Schools
Prep Sports: Cougars Are Out On the Prowl in Essex
Mount Carmel looks for success on the field this spring season.
enters the spring season with hopes of building on a playoff appearance in baseball, contending for titles in golf and boys lacrosse while improving on last year's record in girls lacrosse and softball.
Here is a complete team-by-team preview for all of Mount Carmel's spring teams:
BASEBALL
Find out what's happening in Essex-Middle Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Coach: Mike Naunton
Last Year’s Record: 15-7
Find out what's happening in Essex-Middle Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Top Returnees: Bobby Sanzone (Sr, P/SS), Ian Arciagav (Sr., P/1B), Mike Krannebitter (Sr., C)
Outlook: The Cougars look to build off of last season's MIAA B conference playoff appearance. They return all nine starters, including All-Conference players Sanzone, who is committed to Salisbury; Arciagav, who is committed to Coppin State; and Krannebitter, who is undecided. The team is deep in both hitting and pitching and hopes to contend for the MIAA B championship.
GOLF
Coach: Jon Cupp
Last Year’s Record: 5-5
Top Returnees: Robbie Jefferson (Sr., 3-4 last season), Brett Moore (S0., 2-2 last season), Mary Bohn (Sr., 1-2 last season)
Top Newcomers: Ryan Schleicher, Anthony Wood, Kyle Dauses, Austin Jordan and Cody Gizara
Outlook: The Cougars consider this a reloading, not rebuilding season. Last year's semifinal team graduated five starters, so this year's squad is very young and will have this year as a learning experience against the MIAA C conference. The conference realignment will give the Cougars both home and away matches for a more complete schedule than last year. The top four teams in the league make the playoffs, and with only six teams this year, the squad is well positioned to make a jump and grab a slot for the postseason.
SOFTBALL
Coach: Harris Jessop
Last Year’s Record: 5-11
Top Returnees: Ashley King (Sr., P), Caroline Whalen (Sr., OF/3B), Amanda Simms (So. 1B/P), Amanda Simms (So. 1B/P)
Top Newcomers: MacKenzie Bower (So., C), Lynnsey Fullano (Fr., SS), Jess Magdaleno (Fr., 3B/OF), Tessa Wood (Fr., OF/2B)
Outlook: This will be a rebuilding season for the Cougars. Pitcher King (.419, 12 RBI, 13 SB in 2010) will be in her second season as a starter. Whalen (.476, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 14 SB) will provide leadership in the outfield and 2010 IAAM All Conference Selection first basemen Simms (.325, 1 HR, 13 RBI) will provide leadership for the infield. Sophomore MacKenzie Bower as well as freshmen Lynnsey Fullano, Jess Magdaleno and Tessa Wood also will get a lot of playing time this season.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Coach: Stacey Shiflett
Last Year’s Record: 4-11
Top Returnees: Caitlin Campbell (Sr., M), Ally Emerson (Sr. M), Sam Tabeling (Sr., M), Emily Ferrigno (Sr., D), Linisa Freeman (Sr. D)
Top Newcomer: Erica Wheeler
Outlook: The Cougars look to improve on last year's 4-11 record, returning most of last season's squad, including their top three scorers Campbell, Emerson and Tabeling.
BOYS LACROSSE
Coach: Greg Schnitzker
Last Year’s Record: 5-5
Top Returnees: Grant Stefanowicz (Sr., M), EJ Jackson (Sr., D), Wilson O'Neil (Sr.), Vince Shiavone (Sr.)
Top Newcomer: Alex Wildberger (G)
Outlook: The senior-laden Cougar lax team looks to improve on its 5-5 record from last season. Schnitzker believes he has the makings of a championship caliber team in the MIAA C Conference. They are looking at newcomer Wildberger to shore-up the goalie spot.