Lady Knights Volleyball falls twice in first Trip to National Championship

Cowley County CC Defeats CCRI 25-12, 25-11, and 25-14
The CCRI Lady Knights women’s volleyball team lost to No. 2 seed Tigers of Cowley County CC in the first round of the NJCAA Division II National Championship 25-12, 25-11, and 25-14. With the loss the Lady Knights fall to 38-5 on the season.

The Lady Knights played as well as could be expected against the No. 2 ranked team in the nation (NJCAA DII). Through their front line rotation the Lady Knights were able to hang in against the very tall Cowley County CC team that featured six foot four inch Outside Hitter Lucia Cizmarova. Though the Lady Knights did not win the match they played hard through the final whistle.

The Lady Knights will play No. 11 seed Iowa Lakes CC (34-23) tomorrow at 10 am CST (11am EST). Though they lost their first match at the Championship, the Lady Knights can still finish as high as ninth with three victories.

Iowa Lakes CC Defeats CCRI 25-11, 25-9, and 25-11
The CCRI Lady Knights volleyball team’s dream season came to an end at the hands of Iowa Lakes CC in the consolation round of the NJCAA Division II National Championship in a three game match 25-12, 25-9, and 25-11. With the loss the Lady Knights end the season with a 38-6 record giving them the highest win percentage in Lady Knights volleyball history at 86.4% and second highest win total with 38 (39 wins in 2006).

If the Lady Knights thought they were facing a tough front line with Cowley County CC it was more of the same with Iowa Lakes CC. This time it was more the quantity of the size. Iowa Lakes Front line was six foot, six foot one, six foot one, and their setter was five-eleven. That is too much height for the Lady Knights which went into the championship as the smallest team. Once again, though the Lady Knights were outsized they played hard until the final whistle before succumbing to the taller squad.

Head Coach Ray DeAngelis Commented after their final match: “I couldn’t think of a better way to end the season. These young ladies ‘took the next step’ and made it to the National Championship which has always been our Program’s ultimate goal. I could not be more proud of them. They played hard and did everything asked of them from the first day of practice which made us successful. Their prizes for this effort were the best winning percentage since we’ve played in Division II (86.4%), our second best win total ever with 38 wins, and a trip to the National Championship. I just hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.”

ASA Struggles in First Game as Lady Knights Cruise to Fifth Victory!

After getting off to the best start in school history on Saturday the Lady Knights expanded their streak on Sunday. The Lady Knights defeated a brand new Women’s basketball program called ASA 78-8. ASA women’s basketball team was playing in its first ever basketball game. With the win the Lady Knights improved to 5-0 on the season.

The Lady Knights had four players in double figures led by Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) who each scored 14 points and each pulled down five rebounds. For the first time this season Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) scored double figures with 12 points, pulled down four rebounds and was a perfect 6-6 from the floor. Rounding out the Lady Knights in double figures was Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who had 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) had nine points to go along with five steals and two assists. Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) had a season high seven assists on Sunday to go along with three points and three steals.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said, “This was certainly not the test we were hoping for but we handled ourselves well in a difficult situation. We need to keep getting better because the next couple of weeks we will have some difficult tests ahead of us.”

The Lady Knights are back in action next weekend when they play in the Mercer Mixer down in NJ. On Saturday the Lady Knights open up with the host school Mercer County Community College at 2:00 and on Sunday they will play Burlington County Community College at noon.

No. 10 Ranked Lady Knights beat Orange County CC 71-48 to improve to 4-0!

The 2008-09 CCRI Lady Knights made history on Saturday as they beat the Colts of Orange County Community College 71-48 in Middletown, NY. With the win the Lady Knights improved to 4-0 the best start in program history.

The Colts took their first and only lead of the game when it scored the first basket of the game. A Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) offensive rebound and lay up capped off a Lady Knights 15-2 run to give them a 15-4 lead five minutes into the game. After a Cynthia Gaston jump shot the Lady Knights Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) took over the next three minutes of the game scoring the Lady Knights next 11 points giving them a commanding 24-11 lead. Simmons’ final three points of the half came with eight minutes to go capping off a 9-0 run giving the Lady Knights a 33-11 lead. The two teams would exchange baskets for the last eight minutes but a Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) lay up with 30 seconds remaining would give the Lady Knights a 21 point lead at 45-24 going into half time. Simmons finished the first half as the Lady Knights leading scorer with 14 points.

The second half would start off the same way that the first half ended with a Rachel Murray lay up to extend the Lady Knights lead to 23 there largest up to that point in the game. When freshmen guard Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) hit a three pointer with seven minutes left in the game it would give the Lady Knights their largest lead of 34 points. The Colts would close out the last seven minutes with a 15-4 run to cut the final deficit to 23. However, the Lady Knights cruised to its fourth victory of the season 71-48.

The Lady Knights were as balanced as they have been all year with nine Lady Knights that played scored over five points. The Lady Knights were led by their two Sophomore All-Americans Taylor Simmons (New London, CT) who finished with a game high 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting from the field and four steals and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) had 12 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The Lady Knights also got key contributions from the low post from Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) who finished the game with seven points and 11 rebounds, Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) had six points, five rebounds and two steals and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) added seven points. On the perimeter, it was a career day for sophomore guard Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI) who had six points, six rebounds and six steals, all career-highs. Rounding out the scoring was Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) with seven points, and Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) and Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) each with five.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the game, “It was nice to get everyone involved today in the game. It was good to see our bench step up and expand a lead that the starters gave them. It shows that we are working hard everyday in practice as we continue to get better.”

Mitchell’s Career Night Lifts Knights over Massasoit CC 88-74!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated Region XXI foe Warriors of Massasoit CC 88-74. With the victory the Knights are of to their best start in eight years with a perfect 6-0 overall record, including a 4-0 record in Region XXI play.

The Knights came out firing as they built a quick 10-0 lead after a Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) three point play and a basket by Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) just a minute 45 into the game. However, this was a Region XXI divisional game so you knew the Warriors would not let the game get out of hand. They answered by going on a 20-13 run of their own led by point guard Rob Adams who scored 10 of the 20 over the making the score 23-20 at the 10:36 mark. The Knights would close the half strongly with a 26-15 run to go into the half with a comfortable 49-35 lead. Leading the Knights in the first half were Co-Captains Lee Mitchell with 15 points and Alex Diaz with 10 points, Adams led the Warriors with 17 points.

In the second half the Knights would continue to control the game increasing their lead to as much as 24 points while getting contributions from the entire team. The Warriors would get as close as 12 points in the second half due in great part to Rob Adams but Lee Mitchell had an answer for everything he could offer. Adams finished the game with a game-high 32 points while Mitchell had a team-high 24 points for the victorious Knights.

Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) put forth a career-high scoring 24 points to lead the Knights followed by fellow Co-Captain Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) added 12 points with and four rebounds. Also having a big game for the Knights was Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) with eight points, five rebounds and an assist, Tyrone Nared (Woonsocket, RI) added five points on a three pointer and a high-flying follow-up dunk that brought the crowd to their feet and added six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a blocked shot, and Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, RI) added seven points, two rebounds and two assists. In all thirteen Knights hit the scoring column to help secure the Knights victory.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the game: “Solid team victory, though our intensity level defensively was not where it needs to be. Offensively, we shared the ball which is evident with 23 team assists. We will have to step up our defensive effort as our opponents next weekend Orange County Community College and Division I Monroe College will definitely be a major challenge for us. We do seem to be making solid progress on a day to day basis.

The Knights next games will be Saturday the 29th when they travel to play Orange County CC at 5 pm and Monroe College in the Bronx Sunday the 30th at noon.

NJCAA Volleyball Championship Update-Lady Knights Concede to Cowley County CC in Nationals First Round

The CCRI Lady Knights women’s volleyball team lost to No. 2 seed Tigers of Cowley County CC in the first round of the NJCAA Division II National Championship 25-12, 25-11, and 25-14. With the loss the Lady Knights fall to 38-5 on the season.

The Lady Knights will play No. 11 seed Iowa Lakes CC (34-23) tomorrow at 10 am CST (11am EST). Though they lost their first match at the Championship, the Lady Knights can still finish as high as ninth with three victories.

CCRI Lady Knights Enter Top 10 in November 19th NJCAA Women's Basketball Poll!

The CCRI Knights Women’s basketball team is ranked No. 10 in the November 19th Division II Women’s Basketball Poll. The Lady Knights had a tremendous first week of basketball going 3-0 with victories over Region XXI rivals Dean College 66-51, Essex County College 75-61 and Lackawanna College 88-41. The Lady Knights came into the season ranked No. 18 in the NJCAA Division II Pre-Season Poll.  See Poll here.

Shop for the Holidays and Support CCRI Softball at the Same Time!

For the second year in a row, the CCRI Lady Knights women’s fast-pitch softball team is partnering with www.UnitedScrip.com to help you with your holiday shopping and to raise funds for their team expenses. You can choose gift cards from over 150 retailers from across the country from Restaurants, Retailers, Entertainment, Home Improvement Stores, Hotels and Travel, Auto and much more!

This is an exciting program because everyone wins you get to get all your holiday shopping done and also at the same time can help the CCRI women’s fast-pitch softball team raise money to support their program. Last year this program helped the Lady Knights support their program team that went 17-6 with a perfect 14-0 Region XXI record and Region XXI championship. This years’ team looks to improve on last year’s success, but they will need your help. Get your shopping done early this year without leaving the comfort of your home. Deadline for Christmas orders is Friday December 12th don’t wait order today!

Some of the stores you can choose from include: Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon.com, ITunes, Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s Home Depot, Marriott, CVS, Walgreens, Stop & Shop, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Chili’s, Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Dave & Busters, Wendy’s, Subway, American Eagle, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Gap, Old Navy, Footlocker, Kohl’s, JC Penney’s, Macy’s, Men’s WearHouse, Toys ‘R Us, Staples, Blockbuster, Showcase Cinemas, Exxon/Mobile, Sunoco…and many more!

For a complete list of vendors to shop from and order go to: http://www.ccri.edu/athl/softball/ . Once you have chosen the cards you would like and the quantity e-mail the CCRI women’s fast-pitch softball Coach Bev Wiley via E-mail: bwiley@ccri.edu to start your holiday shopping today!!!

Bueno’s Three-point Bombs Bump Knights over Burlington CC 66-60!

The CCRI Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Barons of Burlington County College 66-60. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in Region XXI play.

The Knights were able to survive the brutal Burlington County College zone defense which was able to slow the pace of the game down. Due to the nature of the Barons’ zone, the Knights had tremendous difficulty getting the ball inside to their pre-season All-American Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) as they would not allow the ball in the paint and in turn keeping the ball out of Diaz’s hands. Instead the Knights counteracted the zone by making a season-high seven three pointers including six in the second half, led by Freshman Adalberto Bueno (Providence, RI) who was a perfect 4-4 from three point land and 5-6 from the field for a career-high and game-high 13 points. Co-Captain Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) also had 13 points and Co-Captain Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) added 11 points and four rebounds. In addition, Sophomore Co-Captain Luis Ferreras (Providence, RI) came up big in the games’ final eight minutes playing tremendously intense defense which led to two steals, he also contributed a key three-pointer down the stretch while shooting a very efficient 3-4 shooting from the foul line and adding two assists.

Head Coach Rick Harris commented after the weekend’s games “It was very gratifying to come out of this weekend with two victories. We had to scratch and claw for everything we got. I am proud of our effort and excited about the continued progression of our team. When we play intense team defense and share the ball we are a difficult team to deal with. We hope to continue to improve practice by practice and game by game.”

The Knights next game will be this Thursday November 20th at 7 pm when they host Region XXI foe Massasoit CC at the Vincent A. Cullen Field house located on the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick.

Wesley’s Late Fouls shots lift Knights over Mercer County CC 73-72!

The CCRI Knights defeated the Vikings of Mercer County CC in the Mercer County CC Mixer 73-72. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 4-0 on the season and 3-0 in Region XXI play.

The Knights trio of Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA), Lee Mitchell (New London, CT), and Tyrone Nared (Providence, RI) led the Knights over host school Mercer County CC in the Mercer County Mixer. The Knights used their size advantage over the Vikings to get open jump shots, driving lanes to the basket and control the glass. Johnson ignited the Knights with a dazzling performance form beyond the three-point arc shooting an impressive 4-6 from long-range. He was assisted by the high-flying Nared who provided his signature “above the rim” style providing solid rebounding with 11 boards and two dunks that gave the visiting Knights momentum when they needed it. They were assisted by Mitchell who used his slashing style to complement Johnsons outside shooting touch to give the Knights that third scoring option and scoring balance.

Down the stretch the Knights were down by one point to Mercer County but two free-throws from Robert Wesley (Cambridge, MA) gave the Knights the 73-72 lead and Mercer County came down to try and get the game-winner but their final shot from the top of the key fell short as the buzzer sounded giving the Knights the hard fought victory.

Jamal Johnson (Fall River, MA) led the way for the Knights with a game-high 18 points including 4-6 from three point land and added two assists followed by Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) who scored 16 points while playing tremendous defensively contributing two steals and blocked shot and a charge taken and Tyrone Nared (Providence, RI) charted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Also having a big game for the Knights were the double-threat point guard duo of Robert Wesley (Cambridge, MA) who scored five points on 5-6 shooting form the free-throw line including the game-winning free-throws with two assists and Apollos Wade (Taunton, MA) who added six points on 2-3 shooting from three point land with three assists and three steals.

The Knights have no time to rest as they face Burlington CC on Sunday at noon.

Lady Knights Lambaste Lackawanna College 88-41!

The Community College of Rhode Island Lady Knights basketball team improved its win steak to three games on Sunday as they defeated the Lady Falcons of Lackawanna College 88-41. The win improved the Lady Knights’ record to 3-0 on the season. This is only the second time in the last six years that the Lady Knights started out 3-0. The last time it happened was in 2006-07.

The first half was the highest scoring first half of the season for the Lady Knights as they scored 51 points. However, the Lady Knights defensive intensity was not there from the outset of the game. The Lady Falcon’s Katie Cahill came out on fire as she scored her team’s first nine points on three for three from three-point range. Cahill’s hot shooting gave the Lady Falcons an early 9-5 lead two minutes into the game. The Lady Knights would take there first lead of the game 12-11 on three point play by forward sophomore Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT). However, that lead was short lived as Cahill would come down and score five more points and give the Lady Falcons a 16-12 lead. After Cahill’s fourth three the Lady Knights woke up and responded with a 10-0 run and took a 22-16 lead that they would never relinquish. The run was capped-off by a Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) lay-up. Murray scored six of the 10 points during the Lady Knights’ run and was the All-American post player that the Lady Knights have been waiting for in the early season. Murray scored 15 of her team high 19 points in the first half. The Lady Knights would close out the last seven minutes of the half with a 23-5 run to push there half time lead to 51-31. The Lady Falcons’ Cahill finished the half with six three’s and 21 points.

In a second half were the Lady Knights could have come out and cruised to an easy victory. The Lady Knights challenged themselves on the defensive end and responded. After giving up 21 points to Cahill in the first half the Lady Knights guards challenged themselves and held her to just five of Lackawanna’s 10 second half total points. With a commanding lead the Lady Knights were able to get their reserves in to the game and give their starters some rest. Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI) and Sam Cornell (Coventry, RI) each scored there first points of the season in the second half of Sunday’s game as the Lady Knights won 88-41.

The Lady Knights had five players in double-figures led by Sharniece Williams who put forth her best effort as a Lady Knight with a monster double-double including 19 points, and a career high 18 rebounds while adding four assists. Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA) added 19 points of her own with seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks. Pitching in with 15 points each were Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) and Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT). Also in double figures for the Lady Knights was Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) who dropped in 11 points with two rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Knights were Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) with four points, Kaitlyn Rachiele (Scituate, RI) with three points and Sam Cornell (Coventry, RI) with two points.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the game, "Everyone contributed to this afternoon's win. Although the scoring differential was large, Lackawanna and their ability to shoot did challenge us early. We refocused on efforts on defending on the perimeter, and accepted the challenge to hold down their second half scoring. It was nice to see Rachel score a little bit for us tonight, and Sharniece's control of the defensive boards is exactly what we need. 3-0 is a good way to start, and we look forward to more challenges next weekend on the road."

The Lady Knights are back in action next weekend when they go on the road to play Orange County Community College on Saturday at 1 pm and ASA on Sunday at 2 pm. With a win on Saturday the Lady Knights can get off to there best start in six years.

Lady Knights Eliminate Essex County College 75-61!

The CCRI Lady Knights defeated Essex County College Lady Wolverines on Saturday 75-61. With the win the Lady Knights handed the Wolverines their first loss of the season while the Lady Knights stayed undefeated. The Lady Knights improved to 2-0 on the season.

The first half of Saturday’s game can be categorized as a series of runs. The Lady Wolverines made the first one as they got off to a quick start by scoring the first five points of the game. However, the Lady Knights responded with an 11-0 run of there own over a four minute span. The Lady Knights run was led by a scoring burst from All-American Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) who scored eight of her team high 12 first half points during the run. The two teams would trade baskets until the end of the half. With four minutes to go and the score 27-22 CCRI the Lady Knights were able to get some stops on the defensive end and convert them into scores on the offensive end and push there lead up to 37-29 at halftime.

The second half saw the Lady Knights come storming out of the locker room as they used a 17-7 run to push there lead up to 18 points at 54-36 with 13 minutes left in the game. The Lady Wolverines would not quit and kept battling the Lady Knights and were able to cut the lead down to 11 but not any closer. The Lady Knights won there second game of the season 75-61.

The Lady Knights were led by Taylor Simmons who scored 26 points on 10-14 shooting from the field and 3-4 from the free throw line. Point Guard Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) pitched in with 17 points, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Lady Knights got another solid contribution from Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) who scored nine points, pulled down five rebounds, and had three assists. The Lady Knights dominated the low post with the play of Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT) and Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA). Williams finished the game with eight points, 12 rebounds and two steals, while Murray scored seven, pulled down five rebounds, and had two blocks. Rounding out the Lady Knights scoring was Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) and Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) who each scored four points.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after the win, “Nicole Girard was outstanding for us today. Good guard play is essential to us playing well. It was nice to see some things happen offensively for us. Essex was a good team that was a good early season test for us. We need to keep putting emphasis on team defense, and continuing to get better everyday.”

Knights Defense Denies Dean in 98-56 Region XXI Romp!

The CCRI Knight men’s basketball team defeated Region XXI rival Bulldogs of Dean College 98-56. With the victory the Knights improve their record to 3-0 on the season and in Region XXI play.

The Knights defense was too much for the Bulldogs to handle charting 17 steals, eight blocked shots and two charges taken which led to numerous fast-break scoring opportunities. The game was never in doubt as the Knights opened the game with an18-4 run and led at the half 48-27. This was not your typical Dean versus CCRI rivalry game. Though the outcome of the game was never in question, the game was very exciting with the high-flying Knights providing multiple memorable moments including three dunks by Tyrone Nared (Providence, RI) highlighted by breakaway by Lee Mitchell (New London, CT) in which he drew in the defender and bounced the ball off the floor to a trailing Nared who slammed the ball home bringing the entire crowd, including many Bulldog backers, to their feet.

Four Knights scored in double-figures led by Co-Captain Lee Mitchell with 14 points, four assists and two steals followed by Tyrone Nared charting a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Co-Captain Alex Diaz (Providence, RI) also with a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Dave Storti (Exeter, RI) added 12 points and four rebounds while the dynamic duo of CCRI point guards Apollos Wade (Taunton, MA) and Robert Wesley (Cambridge, MA) combined for 11 points, 10 assists, and four steals. In all 14 of the 15 Knights who dressed for the game made it to the scoring column.

Head Coach Rick Harris said after the victory: “Intense defense holding Josh Hodge to 12 point sand Jim Chaudry to eight points was quite impressive. Our togetherness also continues to get better. We will need this type of effort this weekend when we travel to Mercer County and take on Mercer County Community College and Burlington County College. Our goal is to just get better each day and this evening was al lot of fun.”

The Knights will travel to play in the Mercer County Community College Mixer this weekend facing Mercer on Saturday at 2pm and Burlington County College Sunday at 12 noon.

Simmons and Girard lead Lady Knights Past Dean College 66-51!

With Head Coach Kevin Monagle making his college coaching debut the Community College of Rhode Island got its first win of the season Thursday night versus Region XXI rival Dean College 66-51. This was the Lady Knights first win of the season and their first Region XXI win of the season as well.

The Lady Knights got off to a tremendously hot start as they came out and scored the games first 13 points of the game in a four minute span. Taylor Simmons (Norwalk, CT) led this charge as she scored all eight of her first half points during the 13-0 run. However it would not be this easy the rest of the game for the Lady Knights as the Bulldogs battled back and cut the Lady Knights led down to one three times in the first half when Simmons went to bench due to foul trouble. Every time Dean cut the lead down to one Nicole Girard (Foster, RI) and Lauren Harrington (Exeter, RI) would make a clutch shot for the Lady Knights to give them a more comfortable lead. Girard led the Lady Knights in scoring in the first half with 10 points followed by Harrington and Simmons who each had eight. The Lady Knights took a 31-28 halftime lead into the locker room.

The second half started out the exact same way that the first half did with Simmons putting the Lady Knights on her back coming out scoring the first six points of the half giving the Lady Knights a 37-28. The Knights would eventually push there lead up to as many as sixteen with 13 minutes left in the game. Dean would not quit as the battled back to within eight points with eight minutes to go however that would be as close as they would get the rest of the night. The Lady Knights would close out the second half and win comfortable 66-51.

The Lady Knights were led by there backcourt on this night. Taylor Simmons led all scores in the game with 23 points with three rebounds, three steals, and three assists. Nicole Girard added 14 points to go along with her six assists while Lauren Harrington scored 10 points, had six steals, four rebounds, three blocked shots, and three assists. Harrington also held Shelly Monahan who is averaging 19 points per game to just 12 on this night. Playing in her first college game Brittany Eccleston (New London, CT) came off the bench and added six points and two blocked shots. The group of Sharniece Williams (Hartford, CT), Rachel Murray (Gloucester, MA), Jackie Murray (Gloucester, MA) and Tonisha Tate (Lynn, MA) combined to score 12 points and pulled down 28 rebounds.

Head Coach Kevin Monagle said after his first win, “It’s nice to start off the season with a win especially against a regional rival like Dean. Any win at Dean is a good win. However we need to keep getting better everyday and focus on what we emphasize as the fundamentals to success

The Lady Knights are right back in action this weekend when they play Essex County College on Saturday at 2 PM and Lackawanna College on Sunday at noon. Both games will be played in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House on the Knight Campus in Warwick.

Four Knights Men’s Soccer Players earn 2008 All-Region XXI Honors!

Though the CCRI Knights men’s soccer team came up short of their goals of making it into the post season the Knights did receive some very good news. Four CCRI Knights men’s soccer players were selected All-Region XXI. The Four Knights were Co-Captain Defender Revelino DaVeiga (Providence, RI), Co-Captain Defender Ivan Torres (Providence, RI), Defender Zachary Ricci (West Greenwich, RI), who were selected to the First Team and Forward Patrick Araujo (Pawtucket, RI) who was selected Honorable Mention.

As has been the strength for the last few years the Knights were anchored by their defense. It was not different this year as Co-Captains Revelino Da Veiga and Torres served as leaders both on and off the field. Both DaVeiga and Torres charted a goal a piece even though they were defenders. Ricci was another key component to the Knights’ defense as he along with his Captains and Keepers against the many potent offenses of Region XXI.

Offensively Patrick Araujo was the only Knight to earn All-Region XXI honors by being named Honorable Mention. Araujo was third on the Knights in scoring with three goals and an assist for seven total points.

Seven Lady Knights Soccer Players earn All-Region XXI Honors!

The Lady Knights had a tremendous season earning their eighth consecutive Region XXI title with an 11-2-1 record including a perfect 6-0 record in Region XXI play. After a heartbreaking loss to one of their main northeast rival Tribunes of Monroe Community College in a shootout the Lady Knights were definitely primed for some good news and they got it. Seven out of the eleven All-Region XXI women’s soccer players were Lady Knights! The impressive list includes: Defenders Nicole Kufel (Oradell, NJ) and Daniel Cartier (Lincoln, RI), Forward Alexis Smith (Wakefield, RI), Midfielders Stephanie Morse (Warwick, RI), Ashley Maisano (Bristol, RI), and Amy Torres (Warwick, RI), and Goalkeeper Megan Belmont (Pawtucket, RI). Three of those Lady Knight earned back-to-back All-Region XXI honors they were: Ashley Maisano, Nicole Kufel and Co-Captain Amy Torres.

In 2007 as a Forward Maisano was second on the Lady Knights in scoring with 12 goals and 12 assists for 36 total points. This year Maisano was second on the Lady Knights in scoring with six goals and seven assists for 19 total points giving her a career total of 18 goals and 19 assists for 55 career points. In 2007 Amy Torres was also a Midfielder who roamed the field assisting on defense while adding to the Lady Knights scoring attack with four goals and six assists for 14 total points. In 2008 Torres was selected Co-Captain by her teammates and authored three goals and two assists for eight total points for a career total of 22 points. More importantly Torres served as a leader on a very young Lady Knights soccer squad. In 2007 Nicole Kufel was double-threat acting as the stopper on the Lady Knights “All-Freshman defense” and also serving as a reserve forward scoring five goals and six assists for 16 total points. In 2008 Kufel again made her bones as a sweeper who thwarted many an oppositions’ scoring attempts Kufel also contributed two assists to the Lady Knights attack giving her a career total of eighteen points which is very impressive for a defender.

Second year player Danielle Cartier also had a great sophomore campaign along with Kufel and Keeper Megan Belmont protecting the Lady Knights’ defensive area. In 2007 Cartier scored a goal with three assists for five total points in 2008 she mirrored that output with a goal and three assists again for 10 career points, more impressive numbers from a defender. The last but certainly not least second year player was Lady Knights’ Goalkeeper Megan Belmont was a virtual wall in net for the Lady Knights and was ranked No. 38 by the NJCAA in Division II with a 1.29 Goals against Average allowing just 13 goals and saving 57 shots on goal in 905.5 minutes played in 12 games.

Rounding out the list of Lady Knights All-Region members were two impact freshmen: Stephanie Morse and Alexis Smith. Morse came to the Lady Knights just before the season started and took only a few games to show why she was one of the most highly touted female soccer players in the state. Morse contributed four goals and five assists for 13 total points while serving as midfielder for the Lady Knights very impressive for a freshmen player who didn’t join the team until just before the start of the season started. The other Freshman Alexis Smith took no time making an impression on Lady Knights’ opponents as she authored a hat trick (three goals) with three assists in her very first game versus Mohawk Valley August 31st. Smith also charted another hat trick versus CCBC-Catonsville September 13th. With impressive outings like those, it is no wonder Smith led the Lady Knights in scoring with a team-high 13 goals and five assists for a team-leading 31 total points.

With an 11-2-1 record and perfection I Region XXI play along with seven All-Region XXI representatives this was another very successful year for the Lady Knights Soccer Program.

Lady Knights to face No. 2 Seed Cowley County CC in first round of NJCAA Championship!

The CCRI Knights women’s volleyball team who defeated Genesee Community College in the District L Championship has learned who their first opponent will be at the National Junior College Athletic Association 2008 Women’s Volleyball Division II National Championship. The No. 15 seed Lady Knights will face No. 2 seed Lady Tigers of Cowley County Community College (27-6) from Arkansas City, Kansas the District M Champions.

The 2008 NJCAA National championship will be Thursday November 20th through Saturday November 22nd at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The Lady Knights will face Cowley County CC Thursday November 20th at 11 am on court two. If the Lady Knights win they would face the winner of the No. 7 seed Illinois Central College versus No. 10 seed Iowa Lakes CC at 5:30 pm Thursday the 20th again on court two. If, however, they lose they would play the loser of that same game Friday the 21st at 10 am on court two in the consolation round
Cowley County CC, who come in the Championships one of the heavy favorites, is not stranger to the National Championship. They have been the District M representative in 2005, 2006, 2007 and now 2008. Having placed in the top-five of the NJCAA Division II National Volleyball Championship each of the last three seasons, the Cowley College volleyball team should once again be a force to reckon with. The Lady Tigers return on All-American from last year’s team, six foot four inch tall Outside Hitter Lucia Cizmarova who is currently ranked 19th in the nation (NJCAA DII) in kills with 3.41 per game. In addition the Lady Tigers boast another formidable hitter in middle hitter Victoria Green who is ranked 24th in hitting efficiency with 36.12% efficiency and 25th in kills with 3.3 per game. Making sure those big hitters get the ball in good position to his is setter Sarah Eldridge who is ranked 14th in assists with 9.54 per game.
However, though the Lady Knights of CCRI (38-4) are making their first trip to the National Championship, they too have many nationally ranked (NJCAA DII) players as well. The first Lady Knight putting up mind boggling numbers in Cory Santos (Carlsbad, CA) who is leading the nation (NJCAA Division II) and has set the CCRI School record in aces and aces per game with 155 total aces in 106 games for 1.46 per game the record was 107 aces by April Oberhelman in 2005. In fact, Cory is only 21 aces form setting the CCRI career mark for aces the current mark is held again by Oberhelman with 175 (2005-2006). Santos is also ranked 29th in the nation in assists per game with 882 assists in 106 games for 8.32 assists per game. The second Lady Knight excelling is Suzanne Landry (Tiverton, RI) ranked fourth in hitting efficiency with 369 kills and only 74 errors for 45.31% efficiency. Suzanne is also ranked 12th in kills per game with 369 in 102 games for 3.62 per game. Captain Ashley Mangione (Warwick, RI) is ranked seventh in digs per game with 658 in 103 games for 6.39 per game, she is just six digs away from breaking the CCRI single season digs mark set by Jasmine Bonanca of 663 in 2006.
Amanda Valentine (West Warwick, RI) is ranked fourth in blocks per game with 164 in 106 games for 1.55 per game followed by Jessica Greene (Warwick, RI) ranked sixth with 128 in 83 games for 1.54 per game. Tia Becker (Clark Fork, ID) is ranked tenth in digs per game with 620 in 102 games for 6.1 per game. Rounding out the Lady Knights national leaders are Jessica Putrino (Exeter, RI) ranked seventeenth in aces per game with 47 in 78 games for .60 per game and Ashley Lamphere (Warwick, RI) who is 21st in blocks per game with 123 in106 games for 1.2 per game.
The Lady Knights will be departing for the National Championship next Tuesday November 18th and are looking forward to showing the their best to the top sixteen Division II Junior College women’s volleyball teams in the nation November 20th through the 22nd.

Knights’ Sylvestre Finishes Third at Championships, Best Ever for CCRI Runner!

For the second time in four years the Community College of Rhode Island hosted the Men’s and Women’s National Cross Country Championship on Saturday. On a rainy and wet day the course was still in very good condition for history to be made. In the men’s race Chris Mason from SUNY-Delhi became the first person to repeat as National Champion with a time of 27 minutes 02 seconds. On the Women’s side Mohawk Valley’s Heather Vroman became National Champion with a time of 19:11. The two team winners were SUNY-Delhi for the Men who won their fifth consecutive National Championship and its 11th since 1991 and Mohawk Valley for the Women who won its 9th National Championship since 1991.