New Britain High School Sports Roundup 5/16/2014
By Matthew Cannata | Sports Correspondent at May 16, 2024 | 9:45 am | Print
Spring sports at New Britain High School are in full swing and as we wind down each season, it’s time to take a look at the success and progress the teams are making.
Baseball
In a year where the baseball team was expected to do big things, they have done just that under the direction of Head Coach Roberto Mercado. As of press time, their record currently stands at 9-2 and have already clinched a spot in the state tournament. They will look to finish the season strong with nine games remaining.
Standout players for the team have included seniors Malcom McLeod, Kevin Fazio and Kevin Dukes. Sophomore Lewis Robinson has been called up numerous times to play at the Varsity level and has contributed in a big way – scoring the only run off Northwest Catholic, which led to a 1-0 win and getting the walk-off hit against Hall on Monday, where they won 2-1.
Their next game will be on Friday at Simsbury High School at 7 p.m.
Softball
Head Coach Joel Simmone took over a struggling softball program that hasn’t made the state tournament since 2009 and has turned the program around to the point where they are only one win away from clinching a spot in the tournament. The team, which is 7-6 on the season, has been led by numerous players. These include junior Destini Kennedy, sophomore Kaitlyn Pelton and freshman Paolo Bronner.
“I had two goals at the start of the season - win eight games and cut down on the 14 “mercies” losing by 15 runs or more last year. This year, through 13 games, we have not been mercied once! We have seven wins that could have easily been eight so now we have to work hard and scratch to get that one more we need to make the tourney,” Simmone said.
They have six more games to pick up that eighth win. As of press time, their result against Conard on Wednesday was not available. Their next game is Friday at Simsbury High School at 7 p.m.
Boys’ Tennis
The boys’ tennis team has gotten off to a great start this season under Head Coach Joe Vaverchak with a 7-2 record as of press time, outscoring their opponents 46-17. Krystian Koszykowsk and Sayed Ali have been dominant for the Canes so far and will be important for the team throughout the remainder of the season. Their next match will be on Friday against Farmington here at home at 3:45 p.m.
Girls’ Tennis
After starting the season with a 5-1 record, the girls’ tennis team has lost their last five games to bring their record to 5-6 as of press time. Despite the recent struggles, Head Coach Margaret Coates has faith in her players to turn it around and finish the season strong. Karolina Pilip has continued to be a solid number one and will look to rally her teammates to end their losing streak. Their next match will be on Friday at Farmington High School at 3:45 p.m.
Boys Golf
Although they only have one win on the season, the boys’ golf team is full of young players with promising futures and this is evident by the way the Hurricanes have been competing and battling in just about every match. With another year under these player’s belts, the team will look to make a statement next season.
The team is led by senior Alexus Mazza, who has worked hard to mentor the young players and teach them everything he knows before heading off to college. Their next match will be on Tuesday at Simsbury Farms Country Club at 3 p.m.
Girls Golf
The girls’ golf team has been struggling this season and hasn’t picked up a win thus far. However, with a team full of young talent, that was to be expected for this season. Head Coach John Carlson is looking forward to finishing the season strong and getting these girls a full year of offseason conditioning and practice in order to make a run next year. Their next match is on Monday against Middletown at Stanley Golf Course at 3 p.m.
Boys’ and Girls’ Outdoor Track
Both the Boys’ and Girls’ outdoor track teams have been competing hard throughout the season under the direction of John Richard and Darwin Shaw, respectively. While they don’t have a lot of wins under their belt, individuals are accomplishing great things.
The boys’ team is led by Stephon Henry and Michael Robinson. In their meet against Bloomfield earlier this season, Henry won the 300 meter intermediate hurdles and set a meet record in the 110 high hurdles. Newcomer to the sport is sophomore Zachary Connolly, who has been making his mark in the shotput and discus competitions, recently finishing fourth in shotput and sixth in discus.
On the girls’ side, Joanna Tobiaz had victories in the long jump, 100 and 200 meters, and as a member of the 4×100 relay team in their meet earlier this season against Northwest Catholic. Marissa Willis, Aubrey Burnette and Quandeshia Minor have also found success this season, especially during group relay races.
Their next and final meet will be on Tuesday at Southington High School at 3:45
