Garden City Garden City Mepham @ Mepham Mepham @ Carey Carey @ Carey New Hyde Park @ New Hyde Park New Hyde Park

May

Joe Keller junior Victoria Agnoli along and with seniors Jamie Ferris and Deanna Barrera. Sophomore twin sisters Rory and Kayla Myles are utility players who have a bright future with the program. Fehrenbach is also hopeful for contributions by seniors Marisa Mauro and Megan Sorg as well as junior Annie Zielinsky.

“We have a lot of versatility,” Fehrenbach said. “We can move players around.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

7 @ Manhasset 8 Manhasset 9 @ Manhasset

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL March 27 @ Kennedy

April 2 4 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 25 28

Island Trees @ Carey Mepham Division @ Plainedge New Hyde Park @ Clarke Seaford @ Kennedy @ Island Trees Carey

May

3 @ Mepham

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

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April 5, 2018 — 29

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Malverne Experienced roster leads Mules

By BRIAN KACHARABA

T

he Malverne baseball team has made slow and steady progress in recent seasons, and that trend could continue to tick upward with seven returning starters and an influx of young talent from the junior varsity squad.

The Mules were a streaky team in 2017 and finished with a 6-13 mark, culminating with two straight losses to Oyster Bay in the Nassau B semifinals. The club has made consecutive playoff appearances since a dismal 2-14 showing in 2015 and fifthyear coach Joe Dunn was already seeing positive signs with the team just days before the season opener.

“So far in the scrimmages, we’ve been hitting a lot better, striking out a lot less [and] drawing a lot more walks” he said. “Offensively, we look a lot better.”

Senior Mike Warshaw is moving to the infield this year after spending 2017 as the left fielder and is one of the Mules more dependable clutch hitters.

“He makes good contact,” Dunn said. “He got a lot of two-out RBI’s last year, so I’m hoping for the same kind of the production this year.”

Junior Christian Morgan is replacing graduated senior Joe Granados behind the plate after spending time at first base and will bat in the cleanup spot. Dunn is also looking for big things from sophomore shortstop Josh Hillel, junior right fielder Brandon Saunders, junior center fielder Khalil Smith and junior left fielder Jean Kurz, and freshman Miles Tyson.

Malverne lost its ace, Alex Rodriguez, to graduation last spring, but the Mules still boast two all-conference pitch30 — April 5, 2018

ers from 2017 in senior Alex Berry and sophomore Timmy Bosques. Both, according to Dunn, have similar styles.

“They have very good location, they’re ahead in a lot of the counts, they never get behind,” he said. “Timmy’s got a great curveball [and] Alex has a great split-finger.

Low and away, up and in, they just pick apart the outside corners and inside corners of the plate.” The pair will be joined by Sam Bosques and Kurz, a lefthander, on the staff.

Lady Mules poised to repeat

Casey Simos’ softball career has come full circle.

The former Malverne standout honed her skills on the field under coach Jen Gibbons over a decade ago and will now take over for her now-retired mentor at the varsity level while trying to lead the Lady Mules to a second straight conference championship.

Malverne won nine of 12 games during the regular season to claim the crown, averaging just under 15 runs a game during that span, before losing two of three games to Wheatley during the Nassau B semifinals.

Simos, who previously coached the JV, admitted she has large shoes to fill and will face a huge challenge with about half of last year’s roster gone to graduation.

But her familiarity with the current girls should make the transition seamless.

“I knew that this year would definitely be another rebuilding year for us,” Simos said. “I wanted to bring fresh ideas, fresh drills, but I wanted to keep the same mentality, especially for the girls who were with Coach Gibbons for the past however many years.”

The captaincy on the

team is usually reserved for seniors, but junior catcher Alex Delligatti will take on one of those roles this spring.

Delligatti, a mainstay on the roster since the seventh grade, batted a whopping .787 last season, was second in the conference with six home runs, and drove in 41 runs to earn all-county honors.

“She is a huge role model for everybody else,” Simos said. “I told her, ‘You earned that captain’s spot.’”

Delligatti is the focal point of what should be a productive top four in the batting order that also includes leadoff hitter and third baseman Sarah St. John, senior centerfielder Kelsey Tapley and freshman shortstop Dana

Alex Berry

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ Oyster Bay 27 Oyster Bay

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

3 5 9 10 12 16 17 18 26 30

Wheatley @ Wheatley @ East Rockaway East Rockaway Carle Place @ Carle Place Oyster Bay @ Oyster Bay @ Wheatley Wheatley

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

1 3 7 8

East Rockaway @ East Rockaway @ Carle Place Carle Place

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Matt Guilfoyle April

May

Alex Delligatti Vilardi.

For now, junior Subhadra Debnath is the only pitcher with a sure spot in the rotation and will be tasked to replace graduating ace Christina Sangeniti. Debnath is a power hurler who won three games in 2017, besting conference foes Lawrence, Roosevelt and Elmont.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 26 @ G.N. North 28 @ Roosevelt

April

3 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

@ Roslyn Elmont Lawrence @ Herricks Freeport @ Westbury Hempstead @ V.S. Central Uniondale G.N. North Roosevelt Roslyn @ Elmont

May

1 @ Lawrence

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 5, 2018 — 31

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball preview review

MephaM Mepha Pirates boast many new faces, new coach

h

By DAVID WEINGRAD

aving graduated twothirds of their starting rotation, their starting first baseman and entire outfield, the Pirates will have a lot of new faces this season.

But reshaping Mepham’s identity provides an exciting opportunity for first-year coach Eric Passman, who joined the Mepham staff last season after coaching Kennedy baseball for two decades.

To rebuild his pitching staff, the coach said he will turn to some players who were key contributors a season ago. That includes Gionni Macchio and Michael Proios, a senior three-sport athlete at Mepham who mostly saw time at third base last year.

What has Passman especially excited is an emerging sophomore battery of Sean White and Adelson Molina.

White throws three above average pitches for strikes – fastball, curveball and changeup –and Molina, he said, carries superstar potential. “He has a terrific arm,” Passman said of his catcher.

“He seems to have a knack for handling pitchers and is a tremendous blocker.”

The Pirates will rely heavily on speed and defense to win games. A big part of that combination will be their middle infield of returning shortstop Billy McAdam, who finished last season with a batting average north of .400, and sophomore second baseman Ken Franquiz. “He’s got the softest hands you can think of,” said Passman. “Footwork is excellent. He’s just a natural second baseman.”

But every team needs a powerful bat who can change a game with one swing. For that, Passman will look to third baseman Kyle Bowers 32 — April 5, 2018

and first baseman Matt Hegi, both of whom are forces on the school’s football team.

To help round out the new look outfield, Passman said to keep an eye on Nick Cuccinella, who will likely be the opening day center fielder.

Mepham competes in Conference A1 along with MacArthur, Manhasset, New Hyde Park, Carey, Garden City and South Side.

Of an abundance of underclassmen, Passman said: “We may have a few hiccups here and there. But the future looks pretty good. As a coach, when you have young guys who are willing to learn, there’s nothing better.”

New coach, conference for Lady Pirates

The Lady Pirates will face tougher competition as they move up to Conference A-I this spring and will be doing it with a new coach at the helm.

Brenda Dolan, who served as an assistant last year and who has coached boys’ volleyball at the school for 15 years, said she’s excited to navigate the uncharted territory.

“The girls are excited and eager to see what they can do against top teams,” said Dolan, who played softball locally at Molloy College.

“We’re preparing for fasterpaced games, tougher pitchers.”

While the squad did lose some starters to graduation, Dolan said she will count on a handful of returning players to help lead the transition. Among them are shortstop Kelsey Vandewater and third baseman Kara Castaldo, both seniors who were key contributors a season ago.

Sophomore Brianna Morse, already a seasoned

veteran having been playing varsity ball since eighth grade, will help lead the outfield in centerfield, and sophomore Jenna Giliberti in left field is another player Dolan expects to have a big year.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Alanna Morse will be making the leap to varsity as an eighth grader, and Dolan said she is excited to watch her develop. “She’s a future star on the horizon,” the coach said.

Offense was the team’s strength one year ago, and Dolan said she expects to rely on her squad’s bats again this year to win games, even against tougher pitchers who will likely go deeper in games.

But Dolan said that preseason training has her

through them together.”

Conference A-I also includes defending county champion MacArthur, Carey, Island Trees and neighboring BellmoreJFK.

Kara Castaldo

Schedule April

BASEBALL

2 South Side 3 @ South Side 5 South Side Matt Guilfoyle 9 @ MacArthur 10 MacArthur 12 @ MacArthur 16 @ Garden City 17 Garden City 19 @ Garden City 23 Carey 25 @ Carey 26 Carey 30 Manhasset

May

Billy McAdam strongly encouraged for the season ahead. “So far in the cold weather and snowy days they’ve really been pushing themselves,” she said. ‘We’re excited to see what comes out when the games are on the line.”

If the that enthusiasm turns into strong play on the field, Dolan said, “We are going to have a lot of success.

We’re going to learn through some challenges, and work

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

1 3 7 8 9

@ Manhasset Manhasset @ New Hyde Park New Hyde Park @ New Hyde Park

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 26 28

Kennedy @ Island Trees Carey @ MacArthur Plainedge @ New Hyde Park Clarke @ Seaford Division @ Kennedy Island Trees

May

1 @ Carey 3 MacArthur

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

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April 5, 2018 — 33

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

OceAnSide Oce Sailors have eyes on county prize

A

By TONy BELLISSIMO

fter knocking on the Nassau Class AA championship door for many years, the Sailors are hoping to kick it down and duplicate the football program’s county title celebration.

Oceanside won 17 games in 2017 and a conference crown before it was stopped by eventual Long Island champion Massapequa in two hardfought playoff games, 2-0 and 2-1 in 11 innings.

“We have over 80 wins over the past five seasons and it’s time to take that extra step,” coach Mike Postilio said. “We have all three starting pitchers back, as well as our closer, an All-County catcher, and four juniors who started last year. We’re trying to win it all.”

Based on how Oceanside’s pitchers dominated last spring, the competition may have a tough time in the batter’s box. As juniors, Brendan McFall, Matt Carey and TJ Thorne combined for 16 victories and a sub-1.00 ERA while limiting opponents to a sub.200 average.

McFall was a Diamond Award finalist and All-County selection after winning seven of eight decisions with a 0.93 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 60 innings. Carey (4-1, 1.30, 62 strikeouts) and Thorne (5-1, 0.87) both earned All-Conference honors. Senior lefty Ryan Powers had six saves.

Postilio, a collegiate pitcher, likes to relay signals from the dugout but often hands the reigns to All-County senior catcher Dylan Judd.

Nassau’s top defensive backstop batted .357 with 13 RBIs and 10 steals and will get a breather in the middle game of series with senior Chris Murphy getting the nod. Judd 34 — April 5, 2018

will bat third, followed by junior first baseman Chris Siklas (.353, 15 RBIs) and junior left fielder Leo Alvarez.

Junior shortstop Jake Lazzaro, a tremendous threesport athlete, will spark the offense from the leadoff spot.

Junior Frank Trotta is up from JV to handle the hot corner, allowing junior Austin Vlahakis (All-Conference) to move to center field. Senior Bernie Diaz returns in right, and there’s no shortage of options at second base.

“Hopefully our experience gives us that edge at the end of the season,” Postilio said.

Lady Sailors full of young talent Carlo Quagliata has been around the Lady Sailors’ softball program for almost two decades, with a four-year stint as JV coach and the past four as the varsity assistant under Joe Supple, who guided the team to the Nassau Class AA title in 2014.

While last year didn’t go as planned and Oceanside managed only five wins, Qua-gliata is looking for a quick turnaround and a run at the county championship despite a youth-filled roster.

“We’ve proven we’re a top four program in AA and even though we’re still young, I expect us to be right there in the end,” he said. “I stress defense and the speed game.

We want to be a strong fielding team and put runners in motion and make things happen offensively.”

Right fielder Kaitelyn Schwarz, likely to be the team’s only senior starter, will set the table from the leadoff spot after hitting 360 on the way to earning AllCounty honors. She’ll be followed in the lineup by sophomore center fielder Catherine Stanford, a standout swimmer who Quagliata feels is the top

athlete on the roster.

Stanford and shortstop Emily Seaver are coming off All-Conference campaigns and entering their third varsity seasons.

Seaver, who has a powerful swing and led the Lady Sailors in extra base hits and RBIs (18), will hit third or fourth, wherever sophomore catcher Elena Rubino (.360 average) doesn’t.

“Elena calls a great game and directs the infield traffic,” Quagliata said.

Rubino and sophomore Hallie Neufield formed an all-

Dylan Judd

speed to the lineup.

The only starting spot up for grabs as April approached was left field.

Schedule

BASEBALL March 26 @ Freeport 27 Freeport 29 @ Freeport

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April

Catherine Stanford freshman battery last spring when then-senior pitcher Sabrina Seeger suffered a sea-son-ending injury. Neufield brings a five-pitch arsenal to the circle and has a playoff win over Syosset under her belt. “Last year’s experience should help Hallie a lot,” Qua-gliata said.

The corner infield spots will be handled by junior Jenna Valentin at third and sophomore Catie Henn at first. Freshman Courtney Murphy brings a smooth glove to second base and

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

2 3 5 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

@ Hicksville Hicksville @ Hicksville Massapequa @ Massapequa @ Massapequa Farmingdale @ Farmingdale Farmingdale @ Syosset

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

Syosset @ Syosset Port Washington @ Port Washington Port Washington

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

May

SOFTBALL March

26 Massapequa 28 @ East Meadow

April 3 5 10 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 27 30

@ Baldwin @ Long Beach @ Calhoun Port Washington @ Farmingdale Syosset @ Hicksville Plainview @ Massapequa East Meadow Baldwin Long Beach

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 5, 2018 — 35

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

Seaford Vikings off a 17-win season

S

By ANDREW COEN

eaford was red hot in the 2017 regular season before the bats suddenly cooled off leading to a quick playoff exit.

The Vikings entered the Class A playoffs as the top seed with a 17-2 record, but were unable to keep the momentum going in the postseason and were bounced after three games. With the return of several impactful players this spring, 15th-year coach Mike Milano hopes for another crack at delivering a county title.

“It left a sour taste in their mouth,” said Milano of getting knocked out of the playoffs with two losses to Floral Park in the doubleelimination opening round.

“We have a lot of experience and can hopefully get back to the playoffs.”

Seaford graduated twotime All-County selection and current University of New Haven player A.J. Cain, but brings back a strong senior batter-mate in pitcher Zach Grof and catcher Vinny Pecora. Grof, a returning All-County player, went 7-0 last season and tossed a complete game in a 2-1 win over Hewlett in the playoffs that kept the Vikings’ season alive.

Pecora, a Molloy College commit, hit .350 in 2017 and has displayed poise leading the pitching staff.

“Vinny has been catching Zach for a long time,” Milano said. “They have played together since they were young kids.”

Seaford boasts plenty of depth on the mound to complement Grof. Seniors Matt Corominas and Tom DiPrizito along with sophomores Frank Cozzolino and Chris Pupa provide plenty of options for starters or relief spots for 36 — April 5, 2018

pitching coach Mike Sweeney.

Offensively, Seaford’s pitching staff should get run support from hitters like Pecora and senior third baseman Nick Calandra, who Milano said has ability for a breakout final year of high school baseball. Senior outfielders Andrew Chirico and John Leonardi IV also have the potential to drive in key runs along with junior infielder Tim Saulpaugh, who was first pulled up to junior varsity as an 8th grader when there was no middle school sports that year.

“We have some good line driver hitters,” Milano said.

“We have a nice mix.”

Lady Vikings are playoff fixtures: 16 straight

Seaford made strides in Thomas Fioriglio’s first season as coach and is seeking further inroads in 2018.

The Lady Vikings reached the playoffs for the 16th straight year with a 7-8 record in Class A’s top conference before getting bounced in the first round by Wantagh in extra innings. Seaford graduated ace pitcher Sophie Dandola, who is now shining at Hofstra, but returns plenty of talent ready for another shot at a postseason run.

“We’re a young team and we have a great future,” Fiori-glio said. “We’re looking to compete.”

Senior Samantha Yannetti and sophomore Ana Butler both earned valuable pitching experience last season behind Dandola and are set to take the reins this spring. Butler proved her ability to dominate on the mound with 15 strikeouts in a 15-7 win against Herricks.

“They both have great arms,” said Fioriglio of Yannetti and Butler. “They are a great 1-2 combo.”

Butler also emerged as a force for the Vikings at the

plate as an eighth grader last year. She hit over .477 with three home runs and 21 RBIs to earn All-County honorable mentions honors.

“She had a prenominal year,” Fioriglio said of Butler. “She was one of the best hitters in the county.”

Junior shortstop Julie Hilcken also stood out offensively last year with a .424 average and three home runs to earn All-County accolades. She is co-captain along with senior catcher Jackie Nieman and Fioriglio has been impressed with their leadership during preseason practices.

“They have taken charge right away,” said Fioriglio of his co-captains, “They are great.”

Sophomore second

Julie Hilcken

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 Clarke 27 @ Clarke 29 Clarke

April

Matt Guilfoyle 2 @ Mineola 3 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

Vincent Pecora baseman Karyn Schaller brings speed into the lineup and Fioriglio hopes she can boost her on-base percentage this season. He said Schaller has worked hard on becoming a reliable slap hitter in hopes of utilizing her quickness down the first base line.

With a reshuffling of the Class A conferences, Seaford moved to Conference ABC-II. The new smaller league features Clarke, Plainedge, Division and New Hyde Park.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Mineola @ Mineola @ Island Trees Island Trees @ Island Trees V.S. South @ V.S. South V.S. South @ C.S. Harbor C.S. Harbor @ C.S. Harbor Locust Valley

May

1 @ Locust Valley 3 Locust Valley

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SOFTBALL March 27 @ Clarke

April 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 28

Division @ Plainedge New Hyde Park @ Carey Island Trees @ Kennedy Mepham @ MacArthur Clarke @ Division

May

1 Plainedge 3 @ New Hyde Park

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Photos by John Heckman

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Sewanhaka Indians boast new coach, enthusiasm

By ANDREW MCCLURE

T

he Sewanhaka boys found themselves overmatched more often than not and picked up just a pair of victories in Conference A-II baseball in 2017. The Indians will get some relief as they move to the ability-based Countywide Conference this spring.

Sewanhaka has a new coach and a team of enthusiastic players looking to turn things around on the diamond. West Hempstead and Uniondale figure to be among the stronger teams in the league.

Chris Kassoff takes over coaching duties for the Indians. “We don’t have a lot of depth, but we have guys that just want to get out there and play,” Kassoff said. “I’m looking for them to work hard, grind it out until the last pitch, and find ways to win the close ones.” Kassoff is assisted by Tom Gerner.

Junior Timothy Brendel is expected to be the ace of the pitching staff. Brendel has good movement on his fastball and hits his spots.

When he’s not on the mound, Brendel will be the team’s everyday shortstop. He figures to bat in one of the top three spots in the order.

Sophomore left hander Steven Brendel, who earned a victory in relief when the team beat New Hyde Park in 2017, will follow his brother in the rotation. The younger Brendel has some pop in his bat and will likely occupy a spot in the middle of the lineup.

Junior catcher Nicholas Balletta returns behind the plate. He’s a solid defensive backstop who will bat third or fourth. Hard-working Louis Rubino gives the Tribe solid defense in the middle infield.

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He’ll move from second to shortstop when Timothy Brendel pitches.

Mike Guglielmo and Anthony Maffea are battling at third base. Each will see time at third, DH, or in the outfield. Senior Isaac Sanchez will roam center field. Sanchez’s versatility gives Kassoff flexibility when making out his lineup card.

Halil Yalcinkaya and Orlando FonTalvo are vying for corner outfield positions.

Seniors Yaromel DeJesus and Liam Farrell are also in the mix for playing time.

Lady Indians seek winning record

After breaking a lengthy losing streak and winning four games in 2016, Sewanhaka continued its rise to respectability with a 5-9 record last season. The Lady Indians return their starting battery and top run producers, and are definitely not content on leaving well enough alone.

Sewanhaka and its seniorladen lineup will be looking to break the .500 mark in Nassau Conference ABC-V, a league composed of Great Neck South, Hewlett, Jericho, Manhasset, and North Shore.

Coach Deidre Kelly, who is assisted by Samantha Farina, can’t wait to get things going.

“With strong pitching and an excellent catcher, we’re ready to take the next step,” Kelly said. “It’s nice to have a lot of the same girls from last season. The girls have great work ethic, and they want more. They tasted winning, and now they want to be a stronger team. I’m very optimistic.”

Sophomore pitcher Marisa Ogden has an arsenal of pitches, including an aboveaverage fastball, and she’s getting stronger and more confident. Megan Bleeker, also a sophomore, relies more

on off speed stuff to get batters out. Both are tough outs at the plate. Bleeker will play one of the cor-ner outfield positions when she’s not pitching.

Freshman Julia Kurzrock is an aggressive catcher with a strong throwing arm.

With a year under her belt at the varsity level, Kelly expects Kurzrock to have a big season behind the plate and in the batter’s box.

Center fielder Christina Chodkowski has a terrific glove and the ability to track down any ball hit in her vicinity. The fleet-footed senior will likely hit second for the Indi-

Nicholas Balletta

Schedule BASEBALL

April 2 Elmont Matt Guilfoyle 3 @ Elmont 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

@ G.N. North G.N. North Roosevelt @ Roosevelt Uniondale @ Uniondale @ West Hempstead West Hempstead Friends Aca. @ Friends Aca. @ Hempstead

1 3 7 8 9

Hempstead Westbury @ Westbury @ G.N. South G.N. South

May

Kayla Khanat ans. Senior Rachel Medina has power from gap to gap and plays a good first base.

Shortstop Kayla Khanat made a terrific transition from third base in 2017. She earned All-County Honorable Mention as a junior. A pair of seniors, Lauren Murphy and Emma Reifschneider, are looking to secure time at second base. Either one could end up manning a corner outfield position. Senior Briana Batista will handle the hot corner.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

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SOFTBALL March 27 @ Manhasset

April 2 4 6 9 11 13 18 20 24 26 28 30

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@ G.N. South 10:00 a.m. @ North Shore 10:00 a.m.

Hewlett 10:00 a.m.

Jericho 4:45 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 4:30 p.m. @ West Hempstead 5:00 p.m. @ Floral Park 4:30 p.m.

Carle Place 4:30 p.m. @ V.S. South 5:00 p.m.

Manhasset 4:30 p.m.

G.N. South 10:00 a.m.

North Shore 4:30 p.m.

May

2 @ Hewlett 4 @ Jericho

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5:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

April 5, 2018 — 37

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

South Side Cyclones hope experience pays off a change to Conference 1-A. Five of South Side’s six opponents finished with a better than .500 record, including njuries and a seven-game 20-win Garden City, which advanced to the county chamlosing streak that began pionships. But Smith was with the second game of encouraged by his team’s attithe season doomed the 2017 tude towards the schedule. campaign for the South Side “To show you the resilbaseball team, resulting in a dismal 4-11 mark. But a talent- ience of these kids, the day I announced who was in the ed pitching staff and senior conference, they looked me leadership could result in a square in the face [and said], turnaround this spring.

‘We would rather play great This year’s roster will be competition then lay weaker more senior-laden, but the competition,’” Smith said. juniors and sophomores on the roster could also be differ- “It will make us better in the long run.” ence makers this spring.

“Overall, they were a very Lady Cyclones young team,” coach Tom Smith said of last year’s look to rebound squad. “Most of them last Last season was a forgettayear hadn’t played at the ble one for the Lady Cyclones varsity level. Now, this year, softball team. They slumped [we’re] a little bit older, a through a 4-14 mark that fealittle bit wiser [and] a little tured losing streaks of seven bit more strength and condiand six games and seven contioned.” tests in which the opposition South Side’s big pitchers scored in double digits. near the top of the rotaNow, South Side is pushtion will be 6-foot-3 senior ing the reset button and will ace Bobbi Frankini and 6-4 have a new coaching staff sophomore Daniel Kelleher, in 2018 with first-year manwho arrives from the junior ager Nicole Tufano taking varsity squad. Tyler Costaro, over the helm. Tufano is a who is also the starting short- former East Rockaway High stop, and lefthanders Johnny School standout who played Cook and Sean Kelly will also collegiately at Nassau Comsee action on the mound this munity College and Brooklyn season as well as submarine College. closer Timmy O’Brien, who “I have high expectations just added a slider to his arse- for the girls,” Tufano said. “I nal. think they hold high expecta-“I’m absolutely loving the tions for themselves, which is pitching,” Smith said. something I’m excited about.”

Seniors are expected to Junior Morgan Gilligan lead the offense, with catcher and senior Emma Wagner Pat Leach, right fielder Pierce will again anchor the rotation Fine, third baseman Zach after both collected two wins Leff, first baseman Nick Resapiece in 2017. Gilligan, who tivo and corner infielder Will also clubbed three home runs Dragovich expected to have last spring, was brilliant in solid RBI seasons. her last start of the season by “They all have tremendous tossing a complete-game onepotential,” Smith said. “They hitter with 13 strikeouts in all have great power and are the Nassau A out-of-bracket working tremendously hard.” playoff game against Hewlett The competition, though, on May 9. will not get any easier despite “She can work inside,

i

By BRIAN KACHARABA

38 — April 5, 2018

outside, up and down [and] all four quadrants of the strike zone,” assistant coach Mike Digiaimo said of Gilligan’s pitching. “Once she harnesses her ability, she has a higher level than anything that she has ever shown in the past.”

The coaches were also excited about Wagner’s pitch repertoire.

“She’s another girl who has a nice variety of pitches, kind of like a coach’s dream as a pitcher,” Digiaimo said.

“It’s not just fastball-changeup.”

Besides Gilligan, the bulk of the offensive production will depend on speedy outfielder Kellie Maher, third baseman Stephanie Masotti, catcher Mary Macre, and infielders Maddie Nellis and Alexa Singleton.

Morgan Gilligan

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 MacArthur 27 @ MacArthur 29 MacArthur

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2 @ Mepham Matt Guilfoyle 3 Mepham

April

5 9 10 12 23 24 26 30

@ Mepham @ Manhasset Manhasset @ Manhasset Garden City @ Garden City Garden City New Hyde Park

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May

Patrick Leach The playoffs are always a goal, but the coaches are hoping that paying close attention to the fundamentals can result in a successful season.

“We’ll definitely take it game by game, work on little things that didn’t go right, fix those things up and perfect the things that we even do right in the game,” Tufano said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March 29 @ Locust Valley

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April

@ East Rockaway Wantagh V.S. North Bethpage Garden City @ Glen Cove Mineola @ Lynbrook Oyster Bay @ Wheatley Locust Valley East Rockaway @ Wantagh

May

2 @ V.S. North 4 @ Bethpage

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4:30 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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April 5, 2018 — 39

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. Central Back to fundamentals for Eagles

a

By DAVID WEINGRAD

fter struggling through a season that saw them lose a handful of close baseball games, the Eagles are looking to get back to the basics.

And to do that, said coach Frank Alesia, training will go beyond practicing the fundamentals.

“A lot of that revolves around not just the play on the field, the play in batter’s box, the play on the mound,” Alesia said. “We’ve been big on our team chemistry this year. Kids are really getting to know each other.”

A senior-heavy rotation will be charged with keeping the Eagles in close games, led by Hugo Reyes, who Alesia said will be the team’s workhorse expected to set the tone for the entire staff.

After Reyes, finesse pitchers Devon De La Rosa and Shayan Shah will also receive a heavy workload.

A wild card is senior Steven Dignam, who, following an elbow injury as a sophomore, has mostly refrained from pitching full-time for two years. This year, Alesia said, Dignam came to workouts ready to go. “What he’s shown so far is some pretty impressive stuff,” Alesia said.

“He could be somewhat of a game changer if he could pitch how we expect him to pitch.”

On offense, Alesia is hoping De La Rosa and Shah can set the table for the middle of the lineup, expected to feature a mixture of Dignam, Reyes, junior Jamal Ritter and senior Adrian Erazo.

Alesia preached he’ll rely on the whole roster, from top to bottom, to contribute.

That includes a bunch of juniors, including Tommy Cano and Eric Chacon in the 40 — April 5, 2018

infield, Shane Benvin behind the plate, and Miguel Giral and Will Morales, who will round out the outfield alongside senior Nayeb Rivas.

A problem last year, Alesia said, was that one defensive miscue would prolong an inning, raise the pitcher’s pitch count and often turn the tide of a game against them.

This year, he said, “If we make the routine plays, if we field the ball and catch the ball, we’re going to be OK.”

Lady Eagles continue to build off 10-win season

Coming off a successful 10-4 season last year despite falling just short of a postseason berth, Valley Stream Central softball assistant coach Artie Riccio expressed much optimism for his Lady Eagles squad as they head into the new season.

A big part of that optimism is an emerging sophomore battery featuring pitcher Alexa Woluewich and catcher Arianna Picillo, who both played a big part in the team’s success last year as freshmen.

“Last year was a good experience for them,” said Riccio, who coaches the team alongside head coach Britt Klein.

Woluewich, he said, is a savvy pitcher who showcases a formidable fastball and changeup combination, while Picillo is a strong-armed, lefthanded thrower who can also swing the bat.

Though his team only has three seniors, Riccio said he expects returning junior Danielle Meyers, a hard-hitting third baseman, to be a leading force in the clubhouse.

Another vocal leader is Kaitlin Gabbidon, who has impressed Riccio in practice this preseason while she works to convert from center field to shortstop. “She listens so well and learns so fast. She

asked me to hit the balls up the middle,” he said. “It’s nice to see that she wants to do better.”

Junior Aaliyah Evans is another player Riccio is excited to watch develop

Devon DeLaRosa

after she put in extra offseason work during winter clinics. “She was really cracking the ball of the machines,” Riccio said. “Now it’s about getting experience and hoping for the best.”

with Freeport, Herricks, Uniondale, Hempstead and Westbury.

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 @ Calhoun 27 Calhoun 29 @ Calhoun

April

Alex Woluewich With a younger squad, Riccio expects there to be a learn-ing curve, but that he expects much more ups than downs.

“The toughest thing is keeping their heads in the game.

Keeping them focused.”

But there is no doubting their potential. “With this group, and a little luck, I think we can make the playoffs,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot of improvement from the first day we started. They want to learn, and they want to be strong, and that’s half the battle.”

The Lady Eagles are part of Conference AA-III along

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

2 Long Beach 3 @ Long Beach 5 Long Beach 9 @ Herricks 10 Herricks 12 @ Herricks 16 Baldwin Matt Guilfoyle 17 @ Baldwin 19 Baldwin 23 East Meadow 24 @ East Meadow 26 East Meadow 30 @ Plainview

May

1 Plainview 3 @ Plainview

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SOFTBALL March 23 Westbury 26 @ Hempstead 28 Uniondale

April

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@ Freeport @ Herricks Lawrence @ Roosevelt @ Elmont @ G.N. North Malverne @ Roslyn Hempstead @ Uniondale @ Westbury Freeport

May

2 Herricks

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Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. NNOrtH Pitching, speed key for Spartans

By BRIAN KACHARABA

O

n paper, losing the top hitter and two starting pitchers from a year ago could be a cause of concern for a baseball team. But Valley Stream North coach Phil Sanfilippo believes that a strong pitching staff and a more balanced lineup can lead the program back into the playoffs.

The Spartans rebounded from a disastrous 2016 campaign with a 9-6 conference record and a 10-10 overall mark last year to make the playoffs for the 17th time in 19 seasons. They lost a tight 6-5 game to a strong Garden City team in their first-round matchup and hope to carry that momentum into this season.

Sanfilippo said the biggest plus of the team is the pitching staff. Four-game winner Nick Casatelli and No. 2 starter Jon Caulori graduated last spring, but seniors Jalen Bertie, Thomas Graziano, and Sean Rogers and juniors Christopher Manzi and Colin McGreevy are all ready to step in.

“We have guys who are just as good as [Casatelli and Caulori] ready to fill in the starting rotation,” said Sanfilippo.

“We have some real good 11th-grade pitchers. I’m not concerned with the pitching.”

Bertie boasted a teamleading 2.24 ERA last year and had strong outings against Lawrence on April 28 and Floral Park on May 4. Manzi had two saves and some big situational strikeouts in a relief last year and is expected to slide into the rotation in 2018.

Left fielder Anthony Collura graduated after batting .450 with a .500 on-base percentage and .717 slugging mark, but hopes to ease that loss at third base after batting .392 TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

last spring. Sanfilippo is also looking for big seasons from senior center fielder Anthony Franco, a strong defensive player with tremendous speed at the top of the order, and freshman middle infielder Joseph Gisonda.

The Spartans will play in Conference A-3 this season and be joined with unfamiliar foes such as Bethpage and Division, which won 18 games last season and advanced to the Nassau A semifinals.

Tronolone takes over softball helm

A new era begins for the Valley Stream North softball program in 2018 as former junior high coach Dan Tronolone takes over for Katie DiLapi.

Tronolone managed many of girls on this year’s roster at the junior high level and briefly spent time as the varsity softball assistant. But he will inherit an inexperienced lineup that features five freshmen and hopes to install a “small ball” strategy to compensate.

“We’re probably going to rely on timely hitting,” he said.

“The top of the order is going to have to do most of the driving in and the bottom of the order will have to get on base.”

Tri-captain Victoria Rosetti will be relied upon to produce at both pitching and third base.

The junior won three games last season, including Valley Stream North’s most recent victory on May 2, and hit a three-run homer to key a 13-5 triumph over West Hempstead early in the campaign.

“She’ll be the main starting pitcher,” Tronolone said. “She doesn’t back down [and is] very competitive. She doesn’t like to lose [and is] a leader.”

Freshman Emmy Saracino is expected to follow Rosetti in the rotation after spending last season as a starter with the JV team.

Senior tri-captains Cassie Saracino and Jackie Winslow,

and freshman Jillian Cosme will be counted on to drive in runs. The speedy Winslow is expected to bat leadoff and put the ball in play often, Cosme will provide the power in the lineup and Cassie Saracino will be slotted in the cleanup spot.

The Lady Spartans qualified for the playoffs last year despite losing six of their final seven regular-season games, but hung tough in a 7-4 loss to third-seeded Carey in that Nassau A firstround matchup. Tronolone is hoping that experience can get them back on the winning track. “[We want to] make the playoffs and keep the program

Cassie Saracino

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 Lawrence 27 @ Lawrence 29 Lawrence

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 3 5 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

@ Bethpage Bethpage @ Bethpage Floral Park @ Floral Park Floral Park @ Division Division @ Division @ Lynbrook

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

Lynbrook @ Lynbrook North Shore @ North Shore North Shore

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Matt Guilfoyle

April

May

Thomas Graziano

SOFTBALL March

27 East Rockaway

headed in the right direction,” he said. “I think we’ve done a good job the last couple of years. We just try to keep moving upward.”

North takes on East Rockaway, Wantagh, Bethpage, South Side and Locust Valley twice apiece as part of its 16-game conference slate.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 23 24 26 28 30

Wantagh Bethpage @ South Side @ Locust Valley Oyster Bay @ Wheatley Garden City @ Glen Cove Mineola @ Lynbrook @ East Rockaway @ Wantagh @ Bethpage

May

2 South Side 4 Locust Valley

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

April 5, 2018 — 41

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

2018

Nassau CouNty BaseBall CoNfereNCes ConferenCe AA-1

Freeport Red Devils Massapequa Chiefs Syosset Braves Farmingdale Dalers Oceanside Sailors Hicksville Comets Port Washington Vikings

ConferenCe AA-2

Baldwin Bruins Plainview Hawks East Meadow Jets Herricks Highlanders Long Beach Marines V.S. Central Eagles Calhoun Colts

CoUnTYWIDe

Uniondale Knights Hempstead Tigers Westbury Green Dragons G.N. South Rebels Elmont Spartans G.N. North Blazers Roosevelt Rough Riders Sewanhaka Indians West Hempstead Rams Friends Academy Quakers

ConferenCe A-1

Mepham Pirates MacArthur Generals Manhasset Indians New Hyde Park Gladiators Carey Seahawks Garden City Trojans South Side Cyclones

ConferenCe A-2

Jericho Jayhawks Kennedy Cougars Hewlett Bulldogs Glen Cove Big Red Roslyn Bulldogs Plainedge Red Devils Wantagh Warriors

ConferenCe A-3

Division Dragons Floral Park Knights Bethpage Golden Eagles Lawrence Golden Tornadoes V.S. North Spartans Lynbrook Owls North Shore Vikings

ConferenCe A-4

V.S. South Falcons Mineola Mustangs Clarke Rams Island Trees Bulldogs Locust Valley Falcons Seaford Vikings C.S. Harbor Seahawks

ConferenCe B/C

Anthony Fontana Wantagh High School Photo by John Heckman

42 — April 5, 2018

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

Wheatley Wildcats Malverne Mules Oyster Bay Baymen Carle Place Frogs East Rockaway Rocks

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD High School Baseball / Softball Preview

2018

Nassau CouNty softball CoNfereNCes ConferenCe AA-I

1. East Meadow Jets 2. Massapequa Chiefs 3. Oceanside Sailors 4. Long Beach Marines 5. Baldwin Bruins

ConferenCe AA-II

1. Farmingdale Dalers 2. Port Washington Vikings 3. Calhoun Colts 4. Plainview Hawks 5. Hicksville Comets 6. Syosset Braves

ConferenCe AA-III

1. Freeport Red Devils 2. Herricks Highlanders 3. Uniondale Knights 4. V.S. Central Eagles 5. Hempstead Tigers 6. Westbury Green Dragons

ConferenCe ABC-I

1. MacArthur Generals 2. Carey Seahawks 3. Island Trees Bulldogs 4. Kennedy Cougars 5. Mepham Pirates

ConferenCe ABC-II

1. Division Dragons 2. Seaford Vikings 3. Clarke Rams 4. New Hyde Park Gladiators 5. Plainedge Red Devils

ConferenCe ABC-III

1. Bethpage Golden Eagles 2. Wantagh Warriors 3. South Side Cyclones 4. East Rockaway Rocks 5. V.S. North Spartans 6. Locust Valley Falcons

ConferenCe ABC-IV

1. Mineola Mustangs 2. Glen Cove Big Red 3. Garden City Trojans 4. Wheatley Wildcats 5. Oyster Bay Baymen 6. Lynbrook Owls

ConferenCe ABC-V

1. Manhasset Indians 2. Sewanhaka Indians 3. North Shore Vikings 4. Jericho Jayhawks 5. G.N. South Rebels 6. Hewlett Bulldogs

ConferenCe ABC-VI

1. West Hempstead Rams 2. C.S. Harbor Seahawks 3. V.S. South Falcons 4. Carle Place Frogs 5. Floral Park Knights

ConferenCe ABC-VII

1. G.N. North Blazers 2. Malverne Mules 3. Roslyn Bulldogs 4. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 5. Roosevelt Rough Riders 6. Elmont Spartans

Alex Burns Baldwin High School Photo by John Heckman

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

April 5, 2018 — 43

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

V.S. South Falcons take flight in new era

By ANDREW MCCLURE

I

t’s a new day on the diamond at Valley Stream South. The Falcons will have a new head coach for the first time since 1989 as Rich Hess replaces long-term coach Ken Ward.

South won’t have any easy ones in a league comprising Clarke, Seaford, Cold Spring Harbor, Locust Valley, Island Trees, and Mineola.

“Traditionally, we haven’t done well in this conference,” Hess said. “But, the guys are motivated to be successful and have positive attitudes.

Our expectations are realistic. Hopefully, this group can work its way into the mix.

I’m pleased with the progress we’re making.”

Thirty players participated in off-season workouts at South. The fruits of their labor is a deep pitching staff and healthy competition at a multitude of positions. All three starting pitchers return from last season.

Senior Chris Peralta, who has committed to play at Molloy College, is the team’s most athletic player. He will man center field, bat in the middle of the order, and take the mound in the third game of each series.

Senior Matt Doncell has a live arm and mixes in breaking stuff. Eddie Guzman, a 6-foot-5 senior will follow Doncell in the rotation.

Hess won’t be afraid to hand the ball over to juniors Shawn Leyaca and Josh Paley or sophomores Michael Schippell and Matthew Dono.

Sophomore Shane Cook and junior Kyle Barry are competing for the starting catching role.

Senior shortstop Nick Hernandez, an All-Conference recipient as a sophomore, has a knack for getting on base 44 — April 5, 2018

and making things happen at the top of the order. Sophomores Moises Doncell and Jayden Mendoza, and senior Ernie Vaughn are all vying for time at second base.

Guzman, Matt Doncell, and seniors Frankie Giugliano and Matthew Almonte are competing for time at first base. Dono and Mendoza are both looking hot corner duty.

Senior Andrew Lazzara had an outstanding winter and gets the nod in left field.

The fleet-footed Schippell, versatile senior Jason Robles, and senior Jake Crowley all could see time in the outfield.

Lady Falcons look for positive carryover It was an up-and-down season on the softball field at South in 2017, but after struggling to find their way early in the season, the Lady Falcons bounced back and won six of their last nine games.

In a league made up of Carle Place, Cold Spring Harbor, Floral Park, Great Neck North, and West Hempstead, South, which returns a solid pitcher, should be very competitive. If things break right, the Lady Falcons could be among those fighting for league supremacy.

Coach Demetri Adrahtas hopes the team will get things figured out earlier in the season this time around.

“We finished strong last year, so I’m hoping there will be a little carryover,” Adrahtas said. “We have one of the best pitchers in the conference and some promising talent.

But, we’re still young and inexperienced. We’re trying to continue building the program.”

Sophomore pitcher Isabella Secaira-Cotto won six games in the circle as a freshman, and was a unanimous All-County selection. SecairaCotto, who throws five pitches with authority, is also the

team’s best threat at the plate.

She’s a line-drive hitter with pop, who can hit from gap to gap.

Catching Secaira-Cotto is no easy task. Sophomore Isabella Grasso is a hard-working player who is developing behind the dish. Adrahtas likes her progress. Seventh grader Trinity Smiley is an up-and-coming player who will see time at catcher, first base, and in the outfield.

Senior third baseman Alexis Olson figures to be a fixture in the middle of the batting order. Olson has a good glove and strong throwing arm.

Senior Jhanel Venturina is expected to man first base.

South should be good up the middle. Eighth grader Ysabella Quinones is a fivetool player with tremendous upside. Quinones will play

Chris Peralta

Schedule BASEBALL Matt Guilfoyle April 2 3 5 9 10 12 16 17 19 23 24 26 30

C.S. Harbor @ C.S. Harbor C.S. Harbor @ Mineola Mineola @ Mineola @ Seaford Seaford @ Seaford Locust Valley @ Locust Valley Locust Valley Clarke

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

@ Clarke Clarke @ Island Trees Island Trees @ Island Trees

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

May

Isabella Secaira-Cotto shortstop. Junior second base-man Adriana Heneghan was the top player on last year’s junior varsity.

Junior Karina Gonzalez and senior Andrea Singh will occupy two outfield slots.

Sophomore Kayla Espinal has tremendo

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL April 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 28 30

@ Carle Place C.S. Harbor Floral Park West Hempstead @ North Shore Jericho @ G.N. South Hewlett @ Manhasset Sewanhaka Carle Place @ C.S. Harbor

May

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

2 @ Floral Park 4:30 p.m.

4 @ West Hempstead 4:30 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2018 HERALD high School Baseball / Softball Preview

Wantagh

Warriors going for Three-Peat

F

By ANDREW COEN

resh off a second straight Long Island title and a near repeat state crown, Wantagh baseball is aiming for a third straight deep postseason run with a new group.

The Warriors graduated seven seniors from last year’s team that rode dominant pitching and timely hitting to a 23-6 season. Wantagh captured the Nassau County and Long Island Class A championships and reached the state title game in Binghamton before falling to Vestal, 2-0.

“Our goals are always the same no matter who we return,” said coach Keith Sachs, who has guided the Warriors to state championships in 1998 and 2016. “Our goals are high.”

The Warriors bring back two future college baseball players in seniors Anthony D’Onofrio (Hofstra) and Anthony Fontana (Furman.) D’Onofrio, who has signed with nearby Hofstra, helps anchor the pitching staff while also generating runs on offense through strong hitting and baserunning. Fontana, a Furman commit, boasts power at the plate and gives Sachs a strong lefty presence on the mound.

“We have two of the best players and hitters in program history back,” said Sachs of D’Onofrio and Fontana, who both reached varsity as freshmen. “They have been in so many big games.”

Sachs also has high hopes for senior left-handed pitcher Patrick Willix. When not pitching, the Molloy-bound Willix adds punch to the lineup as first baseman.

“He crushes the ball,” said Sachs of Willix. “He’s a very good player.”

Senior Ryan Murphy is TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

slated to patrol third base after splitting time at the hot corner last year. The New York Tech commit, who can also pitch, was a standout wide receiver on the Wantagh football team coached by Sachs. Murphy’s quarterback, Jake Castellano, returns for his senior year as an outfielder a season after hitting a key double in Wantagh’s 4-2 county title clinching win against Garden City.

Senior Anthony Vano is expected to anchor the outfield in center. Wantagh’s deep pitching staff also includes junior Mason McLane and senior Matt Reich, who are both competing for starting spots.

Lady Warriors establish new rivalries

After graduating pitching ace Haley Monahan, Wantagh softball is seeking a return playoff appearance in a lower conference.

The Lady Warriors dropped down to Conference A-III on heels of reaching the county quarterfinals out of A-II in 2017. Wantagh loses Monahan, but returns most position players as it gets set to compete in a new league that features South Side, Bethpage, East Rockaway, Valley Stream North and Locust Valley.

“We’re in a conference we can be competitive in,” said coach Christine Moran.

“Defensively and offensively we are pretty solid.”

Junior pitcher Nicole Tague takes over on the mound for the departed Monahan after appearing in five games as a sophomore. Tague picked up a win against South Side last year and Moran is hoping in her new starting role she can consistently throw strikes with a strong fielding defense behind her.

“She has good control,” Moran said of Tague. “She

puts the ball in play.”

Freshman starting shortstop Emily Van O’Linda is also capable of pitching in relief when needed. The younger sister of former Warrior standouts Julie Van O’Linda and Kelly Van O’Linda enters her third season on varsity after first making the squad as a seventh grader in 2016.

Sophomore Melina O’Brien will guide Tague and Van O’Linda in the pitching circle as starting catcher. Moran has been impressed with O’Brien’s stepped up leadership behind the plate to go along with being one of the Warriors’ top hitters.

“She’s found her niche,” Moran said of O’Brien, who moved over to catcher last year after playing second base as an eighth grader. “She’s amazing.”

First baseman Jackie

Jackie Ludwikowsi

Schedule BASEBALL March 26 Kennedy 27 @ Kennedy 29 Kennedy

Matt Guilfoyle

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

April

2 3 4 9 10 12 23 24 26 30

@ Jericho Jericho @ Jericho @ Hewlett Hewlett @ Hewlett Plainedge @ Plainedge Plainedge Glen Cove

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1 3 7 8 9

@ Glen Cove Glen Cove @ Roslyn Roslyn @ Roslyn

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

27 @ Bethpage

4:30 p.m.

May

Anthony D’Onofrio Ludwikowski is Wantagh’s lone senior and may hit cleanup. Sophomore lefty Kaley Butcher is slated to bat in the leadoff spot.

The Warriors earned a 13 seed in the playoffs last year after a 6-9 record in Conference A-II and upset neighborhood foe Seaford in the first round before falling to Plainedge in the Class A quarterfinals.

Wantagh can return to the playoffs by placing in the top two in its new conference.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

SOFTBALL March

April 2 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 26 28 30

@ V.S. North @ South Side Locust Valley East Rockaway Glen Cove @ Mineola Lynbrook @ Oyster Bay Wheatley @ Garden City Bethpage V.S. North South Side

May

2 @ Locust Valley 4 @ East Rockaway

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by John Heckman

April 5, 2018 — 45

2018 HERALD High school Baseball / softball preview

West Hempstead Veteran-led Rams appear on the upswing

By ANDREW MCCLURE

W

est Hempstead baseball got off to a slow start but ended up winning 13 games in the ability-based Nassau Countywide Conference in 2017. With a couple of solid starting pitchers, a core of well-rounded veteran players, and some talented newcomers, the Rams should be one of the teams to beat in 2018.

Coach Chris DeMarzo likes what he has seen thus far, and expects his team compete for conference supremacy. Uniondale and Roosevelt also figure to be among the top teams in the league.

“We’re coming off a pretty good season, and we’re getting stronger as a program,” DeMarzo said. “The junior varsity program is growing, and there’s an increase in interest from the younger guys. We’re working hard to become a better team. And, these guys really want it.

They want to be successful.”

DeMarzo is hoping for a breakout season from his number one pitcher Matt Pooran. The senior righthander throws a hard two-seam fastball, and mixes in his slider and curveball.

When he’s not pitching, Pooran will play shortstop and could also see time in the outfield.

Brendon Williams, a freshman southpaw, has unlimited potential. Williams, who bats from the right side, has an above-average fastball, a wicked slider, and a curveball that is developing. A solid hitter, Williams will play left field on days he’s not on the mound.

DeMarzo expects him to be a standout player in the league.

Josh Morel is a speedster who will set the tone for West 46 — April 5, 2018

Hempstead’s offensive attack.

Morel will pitch and play multiple positions. Catcher Ross Schimmenti will be a key cog among the top hitters in the lineup. He’ll also be called upon to throw a few innings either out of the bullpen or as a spot starter.

Kevin Corcoran will play third base with Nick Avila across the diamond manning first. Center field will be patrolled by fleet-footed Nick Agro. Senior Ryan Charles, a player who could hit fifth or sixth for the Rams, will play right field.

Lady Rams off double-digit wins

West Hempstead had a very respectable 10-5 record in 2017, and with a solid young pitcher returning in the circle and a few key returnees, the Rams should be very competitive this spring.

The team will compete in Nassau Conference ABC-VI, a league comprising Cold Spring Harbor, Valley Stream South, Carle Place, and Floral Park.

Coach Chris Van Kovics believes his team can compete for a playoff berth if it follows the blueprint. “If we can pitch well and play defense, we’ll be in every game,” Van Kovics said.

“Based on what we have, this is the right league for is. We can’t sit back. We have to put balls in play, and force teams to play defense and make plays.”

Sophomore Danielle Cavallo came up as a freshman and did a nice job. The hard-throwing right hander will be the team’s ace in the circle this season. Cavallo has a ton of pop in her bat. If she turns on it, it’s going.

Sophomore Kate Shanley will handle the catching

duties.

Shanley is hard-nosed, has a strong throwing arm, and can hit the long ball. Sophomore Jenna Eivazi can play just about anywhere on the field. She’ll bunt, slap, and do whatever it takes to get on base.

Eivazi hit a pair of homers as a freshman.

Junior shortstop Sara Welti gets it done at the plate and in the field. Welti hits the ball on a line and she’s the one in the field that Van Kovics wants the ball hit to.

Junior center fielder Sydney

Ross Schimmeti

Schedule BASEBALL April 2 G.N. South 3 @ G.N. South 5 @ Elmont 9 Elmont 10 G.N. North 12 @ G.N. North 16 @ Roosevelt Matt GuiLfoyLe 17 Roosevelt 19 Sewanhaka 23 @ Sewanhaka 24 Uniondale 26 @ Uniondale

Laura Eiavazi Reitz provides speed on the bases. Reitz will serve as a catalyst, and could emerge as the team’s leadoff hitter.

Senior first baseman Laura Eivazi is a solid hitter who figures to hit in the middle of the order and be a run-producer. Senior second baseman Taylor Ephraim makes contact and helps with the small-ball attack. Junior Julianna Close will provide depth in the infield and outfield. Senior Pamela Meyer is vying for time in the outfield.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

May

1 3 4 7 8 9

Friends Aca. Hempstead @ Friends Aca. @ Hempstead @ Westbury Westbury

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL March

27 C.S. Harbor

4:30 p.m.

April 4 6 9 11 13 16 18 20 24 26 30

@ Floral Park Carle Place @ V.S. South @ Manhasset Sewanhaka @ North Shore Jericho @ G.N. South Hewlett @ C.S. Harbor Floral Park

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

May 2 @ Carle Place 4 V.S. South

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Photos by Victoria Lodi

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YOU SAVE: $160 YOU SAVE: $160 YOU SAVE: YOU SAVE: $560 YOU$560 SAVE: $480

5 Pc Dining Cocktail Room Set Includes Sofa, Loveseat, Table &Headboard, 2 End Tables.

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799 799 $ 599

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YOU SAVE: $640

YOU SAVE: $100

YOU SAVE: $800

“Spacesaver” Recliner

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Your Choice of Beds Your Choice ofDou Beds 8 Pc Package $1199 “Malone” 8 Pc Double Package $799 “Anne” 8Package Pc Package $799 $ “Isabella” Pc Package $1199 “Rylan” 8 Pc Package $1599 Queen Panel Bed Queen SleighQueen Bed Panel Queen Bed Only Queen Sleigh Bed Darcy Sofa & Loveseat Your Choice of Beds of Beds Bed 8“Waterford” Tullen Available in 10 Colors Double Reclining Loveseat Your$Choice $8Living Darcy Sofa & Loveseat Available in Room all Footboard, sizes “Cheshire” 5 Pc Living Package $1399Tullen 249 Doub “Cheshire” 5 Pc Room Package $1399 Includes Headboard, Footboard, 2 Includes Headboard, 599 Headboard, Footboard, Includes Headboard, Footboard, “Aaron” Includes 5 Pc LivingHeadboard, RoomIncludes PackageFootboard, $999 Headboard, Footboard, 2$ Includes Headboard, Footboard, $Dresser, I Includes Headboard, Barchan Available in 3Footboard, Colors $999 $ $ $ 899Includes $ $ $ Bennox All Wood Table, $ “Cazillo” Charcoal Sofa with Extra Comfort “Seaside” Reversible Chaise End Sectional Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, and 2 $ $ $ 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, “Seaside” Reversible Chaise End Sectional 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, Hyland Pub Table & Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, and Available in 10 Colors $ $ $ $ Your Choice of Colors

429

rereveversible!

399299 799 799 and Nightstand and Nightstand.

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End Tables.

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Includes Sofa, Loveseat, Cocktail Table & 2 End Tables.

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Matching Ottoman Also on Sale! Your Choice of Colors SAVE: $399 and YOU Styles!

crafted inod!

4 Chairs Bench YOU SAVE:& $160 YOU SAVE: YOU$80 SAVE: $560 YOU SAVE: solid wo$560 SAVE: YOU YOU SAVE: $320$199

Bennox All Wood Table, 4 Chairs & FROM Bench $69 KING BED SALE! ALSO ON

all sizes ON SALE

Queen Panel Bed

299

YOU SAVE: $80

“Waterford” 8 Pc Package $1199 Includes Headboard, Footboard, 2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, and Nightstand.

YOU SAVE: $560

crafted in solid wood!

199 429299 Chaise EndEnd Sectional Chair, ottoman, recliner orSofa sleeper also available Chaise at similar savings.

599 599

199 199 499 $$ 399 Chaise EndofSofa Your Choice Sofa

Your Choice Your Choice of Colors! of Style & Colors

699

199

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Double Rea End Tables.

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MATTRESS SALE

$

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399

Your Choice Your Choice of Style & Colors of Colors!

Your Choice Your Choice of&Colors of Style Colors

Includes Reversible Chaise End Sofa, Loveseat, Coffee Table and 2

YOU YOUSAVE: SAVE:$320 $199

YOUSAVE: SAVE:$199 $199 YOU

YOU SAVE: $600

similar savings. at at similar savings.

Matching pieces also available at similar savings.

Includes Reversible Chaise End Sofa, Loveseat, Coffee Table and 2 End Tables. Matching Sleeper Sofa, Chair, Recliner, Ottoman and Plush Seating Nightstand.

Also on Sale! andLamps and Nightstand.

Matching Loveseat, Chair and Ottoman Also on Sale! & YOU SAVE: $600 YOU

Your Choheics!e of Finis

Your Choheics!e Finis ofMATTRESS SALE

Hyland Pub Table & 429 429 399 FROM 469Stools

$

Bennox All Wood Table, 4 Chairs & Bench

$

$

Hyland Pub Table & 4 Stools

all sizes ON SALE crafted in “Teamwork” Twin Over $ 399 solid wood!

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399

THIS ADAD EXPIRES 12/31/17 THIS EXPIRES MARCH 5, Chest, 2018

Chest, Storage Bed also available at similar savings.

THIS AD afted in ted in cr12/31/17 crafEXPIRES

199

YOU SAVE: $80

2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, and Nightstand. “Tumbleweed”

Your Choheics!e of Finis

crafted in solid wood!

TV Stand 4 Pc Wall Unit and Fireplace Heater Inserts Also on Sale!

YOU SAVE: $399

199

$

12

Storage Bed also a

od! $Twin Bed $ “Teamwork” Twin “Talia” White Twin BedOver lid woWhite $ $399 solid wood! “Talia” Full Bunkbed Bed and SetMatching 349 “Trenton” 5 Pc PubsoFullTable 399349

FullYour Bunkbed Full Bed and Matching “Malone” 8 Pc Package $799 “Anne” 8 Pc Package $799 Choice of Beds Your Choice of Beds Stoolson Sale!

Pieces Also Includes SAVE: $120Includes Table with 4 Padded Pieces Also on2 Drawer Sale! Storage YOU YOU Includes 2 Drawer Storage YOU SAVE: $80 YOU SAVE: $120 SAVE: $80 Includes Headboard, Footboard, YOU SAVE: $200 Includes Headboard, Footboard,

$

YOU SAVE: $199

Available in 3 C

Chest, Storage Bed also available at similar savings.

“Trenton” 5 Includes Table

2 Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Chest “Tumbleweed” Your Choice and Nightstand.

TV Stand YOU SAVE: $80 of Colors! YOU SAVE: $399

Your Choice crafted in of Colors! solid wood! THIS AD EXPIRES 12/31/17

THISUnit AD EXPIRES 4 Pc Wall and 12/31/17 Fireplace Heater Inserts Also on Sale!

Neon

Lig

Sale prices do not apply to previous purchases. Advertised items at cash price plus tax. Limited stock. Furniture photographs for illustration purposes only. EXCLUDES CLEARANCE ITEMS, ADVERTISED ITEMS, SUPER $ BUYS, PACKAGE DEALS & CASH PRICES. *Bonded leather is 17% leather. †All financing offers with no interest and/or and down payment. SEE STORE $ no down payments require credit approval, a minimum purchase FOR DETAILS. Sale offer not in conjunction with any previous offers or sales. Although every precaution is taken, an error in prices and/or specifications may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors.

MATTRESS SALE

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

FROM $69

299

YOU SAVE: $80

“Spacesaver” Recliner HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

199

$

299

YOU SAVE: $80 gia-counterPATH

YOU SAVE: $100

966920 $ 199 229 April 5, 2018 — 47

$

“Xander” Sofa Bed “Spacesaver” Recliner

YOU SAVE: $160

YOU SAVE: $100

“X

One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery South Nassau is proud to be the only hospital on Long Island to be recognized by HealthgradesTM* as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic SurgeryTM. At South Nassau’s Center for Advanced Orthopedics, our specialists are leading experts in spine, hip, knee and joint care, offering advanced technology and cutting-edge techniques — all close to home.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit southnassau.org/ortho or call 866-32-ORTHO.

966559

48 — April 5, 2018

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS