New Britain High School Sports Recap
By Matthew Cannata | Sports Correspondent at May 22, 2024 | 9:45 am | Print
The spring season is coming to a close for New Britain High School sports. Here is a roundup of all of the spring sports, with some programs already completing their season and some looking ahead to their respective state tournaments.
Baseball
The baseball team, led by head coach Roberto Mercado, has been having a remarkable season, far surpassing many expectations outsiders had of them coming into the season. As of press time, the Hurricanes are 11-5 with four games remaining. They are led by freshman pitcher William Homar and seniors Justin Lawson, Jakari Pelligrini and Elvin Silva. They are looking to increase their win total in hopes of hosting a home game in the state tournament, which begins in the early part of June.
Softball
Every time the softball team steps on the field, they get better. Under head coach Joel Simmone, the program has transformed into a regional powerhouse in less than a year. After making the state tournament in 2014, the expectation this year is to not only make it, but advance past the first round. As of press time, their record is 11-6 with three games remaining. Like the baseball team, they are looking to accumulate more wins in hopes of hosting a home game in the state tournament. The team is led by Destini Kennedy, Alyssa Milan and Jazaniya Irizarry.
Golf
After a delayed start to the season because of the unseasonable weather, the boys’ and girls’ golf teams have continue to compete on the course. The boys have not picked up a win this season but the girls have won two of their matches. Both squads are filled with young talent and will be looking to improve in the offseason in hopes of picking up a few more wins in the 2016 season. The boys’ golf team is led by Robert Zadrozny and the girls’ golf team is led by Rich Carlson.
Boys Tennis
Head Coach Joe Vaverchak is well respected around the state and is known as one of the better tennis coaches in the region. Year after year, regardless of the talent that is there, he always puts a competitive team out on the court and this year is no different. Despite losing several players before the season began due to personal circumstances, he’s worked hard with the athletes that are there and it has paid off thus far. With Syed Ali and Faseeh Uddin leading the way, they are currently 10-7 with three games remaining as of press time.
Girls Tennis
Being in an urban environment, it’s not always easy for head coach Margaret Coates to get the best tennis players from around the region. However, that hasn’t stopped her from developing the players she has to their maximum potential. This season is no different as she’s experimented with different things and paired players together who she normally wouldn’t pair. The results have been mixed but the players continue to develop every time they step on the court. The team is led by Karolina Pilip, Olga Kozykowska and Jessica Suwala and are currently 8-7 with two games remaining as of press time. They are currently 8-7 with two games remaining as of press time.
Track and Field
The boys’ track team, led by head coach Lisa Kawecki, completed their season with an undefeated record. They have seen impressive performances from all over the roster and are led by Liam Kane and Charles Gaskin. The girls’ track team, led by head coach Darwin Shaw, has seen mixed team results but have individual success. Joanna Tobiaz, coming off a stellar indoor track season, continues to turn heads as she consistently places in the 100 and 300 hu8rdles. Also leading the way for the Hurricanes are Shaelyn Pachecho and Alayshia Pereria.
