Athletes Of The Week: Cassandra Squeri and Jason Scarpa

Cassandra Squeri

Coming off a very successful run with the , sophomore starting pitcher is off to a stellar start with the varsity softball team this season.

Squeri recorded 13 strikeouts, two hits and one walk against Bernards High School on Monday, but with four errors in the field. However, Squeri’s efforts were not enough, as the Lady Pioneers lost 2-1.

“For our first game, I don’t think anyone was really nervous. Everyone was really excited and getting pumped up during the day,” Squeri said. “Our first game showed us that we have a lot to work on and even though it was a loss, we have to build off of it. It was a close game.”

When Patch spoke with Squeri Thursday afternoon, she said the team had a good shot at defeating Rahway High School later that day.

The Lady Pioneers did in fact win 5-2 after Squeri had nine strikeouts and two doubles. Up next, the Lady Pioneers will face Elizabeth on Thursday.

“I play with a couple girls on the [Elizabeth] team on my travel team and they’re going to be a good hitting team, they have two good pitchers that I play with and we just have to be able to hit the ball and make the plays in the field,” Squeri said.

As for the rest of the season, Squeri’s personal goals include being consistent with her hitting, striking out as many as she can and trying to mix up her pitches. She also has high hopes for her team.

“I hope that we will make it past the first round in the state tournament, past the first round in the county tournament and just go as far as we can,” she said.

This summer, Squeri will continue playing for New Jersey Insanity, a traveling softball team.

While college is a few years off for Squeri, she said in a past interview that she may play basketball or softball.

Jason Scarpa

Senior Jason Scarpa is off to another great season with the New Providence varsity golf team.

Playing in the number one spot on the team, Scarpa finished with a 35, one below par, against Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Monday and a 36 against Jonathan Dayton on Tuesday.

“It was the first match so I was excited. I played pretty well in both of them,” Scarpa said. “The 35, I was more consistent. But the 36, I had three birdies and three bogies so it was kind of an up and down round.”

Scarpa said he first became interested in golf in seventh grade after watching a professional golf tournament and he has played for New Providence since his freshman year.

“He’s been our MVP the past two years,” said Head Golf Coach Paul Miller. “Last year, he was selected third team, All-State Group 1, he was third in Union County last year in the county tournament and he’s very dedicated and just a fine young man. He’s just as good off the course as he is on. He’s a really nice boy."

Although Scarpa finished with a season high of 42 on Thursday against A.L. Johnson, he has high hopes for the season ahead.

“I want to contend in the counties, conference, and the section, and then finish well in the Tournament of Champions,” Scarpa said. “Basically get ready for the big tournaments.”

As for the team (1-2), Scarpa thinks the Pioneers have a shot at doing well in their new conference.

“I think we can win the section again so that should be our goal,” he said. “We were state champs last year, hopefully we can repeat that.”

Next fall, Scarpa plans to attend St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY on a partial scholarship.

Congratulations, Cassandra and Jason!