March 2008

Amanda Kelly Dominates at Rhode Island College Invitational

The CCRI men’s and women’s outdoor track teams traveled down route 95 on Saturday to compete in the Rhode Island College Invitational Track meet in Providence.

The Lady Knights Amanda Kelley (Cumberland, RI) stole the show as she had an incredible day in four throwing events. Amanda placed first in two of the events, placed second in another, and third in the last. Her first event of the day Kelley won the shot put with her best throw of 10.87 meters, out-throwing Bryant College’s Amber Torrey by .56 meters. In her second event, the discuss throw, Kelley blew away all of her opponents throwing the discuss 37.20 meters and her next closest competitor was 30.90 meters. Kelley’s third event of the day was the women’s hammer throw where she placed third with a throw of 39.67 meters just two meters behind first place. In her final event of the day Kelley placed second in the Javelin with a throw of 34.99m. All four of Kelley’s throws qualify her for the NJCAA Track & Field Nationals at Delhi CC in New York in May.

Also placing in the top three was the Knight’s James Sylvestre (Lincoln, RI) and Lady Knight’s Kristen Vanhouwe (North Smithfield, RI). Sylvestre placed second in the men’s 1,500 meter run with a time of 4:18.55. Sylvestre finished two seconds behind Rhode Island College’s Greg Ahnrud. In the Women’s 1,500 meter run Lady Knights Vanhouwe finished in third place with a time of 5:30.48.

The CCRI track team is back in action this Saturday April 5th when they compete in the Jim Sheehan Invitational at Fitchburg State.

 

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Knights Foil Franklin Pierce in Doubleheader 9-2 and 11-7 to Improve to 6-7

The CCRI Knights Baseball team ripped the Ravens of Franklin Pierce JV with a doubleheader sweep 9-2 and 11-7. With the victories the Knights improve their record to 6-7 on the season. On a cold a blustery day the Knights bats stayed hot as they rolled past the Ravens for the doubleheader victory.

Game one: CCRI-9 Franklin Pierce-2

The CCRI Knights used patience at the plate, speed on the bases and solid pitching as they got five hits, nine walks, and six stolen bases to plate their nine runs in the seven inning affair.

On the mound for the Knights Bobby Swann (Cumberland, RI) was dominant throwing seven strong innings allowing two runs on five hits while striking out nine batters earning his first victory of the year. The two runs that were given up were in the seventh when the game was already in hand as Swann coasted to the victory in his best outing of the year.

At the plate for the Knights Nick Simon (Pawtucket, RI) continues to swing a hot bat going 1-3 and smacking his second homer of the year and second in two games delivering two RBI and a stolen base while Greg Joseph (North Attleboro, MA) added a single with two RBI and a stolen base. Also contributing for the Knights were Co-Captain Luis Chacon (West Warwick, RI) who had a double two runs scored and reached base all four times at bat Jarred Parrott (Keene, NH) went 1-2 with two runs scored with a stolen base, and Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) was 1-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Great game for the Knights as they dominated the Ravens from the first pitch scoring two runs in the first and six in the second to give Swann the comfortable lead and he mowed batter by batter down striking out nine over seven to coast to the 9-2 victory.

Game two: CCRI-11 Franklin Pierce-7

As the day progressed the weather kept getting colder as the Knights were doing their best just to keep warm in the vicious cross winds of Fell field. Once again the Knights bats came to the rescue as they Knights sprayed nine hits took eight walks and scored eleven runs to down Franklin Pierce 11-7.

At the plate for the Knights they were led by Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) who was 2-4 including a triple with two RBI and two runs scored followed by fellow Co-Captain Luis Chacon (West Warwick, RI) who was 2-4 with two singles two stolen bases with two RBI and two runs scored. Also contributing for the Knights were Sean Arlan (East Providence, RI) who was 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored and Greg Joseph (North Attleboro, MA) who was 1-1 with two runs scored reaching base very time up including a double with two walks and being hit by a pitch.

On the mound for the Knights John Amore (Johnston, RI) battled the elements to pitch five innings allowing six earned runs on ten hits walking one and striking out five to improve his record to 2-1 he was relieved by Colin McMaster (Elma, WA) who threw two innings allowing one earned run walking five and striking gout five to get the save. The elements were every tough to pitch in which is evident in the pitching lines but both Knights were effective en route to sealing the Knights’ victory.

The Knights return to action Sunday when they will face Eastern CT JV for a doubleheader starting at noon.

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Knights Ease past Eastern Connecticut 9-5 and 7-2 to Improve to 8-7 on the Season

The CCRI Knights baseball team served up some vengeance against Eastern Connecticut JV the team they lost to 8-7 on Wednesday as they defeated them in both games of their doubleheader on Sunday by the scores of 9-5 and 7-2. With the victories the Knights move their record above .500 to 8-7 on the season.

Game one: CCRI-9 EConn-5

The Knights wanted revenge on the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut and were able to get it as they exploded for nine runs on nine hits while holding them to just five runs en route to their seventh victory of the year evening their record to 7-7.

At the plate for the Knights Nick Simon (Pawtucket, RI) led the way once again going 2-4 with another homerun, his third in four games, with three RBI and two runs scored and Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) went 2-4 with a triple, three RBI and a run scored. Also contributing for the Knights were Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who was 2-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI and John Amore (Johnston, RI) who was 2-3 with a double and a run scored.

On the mound for the Knights Victor Baez (Providence, RI) was in total control throwing six solid innings allowing four runs on seven hits with a walk and striking out three to improve his record to 2-1 on the season. Colin McMaster (Elma, WA) relieved Baez throwing an inning allowing one unearned run.

This was another good game for the Knights as they got revenge on the Warriors to even their record at 7-7 on the season.

Game two: CCRI-7 EConn-2

In the second game Warren Sternberg (North Kingstown, RI) who took the loss on Wednesday exacted his own personal revenge on the Warriors and in all reality, on Wednesday, he only had one bad inning. However, in this game Sternberg was totally dominant.

On the mound for the Knights Warren Sternberg threw seven strong innings allowing two runs, one earned, on just four hits walking two and striking out three to earn his first victory of the year. Sternberg really was on his “A” game mixing his speeds up very well and keeping the Warriors’ batters off balance all day long.

At the plate for the Knights Co-Captain Luis Chacon (West Warwick, RI) led the way going 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored followed by Nick Simon (Pawtucket, RI) who went 2-4 with an RBI, and Jarred Parrot (Keene, NH) went 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Also contributing to the Knights’ attack was John Amore (Johnston, RI) going 2-4 with an RBI and Joe Comella (Johnston, RI) going 2-2 with an RBI.

Overall it was a great day and great weekend for the Knights as they swept both doubleheaders to extend their winning streak to five games and improving their record to 8-7 on the season

The Knights have no time to rest as they will face Region XXI rival and the defending Region XXI Champion Pointers of UConn-Avery Point on Tuesday at 4:00pm at Fell field located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

 

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Knights Nail Northern Essex by Mercy Rule 11-3 in Seven Innings

The CCRI Knights baseball team defeated Northern Essex CC 11-3 by the mercy rule in seven innings 11-3. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 4-7 on the season.

The CCRI Knights rebounded from a tough loss to Eastern Connecticut on Tuesday and came back with a vengeance to hammer the Knights of Northern Essex 11-3 by the mercy rule in seven innings. The CCRI Knights erupted for 12 hits while keeping the bats of the Northern Essex Knights pretty much silent for most of the game.

At the plate for the CCRI Knights Nick Simon (Pawtucket, RI) led the way going 2-3 with a double and a home run with three RBI and a run scored followed by Greg Joseph (North Attleboro, MA) who went 3-3 with a double an RBI and a run scored and Luke Abraham (Cumberland, RI) went 2-4 with a double three RBI and three runs scored and also recorded the RBI single that ended the game in the seventh inning, by the mercy rule.

On the mound for the Knights Ben Hanson (Fiskeville, RI) mystified the Northern Essex batters throwing six strong innings allowing one earned run on just four hits and two walks with three strikeouts and improved his record to 2-0 on the season. Hanson was relived by David Maher (Richmond,RI) who pitched on inning allowing two runs on three hits and striking out one.

Assistant Coach Joe Vigeant commented after the game: "This was a good all around performance by our team winning by the mercy rule in the seventh. Hanson was very good and so was our offense with 12 hits."

The Knights return to action this weekend when they face Franklin Pierce JV on Saturday for a doubleheader on Saturday starting at noon and Eastern Connecticut JV Sunday for a doubleheader starting at noon.

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Division III Outshines Division II in Region XXI Men’s Basketball All-Star Game 103-96

In the first ever Region XXI All-Star Game which pitted the Region XXI Division II All-Region honorees and nominees against the Region XXI Division III All-Region honorees and nominees the Region XXI Division III All-Stars came out on top 103-96.

In the first half it was pretty much what you would expect from an All-Star game a lot of talent but unfamiliarity of players led to some sloppy play. As both teams got there were some excellent play from each team. The Division II team was led by Edgar Martinez of Springfield Tech (Central HS/Providence, RI) who led all scorers in the first half with 14 points with a myriad of inside moves and offensive rebounds. For the Division II squad they were led by Carl Lee (Toll Gate HS/Warwick, RI) who scored a team-high 13 points in the first half with an assortment of moves attacking the basket including an aerial alley-oop dunk that ignited the crowd. At the half the Division II All-Stars went in leading 53-44.

In the second half both teams came out firing as the DII stars went on a big run to expand their lead to as much as 15 points. But Edgar Martinez was a man on a mission, though it was only an exhibition he was determined not to let his team lose as he sparked the DIII stars on a rally and gave them the 83-82 lead with about five minutes left on a 3-pointer. Carl Lee from and Jake Grimes from CCRI and Jimmy Chaudry from Dean (Brockton, MA) tried to battle the DII stars back. Lee even tried to ignite his team with a Monster Dunk over Northern Essex’s Anthony Griffin that brought the entire crowd to their feet with about 1:30 remaining. However, Martinez along with Jovon Williams from UConn-Avery Point (Willimantic, CT) and Timmie Barrows from Mass Bay CC (Belmont HS) would not let the DIII stars lose as the DIII stars went on to win by a final score of 103-96.

The two MVP’s chosen for the All-Star Game were Edgar Martinez from the winning Division III team who scored a game-high 30 points and Carl Lee from Division II who scored a team-high 21 points. Both players played exceptionally well and led their respective teams.

Scoring totals: DIII: Edgar Martinez-STCC 30, Ulysses Wanamaker-STCC 1, Bobby Hopkins-STCC 7, Jovon Williams-UCAP 14, Anthony Malhoit-UCAP 4, Timmie Barrows-Mass Bay 10, DeShawn Gibbons-Mass Bay 8, Anthony Griffin-Northern Essex 11, Terrel Randle-Quinsigamond 5, Charles Horton- Quinsigamond 2, Colin London- Quinsigamond 2, Vince Spence-Bunker Hill 3, Kyle Brown-Ben Franklin 4; Total points=103; DII: Carl Lee-CCRI 21, Jake Grimes-CCRI 11, Pat Dame-CCRI 8, Alex Diaz-CCRI 8, Mike Noonan-CCRI 3, Jimmy Chaudry-Dean 9, Brain Bernadin-Dean 8, Wilson Pilarte-Dean 7, Art Ellis-Dean 6, Marcus McLauren-Massasoit 9, Drew Beck-Massasoit 6, Jared Callanan (Inj.)-Massasoit 0; Total points= 96 . Final score 103-96 DIII.

 

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Knights Suffer Tough Loss to Eastern CT JV 8-7

The CCRI Knights suffered a tough loss to the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut JV 8-7. With the loss the Knights record drops to 3-7 on the season.

The Knights hadn’t played a game in 11 days and could not overcome one bad inning in a very tough 8-7 loss to the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut JV though they did manage to spray 12 hits but in the end it wasn’t enough.

At the plate for the Knights they sprayed 12 hits and scored six runs so it was an excellent day offensively. The Knights were led by Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) who was 2-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored followed by Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who was 2-5 with an RBI, and Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) added two hits to the Knights attack.

On the mound for the Knights Warren Sternberg (North Kingstown, RI) took the loss pitching five innings and though he gave up seven runs they all came in the second inning and his four other innings were very good, overall he pitched five innings allowing seven runs on eight hits and walking two. Sternberg was relieved by Victor Baez (Providence, RI) who pitched 1-2/3 innings allowing one earned run on three hits, walking one and striking out two and Colin McMaster (Elma, WA) pitched very well throwing 1-1/3 shutout innings allowing no hits and striking out three.

This was a good day offensively for the Knights scoring six runs with 12 hits and they got good pitching with one bad inning, the second where they allowed seven runs, but it is still early in the season and they did have an 11 day layoff which probably led to the slight inconsistency on the mound. It was a tough loss but one that The Knights will learn from and move forward to play better in their forthcoming games.

The Knights return to action today, Thursday the 27th, when they meet Region XXI foe Northern Essex CC for their Home opener at 4:00pm at the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

 

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Lady Knights Rack Up Post Season Awards

After a 26-8 record and the second most wins in school history the Lady Knights are beginning to rack-up the post season awards. The Lady Knights have four players named First Team All- Region XXI. They include: Sophomore Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY), named to the All-Region team for the second straight year. Along with Scott, were Freshmen Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA), and Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI).

The awards do not stop there for the Lady Knights. Denise Scott was named to the WBCA First Team All-American Team while teammate Rachel Murray was named Honorable Mention. Scott and Murray join former Lady Knight Sara Duszkiewcz as the only three players in Lady Knights’ history to be named to the WBCA All-American Team.

Murray was also named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. Murray finished the tournament averaging 14 points, 14.3 rebounds and three blocks per game. Murray’s stats were spectacular as she finished first in block shots per game, rebounds per game and 11th in points per game. Also Murray had two double-doubles in her three games played.

Also Denise Scott and Taylor Simmons are finalists for the NJCAA All-American Team.

 

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The CCRI Lady Knights fall to #4 Carl Sandburg in Consolation Game 61-52

On Friday afternoon the CCRI Lady Knights fell to 4th ranked team in the country Carl Sandburg Chargers 61-52. The loss makes the Lady Knights final record 26-8, second best in school history.

The first half was a back and forth battle. A fan watching the game would never have know that this game was a consolation bracket game, as both teams were scrapping and fighting for every possession. The Lady Knights held Carl Sandburg to just six two point field goals in the first half. However, Carl Sandberg made it up from long distance. The Chargers shot and incredible 4-9 from the three point line in the first half. The Chargers would take a 28-25 lead into the locker room.

A tired and beat up Lady Knights team come out of the second half and went blow for blow with the 4th ranked team in the country. Freshman All-Tournament Team member Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) was not going to let the Lady Knights go quietly. The Lady Knights would pound the ball down low to Murray who used an array of low post moves to beat the Chargers defense. The Chargers used a 6-2 run at the five minute mark to get their largest lead of the game at 50-43. After Head Coach Marcus Reilly called a time out the Lady Knights proceeded go on a 7-0 run which was sparked by a Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) 3-pointer. The run was then capped off by a Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) steal and lay in and the Lady Knights had the game tied up at 50-50 with two minutes remaining. However, it was not enough as the Chargers called a time out to re-group it self and used an 11-2 run to end the contest for a 61-52 victory.

The Lady Knights were led by freshmen center Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who finished the game with 20 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots. Murray was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. Murray finished the tournament averaging 14 points, 14.3 rebounds and three blocks per game. Murray stats were spectacular as she finished first in block shots per game, rebounds per game and 11th in points per game. Also Murray had two double-doubles in her three games played.

Playing in her final game as a Lady Knight Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) finished with 11 points. Scott had a remarkable career at CCRI as she finished third all time in scoring with 911 points just five points shy of Lady Knights Associate Head Coach Claudia DeFaria. Scott also will hold the single-season record in steals with 91 and career steals with 169.

Freshmen Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) rounded out a wonderful tournament as she finished Friday’s game with nine points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “Knowing we gave the #1 team in the country all it could handle the day before, it was tough to come back for the third game in three days. Shorthanded due to injuries, our ladies battled for forty minutes as they have done all year. I couldn't have been prouder of their effort and the manner in which they represented our program. Based on Kirkwood's blowout victories in the Final Four and National Championship games (75-49 and 78-53), our ladies proved they are one of the elite teams in the nation despite being the youngest team in the National Tournament."

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Lady Knights Fall Just Short versus #1 Seed Kirkwood 69-58

The CCRI Lady Knights dreams of winning a National Championship were dashed on Thursday as they lost to the #1 seed and defending national champion Eagles of Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood outlasted the CCRI Lady Knights 69-58. The loss snaps CCRI’s eight game winning streak, their longest of the season. The loss dropped the Lady Knights to 26-7 on the season while the Eagles improve to 29-6.

The first half was what every one in the gym had expected to highly talented teams going basket for basket and blow for blow. The Lady Knights scored the first basket of the game and from the point the Eagles new they were in for a “rock fight”. Both teams used pressure in different ways to speed the game up. The Eagles used a zone pressure while the Lady Knights used their signature half court man pressure. Both teams battled back in forth and with 30 seconds left in the half the Eagles were up four and had the ball. Holding the ball for the last shot the Eagles got a huge 3-point field goal from Allie Lindemann who extended the Eagles lead to 30-23 at halftime.

The second half saw Lindemann and the rest of the Kirkwood guards come out firing from beyond the arc as there first nine points of the half came from three point land. The Eagles built its lead to 15 points at 50-35 after another big three by Lindemann midway through the second half. The Lady Knights showed they would not quit as they battled back to within eight points. However, the Lady Knights couldn’t put together any scoring streaks to get much closer. The Lady Knights ability to keep it close was due to their defensive performances on Kirkwood’s Lauren Thomas-Johnson and Breann Hill, both of which have already signed to Marquette University of the Big East. Both Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) and Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) drew the defensive assignments from Head Coach Marcus Reilly and held the two combined to 16 points. It was not enough as the Lady Knights did not have an answer for Lindemann as she had a game-high 27 points including 3-4 from on 2-pointers, 5-8 on 3-pointers, and 6-6 from the free throw line, only missing four shots in a 69-58 victory.

The Lady Knights were led by sophomore Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) who had a team-high 14 points, with six rebounds and six steals. Also in double figures for the Lady Knights was freshman Lauren Harrington who scored 13 points with three steals and three rebounds while stopping WBCA first team All-American Lauren Thomas-Johnson. This was Harrington’s second straight game in double figures. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) had another solid performance in the post for the Lady Knights scoring eight points with a team-high seven rebounds, and one blocked shot. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights were Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) who score six points with five rebounds and Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) added six points.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “I was extremely proud of our kid’s effort and intensity level. Although it was a difficult loss we proved we belonged as one of the elite teams in the nation by going toe to toe with the number one team in the country. Holding there two Marquette signees under 10 points each required a star defensive efforts from Jillian Lewis and Lauren Harrington. We will continue to positively represent our college and the state of Rhode Island throughout the consolation bracket and our time in Illinois. I am confident that this experience will have a positive effect on the future of our players and give our freshmen the motivation to take the next step next year.”

The Lady Knights fall into the consolation bracket were they will face the #4 team in the country Carl Sandberg College. Carl Sandberg lost to host school Illinois Central in the second “Elite Eight” game. The game time will be at 1:00 EST. With a win the Lady Knights will advance to the 5th/6th place game on Saturday.

The other consolation game will feature #3 Johnson County CC verses Genesee CC. In the Final Four the #1 Kirkwood CC will face off against #5 Illinois Central CC while unranked Mott CC will take on # Kankakee CC.

 

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Lady Knights Return to “Elite Eight” with 67-66 Overtime win over Garret College!

The CCRI Lady Knights won their 26th game of the season on Wednesday as they defeated the Lady Lakers of Garret College 67-66 in overtime. The Lady Knights will advance to the “Elite Eight” in a rematch of last years “Elite Eight” game with Kirkwood Community College. The Lady Knights will look to exact revenge on the Eagles who ended their National Championship hopes last year. With the win the Lady Knights are now 26-6 on the season and have won eight games in a row.

The first half both teams came out of the gate a bit nervous and with butterflies on the big stage and it showed as both teams had major trouble scoring in the first ten minutes of the game. After ten minutes the Lady Lakers held their largest lead of the game as they held an 11-6 led over the Lady Knights. However, the Lady Knights were able to make a run and gain a lead at 14-13 with eight minutes remaining in the half. However, the Lady Knights would never let the Lady Lakers see the lead again during the course of the game. Sophomore Pre-Season First Team All-American Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) recognized that her young Lady Knights were struggling and put the team on her back for a stretch in the first half. This allowed the freshmen to get settled into their first National Tournament game. Scott finished the first half with a team high eight points. The Lady Knights would fight and claw their way to a 23-21 halftime lead.

The Lady Knights came out of the second half firing on all cylinders as they jumped out to an eight point lead, their largest of the game. Freshmen Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) came out and scored two quick baskets followed by a Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) basket and the Lady Knights had a 29-21 lead. The Lady Lakers responded as they battled back and tied the game up at 34-34. Both teams traded baskets until Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) came in off the bench to ignite a Lady Knights rally by knocking down three consecutive 3-pointers to give the Lady Knights a seven point lead. But like their first large lead the Lady Knights could not fight off the Lady Lakers and they were able to battle back and tie the game at 57-57. Tied at 57 with seven seconds left the Lady Knights Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) missed a five foot jump shot and the Lady Lakers had the ball with a chance to win the game. However Mindy Sharps lay-up as time expired rolled off the back of the rim and the two teams would settle the contest in OT.

In overtime the Lady Knights won the tip and Denis Scott converted that into a wide open lay up. Scott would score the next basket to give the Lady Knights their largest lead of overtime of 4 points with the score 61-57. Tanika Jeffers would keep her Lady Lakers in the game with a basket goal of her own to cut the lead to 61-59 with 4:11 left in overtime. Harrington would answer with another Lady Knights hoop to bring their lead back to four with the score 63-59 with 3:50 left. The Lady Lakers’ Blair Bradley would score to cut the lead back to two points. However, the Lady Knights team leader Denise Scott would bury two clutch free throws to give the Lady Knights the 65-61 lead with just 2:18 left in overtime. But the Lady Lakers would not go away as they got three free throws one from Hillman and two from Raquita Davis to cut the Lady Knights lead to one point with the score 65-64 with just 1:33 left. Rachel Murray would answer quickly with a basket to give the Lady Knights the 67-64 lead with just 1:10 left. Jeffers answered with another field goal with 44 seconds left to cut the lead to 67-66. The Lady Knights were finally able to celebrate as a Tegra Hillman’s ¾ court shot with one second left came up way short.

The Lady Knights were led by Freshman Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) who finished the game with a team high 19 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Harrington’s 19 points was a career-high and came through an efficient 4-7 shooting from the floor, 3-5 from the three point line and 2-3 from the charity stripe in thirty minutes off the bench. Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) finished the game with 16 points five rebounds and four steals. The Lady Knights center Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) dominated the backboards finishing the game with a game-high 10 offensive, 10 defensive, and 20 total rebounds while adding 14 points. In addition, Murray blocked 4 shots and altered many others. Helping Murray on the glass was Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) who finished with nine rebounds, seven offensively with six points.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the game, “By forcing the tempo and creating 33 turnovers we were able to score enough off of our defensive to overcome a poor shooting night. Most teams cannot survive on a 29% shooting night in the national tournament so the win is a credit to our team and individual defense and are kid’s ability to battle through it and pull out a win despite some adversity. Lauren Harrington made that battle much easier for us with her break out performance of 19 points, including three clutch three point baskets in the second half. We look forward to advancing in the tournament and putting together the whole package the rest of the way.”

With the win the Lady Knights will face #1 seed and defending National Champions Kirkwood CC. This will be the fourth straight year that the Lady Knights will face Kirkwood and the second time the two teams will met in the “Elite Eight.” The game time will tip approximately 3:00 EST time. Also winning on the first day of action were Illinois Central CC, Mott CC and Genesee CC.

 

 

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Knights Baseball Day Three: Knights Nipped Twice by Division I Powerhouse Delgado

Knights Downed by National Division I Powerhouse Delgado CC 8-6 in extra innings

In game one of their doubleheader Knights downed by National Division I powerhouse Delgado CC 8-6 in extra innings. With the loss the Knights’ record drops to 3-5 on the season.

At the plate for the Knights they were led by Co-Captain Luis Chacon (West Warwick, RI) who went 2-5 with a double and an RBI followed by Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who went 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI.

On the mound for the Knights Bobby Swann (Cumberland, RI) started and threw five solid innings against a very tough DI line-up allowing six runs, five earned with two walks and four strikeouts he was relieved by David Mahar (Richmond, RI) who threw 2/3 of an inning walking one but allowing nor runs. But the pitching performance of the day was turned in by Colin McMaster (Elma, WA) who threw 3-1/3 innings of no hit ball against the fierce Delgado line-up allowing two earned runs with three walks and four strikeouts unfortunately he got the loss.

The Knights had a great chance to win in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second with no outs but could not push a run across the plate. This was a very game effort by the Knights against a Delgado CC team that was in the Division I World Series last year.

Game two Knights Lose by one run versus National Power Delgado 6-5

The CCRI Knights baseball team was one run from upsetting National Division I powerhouse Delgado CC losing 6-5. With the Loss the Knights record falls to 3-6 on the season, though the Knights have played very well against versus strong National talent.

At the plat for the Knights they were led by Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) who had a monster game batting a perfect 4-4 including a Homerun and two doubles with two RBI and two runs scored followed by Sean Arlan (East Providence, RI) who was 2-4 with a double and an RBI.

On the mound for the Knights Victor Baez (Providence, RI) pitched outstanding throwing 6-1/3 innings allowing six runs, five earned with two walks and five strikeouts but got the loss he was relived by Ben Hanson ( Fiskeville, RI) who allowed a hit and a walk which allowed the winning run to score though it was charged to Baez.

Though the Knights did not come out victoriously these were their two bets games of the year against a very tough Division I opponent, the Knights have nothing to hang their heads about.

The Knights will come home to face Region XXI power UConn –Avery Point this Saturday for a doubleheader starting at noon.

 

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Day two in Disney not so Kind to the Knights

Game One Knights Trumped by Transylvania College 11-8

In Day two of the Disney Invitational the Knights faced off against Transylvania College in game one of their doubleheader and lost 11-8. With the loss the Knights’ record falls to 3-3 on the season.

At the plate the Knights were led by Luke Abraham (Cumberland, RI) who went 3-3 with two doubles and three runs scored followed by Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) who also went 3-3 with a double and a triple with an RBI and a run scored.

On the mound for the Knights Jason Felix (Cranston, RI) took the loss throwing 3-1/3 innings allowing seven runs, all earned, with five walks and two strikeouts he was relived by Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) whop threw 2-1/3 innings allowing four runs, all earned, with a walk and two strikeouts.

Unfortunately for the Knights this was a time limit game whereas they only played six innings. The Knights had scored three runs in the sixth and had some momentum but were cut short. Who knows what may have happened had they continued.

Game Two Knights downed by Delaware Tech 9-6

In game two of the doubleheader the knight faced off against national power Delaware Tech and lost 9-6. With the loss the Knights’ record falls to 3-4 on the season.

At the plate for the Knights Sean Arlan (East Providence, RI) led the way going 2-3 with a double and two RBI followed by Luke Abraham (Cumberland, RI) went 1-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored.

On the mound for the Knights Warren Sternberg (North Kingstown, RI) threw six strong innings allowing only four earned runs with four walks and a four strikeouts Kyle Kells (Scituate, RI) throwing one inning allowing a hit a run with two walks and two strikeouts.

This was a very good game for the Knights against a top-notch Delaware Tech team that won 40 games last year the Knights bats were quiet early but came alive late, but it just wasn’t enough.

The Knights now get ready to play Division I power Delgado CC a team that was in the DI World Series last year.

 

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With Tired Legs and Nagging Injuries, Knights Suffer 9-0 Defeat

CCRI traveled to Suffolk County Community College on Long Island in NY for the sixth and final match of a five day, six match trip with little more than fumes left. The five previous matches had clearly taken their toll both physically and mentally and all four players showed the effects. Suffolk won all four singles in straight sets and, due to nagging and persistent injuries, as well as the conditions, CCRI lost the match but a total score of 9-0 defaulting five of the nine positions.

The conditions were the most difficult of the entire trip. With steady, strong winds it was difficult for any player to sustain a rally. There were wind screens around three sides of the courts – just not the side the wind was coming from! The nets were not anchored and so they sailed with the gusts, making even normally reliable shots a bit of a mystery. Rain the previous night also left scattered puddles of water around the courts, which affected the balls if they rolled into them between points. Technically, because the nets weren’t anchored, the courts weren’t playable and CCRI should have been awarded the match however the Knights elected to play in good faith. All-in-all, for CCRI, it was a match we shouldn’t have tried to play.

6 matches in 5 days proved too ambitious particularly going against last year’s sixth place team from the Nationals, which had, more so that the other teams we faced, strengthened their squad over last year. The Knights Dan Deluca (Warwick, RI) suffered his first loss of the season in straight sets 6-0, 6-0. Also suffering losses in straight sets for the Knights were Joe Deluca (Warwick, RI), Nate York (Smithfield, RI), and Chris Izzo (Warwick, RI)

Head Coach John Panzica said after Saturday’s match, “I am so proud of our guys. Over the course of the five day, six match trip they battled, fought, scraped, and gelled as a team. This was a great experience for our team and will serve to help them as we go forward with the rest of our season, in particular the region schedule. I hope that we can build on this and carry it forward all the way to the national tournament.”

 

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CCRI Men's Tennis moves to 2-3 after defeating Harford

Knights Tennis Team Defeats Powerful Harford CC 5-4 for Second Victory of Season!

CCRI traveled to Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland for a second time on the five day, six-match trip. Again, with only four players available, the Knights could only afford one loss or less in order to stay in the overall match. That loss came right away again as the first doubles pairing of Joe and Dan DeLuca (Warwick, RI) who dropped the eight game pro-set 8-5. The other doubles pairing for CCRI of Nate York (Smithfield, RI) and Chris Izzo (Warwick, RI) prevailed 8-2. So for the second time in two matches against Harford CC, CCRI needed to win all four singles matches, and for the second time all four singles players won to carry the day 5-4. With the win the Knights improve their record to 2-3 on the young season.

The match of the day was also the deciding match in the 5-4 victory. Chris Izzo outlasted Brian McKeldin from Harford CC 7-5, 6-7 (7-5), 6-4. Chris opened the match racing out to a 4-1 lead. He then dropped 4 straight to go down 4-5. He then won the next three to win the first set 7-5. The second set was more of the same. Izzo moved out to a lead, but then relinquished it as both players traded breaks of serve until Izzo managed to hold at 5-6 to force a tiebreak. Izzo couldn’t really find a rhythm in the tiebreak until he managed to knot the score at 5-5, only to lose the next point as his shot hit the net cord and traveled sideways across the net, and fell out of bounds. He dropped the next point, and along with it the tiebreak and the second set. Izzo seemed out of sorts as the third set started and, instead of jumping out to a break, surrendered a break in the first game. The two players traded holds of serve until Izzo made it 3-4. McKeldin serving for a 5-3 lead couldn’t hold in a game that went to deuce twice. Izzo used that break to springboard to the win 6-4 after a hold of his own serve and a second break of McKeldin to seal the result! Also winning singles matches in straight sets were Dan DeLuca 6-1, 6-1 and Joe DeLuca 6-1, 6-4 as did Nate York in a tight one 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.

Doubles again seems to be a little evasive in comparison to the singles for CCRI. Splitting the doubles seems to be the theme of the trip. This puts a lot of pressure on the singles, but so far the Knights seemed to be handling it pretty well. Of the 20 singles matches they have played so far the Knights have managed to prevail in 13 of them, with Dan DeLuca leading the way going a perfect five of five singles victories, dropping only two sets so far on the entire trip.

Head Coach John Panzica commented “Today’s win solidified the caliber of the current CCRI Men’s team. I am confident that we can build on this to have a solid season and a successful post-season.”

The Knights close out the trip on Saturday against Suffolk CC of Selden, NY (Long Island). If The Knights can prevail there they will match their record from last year before they even move in to their Region XXI schedule in April.

 

Knights Explode for 21 Hits in Doubleheader versus Ancilla College on First Day in Disney

Knights Annihilate Ancilla College 13-5 in Game One

In their first game of the Disney Invitational at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, the Knights defeated the Chargers of Ancilla College 13-5. With the win the Knights improve their record to 2-2 on the season.

At the plate the Knights were led by Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who was 3-3 with including a double with four RBI followed by Co-Captain Luis Chacon (West Warwick, RI) who went 3-5 with four RBI. Also leading the Knights’ attack was Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) who went 2-2 with three RBI and two runs scored, and Jarred Parrott (Keene, NH) went 1-4 with three RBI.

On the mound for the Knights John Amore (Johnston, RI) pitched very well over six innings allowing four runs and striking out four while picking up his first win of the year improving his record to 1-1 and Kyle Kells (Scituate, RI) came in and pitched one inning of relief allowing one hit.

This was a dominating performance by the Knights in their first game in the Disney Invitational as they performed well both at the plate and on the mound en route to a decisive victory over Ancilla College.

Knights’ Offensive Attack and Deep Pitching lead to 8-5 Victory over Ancilla College

Playing in the second game of the doubleheader the Knights bats stayed hot as they were able to overcome the Chargers of Ancilla College once again this time the score was 8-5. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 3-2 on the season.

At the plate Luke Abraham (Cumberland, RI) led the Knights going 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI followed by Joe Comella (Johnston, RI) who went 2-2 with an RBI, and Co-Captain George Tager (North Providence, RI) rounded out the Knights attack going 1-3 with a triple and an RBI.

On the mound for the Knights Ben Hanson (Fiskeville, RI) threw five strong innings allowing just one earned run and striking out four to notch his first victory of the year, he was relived by lefty David Mahar (Richmond, RI) who pitched 1/3 of an inning allowing no runs, Victor Baez (Providence, RI) who pitched 2/3 of an inning which included two strikeouts, and Colin McMaster (Narragansett, RI) picked up the save pitching one inning of relief.

This was another impressive outing for the Knights. Overall the Knights exploded for 21 hits in two very good wins in their first day in the Disney Invitational. The Knights will look to keep the momentum going as they in Day two of the Invitational when they will face Transylvania College out of Kentucky at 1pm and will play Delaware Tech at 5:30pm.

 

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Knights Come up Short versus Rising Power Montgomery-Rockville

CCRI traveled to Montgomery College’s Rockville campus in Rockville, MD with only four players available to play. Montgomery Rockville has aspirations of a championship run this year having 29 players that have tried out. The Knights suffered their second loss of the season dropping their record to 1-2.

In the singles, the greater experience of the Montgomery-Rockville players showed as they carried three out of the four positions. CCRI and Rockville split the doubles positions – and CCRI flew off the courts to get back on the road to get down to our second match in Sewell, NJ.

Dan DeLuca (Warwick, RI) prevailed in his third singles match in three days as he faced Alejandro Valencia of Montgomery-Rockville. DeLuca took care of Valencia in two sets 6-2, 6-1. Nathan York (Greenville, RI) faced a seasoned player from South Africa. Nate battled Ross Armstrong as well as a sore ankle, elbow, and foot. However Armstrong got the best of Nate 6-1, 6-2. Joe DeLuca (Warwick, RI) faced Montgomery- Rockville’s #1 from last year in third singles and was defeated 6-2, 6-3. Chris Izzo (Warwick, RI) faced the other returning starter from last year in fourth singles and was beaten 6-2, 6-2.

In the doubles competition the Knights Chris Izzo and Nate York defeated Josh Hayes and Nick Nelson 8-4. While the DeLuca brothers battled Ross Armstrong and Alejandro Valencia but came up just short 8-6.

With three matches down and three to go CCRI Men’s tennis team takes on the ambitious schedule of six matches in five days. Next up is the challenge of playing the second match in the same day as CCRI travels back to Sewell, NJ to face Gloucester CC in the afternoon.

Head Coach John Panzica said after the match, “Facing a team that has championship aspirations really showed the mettle of our current players. Our team played well and, given different circumstances and possibly a neutral court, the results may have been different. Our guys performed better than the scores demonstrate. The ambitious schedule, away from home has really served to solidify this team.”


Knights Tennis Battle but Fall One Match Short to a Powerful Gloucester CC

The second match of the day in day three of the CCRI Knights Men’s Tennis Spring Break trip started early and ended abruptly. Taking the road for a morning match in Rockville, MD started the day – then traveling back up 95 North to Sewell, NJ for the second match was different enough, but no one could have foreseen how the mach would end. CCRI had dropped both doubles contest in 8-game pro-sets. Dan Deluca (Warwick, RI) and his brother Joe (Warwick, RI) dropped their 8 game set 8-4 while Nate York and Chris Izzo dropped theirs 8-1.

Two of the singles matches had completed as well as Dan DeLuca prevailed in 1st singles for his fourth straight singles victory in as many tries over Brian Crispin 6-1, 6-2, and his brother, Joe, dropped an oddly-called 3rd doubles contest as the lines seem to become much thinner as the match wore on. Joe fell short to John Horsfield 6-2, 7-5. The real “fireworks” were still to come with Nate York (Greenville, RI) and Chris Izzo (Warwick, RI) holding leads at the time, the local authorities made a sudden entrance and the campus was closed and evacuated due to a bomb threat! Due to this the two teams were unable to finish the match and the Knights were reward with the victories. However this would not be enough for the Knights as they dropped the match 5-4 and fall to 1-3 on the season.

Head Coach John Panzica said after the match, “We faced a team this afternoon that was looking for ‘revenge’ from the earlier day-one match. In the words of head coach Brian Rowan that we ‘scared’ them in the previous match, coming out and sweeping doubles quickly and battling in singles. I am pleased to see that we are providing perennial tournament participants a real test. We are so close to developing a strong program of our own that these successes can only help to build legitimacy into the CCRI tennis program.”

 

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Lady Knights will face Garrett College 1st Round of NJCAA National Tournament

Late Wednesday night the Lady Knights Basketball team found out that Garrett College from McHenry, MD will be their first round opposition. For the second straight year the Lady Knights are the 8th going into the tournament. The two teams will face off on Wednesday March 19th at 12:00 PM CST (1:00 PM EST) The Lady Knights head into the tournament with a record of 25-6 while the Lakers of Garrett have a record of 23-4.

The Lady Knights are going in as one of the hottest teams in the country as they have won seven in a row and 14 of their last 15 games. Their only loss in that streak came to Union County College who the Lady Knights most recently defeated in the Northeast District Championship 80-64. Garrett is also rolling into the tournament as they have won 11 of their last 12 games and beat Cecil College in their District Championship 71-66 to get an automatic bid to nationals.

The two teams have common opponents as they each have played Cecil College and Hagerstown Community College. The Lady Knights played each of these teams once, beating both of them pretty convincingly. The Lady Knights beat Cecil back on January 19th in the CCRI invitational 59-46, and the Lady Knights handed 6th ranked Hagerstown CC their first loss of the season 74-42, ending Hagerstown 21 game winning streak. Against those same two opponents Garret went 4-0 with 11 and 7 point victories over Cecil and 5 and 17 point victories over Hagerstown CC.

The winner of this first round match up will face Kirkwood CC who is ranked 2nd in the national poll and is the number one seed in the tournament.

To follow the Lady Knights and their run through the tournament go to the host web site http://www.icc.edu/njcaatournament/.

 

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Day Three Not so Kind as Lady Knights Lose Two to Division I Power John A. Logan

Lady Knights Downed by Division I Power John A. Logan 5-1

The CCRI Knights women’s softball team lost to Division I power Volunteers of John A. Logan 5-1. With the loss the Lady Knights record falls to 1-3 on the season, but they have a 1-1 record against NJCAA Division II teams.

Playing against a very good Division I team the Lady Knights knew they were going to have to play their best if they were going to have a chance to win. The Volunteers of John A. Logan got on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning on an RBI single from Lauren Buch scoring Brooke Babington and a sacrifice fly from Dawn McClellan that scored Janell Huppert. The Lady Knights got two base runners in the bottom of the first as Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) reached on an error and a base hit from Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) but solid defense from the Volunteers snuffed out their rally with the inning ending with a 2-0 John A. Logan lead. The Volunteers strung together six more hits in the top of the second inning to score two more runs. The Lady Knights could not answer with any runs of their own in the bottom of the inning leaving the score 4-0 Volunteers.

In the fourth John A. Logan were at it again as Babington doubled to right field and scored on a sacrifice fly to center field from Huppert making the score 5-0 Volunteers. The Lady Knights got a runner on the bottom of the fourth as Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) walked, but again were not able to score any runs. In the sixth inning the Volunteers threatened again with a couple of base runners on first and second with one out but nice defensive play at shortstop from Johnston to Co-Captain Jenna Bassett (Warwick, RI) got the second out and a great catch in center field by Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) as she tumbled over the fence ended the inning and seemed to ignite the Lady Knights. The Lady Knights got the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the sixth as Lamb was hit by a pitch Bassett walked and Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) walked but Kristie Frydryk (Palmer, MA) flied out to left field leaving the Lady Knights still scoreless.

In the seventh the Volunteer’ Amanda Stroh led off with a single but was cut down as Kate Gerlach’s bunt was caught by a charging Jenna Bassett who fired to first for the double play followed by another great defensive play from Lindsay Johnston at shortstop to end the top of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) led off with a single to left field and Alison Balzano stroked a hit to center field followed by Co-Captain Julie Paradis drove a single to left field to score Mangione and put advancing Balzano to third as Paradis reached second on the throw. Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston came up with a chance to get the game close and smoked a ground ball to that was snagged at third and McClellan looked back Balzano fired to first for the second out and Balzano was cut down at the plate to end the game as the Volunteers win 5-1. The Lady Knights played very well and were a play or two away from winning the game but the pitching and defense of the volunteers would not let that happen.

At the plate for the Lady Knights Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) led the way with a single and the Lady Knights’ only RBI followed by Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) who also had a single with the Lady Knights’ only run scored. Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) played great defense and added a single and was robbed of a couple hits due the Volunteers’ defense, Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) also played some excellent defense with some nice catches in center and added a single for the Lady Knights. Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI), Angela Kue (Providence, RI), and Kristie Frydryk (Palmer, MA) also added a single each to for Lady Knights.

On the mound for the Lady Knights Frydryk pitched very well over seven innings allowing five runs while scattering eleven hits of the very potent Division I batting order of John A. Logan. Unfortunately the Lady Knights could not get any more runs across to support her very good effort on the mound.

The Lady Knights have a half our break until the next game versus the Volunteers.

The Lady Knights Bats Fall flat as they Lose 5-0 to Division I Power John A. Logan in Game 2

The Lady Knights playing in game two lost the Volunteers of John A. Logan 5-0. With the loss the Lady Knights record falls to 1-4 but 1-1 versus Division II schools, as two of their losses were to John A. Logan and one to four-year school Simmons College.

The Lady Knights were up first but didn’t get a base runner until there were two outs as Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) walked and Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) singled to left but they were left stranded as the Lady Knights scored no runs. In the bottom of the inning, the Lady Knights held the Volunteers scoreless as Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) sat them down 1-2-3 ending the inning with a strikeout. St. Germain tried to help her own cause by adding a single in the top of the second but the Lady Knights could not score her. In the bottom of the second the Volunteers got the bases loaded with one out and Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) made a great stop at second and tried to cut the runner down at home plate but her throw sailed over Lamb’s outstretched arms scoring two runs for the Volunteers, but St. Germain would not let them score any more in the inning retiring two of the next three batters leaving the score 2-0 John A. Logan.

The score remained 2-0 until the fifth inning when the Lady Knights were trying to mount a rally with Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) leading off with a single, she was then cut down on a fielder’s choice by Angela Kue (Providence, RI), but Paradis followed with a great bunt single putting runners on first and second one out. However, Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) fouled out to the catcher on an errant bunt attempt and Johnston followed with a ground out to the first baseman ending the Lady Knights’ threat. In the bottom of the inning John A. Logan’s Janell Huppert led off with a double to right field she would later score on a throwing error by Bassett to Johnston trying to cut her down at third on a batted ball by Lauren Buch. This was followed by two walks that each included a wild pitch that scored Huppert and Buch. At this point it seemed that St. Germain was starting to get a little tired in the heat as she threw another wild pitch that scored a run. She then dug deep and settled down to retire two of the next three batters to end the inning unfortunately the score was 5-0 Volunteers.

The Lady Knights never really had another scoring opportunity in the game though they had one base runner in each of the last two innings neither got to second base which allowed the Volunteers to coast home to the 5-0 victory.

At the plate for the Lady Knights they were led by Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who had two hits, a double and a single. Also contributing for the Lady Knights was Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI), Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) and Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) who each added a single each to the Lady Knights attack.

On the mound for the Lady Knights Courtney St. Germain pitched very well in the searing heat and against the potent Volunteers line-up allowing five runs limiting them to just seven hits over five innings with two strikeouts and Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) came into the game in the sixth inning shutting them down with a 1-2-3 inning registering a strikeout in the process.

Overall the Lady Knights played well but a couple of plays led to the Volunteer runs and with their bats pretty much silent that was not enough for them to win today.

The Lady Knights are off until Saturday March 29th when they will come home to play another very tough team in Northampton Community College out of Pennsylvania at 1pm and 3pm. The Lady Knights play all their home games at Winslow Field in Apponaug (Warwick) off route 113 past the Greenwood Bridge.

 

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CCRI Men's Tennis battles but falls to Gloucester County College of Sewell, NJ

CCRI traveled to Gloucester County College in Sewell, NJ for their first match of the year the Knights suffered their first defeat of the season six matches to three. The Knights players however went 3-3 on the day but due to having only four players the Knights had to default three matches.

Battle was the word for the day for the Knights. Coming out of the blocks quickly, taking both doubles matches, the CCRI Men's tennis players battled against the GCC Men in all singles positions. Positions 1-3 all went three sets with Nate York (Smithfield, RI) pulling out the second set in his match in a 9-7 tiebreak after saving two match points. Nate lost the third set running on empty after playing over two hours. The final score of the first singles match was 6-2, 6-7 (7-9), 6-4. Dan DeLuca (Warwick, RI) pulled out the sole singles victory in second singles for CCRI, also in a three-set thriller - 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Joe DeLuca (Warwick, RI) also battled three sets in his third singles match, finally succumbing in the third set 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. This match was Joe’s first match since his since his senior year in high school, over 6 years ago! Chris Izzo (Warwick, RI) rounded out the singles in a match that was much closer than the 6-0, 6-3 score would look. Singles looked promising at times, however, would end up with a split of the matches played 3-3. Adding in the defaults means CCRI lost 6-3 - but still put in a great show.

The Knights are back in action today as they face Hartford CC at 3:30.

 

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Amanda Kelly Sets School Record in Weight Throw

CCRI Knights and Lady Knights track teams competed this weekend in the NJCAA National Indoor Track and Field Championship. The Knights were represented by Sophomore James Sylvestre(Lincoln, RI) while the Lady Knights were represented by Amanda Kelly(Cumberland, RI). James competed in the 5K and finished 21st with a time of 16:23.52. Amanda Kelly placed 4th in the Women’s weight throw with a throw of 51-00.25 meters. This throw by Kelly is a new school record.

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Day Two in Disney Much Better for the Lady Knights!

#14 Ranked Lady Knights Rally to Win Slugfest with #20 ranked Delaware Tech 11-10 in Eight Innings!

The CCRI Lady Knights softball team recorded their first victory of the year in dramatic fashion versus #20 ranked Roadrunners of Delaware Tech 11-10 in eight innings. With the victory the Lady Knights improve their record to 1-2 on the season.

The Lady Knights came out of the gate quickly against Delaware Tech as Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) who reached on a walk scored on a single from Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) followed by Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) who reached on an error and scored the next run on a single from Co-Captain Jenna Bassett (Warwick, RI). Delaware Tech led off the second with a solo Homerun from center fielder Bitty Hood and tacked on one more run before their at bat was over to tie the score at 2-2 the Lady Knights did not answer in their half of the inning.

In the third inning the Roadrunners got their first three batters on base as their shortstop Crystal Spencer plated two Roadrunners on a blistering shot to Jenna Bassett who came up with the ball but her throw to home hit the base runner allowing two runs to score and runners to advance to second and third, an unfortunate end to a very good attempt by Bassett. With no outs still Delaware Tech was able to plate three more runs before the inning was out giving them the 7-2 lead. But in the bottom of the third the Lady Knights chipped away at the Roadrunner lead as Johnston scored from second base after reaching via a walk after the Roadrunners could not complete a fielder’s choice at second base, Johnston’s hustle and heads-up base running allowed her to score all the way from second. She was followed home by Daina Lamb who scored on an RBI single from Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) cutting the Roadrunner lead to three runs 7-4 at the end of the third.

In the top of the fourth Delaware Tech scored an unearned run to push their lead back to four runs with the score 8-4. But the Lady Knights would not give-up as Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) reached on a walk and scored on a triple into the right-center gap by Lindsay Johnston just out of the reach of the long arms of the Roadrunner’s Bitty Hood, Johnston later scored Daina Lamb ripped a single down the left field line making the score 8-6 Delaware Tech. In the fifth St. Germain got out of trouble as Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) snuffed a Roadrunner rally with the bases loaded as she made an great unassisted double play on a line drive and spun to tag the retreating runner to first. Montella, who missed Sunday’s action with injury, was starting to heat up as she started the bottom of the fifth reaching on a walk stole second base, got to third on a wild pitch and scored when Alison Balzano reached on an error by the second baseman this cut the Roadrunner’s lead to just 8-8 as we head to the sixth inning. In the sixth St. Germain was electric registering a 1-2-3 inning and the Lady Knights could smell victory as Lindsay Johnston drew a lead-off with a walk and later scored on an RBI single to center field by Montella tying the score at 8-8. In the seventh inning neither team got a base runner so we go to extra innings.

In fast-pitch softball if you go to extra innings they convert to the “Championship Tie-breaker Rule” where each team starts with the last batted out at second base. Delaware Tech started with their lead-off batter in the order Lauren Witzke at second base Heather Frech led off with a single moving the runner to third and then on the first pitch stole second to put runners at second and third with no outs with their third batter coming to the plate. Roadrunner’s second baseman Kim Owens plated Witzke on a fielder’s choice to give them the 9-8 lead Frech scored on a fielder’s choice from Hood making the score 10-8 Roadrunners with one out. The Lady Knights delivered some damage control as Alison Balzano made a catch in center for the second out and then Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston made a dazzling play up the middle turned and fired to first to end the inning which pumped up her fellow Lady Knights. Johnston would start the bottom of the eighth at second for the Lady Knights with the tie-breaker Daina Lamb would lead-off with a single as the roadrunners tried to cut down Johnston at third but she reached on a great hook slide, Kristie Frydryk (Palmer, MA) would pinch run for Lamb. The Lady Knights had runners at first and third no outs with Jenna Bassett at the plate she smoked a ball up the middle that was snatched by relief pitcher Mindi Wheatley whom threw to first for the first out but the Lady Knights had runners on second and third with one out. Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) struck out, bringing the Lady Knights to their final out. Courtney St. Germain who was pitching great had a chance to help her own cause and she delivered with an RBI single scoring Johnston and cutting the Roadrunner lead to 10-9, Alyssa Raymond (Warwick, RI) would pinch run representing the go-ahead run for the Lady Knights. The pressure was squarely on the shoulders of Caitlin Montella who quickly got behind in the count 0-2, but she drove the next pitch into right field scoring both Frydryk and Raymond with the dramatic walk-ff single as the Lady Knights bench exploded onto the field in jubilation. The Lady Knights win 11-10!

At the plate for the Lady Knights Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) led the way gong 4-4 with four singles a sacrifice, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base, followed by the game’s hero Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) who went 2-4 with three RBI including the game winner and run scored and Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) added a 2-5 day with two singles and two RBI. Also helping the cause was Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) who played great in the field and added an RBI triple, five runs scored, two walks and a stolen base. In addition, Co-Captain Jenna Bassett (Warwick, RI), Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI), Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI), and Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) each added a hit to the Lady Knights’ 13-hit attack.

On the mound for the Lady Knights Alyssa Gering started off okay but ran into big trouble from the powerful Delaware Tech bats in the third and was relieved by Courtney St. Germain who was definitely feeling it as she neutralized their hot bats throwing 6-2/3 innings of great relief striking out one and walking one but allowing just four hits and two earned runs.

#14 Ranked Lady Knights Have Rough First Day

#14 Ranked Lady Knights fall to Simmons College 6-1 in season opener

The CCRI Lady Knights were scheduled to play Delaware Tech. but were still snowed in and did not make it to Florida until late Sunday night so they played Simmons a four year school in their first game. The Lady Knights fell 6-1 to the Sharks from Simmons College 6-1 and start the season 0-1.

Being the first time that the Lady Knights had played outdoors this season they had a tough time getting into a rhythm offensively and defensively. In addition, the Lady Knights were battling a couple key injuries which made them shuffle their line-up.

The Lady Knights had a rough day in the field committing five errors in their first game which helped the Sharks build a lead that the Lady Knights could not overcome. In the second inning Simmons had runner son first and third and belted a shot to Co- Captain Jenna Bassett (Warwick, RI) who fired to Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) who blocked the plate and made the tag cutting down the Sharks runner at the plate, but Sharks pitcher Leah Derderian helped her own cause singling ball to left that scooted under the glove of the charging Alyssa Raymond (Warwick, RI) trying to make an aggressive play allowing a second run to score making the score 2-0, but the Lady Knights were able to stop the bleeding with put outs by pitcher Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) and Bassett. A couple of errors in the third inning allowed Simmons to score two more runs making the score 4-0 and the Lady Knights after three innings and the Lady Knights still were not able to muster a hit. In the fourth St. Germain registered two strikeouts stopping the Sharks’ momentum and shifting it to the Lady Knights

In the fifth inning the Lady Knights got the first hit of the season, a two out double from Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) unfortunately she was left stranded. In the sixth inning the Lady Knights scored their first run as Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) led off the inning with a single then Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) made a beautiful bunt that advanced her to third base and she later scored when another Co-Captain Jenna Bassett singled up the middle scoring Johnston giving the Lady Knights their only run making the score 4-1. The Lady Knights had a good fifth inning in the field, but in the sixth the Lady Knights started tough with a diving catch from Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) but three errors followed as the Lady Knights surrendered two more runs making the score 6-1. In the top of the seventh the Lady Knights got two runners on with just one out but could not get another run losing by a final of 6-1.

At the plate for the Lady Knights Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) led the way with two hits including a double and a single. Co-Captain Jenna Bassett (Warwick, RI) added a single and the lone Lady Knight RBI, Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) contributed a single and a stolen base. Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) and Alyssa Raymond (Warwick, RI) each added a single.

On the mound for the Lady Knights Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) pitched very well bringing the heat for six solid innings allowing six hits and just three earned runs striking out four with two walks but her defense let her down committing five errors which was too much to overcome.

The Lady Knights will face top 25 Powerhouse Burlington County College in the second game of their doubleheader.

The #14 Ranked Lady Knights Falter as Burlington Rallies for 6-4 Six-inning Victory

Once again the Lady Knights found themselves in a tough situation, playing a top 25 team in the Barons of Burlington County College. Not only that, but BCC was late getting to the field in a scheduling error forcing the Lady Knights to wait about an hour before they could start their game. With the late start the game would start at 6:30 (rather than 5:30) and would have an 8:00 time-limit with the Lady Knights having a quick turnaround playing an 8:30 am game on Monday.

The Lady Knights took this time to look at the positives from their first game and come out with renewed vigor. The Lady Knights started of hot as starting pitcher Kristie Frydryk (Palmer, MA) struck out two in a scoreless first inning. Offensively the Lady Knights were ready as well as Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) scored on a single from Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) making the score 1-0 for the Lady Knights Johnston later scored on a single from Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) giving the Lady Knights the 2-0 lead the Lady Knights looked to add to that lead with runners on first and third but a blistering line drive from Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) was snagged by Barons pitcher Nina Haines snuffing out the Lady Knights’ rally, that play seemed to give the Barons some momentum. Burlington used that momentum in the top of the second with a two-out rally capped by a two RBI double by Jessie Quatrone that tied the score at 2-2.

The Lady Knights’ offense heated-up again in the fourth led off by Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) who started the inning with a single then stole second St. Germain walked putting runners at first and second when Frydryk helped her own cause with a great bunt loading the bases Mangione later scored on a fielder’s choice by Angela Kue (Providence, RI), St. Germain followed by scoring on a fielder’s choice by Alison Balzano (Warwick, RI) giving the Lady Knights the 4-2 lead. The Lady Knights got out of trouble in the fifth inning with Barons runners on first and second after two back-to back nice catches from Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) in left field and Balzano in center to end the inning.

As the fifth inning ended the game had to get moved to another field within the complex as the lights at the field they were playing on were malfunctioning. The move seemed to zap the Lady Knights momentum. In the sixth inning the Lady Knights got the first out but then proceeded to commit three errors during the inning leading to four Burlington runs giving them the 6-4 lead in the middle of the sixth. This left the lady Knights with just one at bat left because they were up against the time limit but because they were the home team would finish the inning. Unfortunately tonight was not their night as they went down 1-2-3 in the sixth losing by a final score of 6-4.

At the plate for the Lady Knights Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) led the way with a single and a double with an RBI followed by Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) who reached base twice including a single with a stolen base. Co-Captain Lindsay Johnston (Pawtucket, RI) added a single as did pitcher Kristie Frydryk (Palmer, MA)

On the mound Frydryk pitched well enough to win throwing 5-2/3 strong innings allowing seven hits with four strikeouts with two walks while Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) recorded the final out for the Lady Knights. However, once again the Lady Knights’ defense let them down committing five errors.

 

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Knights Open Season against 14th Ranked National Power Lenoir 1-2

Saturday Game 1 – Lenoir 10 CCRI 4

The CCRI Knights open their season verses Lenoir and suffered defeat 10-4. The Knights Warren Sternberg (North Kingston, RI) suffered the loss as he pitched five innings giving up three runs. The Knights offensive gave them a chance to compete as they hit two home runs. Kyle Borden (Lincoln, RI) first hit of his college carrier was a two run home run. George Tager (North Providence, RI) hit the other home run and drove in a RBI. The Knights struggled defensively as they committed four errors which led to eight unearned runs.

Saturday Game 2 – Lenoir 8 CCRI 7

In game two on Saturday the Knights suffered a heartbreaking loss as they had a 7-4 lead entering the 7th inning suffered defeat 8-7. The Knights got a great pitching performance from Freshmen Ben Hanson (Fiskville, RI) who pitched 5 1/3 innings giving up four runs on four hits. The Knights bullpen was unable to hold the lead as Colin McMaster (Elma, WA) and John Amore (Johnston, RI) came in and gave up four runs in the last inning. Offensively the Knights had exploded as they busted out for 11 hits and seven runs. Offensively the Knights were led by Luke Abraham (Cumberland, RI) who went 3-4 with 2 RBI’s and a run scored. Also contributing were Jarrod Parrott (Keene, NH) who went 2-4 and Nick Simon (Pawtucket, RI) who went 1-3 both players had and RBI.

Sunday Game 3 – CCRI 10 Lenoir 6

In the third game of the series the Knights were able to get their first win of the season. The Knights dropped down 4-0 before rallying back to win 10-6. The Knights started Freshmen Bobby Swann (Cumberland, RI) who pitched three innings giving up four runs. The Knights bats then woke up led by Gregg Joseph (North Attleboro, MA) who went 1-4 with a HR and two RBI’s. Also with two RBI’s was Luke Abraham who also went 1-4. Victor Baez was able to pick up the first win for the Knights as he went four innings giving up just two hits and two runs.

Upcoming Games

The Knights are back in action as they fly to Florida for a continuation of their southern road swing. The Knights will be participating in the Disney Invitational when they play two games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

 

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16th Ranked Lady Knights roll to 5th straight National Tournament over 15th Ranked Union Country College 80-64

One month ago to the day the Lady Knights suffered their last loss to Union County College 82-79. That loss was the Lady Knights only loss in their last 15 games. On Saturday night the Lady Knights avenged that loss by defeating the Lady Owls in the Northeast District Championship 80-64. With the win the Lady Knights have won their 5th straight Northeast District championship and will advance to the National Tournament for the 5th consecutive season. With the win the Lady Knights improve their winning streak to eight games and improve their record to 25-6 on the season.

The Lady Knights were flying high out of the gate as they scored the games first eight points led by sophomore Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) who had six of the first eight points for the Lady Knights. The Lady Owls quickly called a time out to settle their players down and they responded by scoring eight of the games next 12 points cutting the Lady Knights lead to 12-8. But that would be as close as the Lady Owls would get all game. The combination of Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) and Denise Scott pushed the Lady Knights led back up to double digits. Rachel Murray finished the first half with 10 points while Scott finished the half with 11. A LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) steal and lay in with 10 seconds to go in the half gave the Lady Knights their largest led 43-23.

The Lady Owls gave CCRI a little bit of a scare coming out of the second half as they scored the halves first eight points cutting the Lady Knights led to 12. But that would be as close as they would get the rest of the game. The Lady Knights got back to back baskets from Rachel Murray a pushed its led back up to 16. The Lady Knights would get its largest led of the game when Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) buried a three pointer from the top of the key to give the Lady Knights a 21 point led with four minutes remaining in the game. From that point the Lady Knights cruised to an 80-64 victory.

The Lady Knights were led by two freshmen on Saturday night. Rachel Murray had a game high 20 points and 14 rebounds while Taylor Simmons finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Denise Scott also finished with 14 points and four steals. The Lady Knights also got great contributions off of its bench as LaSheena Boyd finished the game with seven points, five assists, and five rebounds while Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) also came off the bench and had seven points and six rebounds, five offensive. Lady Knights starting point guard Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) had her second game in a row were she had 10 assists.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after Saturday nights win, "Our ladies deserve every ounce of credit in securing this win and the program's fifth straight national tournament appearance. Going on the road and handily defeating a quality Union team took an impressive level of focus and an intense defensive effort. Our players are truly coming together as a team, thriving in their roles, and trusting each other on both ends of the court at just the right time. We look forward to representing CCRI in a responsible and positive manner on a national level as we head to the National Tournament."

The Lady Knights will now head to Peoria, IL to compete in there 5th straight National Tournament. The Lady Knights will not know who they will play until Wednesday night. The tournament starts on Wednesday March 19th and runs through March 22nd.

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Knights Season Ends in Essex with 95-85 loss in District Championship

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball season has come to a halt with a disappointing 95-85 loss to the Wolverines of Essex County College in the Northeast District Championship game. With the loss the Knights end with a 21-12 record on the season. With the victory Essex improves to16-14 and moves onto the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, Illinois.

Though the Knights trailed at halftime to Essex 35-29, they came back to tie the game and even took a two point lead with about 14 minutes to play, but the Knights committed back-to-back turnovers that led to the Wolverines regaining the lead. From there Essex went on a big run to go up by as many as 12 points. The Knights battled back to cut the lead to four points, on two occasions, but just could not get over the hump as Essex went on to win by a final score of 95-85.

Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) led the Knights charting his sixth double-double of the year scoring 22 points with a perfect 8-8 shooting from the floor and 10 assists followed by Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 16 points with four assists, one steal and a block. Also having a big game for the Knights was Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) who scored 15 points with four rebounds and one steal and sharpshooter Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) added 17 points, including five 3-pointers with one assist. The Wolverines’ John Pringle led all scorers with 27 points.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game: "The loss to Essex County Saturday night was a very tough pill to swallow. We could taste a visit to Danville, Illinois but we knew Essex would be a very difficult out. We played hard and together from beginning to end but on this particular night Essex County especially on their own court were not going to be denied. The loss is also difficult to take as it means I will no longer coach our five sophomores. They and the rest of the team were a pleasure to be around since October 1st. It has been a great team to watch them grow as a team and we all would have loved to see them perform on the big stage in Danville at the National Tournament. Unfortunately every team except the eventual National Champion loses the last game of the year. This takes nothing away from our team as they were a great group of guys to coach and had a super season. They won 21 games, the Region XXI Championship and leave behind many great memories. They have continued to set the bar high for future Knights teams."

 

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CCRI Knights Tennis Starts Season with Tough Road Trip Playing Three Top Ten Teams

The CCRI Knights men’s tennis team who finished 11th at the NJCAA Division III National tournament last year will begin their season on the road versus three top ten teams in their first six matches. The Knights team coached by John Panzica and assisted by Deb Panzica looks to continue to improve with their goal of winning the Region XXI Tournament and returning to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament at Collin County CC in Plano, TX May 11th to the 16th.

The Knights team consists of four players Sophomores Dan DeLuca and older brother Joe DeLuca from Warwick, RI along with Freshmen Christopher Izzo (Warwick, RI) and Nathan York (Greenville, RI). Dan DeLuca is the only returning Knights player who will be joined this year by his older brother Joe who is attending CCRI to finish his degree in Finance from his four years at Bentley College. Joe played hockey while at Bentley but still has eligibility in Tennis so he was happy to join his brother Dan here on the CCRI Knights squad.

The Knights will begin their road trip by traveling to play Gloucester County College in New Jersey on Tuesday the 11th at 3:30pm a team who finished fourth at the 2007 Nationals. From there the Knights will travel Bel Air, Maryland to play Harford at 3:30pm Wednesday at team that finished fifth at the 2007 NJCAA Nationals. On Thursday they will have two matches first they will travel to Rockville, Maryland to play Montgomery-Rockville at 11am then travel north play Gloucester CC again at 3:30pm. The Knights will then travel back to Bel Air, MD to play Harford at 3:30pm Friday. The Knights will finish their road trip on Saturday when they will travel to Suffolk County CC to play Suffolk County College at 3:30pm a team that finished sixth at the 2007 Nationals.

In all the Knights will play five matches against teams ranked in the top six in their first six matches. It will be a tough task but one that the Knights will look forward to.

 

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#14 ranked CCRI Lady Knights Women’s Softball Schedule Change for Disney Trip

The #14 ranked CCRI Lady Knights were originally scheduled to play Oakton CC out of Illinois on Monday for a doubleheader at 8:30am and 10:30am unfortunately Oakton has dropped out of Disney play. Instead the Lady Knights will face #20 ranked Delaware Tech at 8:30am for one game. This is one less game but a much tougher opponent. For an updated schedule please got to the Lady Knights softball page on the CCRI web site the link is provided below:

http://www.ccri.edu/athl/softball/schedule.shtml

 

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CCRI’s Kelley and Sylvestre Ready for Indoor Track Nationals This Weekend

The CCRI indoor track team will be sending two participants to the NJCAA National Tournament this Friday and Saturday March 7th and 8th at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. Freshman James Sylvestre (Lincoln, RI) will be competing in the 3,000m and 5,000m and Freshman Amanda Kelley (Cumberland, RI) will be competing in the shot put in the weight throw.

Sylvestre qualified for the Nationals in the 3,000m at the Yale Invitational January 12th running the 3,000m in a time of 8:55.85. From there James qualified for the 5,000m at the Wesleyan Invitational on January 26th while breaking the CCRI indoor track record running a time of 15:39.08 qualifying him for NJCAA Nationals in that event as well. James will be the #14 seed in the men’s 5,000 race.

Kelley qualified for the Nationals in the shot put with a throw of 11.73m at the Yale Invitational. Amanda will be the #10 seed in the shot put at the National Meet. Amanda also qualified in the weight throw with a toss of 14.33m at the same meet. Since posting her qualifying times Kelley has improved upon both her marks in the weight throw and shot put. At the USATF NE Championships on February 24th Amanda had her best throw of the season in the weight throw with a throw if 14.98m and at the Wesleyan meet on February 9th she had her best shot put performance throwing the shot 11.77m. Amanda will be the #4 seed in the weight throw and #10 seed in the shot put at the National Meet

Both James and Amanda have excellent chance to place well at the Nationals and seeing that they are both freshman they will look to lead their teams next year as well.

Good Luck Amanda and James!

 

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Lady Knights to Play Union County College at the County College of Morris Saturday, March 8th at 8:00pm

The Lady Knights will play for their fifth straight Northeast District Championship Saturday March 8th verses Union County College. The game will be played at the County College of Morris a neutral site in Randolph, NJ at 8:00pm. The two teams have had a history the past two years. Last season in the Northeast District game the Lady Knights rolled to an 86-64 victory to advance to the nationals. This season the two teams met at Union and Union got the best of the Lady Knights 82-79. The Lady Knights will look to get the upper hand again in this meeting with the winner moving on to play in the NJCAA Division II National Championship in East Peoria Illinois.

 

Knights to Face Essex County College in Newark NJ, Saturday March 8th at 6:00pm

The Knights have advanced to the Northeast District Championship where they will play Essex County College, from Newark New Jersey, who is the Region XIX Champion. Essex County College defeated Delaware Tech. 80-66 in the Region XIX Championship game at the County College of Morris (NJ) on Sunday. The Knights defeated Orange County CC 89-74 on Sunday as well. Essex County College will host the Knights next Saturday March 8th at 6:00pm.

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CCRI Baseball and Softball Gear-up for Season Openers in North Carolina and Florida

Though it is cold up hare in New England, the CCRI men’s baseball team and women’s fast-pitch softball team are gearing-up for their season openers in the warmer weather down south. The CCRI Knights baseball team will take two trips one to North Carolina to play Lenoir CC on March 8th and 9th and then they will come back to Rhode Island for two days only to leave on the 12th to travel to the Wide World of sports Complex in Disney World to take part in the Disney Invitational. The CCRI Lady Knights fast-pitch softball team will also be traveling to the wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World March 9th to the 13th where they will play three doubleheaders.

The CCRI Knights baseball team will travel to Wilson, North Carolina to play #14 ranked Lancers of Lenoir CC. On Saturday March 8th the Knights will play a doubleheader versus the Lancers at 1pm and 3pm. On Sunday they will play one more game at 11am before returning back to Rhode Island. The Knights will return and rest for a couple days and move onto their next trip to Disney world to play in the Disney Baseball Invitational March 13th to the 16th. On the 13th the Knights will face Ancilla College from Indiana for a doubleheader at 1pm and 3pm. On the 14th the Knights will face Transylvania College from Kentucky at 1pm then will play Delaware Tech. at 5:30pm. On Saturday the 15th the Knights will face Delgado CC from Louisiana for a doubleheader at 5:30pm and 8pm. The Knights will finish the invitational on Sunday versus against an opponent to be named later. For those who cannot be in Florida, you can still follow the Knights via on-line stream by logging onto the CCRI athletics site under baseball: http://www.ccri.edu/athl/baseball/schedule.shtml , when you get to the team site search for “rhode island knights” there is a small fee involved.

The CCRI Lady Knights women’s fast-pitch softball team will also travel to Disney World to play three doubleheaders. On Sunday March 9th the Lady Knights will face #20 ranked Delaware Tech. for a doubleheader at 3:30pm and 5:30pm. On Monday March 10th the Lady Knights will play a doubleheader against Oakton CC out of Illinois at8:30am and 10:30am. The Lady Knights will close out their Disney trip on Wednesday the 12th when they face Division I power John A. Logan for a doubleheader at 1pm and 3pm.

Both the baseball and fast-pitch softball teams will be starting their seasons playing top flight talent which should provide them with excellent competition and ready them for their return home where they will begin their Region XXI schedules.

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Lady Knights Crush Orange 87-54 for Fifth Straight Region XXI Title!

For the fifth straight year the CCRI Lady Knights Women’s basketball team will advance to the Northeast District Championship with their 87-54 victory over Orange County CC The Lady Knights record improves to 24-6 on the season while Orange County CC will finish the season 19-11.

The Lady Knights and Colts came out of the locker room on fire as the two teams exchanged baskets in the first four minutes of the game to make the score 11-9. However, after a Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) jump shot to make the score 13-9, the Lady Knights went on a 19-4 run over a four minute span. The run was capped off also by a Girard jump shot to make the score 31-13. Orange would stop the run as they scored the next two baskets to make the score 31-17 however it would not be enough as that would be as close as they would get the rest of the game. After Orange’s two baskets, the Lady Knights would go on a 16-0 over a five minute stretch to make the score 54-24. The Colts would then score the last five points of the half to make the score 54-29. The 54 points in a half were the most points that the Lady Knights scored in half all season long. There pervious high was 53 in the first half against UCONN Avery Point back on 31st of January.

Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) opened the second half with a 3-pointer to extend the Lady Knights’ lead to 57-29, but the Colts would try to make one more run at the Lady Knights. The Colts scored 14 of the games next 20 points to cut the lead to 63-43. It was not enough. The Lady Knights responded after a time out to go on a 12-0 run and extend its lead back to 32 points with just under six minutes remaining. From that point on the Lady Knights cruised to a comfortable 87-54 victory and their fifth straight Region XXI Championship.

The Lady Knights had all five starters in double figures and two that had double doubles. Freshmen point guard Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) recorded her first career double-double in college as she had 14 points on 6 of 8 shooting from the floor, and 10 assists which ties her career high which she set back on November 18th against Lackawanna College. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) charted her fifth double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Leading the Lady Knights in scoring was freshmen Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who finished the game with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Also in double figures for CCRI was Denise Scott (Yonkers, NY) who had 11 points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists and Jillian Lewis (Barrington, RI) added 10 points and six rebounds. The Lady Knights also got great play out of their other point guard LaSheena Boyd (Stratford, CT) as she scored eight points with four assists.

Head Coach Marcus Reilly said after the win, “Right from the opening tap, we came out aggressive and focused and that is the type of start we will need in all of our post-season games. We ran the floor with a high level of execution and were very aggressive defensively. I know our ladies are looking forward to a re-match with Union next week on the road but I was pleased to see them take care of business in convincing fashion today. We hope to carry this postseason start into next week’s Northeast Championship and hopefully into our fifth straight National Tournament appearance.”

The Lady Knights are back in action next Saturday March 8th verses Union County CC. The game will be played at the Country College of Morris a neutral site in Randolph, NJ. The two teams have had a history the past two years. Last season in the Northeast District game the Lady Knights rolled to an 86-64 victory to advance to the nationals. This season the two teams met at Union and Union got the best of the Lady Knights 82-79. A time for next Saturday’s game has yet to be determined.

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Four Knights Score in Double Figures to Win Fourth Straight Region XXI Championship

Pat Dame Becomes 11th Player in CCRI history to score 1,000 points!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team won their fourth straight Region XXI Championship as they defeated the Colts of Orange County CC 89-74. With the victory they improve their record to 21-11 on the season. The Knights will advance to the Northeast District Championship versus Essex County College, from Newark New Jersey, who is the Region XIX Champion. Essex County College defeated Delaware Tech. 80-66 in the Region XIX Championship game at the County College of Morris (NJ) on Sunday. Essex County College will host the Knights next Saturday March 8th the time is yet to be determined.

Right from the opening tip you could feel that something special was going to happen and it didn’t take long as with the second basket of the game Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) drove the length of the court and laid in a picture perfect finger roll making the score 4-0 CCRI and recording his 1,000th point as a CCRI Knight basketball player. Dame becomes the 11th player in CCRI history to accomplish this remarkable feat. The last Knight to do it was their all-time leading scorer Marvin Owens in 2006. Dame wasn’t the only Knight to start off hot as Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) joined Pat in scoring 10 of the Knights’ first 12 points capped by a Dame jumper to make the score 12-4 Knights at the 15:17mark of the first half. Orange County CC had a superstar of their own in Division I recruit (St. John’s) Stephan Bonneau who led the Colts charge back into the game scoring six of the Colts next eight points highlighted by a George Gervin-esque finger roll from the foul line on a fast break that lead to a three point play followed by a long 3-point jumper that tied the score at 12-12 at the 13:30 mark. The Knights would answer with a 3-pointer from sharp shooter Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) to take the lead back at 15-12. The Colts would answer back with an old fashioned three point play from 7’2” Center Riiny Ngot tying the score at 15 all with 12:22 left in the half. Knights’ Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) started to take over the game for the Knight s as he scored eight of the Knights’ next 12 points capped by a jumper giving the Knights the 27-26 lead with just 5:48 left in the half. Orange County would take the lead on another basket from Bonneau making the score 34-32 with just 3:22 left in the half. But the Knights would close the half with a 9-2 run capped by a long 3-pointer by Pat Dame and a turnaround jumper by Jake Grimes giving the Knights the 41-36 halftime lead.

In the second half the knights came out firing 3-pointers as they got two from Mike Noonan and one from Jake Grimes which helped the Knights extend their lead to 15 points with the score 55-40 with 15:59 left in the game. The Colts would chip their way back into the game in large part by the play of the high flying Bonneau who weaved to the basket and made a no-look spinning reverse lay-up while being fouled and sank the free-throw to complete the three point play to cut the Knights’ lead to seven points with the score 62-55 with just 10:41 left in the game. The Knights would answer with back-to-back baskets from Sam Jones (New London, CT) and a basket from Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) to extend their lead back to 13 points with 9:08 remaining. But Orange County would not go quietly as Bonneau would bang a 3-pointer followed by three free-throws to cut the lead back to eight with the score 64-72 with 5:50 left. Back-to-back baskets by Mike Noonan and Carl Lee would extend the Knights’ lead back to 12 points with the score 76-64 with 4:00 left. From there the Colts would put the Knights at the free-throw line and make them earn the victory from there and the Knights answered with the combination of Alex Diaz (Providence, RI), Mike Noonan, Carl Lee, Pat Dame and Jake Grimes going 13-18 from the line down the stretch while holding the Colts to just nine points to secure the 89-74 Knights’ victory.

Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) led the way for the Knights scoring 21 points with five rebounds with two assists, two steals and one blocked shot followed by sharp shooter Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) who also scored 21 points including five 3-pointerswith three rebounds and a steal. Also having an historic night was Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) who charted a double-double scoring 19 points with 10 assists including scoring his 1,000th point on his first basket. Also having a big night for the Knights was Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) who scored 14 points with eight rebounds, six assists, a steal and a blocked shot, Sam Jones (New London, CT) added six points and seven rebounds and Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) led the Knights with 10 rebounds. Orange County’s Stephan Bonneau led all scorers with an impressive 37 points in the loss.

Head Coach Rick Harris said after the game “Very happy with our team victory. It was a gutsy defensive performance by our guys holding the explosive Orange County CC team to just 74 points. We played physical but clean letting OCCC know nothing would come easy for them. Our players are a pleasure to coach as they have beautifully come together as a team. This Championship is a testament to their hard work and teamwork. As the players are fond of saying ‘what do you bring to the brotherhood?’ I and my staff feel fortunate to be coaching them.”

The Knights now advance to the Northeast District Championship next Saturday March 8th. They will travel to play at Essex County

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Dame’s Big Double-Double helps Knights Knock-off Bulldogs 98-82 to advance to Region XXI Championship

The CCRI Knights defeated the Bulldogs of Dean College in the first game of the Region XXI semi-finals 98-82. With the victory the Knights will advance to the Division II Region XXI Championship game where they will meet Orange County CC Sunday at 2pm. Orange County CC defeated Massasoit CC 97-75 in the second semi-final game.

The Knights were out for revenge against their Region XXI rivals Dean College who had beaten them 80-79 on an Art Ellis buzzer-beater on February 20th. The Knights came out on fire as they scored the games first 11 points capped by a Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) 3-pointer making the score 11-0 at the 17.52 mark. The Bulldogs showed their toughness as they scored the next nine points on three 3-pointers, two of them by Wilson Pilarte making the score 11-9 by the 16:17 mark. The Knights would extend their lead to 14 points on a 3-pointer by Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) making the score 32-18 Knights. The Knights got a scare in the next minute as Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) who already had two fouls was whistled for a foul and double technical fouls were called on him and Dean’s JT Clay giving Diaz four fouls with seven minutes left in the first half. This was all the motivation that the Bulldogs would need to get back into the game as they would go on a 14-4 run over the next four minutes to cut the Knights’ lead to four points with the score 36-32 and just 3:17 left in the half. In fact, the Bulldogs went on to tie the score at 39-39 with just 37 seconds left in the half on a basket by Pilarte. The Knights’ Kris Wood (Central Falls, RI) would score another basket for the Knights with 27 seconds left and the Knights went into halftime with a slim 41-39 lead. In the first half the Knights were led by Co-Captain Pat Dame who scored 13 points, Co-Captain Jake Grimes who score 11 points and Dean transfer Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) who score nine points on three 3-pointers.

In the second half the Knights quickly built their lead back to nine points as they scored the half’s first seven points capped by a 3-pointer by Mike Noonan making the score 48-39 Knights. The Bulldog’s Jimmy Chaudry would cut the lead to six points on a long 3-pointer with a man in his face making the score 48-42 at the 15:48 mark. But the Knights had an answer for Chaudry as Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) would put a long range 3-point exhibition of his own sinking three 3-pointers over the next giving the Knights the 67-51 lead with just 8:08 left in the game. The Knights then expanded their lead to 20 points on a 3-pointer by Jake Grimes making the score 79-59 as Grimes threw his headband into the crowd in exhilaration with 4:25 left. Pat Dame would help the Knights keep their lead as he scored seven of the Knights’ last 19 points as they cruised to the 98-82 victory.

Co-Captain Pat Dame (Exeter, RI) showed why he was a Pre-Season First Team All-American as he led the Knights charting a double-double scoring a game-high 26 points with a game-high 10 assists. Dame now has 999 career points and will shoot to become the 11th player in Knights history to score 1,000 points in tomorrow’s Region XXI Championship game. Also having a huge night for the Knights was Co-Captain Jake Grimes (Pawtucket, RI) who scored 19 points with eight rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots. Adding to the Knights’ success was Dean transfer Mike Noonan (Westport, MA) who took no pity on his former school scoring 18 points with two assists and three steals, Co-Captain Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) rounded out the Knights coring in double figures scoring 12 points, eight in the second half, with six rebounds and two steals, and Jamal Johnson (Fall river, MA) added nine points on three3 -pointers.

The Knights will Face Orange County CC at 2pm on Sunday in the Region XXI Division II Championship Game immediately following the Lady Knights that will also face Orange County CC at noon at the Vincent A. Cullen Field hou