March 2009- Newswire - Athletics

March 2009

With eight sophomores back and a red shirt freshmen the Lady Knights were expecting to do big things this season. Mission accomplished! The Lady Knights posted a 23-8 recorded and made their sixth straight appearance to the National Tournament and its third straight to the “Elite Eight.”

The District Championship game brought quite the obstacle for coach for the Lady Knights as they would play Union County College. Union came into the game 28-0 and ranked 5th in the country and had already beaten the Lady Knights in Warwick by 13 on January 18th. The game between the two teams was a battle. Both teams being sophomore laden and having played each other three times in past year were very familiar with each other. The game was close throughout the first 30 minutes until Union started to pull away with a 10 point lead. However the Lady Knights did not want their season to end. Led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) 27 points the Lady Knights rallied all the way back and took the lead back 65-63 with 1.7 seconds. Union last shoot attempt came up well short and the Lady Knights were headed back to Nationals.

At Nationals the Lady Knights were the seeded 9th in the tournament and would face Allegany College of Maryland who was also 28-0. Having herd how great of a 28-0 team Allegany was they Lady Knights want to show everyone how good they were. The Lady Knights jumped out on Allegany early and never looked back. The Lady Knights took a 21 point lead into halftime and cruised to a 13 point victory. The Lady Knights season would come to end for the third straight year at the hands of Kirkwood Community College in the “Elite Eight.”

This year’s Lady Knight sophomores: Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT), Nicole Girard (foster, RI), Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI), Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT), Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI), Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) and Jackie and Rachel Murray (Glocester, MA) combined for an impressive 49-16 overall record in their two years including two Region XXI titles, two Northeast District Titles and two trips to the “Elite Eight” at the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

In addition, the Lady Knights had four players earn First Team All-Region XXI honors: for the second year in a row Taylor Simmons and Rachel Murray mad the team and Nicole Girard and Lauren Harrington earn All-Region XXI honors for the first time. In addition, Sharniece Williams was named to the All-Tournament Team at the NJCAA National Championship averaging 10.3 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Simmons finishes her career ranked No. 4 on the CCRI All-Time scoring list with 894 points and will go down as one of the best offensive players to ever step foot on the hardwood for the Lady Knights. In addition, Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) set the record for assists in a season with 174 shattering the record of 148 set by Jeanell Hughes in 2005 and career assists with 274 passing the record set by Jen Rado 251 from 2000-02.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle wins first-ever Tom Carmody Award as Cox Sports Television Basketball Media Women’s Coach of the Year!

In his first season at the helm of the CCRI Lady Knights Women’s Basketball team Head Coach Kevin Monagle had high expectations in taking over a team that had eight returning sophomores and had been to the National Tournament five years running. Coach Monagle and his ladies lived up to every expectation as they posted a 23-8 record and perfect 5-0 record in Region XXI play.
The Ladies Knights got off to a hot start at the beginning of the season winning their first six games by an average of 29 points. This would not always go so smoothly for the Lady Knights as they would drop three of there next five games heading into the semester break.

Coming back from break the Lady Knights took their annual trip down south to play three very tough Division I programs. For the first time in since 2004-2005 The Lady Knights their southern trip 2-1 beating both Palm Beach Community College and Broward College. The Lady Knights only loss down south was 57-53 to Miami Dade College. The Lady Knights came back up north and kept things rolling as they won 11 of their final 13 games including their last six which helped clinch the Region XXI crown for the Lady Knights.

The District Championship game brought quite the obstacle for coach Monagle and the Lady Knights as they would play undefeated 28-0 fifth ranked Union County College, and already beaten the Lady Knights in Warwick by 13 at the CCRI Invitational on January 18th. The Lady Knights made a tremendous comeback down 10 points with five minutes left the Lady Knights made the proper adjustments receiving a tremendous effort from Pre-season Second Team All-American Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) to hand Union County College its first loss of the season 65-63.

The Lady Knights returned to the Nationals for the sixth consecutive year where they were seeded 9th in the tournament and would face their second consecutive 28-0 team in Allegany College of Maryland. Whom they defeated handily by 13 points to advance to their fifth “Elite Eight” appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament. The Lady Knights run would come to an end when they lost to the two-time defending National Champions Kirkwood Community College who would go on to win their third consecutive NJCAA Division II National Title.

Knights frazzle Franklin Pierce JV in doubleheader 3-1 and 9-2 to improve to 8-4!

The CCRI Knights baseball team extended their win-streak to five game sin a row by defeating the Ravens of Franklin Pierce JV of Rindge, NH in both games of their doubleheader 3-1 and 9-2. With the two victories the Knights improve their record to 8-4 on the season.

Game 1
CCRI-3 Franklin Pierce JV-1
On the mound for the Knights Ben Hanson (Fiskeville, RI) was in full control throwing six very strong innings allowing just one earned run on three hits walking one and striking out three Raven batters to pick up his first victory of the year. Hanson Was relieved by Matt Thadeio (Trumbull, CT) who picked-up the save pitching a perfect seventh inning striking out one batter.

At the plate for the Knights Joe Correia (Burrillville, RI) led the way going 2-3 with two doubles followed by Co-Captain Joe Comella (Johnston, RI) who along with calling a great game behind the plate contributed at the plate going 1-1 with a double a run scored and an RBI. A great game all around for the Knights with a solid pitching performance from Hanson and Thadeio and timely hitting by Comella and Correia leads to their fourth victory in a row.

Game 2
CCRI-9 Franklin Pierce JV-2
Jim Dimon (Seymour, CT) dominated the Ravens batters in the second game of the doubleheader throwing a seven inning complete game (doubleheaders are seven innings single games are nine innings) allowing just two earned runs on three hits walking three and striking out 10 to pick up his first victory of the year.

At the plate for the Knights Matt Nassi (North Providence, RI) led the way going 3-4 with a double two runs scored and an RBI followed by Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) who was 1-3 with two RBI. Joe Correia Continued to swing a hot bat going 1-1 with a run score and an RBI followed by Dean Beshansky (Cumberland, RI) who was 1-3 with a triple and Ron Case (Seekonk, MA) was 1-2 with an RBI. Their offensive output was more than enough to support Dimon’s stellar pitching performance.

The Knights are back in action Monday the 30th when they will host Northern Essex at Fell Field located ion the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Knights make quick work of Quinsigamond winning 9-1 to improve to 3-0 in Region XXI!

The CCRI Knights baseball team defeated the chiefs of Quinsigamond CC from Worcester, MA 9-1 in eight innings by the mercy rule. With the victory the Knights improve to 6-4 on the season and 3-0 in Region XXI play.

The CCRI Knights received another great pitching performance and plenty of offense to charge past the Chiefs of Quinsigamond CC 9-1 to win their second game in a row by the mercy rule.

Cole Andrade (Seekonk, MA) pitched six strong innings allowing one earned run on five hits while striking out five batters to get his first victory of the year. Andrade was relieved by Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) who threw two scoreless innings on two hits with four strikeouts. Their excellent combined pitching effort was more than enough to secure the victory as the Knights exploded for 11 hits and nine runs.

Offensively for the Knights Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) kept swinging a hot bat going 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored followed by Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who was 2-4 with two runs scored. Also having a good day at the plate was Joe Correia (Burrillville, RI) who was 2-4 with a double and RBI and a run scored and Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) went 1-3 with a double and three RBI.

The Knights are off until Saturday when they will host Franklin Pierce JV at noon for a doubleheader at Fell Field located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

2009 Region XXI All Star Game Re-caps

First Annual Region XXI Women’s All-Star Game

Division II comes up Short to Division III All Star Team 68-64!

In the first ever Region XXI Women’s All-Star game the Region XXI Division III All-Stars beat the Region XXI Division II All-Stars 68-64 in a highly contested All-Star exhibition.

The first 10 minutes of the game was all Division III as they jumped out to a 22-9 lead. However, like any All-Star games defensive was not very prevalent and the Division II team would also make a run. With 5:50 to go in the first half the Division II team tied the game at 23 all. The Division II all stars would take their first lead of the game with 30 seconds remaining in the first half 30-29. However a lay-up by the Division III all star team with time running out in the first half gave them a 31-30 lead at half time.

The second half was a much better played half as each team started to learn how to play with one another and the game had pick up speed. Both teams would take a lead in the second half but neither team would take a lead larger then five points. That lead of five points was held by the Division III all stars with just over six minutes remaining in the game. The Division II all star team would battle back and tie the game on a Rachel Murray (CCRI) lay up and took a lead 64-62 Nicole Girard (CCRI) elbow jump shot. Willeen Capehart (Roxbury CC) used two free throws to tie the game up at 64 from there Shanika Hines (Manchester CC) sank the go ahead basket on a driving lay-up with 20 seconds left to give Division III the 66-64 lead Lauren Harrington (CCRI) tried to give Division II the lead back but her 3-point attempt rimmed-out forcing them to foul Division III made their free throws and won by the final score of 68-64.

The Division III All-stars finished with three players in double-figures led by Jasmine McNeil (Roxbury CC) who had 12 points, followed by her Roxbury teammate Willeen Capehart with 11 points and Ladrea Moss (Gateway CC) with10 points.

The Division II All-stars were led by Lauren Harrington (CCRI) who dropped a game-high 18 points; following Harrington was CCRI teammate Taylor Simmons (CCRI) who scored 17 points and Shelly Monahan (Dean College) who scored 15 points.

Second Annual Men’s Region XXI All-Star Game

Division III All-Stars Outscore Division II All-Stars 122-109
Lee Mitchell (CCRI) and Deshawn Gibbons (Mass Bay CC) earn MVP honors

For the second year in a row the Region XXI Division III All-Stars defeated the Region XXI Division II All-Stars. The score of this year’s contest was Division III-122 Division II-109.

The Division III All-Stars came out with a sense of purpose commanding a quick 10 point lead but the Division II All-Stars were belt to tie the score at 44 all with 3:44 left in the first half. The Division III all-stars would close the half with a 7-2 scoring run to take a 51-46 lead into halftime. In the first half Division III was led by Sergio Florence (Quinsigamond CC) who scored 13 points, Jeff Cannon (Roxbury CC) who scored 10 points, and Anthony Malhoit (UCAP) scored eight. For Division II they were led by Lee Mitchell (CCRI) who scored 11 points, Adalberto Bueno (CCRI who scored eight points, and Josh Hodge (Dean) scored seven first half points.

In the second half the shootout continued as Division III would continue to “shoot the lights out” led by Joe Ferazzi (Gateway CC) who sank a 3-pointer to give Division III a 60-51 lead. Ferazzi connected on a game-high five 3-pointers. As a team Division III connected on an astounding 19 3-pointers in the game. Not to be outdone the Division II All-Stars sank 11 3-pointers led by Adalberto Bueno (CCRI) who sank four 3-pointers. Division III kept their lead through the second half extending it to 12 points on a basket by Deshawn Gibbons (Mass Bay CC) making the score 92-80 with just 4:18 left in the game. Every time Division II would try to make a run the Division III All-Stars had an answer as they would win by the eventual winning score of 122-109.

Deshawn Gibbons of Mass Bay CC would earn MVP honors for the victorious Division III squad scoring 14 points including nine in the second half. Leading all Division III scorers was Joe Ferazzi (Gateway CC) who scored 17 points including five 3-pointers followed by Jeff Cannon (Roxbury CC) who scored 16 points, Sergio Florence (Quinsigamond CC) score 15 points, Dailon Wilson (BFIT) scored 11 points, and Anthony Siri (Northern Essex) added 10 points. Lee Mitchell (CCRI) earned MVP honors for the Division II team scoring a game-high 22 points, followed by Dave Storti (CCRI) who scored 18 points, Adalberto Bueno (CCRI) added 16 points including four 3-pointers, Josh Hodge (Dean) added 14 points and Anthony Baskerville (Dean) and Kellen Gonsalves (Dean) both scored 10 points.

Overall it was an excellent night that showcased the best basketball that Region XXI has to offer. With the large crowd filled with fans and coaches alike there was plenty for any basketball fan to enjoy. This was a Great way to end a spectacular Region XXI season.

Congratulations Region XXI All-Stars!

Knights manhandle Manchester CC 10-2 to improve to 5-4 and 2-0 in Region XXI!

The CCRI Knights men’s baseball team defeated the Cougars of Manchester CC of Manchester, CT 10-2 in eight innings by the mercy rule. With the victory the Knights improve to 5-4 on the season and 2-0 in Region XXI play.

The CCRI Knights baseball team playing in their second home game scattered 14 hits while getting tremendous pitching performances from AJ Rataic (East Hartford, CT) and Jim Dimon (Seymour, CT) to secure their second straight win in Region XXI play.

On the mound for the Knights AJ Rataic was dominant throwing seven strong innings allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts to notch his second victory of the year. Rataic was relived by Jim Dimon who threw one scoreless frame walking one and striking out the side.

At the plate for the Knights Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) led the way going 3-4 with three RBI and three runs scored capping off his day with a home run followed by Co-Captain Kyle Borden (Lincoln, RI) who was 2-4 with a double three RBI and two runs scored. Also having a big day at the plate for the Knights was Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) was 2-4 with two runs scored, Joe Correia (Burrillville, RI) was 2-3 with a triple, a double and a RBI, and Dean Beshansky (Cumberland, RI) was 2-4 with two runs scored. Rounding out the offensive attack for the Knights was Ralphie Colon (Bridgeport, CT) was 2-5 with an RBI and Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) went 1-4 with a double and an RBI.

After nine games the Knights have been led on the mound by Dave Krasnowiecki (Cranston, RI) who has pitched 12 innings with a 2-0 record, a 1.50 ERA and 17 strikeouts, AJ Rataic who has pitched 18 2/3 innings with a 2-0 record, a 2.41 ERA and leads the team with 18 strikeouts, and Jim Dimon has a 0.00ERA with 12 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched.

At the plate for the Knights after nine games Lou Tarantino has led the way with a .429 batting average with 12 hits including two doubles and two home runs with five RBI and 11 runs scored, followed by Corey McDonald who is batting .360 with nine hits including a home run with eight RBI and five runs scored. Also swinging the bat well for the Knights are Ralph Colon batting .320 with eight hits including a double and Co-Captain Kyle Borden is batting .304 with three doubles, seven RBI and 10 runs scored.

The Knights next game will be today Thursday the 26th when they will host Quinsigamond CC at 4pm at Fell field located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Knights beat Bunker Hill CC 8-3 to improve to 4-4 on the season and 1-0 in Region XXI!

The CCRI Knights men’s baseball team defeated the Bulldogs of Bunker Hill CC from Charleston, MA 8-3. With the victory the Knights improve their overall record to 4-4 and begin Region XXI play 1-0.

On the mound for the Knights Dave Krasnowiecki (Cranston, RI) picked-up his second victory of the year with an outstanding seven inning two-hit effort allowing just one earned run walking four and striking out a season-high 11 Bulldog batters. Krasnowiecki was relieved by Billy Laurie (Warwick, RI) who pitched one inning allowing two earned runs on one hits, three walks with one strikeout and Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) pitched a perfect ninth inning striking out two batters.

At the plate for the Knights Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) kept his power stroke smacking his second home run of the year. Also having a big day at the plate for the Knights was Stefan Wagner (Freemont, NH) who went 3-4 with a double, a triple with an RBI.

The Knights will host Manchester Community College Wednesday March 25th at 4pm at Whitey Fell Field located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick

Knights fall to Lake Sumter CC 11-1 in last game of Spring Training

The CCRI Knights men’s baseball team lost to the Lakers of Lake Sumter Community College from Leesburg Florida 11-1in their last game of Spring Training on Sunday the 22nd. With the loss the Knights fall to 3-4 on the season.

At the Plate for the Knights Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) led the way going 1-3 with a solo home run with one RBI, followed by Ralph Colon (Bridgeport, CT) who was 1-3 and Stefan Wagner (Freemont, NH) who was also 1-3.

On the mound for the Knights Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) had a rough outing lasting just 1 2/3 innings allowing eight earned runs on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout to take the loss. He was relieved by AJ Rataic (East Hartford, CT) who pitched 3 1/3 innings allowing three earned runs on three hits walking three and striking out three. Rataic was relived by Jim Dimon (Seymour, CT) who pitched two shutout innings allowing just one hit with two walks and three strikeouts. Ben Hanson (Fiskeville, RI) finished the game for the Knights with one scoreless inning.

The Knights return home to play Bunker Hill CC Tuesday the 24th at 4:00PM.

Lady Knights Season Ends to Rival Genesee CC 64-55

The CCRI Lady Knights eight sophomores who have accomplished so much in their two seasons saw their career come to end on Friday at the hands of rival Genesee Community College of Batavia, NY. Genesee CC beat the Lady Knights 64-55 in Friday’s game. With the loss the CCRI Lady Knights finish their season with a 23-8 record.

Playing their third game in three days the Lady Knights took the floor on Friday against Genesee Community College in the consolation bracket. The Lady Knights however did not have much energy left in the tank as they left everything they had out on the court the pervious two days. The Lady Knights fell behind early to the Lady Cougars which used six three pointers in the first half to take a 39-22 lead into the locker room.

The second half saw the Lady Knights fall behind by as many as 22 points however like they have all season the Lady Knights would not quit. The Lady Knights cut into Genesee 22 point lead and had it down to eight points with less than four minutes remaining. However it was a little too late as the Lady Knights had nothing left in the tank and fell to the Lady Cougars 64-55.

The Lady Knights were led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) 17 points in her final game as a Lady Knight. Simmons finished her career fourth on the CCRI All-time scoring list with 894 Career points just ahead of Jeanell Hughes and just behind Denise Scott. Posting Double-doubles were Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who scored 11 points and pulled 13 rebounds and Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who scored 10 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. This effort along with her Double-double in the first game of the tournament helped Sharniece Williams earn NJCAA National All-Tournament Team honors. Williams finished the tournament averaging 10.3 points and 12 rebounds per game in the Lady Knights three games.

In good news for the Lady Knights they finish their season with a record of 23-8, the third most wins in CCRI Lady Knights’ basketball history. The eight sophomores finish their career with a total recorded of 49-16 in their two seasons. Earning First Team All-Region XXI honors were Nicole Girard, Lauren Harrington, Rachel Murray, and Taylor Simmons. In addition, Rachel Murray, Nicole Girard, Taylor Simmons, Lauren Harrington and Sharniece Williams were selected to play in the Region XXI All-Star game, However Jackie Murray will replace Williams in the game with Williams is home following the passing of her grandfather. The game will be played in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House this Wednesday night at 6:00 PM

Knights Baseball spring Training Report

Knights Baseball goes 3-3 on Southern Swing!

The CCRI Knights baseball team travelled to Florida for their Spring Training Trip to play six games in preparation for their upcoming season. On their trip the Knights went 3-3 defeating: Dutchess CC, losing to Polk CC, beating Schenectady CC twice, and losing to Genesee CC twice.

Game 1 March 18th
CCRI-7 Dutchess CC-1 (Win)
The Knights were able to beat Dutchess CC 7-1 to start the season off 1-0. On the mound for the Knights AJ Rataic (East Hartford, CT) pitched eight strong innings of one-run ball allowing just three hits, walking one and striking out 10 Dutchess batters he was relieved by Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) who pitched a scoreless frame striking out two batters.

At the plate for the Knights Co-Captain Kyle Borden (Lincoln, RI) stroked three doubles driving in three runs and adding a run scored followed by Mike Mahoney (Warwick, RI) who went 2-4 with three runs scored, and Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) who went 2-3 with an RBI.

Game 2 March 19th
CCRI-2 Polk CC-3 (Loss)
The Knights fell to Division I power Polk Community College 3-2 and with the loss the Knights fall to 1-1 on the season. On the mound for the Knights Jim Dimon (Seymour, CT) threw seven strong innings allowing just one earned run walking three and striking out six batters but took the hard luck loss. He was relieved by Colin McMaster (Narragansett, RI) who threw one inning allowing two runs, one earned, walking one and striking out one.

At the plate for the Knights Ralph Colon (Bridgeport, CT) was 2-5, Stefan Wagner (Freemont, NH) was 1-3, and Dan Lovejoy (Cranston, RI) was also 1-3. Also helping out offensively were Joe Correia (Burrillville, RI) and Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) were both 1-4 while Colt McCutcheon (St. Augustine, FL) and Co-Captain Kyle Borden (Lincoln, RI) added an RBI each.

Games 3 & 4 March 20th
CCRI-15 Schenectady CC-1 (Win)
CCRI-5 Schenectady CC-3 (Win)
Game 3
On the mound for the Knights Dave Krasnowiecki (Cranston, RI) picked op the victory throwing five strong innings allowing just one run on six hits, walking one and striking out six batters. The game ended in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule.

At the plate for the Knights Stefan Wagner (Fremont, NH) exploded for two homeruns with four RBI and two runs scored followed by Ralph Colon (Bridgeport, CT) who was 2-4 with a double and two runs scored, Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) was 1-2 with a run, an RBI, a walk and two sacrifices, and Mike Mahoney (Warwick, RI) made the ultimate sacrifice being hit by pitches THREE times, with a walk and two runs scored.

Game 4
Three Knights pitchers combined to get the win in the second game of the doubleheader: Ben Hanson (Fiskeville, RI) threw 3 1/3 innings allowing two earned runs on four hits, with three walks and three strikeouts; Billy Laurie (Warwick, RI) pitched 2 2/3 innings allowing just one run on three hits striking out eight batters to pick up the win, and Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) picked-up the save throwing one inning allowing no hits and a walk.

At the Plate for the Knights Colt McCutcheon (St. Augustine, FL) did it all going 2-3 with a triple an RBI and a run scored to help secure the victory.

Games 5 & 6
CCRI-7 Genesee CC-8 (Loss)
CCRI-10 Genesee CC-14 (Loss)
Game 5
On the mound for the Knights Cole Andrade (Seekonk, MA) threw five solid innings allowing just two runs, one earned, walking one and striking out five batters he was followed by Matt Thadeio (West Greenwich, RI) was not able to record an out and allowed four earned runs on four hits to take the loss, he was relieved by Colt McCutcheon (St. Augustine, FL) who threw two innings allowing two earned runs on three hits walking four batters with one strikeout.

At the plate for the Knights Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) was 2-3 with two runs scored, Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) was 2-4 with a run scored and two RBI, Mike Mahoney (Warwick, RI) was 1-3 with a homerun and two RBI and Tom Bush (Scituate, RI) was 2-3.

Game 6
On the mound for the Knights Paul Tangherlini (Lincoln, RI) pitched four innings allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits with two walks to take the loss followed by Colin McMaster (Narragansett, RI) who did not record an out but allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk, and Corey McDonald (Hudson, MA) also pitched three innings allowing two earned runs on five hits walking two and striking out three.

At the plate for the Knights Dean Beshansky (Cumberland, RI) was 2-4 with two runs scored he was followed by Co-Captain Kyle Borden (Lincoln, RI) who went 2-3 with two runs scored. Also having a big day at the plate was Mike Mahoney (Warwick, RI) going 1-2 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored and Lou Tarantino (Trumbull, CT) went 2-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

The Knights are back in action at home Tuesday the 24th when they will host Bunker Hill Community College at 4:00PM at Fell Field located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Knights Men’s Tennis Defeats Montgomery-Rockville to improve to 2-2!

CCRI traveled to Rockville, MD to take on the Montgomery College-Rockville (MCR) in the Knights final match of the 2009 Spring Break trip with a full complement of players available to play. The Knights were able pull off the 6-3 victory and even their season record to 2-2 on the season.

CCRI, looking to even their season record at 2-2, faced off against last year’s National runner-up, a tall task indeed. Doubles started the day with Knights’ sophomore Alex Cavanagh (Middletown, RI) and returning sophomore Nathan York (Smithfield, RI) in first doubles facing Farid Vatan and Henry Gjoni; freshman Michael Wilbur (Scituate, RI) and freshman Daniel Rivard (Scituate, RI) in second doubles facing Nelson Chen and Kevin Hsu; and returning sophomore Christopher Izzo (Warwick, RI) and freshman Ryan Lavoie (Coventry, RI) in third doubles actually received a default as one of the Rockville players arrived late after flying back in to town that afternoon from a family trip. Cavanagh and York cruised to an 8-2 result. Wilbur and Rivard also cruised, to an identical score of 8-2. Izzo and Lavoie recorded the 1-0 default.

The Knights needed just two of the six singles positions to carry the match. Rockville however showed their mettle early, taking a lead in 5 of the 6 matches. Alex Cavanagh faced off against Neal Shenk, who arrived late to the match, but in time for first singles, jumped out to an early break and never looked back and cruised to an easy 6-1, 6-2 victory. Nate York faced 2008 All-American Farid Vatan in second singles and took the match the distance for three thrilling sets, before finally succumbing 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Mike Wilbur took the court against Albanian Henry Gjoni in third singles and responded with his first singles win of the 2009 campaign 7-5, 6-4. Dan Rivard, still looking for his first singles win of the year, was thwarted by Kevin Hsu in fourth singles, dropping the match 6-2, 6-1. James Lachance took to the court in fifth singles, against Nick Dunstan and battled to a 6-4, 7-5 loss. Chris Izzo took the court in sixth singles looking to continue his winning form against Nelson Chen and defeated him easily 6-2, 6-0.

The match against last year’s No. 2’s place Knights from Montgomery Rockville against Knights from CCRI and was not without its drama or its controversy. In an early-season match-up with both schools finishing their spring break, some of the conditions were not necessarily ideal for tennis. Taking the courts with a balmy 40° and a whipping wind, both teams showed some errors that we will not see at the end of the season if they both make it to Nationals. There was also the fact the No. 6 singles Nelson Chen for MRC didn’t really know how to keep score, so CCRI’s Chris Izzo had to keep correcting him and telling him what to court to play from. For all that, Chen showed some decent shot-making ability and Izzo did well to keep his focus and defeat the less-experienced Chen 6-0, 6-2. Second singles was the match of the day, going three sets, with a lines-person called to the court late in the first set, score corrections, score reversals and more. Neither competitor backed down at all, showing they were truly deserving of the moniker “Knights”, battling to the finish. All-in-all it was a fair match that either competitor could have won and neither one deserved to lose but Farid Vatan Defeated Nate York 7-5, 4-6, and 6-3.

Head Coach John Panzica said after the match: “This was a terrific win to even our record going in to the remainder of our season. Four great matches that could have had the Knights coming out 3-1 could have easily been 0-4, but the result has put us on track for the next few weeks and our more northern campaigns. The guys showed that they could battle the elements as well as our opponents. We look forward to our next match against perennially strong Suffolk Community College of Selden, NY (Long Island).”

The Knights next match will be Friday April 3rd when they will travel to play Suffolk County Community College at 3:30pm.

Go Knights!

Knights Men’s Tennis Team gets their first win of the season in rematch with Harford CC!

The CCRI Knights Men’s Tennis Team traveled to Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD with a full complement of players available to play. The Knights defeated the Owls of Harford CC 7-2 in the match to improve their record to 1-2 on the season.

In a rematch of the Monday contest which saw a travel-weary team succumb to the Owls 6-3, the Knights looked to rebound, and rebound they did! Doubles started the day with CCRI’s sophomore Alex Cavanagh (Middletown, RI) and returning sophomore Nate York (Smithfield, RI) in first doubles facing Josh Meier and Josh Hicks, freshman Michael Wilbur (Scituate, RI) and freshman Daniel Rivard (Scituate, RI) in second doubles facing Josh Hays and Chris Blackwell and returning sophomore Christopher Izzo (Warwick, RI) and freshman James Lachance (Cranston, RI) in third doubles facing Ben Wade and Steve Heagy. Cavanagh and York jumped out to a 7-0 lead before dropping two games and finally closing it out 8-2. Wilbur and Rivard also jumped out to an early lead, this one of 7-3, before also allowing 2 more games before closing it out, 8-5. Izzo and Lachance had the most competitive match of the day, clinching their 3rd doubles contest 9-7.

To say that the Knights would hopefully carry that momentum into singles was an understatement! Riding the wave of success in the doubles matches, the singles player went on to capture 4 of the 6 singles positions. Alex Cavanagh faced off against Josh Hicks in first singles, jumped out to an early break and never looked back and cruised to an easy 6-1, 6-2 victory. Nate York faced Josh Hays in second singles and handled him easily, 6-2, 6-1. Mike Wilbur took the court against Harford’s third Josh (Meier) and dropped that contest 6-2, 6-3. Dan Rivard faced Chris Blackwell in fourth singles, dropping the match 6-1, 6-1. James Lachance took to the court in fifth singles, against Harford’s Steve Heagy (with their Monday match still undecided) and raced to a 6-1 first set, finishing off Heagy this time, 6-4 in the second. Chris Izzo took the court in sixth singles against Ben Wade who had beaten Mazon Dickerson in a challenge match Tuesday. Izzo defeated Wade 7-5, 6-3. Ryan Lavoie rounded out the CCRI singles day in a seven-singles contest against Dickerson and fell 7-6 (6), 6-1. Lachance and Heagy then completed their Monday match with the Owl taking two straight games to finish 6-3, 6-4.

The rematch was successful! Facing the Owls from Harford Community College for the second time in three days, the CCRI Knights more than reversed the 6-3 score, coming out on top 7-2 this time. Starting with the three doubles match victories and riding that momentum through 4 of the 6 singles contests, the Knights were able to get on the winning track. Hopefully we can carry this momentum through the rest of our Southern swing – back to Gloucester on Thursday and then through Montgomery-Rockville on Friday.

Head Coach John Panzica commented after their first victory of the year “This was a great bounce-back win against a very good team on their home courts. We will look to carry this momentum forward through the rest of this trip as well as through the rest of the season.

The Knights had their re-match with Gloucester CC on Thursday rained-out but will return to action Friday when they will travel to play Montgomery College of Rockville, Maryland.

CCRI Men’s Tennis Team falls to Gloucester CC

CCRI traveled to Gloucester County College (GCC) in Sewell, NJ with a full complement of players available to play. The Knights lost the match 8-1, with the loss they fall to 0-2 on the season.

Doubles started the day with CCRI’s sophomore Alex Cavanagh (Middletown, RI) and returning sophomore Nathan York (Smithfield, RI) in first doubles facing Gloucester’s Steve Suboleski and Taylor Devlin, freshman Michael Wilbur (Scituate, RI) and freshman Daniel Rivard (Scituate, RI) in second doubles facing Dave Reich and Lo Thuan, and returning sophomore Christopher Izzo (Warwick, RI) and freshman James Lachance (Cranston, RI) in third doubles facing Nick Shepherd and Greg Hoffman. Cavanagh and York pulled out their match in a tiebreak, after trading breaks of serves with the two Josh’s, winning the pro-set 9-8 with a 7-4 tiebreak score. Wilbur and Rivard dropped their second doubles contest 8-1. Izzo and Lachance also dropped their third doubles contest 8-2 in a match that neither Izzo nor Lachance could seem to get anything going in.

Singles was even less successful as the CCRI Men dropped all six positions to the Gloucester County College Roadrunners. Nate York faced off against southpaw Steve Suboleski in first singles, and never got anything going, dropping the contest 6-0, 6-1. Alex Cavanagh faced Dave Reich in second singles and pushed him to the limit before falling, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a match that saw over 20 breaks of serve. Mike Wilbur took the court against Taylor Devlin and, in the other hotly contested match of the day, succumbing 3-6, 6-2, and 6-0. Dan Rivard faced Lo Thuan in fourth singles, dropping the match 6-0, 6-2. James Lachance took to the court in fifth singles against Nick Shepherd. Lachance didn’t have an answer for the GCC #5, losing 6-1, 6-1. Chris Izzo took the court against Bruce Vail in sixth singles and fell 6-1, 6-0. Ryan Lavoie rounded out the CCRI singles day in a seven-singles contest against Sam Murphy that was shortened to a pro-set with GCC only having 6 courts. Lavoie dropped the pro-set 8-6, but may have actually tied 7-7 as there was some discrepancy in the score of the 13th game in the set.

The CCRI men, facing perennial national participants and perennial top-five finishing GCC, gave a valiant effort but just didn’t have the goods to compete against the stronger, deeper, more experienced Roadrunner team.

Head coach John Panzica said after the match: “Facing a team that is a perennial participant at the National Tournament, we succumbed to the more experienced and stronger Roadrunners of Gloucester County College. We will need to take this experience to heart and use it to become stronger ourselves in order to compete the rest of the season. We start that Wednesday as we rematch against the Harford Owls at 3:30.”

Knights Men’s Tennis team falls to Harford CC 3-6 in their first match of the year

CCRI traveled to Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD with a full complement of players available to play. The Knights lost the match 3-6 and they start the season 0-1.

Following a long trip down 95 south that saw the travelers stopped twice for accidents, once for a solid two hours, no moving, with the engine off. The CCRI Men’s tennis team took straight to the courts under imposing storm clouds and sometimes gusting winds.

Doubles started the day with CCRI’s sophomore Alex Cavanagh (Middletown, RI) and returning sophomore Nathan York (Smithfield, RI) in first doubles facing Josh Meier and Josh Hicks, freshman Michael Wilbur (Scituate, RI) and freshman Daniel Rivard (Scituate, RI) in second doubles facing Josh Hays and Chris Blackwell, and returning sophomore Christopher Izzo (Warwick, RI) and freshman James Lachance (Cranston, RI) in third doubles facing Ben Wade and Steve Heagy. Cavanagh and York were able to pull out a victory in their match after trading breaks of serves with the two Josh’s, winning the pro-set 9-7 with a hold, break, hold to capture the final three games of the set after being down 6-7. Wilbur and Rivard dropped their second doubles contest 8-3 in a match that was far more competitive than the score indicates. Izzo and Lachance also dropped their third doubles contest despite having Izzo serving for the match at 7-6. Their match ended in a tiebreak at 8-all, with CCRI losing 7-4 in the deciding game.

Singles wasn’t much more successful as the CCRI Men took the courts after a long day of travel. Nate York faced off against Josh Hicks in first singles, and dropped a hard-fought contest 6-3, 6-4. Alex Cavanagh faced Josh Hays in second singles and handled him easily, 6-0, 6-0 to give CCRI its’ second point of the match. Mike Wilbur took the court against Harford’s other Josh (Meier) and dropped that contest 6-2, 6-1. Dan Rivard in only his second-ever competitive tennis match (the first was the earlier doubles contest) faced Chris Blackwell in fourth singles, dropping the match 6-4, 6-4 in a contest that saw Rivard up a break of serve in each of the two sets, only to succumb to the more experienced Blackwell. Chris Izzo took the court against Mazon Dickerson in sixth singles and handed Dickerson a 6-2, 6-2 loss. Ryan Lavoie rounded out the CCRI singles day in a seven-singles contest against Brian McKeldin, last year’s #4, dropping that match 6-1, 6-1 but where 11 of the 14 games played went to deuce. James Lachance took to the court in fifth singles, against Harford’s Steve Heagy, recently recovered from a broken knuckle. Lachance dropped the first set 6-3, and then went down a break in the second, only to charge back and tie the set at 4-all just before the match was called due to slick conditions as the rain that had been threatening all day started in earnest. That match will be completed on Wednesday, before the regularly scheduled rematch against the Owls.

The CCRI men facing adverse conditions, coming directly off a long, 7½-hour van ride that saw two traffic jams and threatening weather as they entered the Harford campus, the Knights took directly to the courts to get in as much tennis as they could on their first day of play this season. They were playing outside for the first time this spring, playing on a regular court surface for the first time this spring, playing in spitting rain and sometimes gusting wind, and playing a much-improved Owl team from last year proved to be just too much for CCRI’s first match of the season as they drop the contest 5-3. One match is yet to be completed and could result in either a 6-3 or a 5-4 final result. CCRI looks to rebound on St. Patrick’s Day, wearing their best green, against the Roadrunners from Gloucester County College.

Head Coach John Panzica said after the match “Facing a team that has improved from top to bottom from last year and that has produced outstanding results over the last several years, today’s match was a good first step for the current CCRI Men’s team…but we are going to have to get better if we want a chance to compete at the sport’s highest level – the National Tournament, scheduled for May of this year in Plano, TX.”

Kirkwood CC Ends Lady Knights National Championships Hopes

The CCRI Lady Knights goal of winning a National Championship comes up short this season as they fell to the No. 1 team in the country Kirkwood Community College on Thursday 61-40. Kirkwood now advances to the final four. This is the third straight season that Kirkwood has ended the Lady Knight postseason goal of winning a National Championship. The Lady Knights fall to 23-7 on the season while Kirkwood improves 32-1 on the season.

The first half was dominated by the Eagles of Kirkwood as they came out of the gates firing. The Eagles would hit seven first half three pointers and would take a 16 point lead into halftime. The Lady Knights would not quit in the second half as they battled back after being down 22 points with 11 minutes to go. The giant killers as they Lady Knights have been know as out in Peoria having beaten two teams in the last week in a half that were a combined 56-0 entering the games with the Lady Knights. The Lady Knights would battle back to within 12 points with seven minutes to go. However the Eagles had just too much fire power and as the peerage three’s would not stop and they would hand the Lady Knights their first loss at Nationals 61-40.

Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) was the only Lady Knight that cracked the double-figures number on Thursday finishing with 13 points and five assists in 40 minutes of action. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) finished with seven points and eight rebounds while Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) finished with seven points and three rebounds. Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) contributed with six points and four rebounds and three assists while Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) scored six points and pulled down eight rebounds.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the game “This was a tough day for our players today. Kirkwood really defended us and proved why they are the No. 1 team in the country and back-to-back National Champions. Now we need to challenge ourselves and play a northeast rival in Genesee Community College.”

CCRI Women’s Softball Spring Training Day 3 Reportt

Lady Knights remain hot sweeping Southern Maine CC 6-1 and 7-0 to improve to 4-2

The CCRI Lady Knights softball team defeated the Seahawks of Southern Maine Community College from South Portland, Maine in both games of their doubleheader. The Lady Knights won the first game 6-1 and the second game 7-0. With the two victories the Lady Knights finish their Florida spring training games and improve their record to 4-2 on the season.

Game 1
CCRI-6 Southern Maine CC-1
On the mound for the Lady Knights Co-Captain Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) was simply dominant allowing just one unearned run over seven strong innings while scattering seven hits and striking out eight to pick up her second win of the season. St. Germain’s effort was even more impressive as she battled though a minor foot injury while shutting down the Seahawks. St. Germain held the Seahawks scoreless through six and though they were able to score one unearned run in the seventh but that was all they could muster.

At the plate for the Lady Knights They scored one run in the first inning as Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) singed and later scored on a wild pitch to give them a 1-0 lead. The Lady Knights tacked on two more in the top of the second as Paradis scored Brittany Annunziata (Smithfield, RI) and Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) with a two RBI single to give them a 3-0 lead. They added one more in the fifth when Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) scored from first base when Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) reached on a fielding error. Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) scored in the sixth after reaching on a fielder’s choice and scored on another Seahawk error. The Lady Knight scored their final run as Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) singled and was later singled home by Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI).

The Lady Knights were led by Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) who went 3-4 with three singles and a run scored, Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who was 2-4 with two singles, two RBI and a run scored and Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) was 1-4 with a single, and RBI and a run scored. Rounding out the Lady Knights’ attack were Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI), Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI), Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA), Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ), and Brittany Annunziata (Smithfield, RI) each added a base hit each.

Game 2
CCRI-7 Southern Maine CC-0
On the mound for the Lady Knights Freshman Co-Captain Marian Long (Warwick, RI) combined with freshman Casey Doyle (Warwick, RI) to one-hit the Seahawks over seven shutout innings. Long was strong for the first five innings allowing just one hit and walking one and striking out three. Doyle started a little shaky walking the first two batters she faced but recovered brilliantly by making a great fielding play on a come-backer to cut down the lead runner at third base, she followed that with a strikeout and a fielder’s choice to get out of the jam. In the seventh she struck out the side including striking out the last two batters on six total pitches. The two freshmen were simple spectacular showing tremendous talent and poise so early in their collegiate careers.

At the plate for the Lady Knights the game was much closer than the score would indicate. The Lady Knights scored one run in the first inning as Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) singled and scored on a Seahawk fielding error making the score 1-0. The Lady Knights were held scoreless for the next three innings but exploded for six runs in the fifth inning as they batted around the order led by Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) scored Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) and Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA) on an RBI double to left field and later scored on an Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) base hit, Gering and Brittany Annunziata (Smithfield, RI) later scored on another RBI double this time by Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI), Mangione would later score the Lady Knights final run. The runs were plenty as the Long and Doyle would hold the Seahawks scoreless.

The Lady Knights were led by Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) who went 2-3 with a double, a single, two RBI and a run scored, followed by Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA) who went 2-4 with a double a single and run scored, and Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) who was 2-4 with two singles and a run scored. Also having a great game at the plate was Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) who was 1-2 with a double and two RBI, Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who was 2-4 with two singles and a run scored and Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) added a single, an RBI and a run scored while Brittany Annunziata (Smithfield, RI) and Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) added a base hit each.

The Lady Knights are of f until Thursday April 2nd when they will travel to Holyoke Community College for a doubleheader starting at 3pm this game will kick-off the Lady Knights Region XXI Schedule.

Go Lady Knights!

CCRI Women’s Softball Spring Training Day 2 Report

Lady Knights sweep Springfield College 6-2 and 4-0 to even record to 2-2

The CCRI Lady Knights women’s softball team defeated the Bulldogs of Springfield College of Illinois (SCI) from Springfield, Illinois in a doubleheader. The Lady Knights won the first game 6-2 and then came back to shutout the Bulldogs in the second game 4-0. With the two victories the Lady Knights improve their record to 2-2 on the season which is already better than last year’s 1-4 mark during spring training.

Game 1
CCRI-6 Springfield College of Illinois-2
On the mound for the Lady Knights Freshman Co-Captain Marian Long (Warwick, RI) earned her first collegiate victory by holding the Bulldogs of SCI to just two runs on four hits with four strikeouts and three walks. This was a fantastic achievement on a hot a sweltering day, with temperatures in the upper-nineties. Long held the Bulldogs hitless through the first five and 1/3 innings until SCI got their first hit on a seeing-eye blooper got hem their first hit. Long kept them off balance all day though they did manage to get the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the seventh with two hits and a walk and scored their two runs on another blooper just out of the reach of second basemen Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who laid-out with full extension but could not corral the ball. However, Long recovered well and was able to get the final out to secure the Lady Knights’ first victory of the 2009 Season.

At the plate the Lady Knights offense erupted for 11 hits as they finally started to get their bearings in their second day of outdoor action. In the first inning the Lady Knights got four hits put could only plate one runner making the score 1-0 after one inning. In the fourth inning Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) scored Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) with an RBI double and later scored on a single by Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) making the score 3-0. The Lady Knights pushed two more runs across the plate on a two RBI double by Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) that would give the Lady Knights a 5-0 lead. The Lady Knights got one more run in the top of the seventh when Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) scored Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA) on a single that would give the Lady Knights a 6-0 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. SCI was able to manufacture two ruins on a few bloopers but The Lady Knights where able to thwart their comeback effort to secure the 6-2 victory, their first of the year.

Leading the way offensively for the Lady Knights was Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) who went 3-4 with an double, a single, two runs scored and an RBI, followed by Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) and Shannon Duffy (Taunton, MA) who were both 2-4 with two singles, a run scored and an RBI. Also having a big game at the plate were Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) who went 1-2 with a double two RBI and a walk, Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) was 1-4 with a single and an RBI, Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) was1-4 with a single and a run scored, and Marian Long (Warwick, RI) helped herself by adding a single and a walk to the Lady Knights’ attack.

Game 2
CCRI-4 Springfield College of Illinois-0
On the mound for the Lady Knights Co-Captain Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) recorded her first shutout of this year and her sixth career shutout holding the Bulldogs scoreless over seven innings on just three hits with two strikeouts and no walks, which was a phenomenal feat with the searing heat in the upper-nineties in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. St. Germain was in total control from start to finish as she never allowed more than a hit in a single inning which limited the Bulldogs scoring opportunities.

Offensively for the Lady Knights their bats stayed hot just like the weather as they again erupted this time for 10 hits. They got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the first as Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) continued her torrid hitting streak by slamming a double over the centerfielders head to begin the game she later scored on a Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) ground out giving the Lady Knights the 1-0 lead. They tacked on two more in the third inning as Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) led the inning off with a single to center field followed by a single by Gentile who both scored on a single by Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) giving them a 3-0 lead. They added one more in the fifth inning as Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) started the inning off with a single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lamb. The four runs were more than enough as St. Germain snuffed-out any scoring opportunities that the Bulldogs put forth.

Leading the way for the Lady Knights was Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) who was 2-2 with two singles and three RBI, followed by Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) who was 2-4 with a double a single and two runs scored and Co-Captain Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) helped her own cause by going 2-3 with two singles. Also having a good game at the plate was Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who was 1-3 with a single and a run scored, Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) was 1-3 with a single and a run scored, Brittany Annunziata (Smithfield, RI) was 1-2 with a single and a walk, Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) had a single and Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) had an RBI and a sacrifice.

The Lady Knights gear-up for the battle of New England on Tuesday when they will face fellow New England Community College Southern Maine Community College for a doubleheader at 4:00PM and 6:00PM at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena, Vista Florida.

Go Lady Knights!

CCRI Women’s Softball Spring Training Day 1 Report

Lady Knights show tremendous potential but lose two games to four-year NAIA Baker University

The CCRI Lady Knights have been practicing inside for over a month and finally got their chance to see their first action as a team outdoors at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista Florida. To make matters even tougher for them, the Lady Knights had to face-off against four-year NAIA Wildcats of Baker University from Baldwin City, Kansas who had already played over 10 games this year. As to be expected in their first outdoor action, it took the Lady Knights a full game before they got their legs under them as they fell 8-0 in game one. However, in game two the Lady Knights’ bats came alive but they were unable to thwart the Wild cats attack as they fell 8-6 in a very exciting game. With the two losses the Lady Knights start the season 0-2 which is familiar territory for them as they started last year 1-4. The goal for them on the trip of course is to win but more importantly get better each game so that when they come back for Region XXI play they are playing their best.

Game1
CCRI-0 Baker University 8 (five innings)
The Lady Knights sent Freshman Co-Captain Marian Long (Warwick, RI) to the mound for their first contest of the season for her first collegiate start. In the bottom of the first inning Baker got on the scoreboard first with a runner on third a short pop-up between Long and Catcher Daina (pronounced Dinah) Lamb (Cranston, RI) and rested perfectly in fair territory scoring the run making the score 1-0, Baker had a chance to score another run potentially but Long was able to dig deep and struck-out opposing pitcher Amanda Phelps in an epic 12-pitch battle. In the second inning the rust was really showing for the Lady Knights, though there were no errors there were plays that the Lady Knights normally make that they could not convert into outs which led to a huge five run inning for the Wildcats. Though Long pitched much better than her stat line, all five runs were charged to her over just 1 2/3 innings. The Lady Knights changed things up a little sending in Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) to the mound in relief she got the last out in the second and threw a scoreless third and fourth innings. In the fifth inning, the game ended on a somewhat controversial call: with a runner on second and one out Baker’s MacKenzie Salzman hit a drive to left field that Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) was tracking as she was about to make the catch she simultaneously ran into the fence knocking it over and the ball landed right about where the fence would have been however, after an umpire conference, the official ruling was declared a homerun and the Lady Knights lose 8-0 by the mercy rule.

The Lady Knights did not play their best game but they played hard from beginning to end and you could tell that they were beginning to play a little better as the game ended unceremoniously. Offensively for the Lady Knights they only mustered three base runners: one single by NJCAA Pre-Season Third Team All-American Caitlin Montella (Warwick, RI) and Daina Lamb Reached base twice via a walk and on a fielding error.

Game 2
CCRI-6 Baker University-8
The Lady Knights sent Sophomore Co-Captain Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) to the mound to start the second game after throwing 2 2/3 innings in game one. St. Germain had a great first inning holding the Wildcats scoreless. She got into a little trouble in the second and third innings where she gave-up two and three runs respectively giving the Wildcats the 5-0 lead. This is about the same point in the first game where things got a little tough for the Lady Knights wondering when their bats would come to life the Lady Knights were searching for answers to make this into a game. But in the bottom of the fifth the Lady Knights’ bats finally came to life as they were able to score two runs on an RBI single by Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) that scored Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) and Casey Doyle (Warwick, RI) to cut the lad to 5-2. However, in the top of the fifth inning the Wildcats answered back with three runs to increase their lead to 8-2. But this is when the Lady Knights began to display some feistiness as they exploded for four runs to answer the Wildcats comeback. The first run score as Nicole Kufel (River Dell, NJ) reached on a single and later scored on a passed ball, she was followed home by Co-Captain Julie Paradis (Lincoln, RI) who scored on a single by Daina Lamb. Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA) followed Lamb with a single both Lamb and Duffy scored on an RBI double from Gentile. Going into the seventh and final inning the Lady Knights trail the Wildcats 8-6. Neither team could force a run across the board in the seventh as the final score remained 8-6 Baker University.

At the plate the Lady Knights were led by Kaela-Rose Gentile (Gloucester, RI) who went 2-2 with a double, a single, two RBI and a run scored, followed by Shanon Duffy (Taunton, MA) who was 2-3 with a double, a single and a run scored. Also having a good game at the plate for the Lady Knights was Daina Lamb (Cranston, RI) who was 2-3 with two singles, an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base and Alyssa Gering (West Warwick) was 1-3 with two RBI.

On the mound for the Lady Knights Courtney St. Germain (Lincoln, RI) pitched three innings giving up five runs with a strikeout, Casey Doyle (Warwick, RI) saw her first collegiate action and pitched 2 1/3 innings giving-up three runs while charting her first collegiate strikeout, and Alyssa Gering (West Warwick, RI) was extremely effective throwing 1 2/3 innings of scoreless one-hit ball.

The Lady Knights have no time to rest as they will face Springfield College of Illinois tomorrow (Monday) at 12noon and 2:00PM for a doubleheader again at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Lady Knights to face undefeated (28-0) Allegany College of Maryland in first round of National Championship Wednesday March 18th at 1:00 PM!

The CCRI Lady Knights basketball team (22-6) will face undefeated (28-0) No. 8 seed Allegany College of Maryland from Cumberland, MD in the first round of the NJCAA Division II Nationals Championship Wednesday March 18th at 1:00pm (Noon CST) in the very first game of the tournament. When most coaches see that they are playing a team that is 28-0 they get a little nervous. Not Head Coach Kevin Monagle, “We have been here before, we have knocked off undefeated teams before, this is nothing new to us.”

The Lady Knights earlier this season had defeated NJCAA Division III and No. 2 ranked Monroe College who came into the contest 16-0 and left with its first and only loss of the season. However, that was not the only time the Lady Knights would defeat an unbeaten team. Just last week Union County College came into the Vincent A. Cullen Field House for the Northeast District Championship 28-0 and would leave 28-1 after the Lady Knights defeated them, 65-63.
The CCRI Lady Knights are led by its second Team Preseason All-American Sophomore Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who is averaging 15.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Accompanying Simmons is last years Nation All-Tournament member Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA), last year Murray had a coming out party at the NJCAA National Tournament as she averaged 14 points and 14 rebounds in the three Lady Knight games. The biggest challenge for the Lady Knights will be containing Allegany College of Maryland’s 5’9 sophomore forward named Melissa Ford who is averaging 22.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The winner will advance to the elite eight and have the opportunity to try to knock off two time defending National Champion Kirkwood Community College (31-1) on Thursday at 3:00 PM (2:00 PM central time).

Lady Knights ‘Taylor’ made comeback upsets undefeated Union County 65-63!

The CCRI Lady Knights basketball team defeated the previously undefeated and No. 5 ranked Lady Owls of Union County College (UCC) from Cranford, NJ 65-63. With the victory the Lady Knights improve their record to 22-6 and earn their sixth consecutive trip to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Tournament.

The CCRI Lady Knights had won five straight Northeast District Championships in the last five years however they may have faced their biggest test ever on Saturday in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House. Union County College rolled in the game on Saturday having won every single game that it played when it stepped out on the hardwood. UCC walked into Warwick 28-0 and ranked 5th in the country. The Lady Knights have been on a little bit of a roll themselves. The Lady Knights walked into Saturday’s game with six straight wins and nine in their last 10 games.

The Lady Knights came out in the first half with no ill effects of a two week layoff as they jumped out quickly scoring eight of the games first 10 points. The first half was an interesting one as neither team would get out to a big lead. CCRI held the largest advantage of the first half with a seven point lead with three minutes to go. However, UCC closed out strong and cut the Lady Knights led down to four at 39-35.

With just 20 minutes away from a spot in the National Championship the Lady Knight and Lady Owls would leave everything they had on the floor in the second half. The Lady Knights however would start to see its four point halftime lead evaporate quickly as they struggled to put the ball in the basket and just like they did in their first meeting this year UCC would make their run. Union took the largest lead of the game and the first double-digit lead of the game with five minutes remaining in the game at 10 points.

The Lady Knights with eight sophomores playing their last game at the Cullen Field House would show their experience and determination to close out the game. “It’s nice having eight sophomores that have played together no situation is overwhelming for this group of players.” Head Coach Kevin Monagle said. That statement would hold true down the stretch. After a Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) steal and a Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) pass to Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) the Lady Knights cut the Lady Owls led to five points with the score 63-58. Then Simmons sank a driving lay-up to cut the Lady Owls lead to three points 60-63 with 2:00 left in the game. After another stop the Lady Knights put the ball back in Simmons hands and their All-American delivered. With 1:49 remaining Simmons took the ball strongly to the hoop over Martyna Rumiska scoring a she got fouled, she then converted the free throw tying the game at 63-63 with a berth to Nationals on the line. After back to back empty positions by both teams Union would get the ball back with 30.2 left in the game but 27 seconds left o the shot clock and Union would try and hold for one last shot with the Lady Knights sitting in there 2-3 zone defensive. While passing the ball back and forth the Lady Owls threw an errant pass went awry bouncing between Nicole Lilenfeld’s legs and out of bounds giving the ball back to the Lady Knights with 12.8 seconds remaining on Union’s half of the court. It seemed like everyone in the stands knew what the Lady Knights were going to run for there final play: get the ball to Taylor Simmons! The Lady Knights got the ball to Simmons for one more isolation play and once again the All-American converted on a lay up with 1.3 seconds remaining. The Lady Owls would have one last attempt but a Jenna McNally three quarter court shot came up well short and the Lady Knights will be going back to their sixth straight national tournament. Commenting on the last second heroics a very tired and sore Simmons said “I knew when I was driving that I was going to make the shot…I was confident. When it went in all I could think was we did it!”

The Lady Knights were led by their All-American guard Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who scored 27 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and added three steals. Helping Simmons was Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who had another Double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) also had a strong game scoring nine points and pulling down seven rebounds.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle commented after the game: “What a tremendous afternoon for this team. The afternoon did not go as planned, but we adapted and overcame a number of challenges. These are they types of things the coaching staff has been emphasizing all season, and it seemed to click today. From early foul trouble, to a period of time where we couldn’t score, to numerous players with four fouls and even down ten points with a little over five minutes to go, the team always looked to make the next play. This team never stopped believing they could win. I am very proud of how everyone played today.

Union is a great team that had a fantastic season. We were absolutely tested today. Although I am sure they are very disappointed with the result today, I know they will look back on this year and they should be very proud of their accomplishments. Coach Bell did a superb job with that team.

We talked all week about grinding out the game, how it was going to be physical and difficult and that we had to play through the good and the bad. That was really true about this game. We also spoke about valuing the basketball and minimizing turnovers. It turned out that we didn’t make those mistakes down the stretch.

This was truly a team win, full of players doing great things and others unselfishly doing the dirty work, the little things that are so big in a big game. Sharniece Williams’ ability to score in the first half and Lauren Harrington’s play at the point were essential to this win. Of course having Taylor Simmons go for 27, especially in crunch time was something we could not do without. But without great defensive and rebounding efforts of everyone and the sharing of the basketball we would not have come away with a victory.”

Next up for the Lady Knights is a trip to its sixth straight national tournament in Peoria, IL. The Lady Knights will leave on Monday March 16th and the tournament will start on Wednesday March 18th. Time and opponent have yet to be determined.

Go Lady Knights!

Norris sets CCRI 200m record at NJCAA Indoor Track Nationals!

The CCRI Knights Indoor track team sent two runners to the NJCAA Indoor Track National Championships which were held at Texas Tech Friday and Saturday: sprinter Blest Norris (Pawtucket, RI) and middle-distance runner Everett LaMountain (Smithfield, RI).

Both CCRI runners attending the National Championship had very good performances. Highlighted by Blest Norris who set the CCRI record in the 200m with a time of 22.64 seconds as season’s best which was good for a 37th place finish, Norris also placed 33rd in the 55m dash in 6.53 seconds. The Knights other runner, Everett LaMountain placed 18th in the mile run with a time of 4 minutes 39.12 seconds.

The Team Title for both men and women was South Plains College Their men had 163 points and their Women had 139.5 points.

Knights fall to Monroe CC 87-76 in District Championship to end season 20-11

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team lost to the Tribunes of Monroe Community College from Rochester, NY 87-76 in the Northeast District Championship on Saturday. With the loss the Knights end their season with a 20-11 record. The Tribunes, on the other hand, have earned a trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, IL March 18th-21st.

The Knights started the game well holding a lead of 22-19 early in the game. With ten minutes left, they held their last lead of the game at 22-21 before the Tribunes’ Kareem Brown sank back-to-back 3-pointers to give Monroe the 27-22 lead which they were able to extend to 46-33 by halftime with help from the Tribunes Jeff Belins’ 16 first half points.

In the second half the Tribunes picked right back up where they left off in the first half with an impressive 31-10 scoring run that put the game seemingly out of reach at 74-43 with just 12 minutes remaining in the game. However, the Knights were not about to be run out of the gym and they were able to dig deep and get right back into the game with an intense 24-7 run that cut the lead to 10 points 81-71 capped by a Colin Burns (Chepachet, RI) 3-pointer from long-range with just three minutes remaining in the game. But that would be as close as the Knights would get even though they outscored the Tribunes 43-41 in the second half, the 13-point first half deficit as they lost by the final score of 87-76.

Leading the way for the Knights was Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) with 17 points and four assists. Also in double-figures was Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) with 13 points, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots, Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) added 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists and Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) added 12 points five rebounds and four assists.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game “It’s always difficult to lose your last game especially when it prevents you from getting to the NJCAA Tournament. All in all though it was a great season, our young team won 20 games and came and came one away from going to the big dance. I could not be prouder of our 10 freshmen and three sophomores. They were extremely hard workers, they never quit and they continue to get better and better as young men and players each and every day. A coach cannot ask for more from his players. We wish our three sophomores well and look forward to working with our 10 freshman in the future.”

Some of the Knights will be back in action on Wednesday March 25th at 8:00pm in the Region XXI All-Star Game. Knights that will be playing include First Team All-Region XXI members Lee Mitchell, Tyrone Nared, and Adalberto Bueno. In addition, they will be joined by other Knights Dave Storti and Pat Sturdahl. The Region XXI All-Star Game will be held at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Facility Hours for Spring Break 2009

The department of athletics, physical education, and recreation has announced that the field houses on the Warwick and Lincoln campuses will be open Monday through Friday (March 16-20, 2009) from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Lady Knights to meet No. 5 ranked undefeated Union County with Trip to Nationals Line!

The CCRI Lady Knights will face off against Region XIX rival Lady Owls Union County College (UCC). The Lady Knights come in to the contest on a little roll as they have won their last six games and nine of their last 10. Union however comes in ranked 5th in the country and a perfect 28-0 on the season. This will be the fifth meeting between the two schools over the last three seasons. The teams have split the previous four meetings with the Lady Owls winning the last one on January 28th 63-50. Union also won last year’s regular season meeting. However, the Lady Knights seem to have the Lady Owls number when it comes to postseason. The Lady Knights have defeated the Lady Owls in the past two postseasons. Last season the Lady Knights beat UCC 80-64 and in 2007 the Lady Knights beat UCC 86-64 in both of their District Championship meetings.

This year’s District Championship will be played Saturday at 12noon at the Vincent A. Cullen Field House located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Go Lady Knights!

Knights to meet No.3 ranked Monroe CC in Northeast District Championship Saturday!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team (20-10) defeated Massasoit Community College (15-9) 85-63 in the Region XXI Championship March 1st.

The Knights now look forward to playing in the Northeast District Championship game hosted by the Region III Champion Monroe Community College Tribunes (27-5) from Rochester, New York. The Northeast District Championship Game will be Saturday March 7th at 1:00pm.

The winner of the Northeast District Championship will earn a berth into the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament March 18th - March 21st in Danville, IL.

Read article on Lee Mitchell who will meet former New London running mate Kareem Brown in the NJCAA men's basketball Northeast District Tournament this weekend at Monroe CC.

March 2009

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