Schools
New Providence Pioneers Kick Off Spring Sports Season
The season began Saturday with a Track meet and boys' Lacrosse game, and continues today with a Softball game, Golf meet, boys' Lacrosse game and girls' Lacrosse game.
Baseball
The Pioneers finished 2011 second in the Valley Division behind Roselle Park. The team also . Although falling just short, the stretch was the best for New Providence since the 2007 season. The group will have a new look after graduating three of its top players in pitcher Joe Pastore, DH Joe Randazzo and catcher Stephen Zimmerman. Pitcher Michael Marchesano returns after earning honorable mention all-valley Division in 2011.
First Five: 4/3 @ 4 p.m. vs. Roselle Park, 4/5 @ 4 p.m. vs. Abraham Clark, 4/7 TBA @ GL Tournament, 4/10 @ 4 p.m. vs Oratory, 4/13 @ 4 p.m. @ St. Patrick's
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Softball
First Five: 4/2 @ 4 p.m. vs. Brearley, 4/3 @ 4 p.m. @ Johnson, 4/16 @ 4 p.m. vs. Del Val, 4/17 @ 4 p.m. vs. Elizabeth, 4/18 @ 4 p.m. vs. Rahway.
Golf
First Five: 4/2 @ 3:45 p.m. @ SPF, 4/3 @ 3:45 p.m. @ Dayton, 4/5 @ 3:45 p.m. @ Johnson, 4/16 @ 3:45 p.m. @ Oratory, 4/17 @ 3:45 p.m. @ Cranford
Boys' Lacrosse
After tying a school record with 10 wins in 2011, the Pioneers look to continue that growth under head coach Vinny Carangelo. The team is led by senior defender and face-off man Dave Barletta. Junior Derek Singer returns off of an all-conference effort in 2011 and looks to build upon his strong season. Singer finished second on the team in goals last year and figures to lead the way this year. He also led the state in ground balls in 2011. The team exceeded expectations last season, especially with only two seniors on the squad. Do not be surprised if the Pioneers make some noise in 2012 and compete in the postseason.
March 31 @ Edison: The team defeated Edison (11-1).
Next Five: 4/2 @ 4 p.m. @ East Side, 4/4 @ 4 p.m. @ Newark Academy, 4/13 @ 4 p.m. vs. Nutley, 4/17 @ 4 p.m. vs. Governor Livingston, 4/19 @ 4 p.m. vs. AL Johnson.
Girls' Lacrosse
The 2012 season will be the second at the helm for head coach Jennifer Henry. The Pioneers will be led by senior defender Olivia Arent, junior midfielder Nicole Sanczyk and sophomore midfielders Jill Balog and Dominique Iacovelli. The team is hoping to continue their progress from Henry's first season when they finished strong after a rocky start. The way to doing so is to continue to always work on communication and be a strong team on both sides of the field.
First Five: 4/2 @ 4 p.m. vs. MKA, 4/4 @ 4 p.m. @ Columbia, 4/10 @ 4 p.m. @ Caldwell, 4/12 @ 4 p.m. vs. Verona, 4/14 @ 1 p.m. @ Millburn
Track
The New Providence track team will be led in 2012 by Princeton-bound distance runner Everett Price. Senior Devin Kullar will also compete in distances, racing in the 500 and 800 as well as the 400 hurdles. Senior Ken Davis will test his luck as a sprinter, high jumper and long jumper. Dan Dorman will also be a key sprinter for the Pioneers. Senior Sam Stern will run in the mile/two mile races for the Pioneers. Middle distance runner Chris Aresco will represent the Pioneers in the 400 hurdles. Nick Ianacone is a versatile thrower who competes in the shot, disc, and jave. The team's pole vaulting role will be filled by Michael Closs.
The Pioneers look to capture their sixth conference championship in the last seven seasons as well as the Central Group 1 crown. The team is also shooting to break some school records, especially the 4x800 and the distance medley. The team hopes that the 4x800 unit is good enough to qualify for the Penn Relays. In addition, the Pioneers would love to see several of the relay teams qualify for nationals.
On the girls side, Nicole Anerios (high jump, pole vault) and Courtney Connolly (distance), Myah Campbell-Reaves (throws), Kelly Carroll (throws), Christina Pyzas (middle distances), Alex Schlobohm (sprinter) will lead the way. The team is shooting to win all of its dual meets, a long running streak for the Pioneers. The squad is also hoping to repeat as conference champions and win the sectionals. The Pioneers' roster is 65 deep and that should bode well for them throughout the spring.
Rebel Relays, March 31 @ Howell High School: The girls' team placed fifth in their division with 38 points, placing second in the 4X800 meter relay (10:30.93), third in the girls' distance medley (14:36.86), and third in the girls' meter shuttle hurdle (1:27.95). Rosanna Cippila placed third in the girls' javelin throw relay (72-10 2.3). The boys' team finished sixth overall with 24 points, winning the 4x800 (8:25.72). Michael Closs placed second in the pole vault relay (11-00.00 4) and Nick Iannacone placed third in the boys' discus throw relay (106-08 1.3)
Next Five: 4/3 @ 4 p.m. vs. Roselle Catholic, 4/10 @ 10 a.m. @ Roselle Park, 4/14 @ 8:30 a.m. Dodgertown Relays @ Madison H.S., 4/18 @ 4 p.m. vs. Brearley, Kent Place, 4/21 @ 8:30 a.m. @ Lyndhurst Relays.
