(Cromwell's Michael Dale is chased by Rocky Hill's Andrew Barber)

Sam Cimini had a game for the ages and made lacrosse history, scoring 10 goals in Rocky Hill’s 15-5 victory over Cromwell last Wednesday night.

Cimini’s record-breaking display carried the Terriers to a fourth straight win and dampened the celebration of the seniors across the field at Cromwell High School. 

“It’s a school record, it feels great,” a smiling Cimini said of his historic performance, which helped improved the Terriers to 8-7 and qualified the team for a postseason berth for the third consecutive season.

Despite the 10-point discrepancy, the shorthanded Panthers played inspired for the first 20 minutes, leading 4-2 midway through the second quarter.

“We played well in the first half, we just have to be able to hold that,” Cromwell head coach Peter Tracey reflected, “We were tied at halftime and then we ran out of gas.”

Trailing by two, Cimini scored his third goal at the 4:27 mark of the second quarter and Matt Cavallo scored the first of his two goals with under a minute to play before the break, knotting the game at four.

“This was our eighth win to get into the playoffs. We knew we had to win to get in so that was a motivator, especially when we were tied at halftime. The captains and seniors came together during halftime and we got hyped up in the second half,” stated Cimini, “The first half we were struggling with our passes, but we ran our offense better after halftime. The defense made some stops and that got our offense going.”

The road team’s momentum continued in the second half as the Terriers scored four goals in the first half-dozen minutes of the third and tallied six goals all together in the quarter, including three more from Cimini.

The senior attacker added four more in the final frame to capture the record.

“Last year we had all those great offensive players and this year we’ve kind of struggled. I just wanted to step up and be a leader,” the all-conference player added, “I knew this year we were going to be a little iffy, so I just wanted to try and take that leadership role.”

Joseph Ferreira helped lighten the scoring load with a pair of goals of his own, including a dazzling lefty flick to beat the third quarter buzzer. Andrew Barber scored Rocky Hill’s other goal after receiving an assist from Cimini early in the fourth quarter.

The win cemented another trip to the postseason for the Terriers, but it’s been a different kind of season for their neighbors to the south.

“We’ve struggled through a lot of injuries this year and had to put JV players into varsity roles. They didn’t know the positions and they needed to step up and fill that void,” said Tracey, “We’ve had to ask a lot of the younger players.  There are guys out there that are freshmen or guys that have never played before. They were trust into varsity roles and they’ve performed well.”

Tracey’s Panthers haven’t seen much success in the win-loss column, winning only one game coming into Wednesday, but the first half against Rocky Hill was a positive sign for a program that is still in the developmental stages.

The coach knows that the bumps in the road are all part of the process and wants to build a winning culture in Cromwell.

“Next year I’ll have a huge core with varsity experience. Freshmen and sophomores were thrown into varsity this year and next year they will benefit from that experience. The building will go into next year were they will be experienced,” added Tracey, who only had four seniors this season.

The four seniors played important roles on the field and in the locker room the past couple of seasons, leaving a lasting impression on their successors.

“All the seniors have helped the younger guys. I made them all captains and on top of that they each have another job. They’ve all been leaders and have done a great job,” added Tracey, who was an assistant coach last year when the team finished 3-13, “I wanted to recognize them and I knew that on the field it was going to be tough, but they’ve all handle it really well.”

David Beauchemin, Nate Michaud, Alex Kochanowicz, and goalie Carlos Beltran all played their final home game in the loss to Rocky Hill.

Beauchemin, who Tracey described as an “awesome player”, scored three of the team’s five goals in defeat, including their lone goal in the second half. Junior Jack Shauck and sophomore Zachary Cyr tallied the other two.

Despite this struggles, the arrow is point up for the program. The first-year head coach is aiming to implement a youth lacrosse program in town to create a feeder program, which is similar to what Rocky Hill has created in recent years.

Last Friday, Rocky Hill’s four-game winning streak was snapped when they lost 10-6 at Berlin.

Next up is the Class S tourney, which starts next week. The team has won a first-round tourney game in each of the last two seasons, defeating Immaculate in 2015 and Suffield in 2016.

Both of those wins were at home, but this year they will have to start their playoff journey on the road and their offensive leader knows that it will take a team effort to advance this season.

“Our defense is pretty good and our goalie, Peter {Lucente} is outstanding. We need to work more on our offense, like moving around, cutting, passing the ball, and clearing the ball better,” stated Cimini, “We just qualified and now we can taste it. We want it now.”

(Evan Metzger has thrived as Newington's setter)

Every couple of season the names on the roster change, but the production remains the same for the Newington boys’ volleyball program.

The one constant is head coach Curt Burns, who again has his team in position for a potential title run this spring.

Last Monday, Burns and his boys completed a series sweep of conference foe Maloney, winning in straight-sets (25-13, 25-14, 25-10) at Newington High School.

“I thought it was a great performance from us today. We’ve had some good practices, including a good Saturday morning workout. We have a goal of getting another CCC title” Burns said as he pointed up to the multiple conference banners hanging inside Richard Rogalski Gymnasium, “This was the start of round two of the CCC-South so this was a good first match to start the second cycle. I thought everyone on the team played well today. Very efficient, very clean, very few errors and we had some really good ball contact.”

It was the Indians fourth straight victory, improving their record to 10-5.

“We knew that Maloney came in with a 5-5 record and they were missing their top setter so I was a little worried that we might not play to our level, but our guys showed that they were just going to play our game,” added Burns, “I thought that was a really good sign for us. Sometimes we have the tendency to play to the level of the teams that we are playing. We really took it to them today and that was a good sign.”

Newington also defeated the Maloney in three sets on April 25 in Meriden and again swept the rematch, but the shorthanded Spartans left in all on the court Monday night. The road team went toe-to-toe with the Indians in the early part of both of the first two sets.

Trailing 8-7 in the second set, Newington’s senior captain Zach Harmon sparked a string of six straight points with back-to-back kills, an ace, and a great effort play, digging the ball out from the back row to save another point.

“He’s a big, physical guy and he’s great in the front row with his hitting, but when he can add the back row defense with his size that’s a real bonus. He’s strong enough and big enough to hit back row and he adds defense and can make good contact. He’s also an excellent passer and receiver,” Burns said of Harmon, “All those things he does really make a difference for us. When he’s out there, he really helps our team.”

Harmon is second on the team in kills this season, behind team-leader Andres Ithier-Vicenty, and finished tied with Co-Captain Vihn Dau for game-high eight kills in the win over Maloney.

“I think we’re definitely getting use to each other,” said Harmon, who added that he likes to leads by example on the court, “I not a giant vocal guy, but I think what I do on the court helps the team a lot. I like to get people hyped up and when they’re down I like to pick them up. It feels good to be in a leading role and rally the team when we need it.”

Harmon added that it took some time for the team to adjust to the departure of the players from last season’s semifinal team, which included all-conference selections Dante Phillip and Blake Mamaclay.

Harmon, who was also all-conference last spring, has filled Phillip’s role and junior Evan Metzger has assumed the setter’s role, which was vacated by Mamaclay.

“Coach gave me the great experience of letting me play swing last season. It was just something simple that got me involved and got my confidence up. It gave me chemistry with the players that are still here and now I’m on the court and I know these guys and love these guys. Knowing that they got my back and I’ve got theirs gives me confidence,” said Metzger, who is following a dominant group of setters at the school.
Mamaclay in 2015, Riley McManus in 2014, and Peter Feeney in 2012 each won state titles as set up men with the program.

“I learned a lot from Blake last year and my brother {Josh} graduated the year that I came in, so I watched him. Riley McManus was the setter then, so learned from him too,” added Metzger, who dished out 31 assist in Monday’s victory, “I strive and want to be as good as the guys before me. I want to play and perform at that level.”

His coach sees a lot of the same traits in him as his previous setters.

“He’s growing into the position. He has a passion for the game and he works on his game,” stated Burns, “He’s got a passion and desire to get better and he’s showing that with every match this year and today was a good example of how far he has come. I thought today he had a really nice, efficient game.”

It took time for this group to jell and the upperclassmen carried the team through a shaky start, which included four losses in their first eight game. Through the early struggles a group of sophomore also emerged as the next generation of elite volleyballers at Newington.

One of those sophomores is Teddy Fravel, who is seeing more time on the court and took advantage of his time against Maloney, blocking two shots and adding a kill.

“Teddy is a big, physical presence. When he tried out this year we were really happy because he’s tall but he’s also very strong and his reach is really high. He’s got an 11-foot touch, which is three feet above the net,” said Burns, “We’re developing him and we’ve got him for two more years after this year, so he’s been a nice find for us.”

Fellow sophomore Leonel Caceres and Collin Liedke have also received valuable playing time this spring. Caceres is third on the team in kills, including a half-dozen Monday night. Liedke has been getting playing time at libero, spelling senior Kevin Bilbraut, who is the team’s starter and averaging nearly four digs per set.

Following the win over Maloney, the Indians polished off a perfect week with two more three-set triumphs over Glastonbury and Wethersfield, upping their season total to a dozen wins.

The regular season success is great, but the real quest for a fourth state title under Burns begins later this month when the conference and Class M tourneys start.  

Burns would like to see the team play with some more consistency and his floor leaders believe that energy will be the key in the postseason.

“I think we need to work on our energy. Our team can get fired up and then it can just drop,” said Harmon, “We need to keep it at that steady height so that we can push through those hard times.”

“We’re definitely a high-energy team and I feel we play the best when we’re really energized. We can’t get down when things are going bad,” added Metzger, “I think if we keep our heads up we can go far.”

Before the conference and state tournaments start, the team has some unfished regular season business to attend to, closing with a home game against rival Cheshire on Mon, May 22. The season-finale match starts at 6:30.

Diamond Notes

Newington Baseball Peaking
It’s been a series of streaks this season for Newington baseball. The Indians won four straight to start the season, then hit a rough patch before winning four more in a row. The latest four-game win streak included a 7-2 victory over Wethersfield, an 18-3 conquest over Rocky Hill, and a thrilling 3-2 home win over Conard. Jordan Blanchette pitched a pair of gems in the victories over Wethersfield and Conard. Cooper Johnson, Jay Verenaeu, and Nick Gallicchio all went yard in the win over Rocky Hill.

Surge Continues for Panthers Baseball
Entering the week Cromwell has won 12 of their last 15 games, including an impressive 3-1 victory over rival Morgan last Wednesday. The Clinton-based Huskies knocked Cromwell out of the tournament in the semifinals round a season ago and defeated them in the season-opener, but the Panthers avenged the losses thanks to Noah Budzik’s six-hit, one run complete game. Sean Melaven went 2-3 and scored a run, and Austin Roy drove in two more to secure the victory.  

Middletown Edges Rocky Hill in Extras
The Blue Dragons baseball team picked up their first victory of the season, defeating Rocky Hill 6-5 in the ninth inning on a walk off RBI-single from Jake Radz. The win sparked a spurt for Middletown, who won two of their next three following the win. The Terriers enter the week winless, but have a chance to finish the season strong with four straight home games, including a rematch with the Blue Dragons on Fri, May 19 at 3:45 p.m.

Wild Finishes for Terriers Softball
Rocky Hill softball has had an up-and-down season, but the team has produced many memorable moments, including a 16-15 victory over Berlin in a game they trailed 12-1. Rachel Roncaioli had the game-winning hit to cap the largest comeback in the program’s history. Erin Kelly duplicated that feat a few games later, connecting on a game-clinching knock in the Terrier’s 5-4 extra innings victory over Platt. 

(Jordan Blanchette has been lights out on the hill for the Indians)

South Windsor came to town and soundly defeated Rocky Hill 15-1, but the 14-point discrepancy isn’t what disappointed head coach Michael Albano the most.

“They’re a great team, but we have to bring it. If we don’t come out and give everything and lay it all out there against a team like that, they’re going to destroy you and that’s what we got,” the third-year coach said, “I just want them to come out and have some passion out there. If I see that passion, I don’t care if we lose the game. If we lose, we lose. But if you bring it and leave it on the field, I’m happy.”

Albano’s team was facing an uphill battle against the Bobcats from South Windsor, who entered the contest with a perfect 9-0 record. It was yet another tough test in what has been a brutal schedule for the Terriers, who fell to 4-6 in defeat.

“We have a lot of good, young players and it’s just about meshing it together. We do it against some of the weaker teams, but it’s tough when you play a big-school team that’s skilled like this,” added Albano.

The visiting Bobcats pounced early and often, jumping out to a 3-0 advantage in the first ten minutes of action on goals from Tyler Osit, Connor Smith, and Matthew Greer. 

Junior Joseph Ferreira put the Terriers on the board at the 1:12 mark of the first period, finding the back of the net after receiving a perfect pass from sophomore Riley Donovan.

Ferreira’s goal temporarily energized the home team, but South Windsor’s Kyle Foley scored less than a minute later and the visitors added three more scores before the break, taking a commanding 7-1 lead into halftime.

Nearly all of South Windsor’s goals came from close range, making life difficult for Rocky Hill goalie Peter Lucente. Albano reminded his team during timeouts and again after the game of the importance of keeping the opposing offensive players away from their goal.

“What I was explaining to our guys is that in front of our goalie is the crease and that’s where you make a living on the defensive end. You can’t let guys tiptoe through there and score on your goalie, you just can’t do it,” said an impassioned Albano.

Lucente, who is a three-year starter, made several outstanding saves during the game, helping keep the score from being more lopsided than it was. 

“He’s incredible. He probably had 20 saves,” Albano said of his senior goaltender, “In my opinion, he’s one of the best goalies in the state. We have a young team around him in certain spots, so a lot of pressure has been put on him. It’s just about getting guys around him that are going to help him.”

Rocky Hill threatened to score multiple times in the second half, but South Windsor’s swarming defense and rock-solid netminder Kyran Blackwell thwarted any and all attempts.

The Bobcats added five more goals in the third and another three over the final 12 minutes to complete their tenth victory in convincing fashion.
Greer scored a game-high five goals and Osit added three. Smith, Foley, and Jake Klemba each tallied two, and Benet Saylor added the other.

The struggles are uncharted territory for Albano, whose Terriers have hosted and won a playoff game in his first two seasons on the sidelines. The coach said that in order to keep the postseason success alive the team will have play with more consistency and passion on both ends of the field. 

“We have a bunch of young kids playing and it shows at times. They’re still learning, so it’s been up and down. We have to play better against the good teams. We can’t drop balls and we have to play tight defense,” said Albano, who added that he likes to schedule superior out-of-conference teams to challenge his team, “I want to play the better teams, because I want them to be ready once we get into the playoffs. It does make you better. The higher competition makes you better.” 

It’s been a challenging season so far, but the coach is optimistic about the development of his underclassman, which includes his son Andrew
Albano, who has been playing long-stick midfielder and defense. He also credited fellow sophomores Josh Cavallo, who has been handling the faceoff duties, and Chris Conlan for their development this season.

The Terriers closed last week with another daunting task, losing 20-4 to undefeated Somers at RHHS. It was the team’s sixth home loss of the season, but the schedule eases up a bit over the final few weeks of the regular season.

The coach said that he’ll rely on his leaders, such as Ferreira, who he described as a good, tough player. He’ll also be leaning on the eleven seniors, which includes Lucente and fellow 2016 All-Conference selections Sam Cimini, Hunter Held and Ricky Montalvo. The seniors have all performed well, but now it’s about finding the right chemistry and giving that extra effort.

“We just have to come out stronger and play stronger,” added Albano, “There’s got to be more passion if we want to beat the good teams.”
The team ends the regular season with two of their final three games at home, starting with a tilt against Tolland on Mon, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. They travel to play Cromwell on Wed, May 17 and host Berlin on Fri, May 19 for the regular season finale. The Cromwell and Berlin games both faceoff at 4 p.m.  

 
Diamond Notes

Lagace, Newington Softball Finding Groove
After losing their first game of the season, Newington softball has reeled off eleven straight victories, including wins over Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill and Bristol Central last week. Pitcher Kat Lagace has been lights-out during the winning streak, hurling six shutouts and multiple double-digit strikeout games. Sophomore Cyan Gonzalez has been delivering from the plate, leading the team in hits, runs and RBIs. 

Wethersfield Baseball Soars
Eagles’ baseball is flying high, entering the week with an 8-2 mark. The team picked up an important win of the road last Wednesday, defeating Platt 9-8 behind a pair of homeruns from Tyler Fote and Jimmy Sullivan. Next up is another tough road test against New Britain at Beehive Stadium, Thursday May 11 at 7 p.m.   

Middletown Softball Going Yard
Blue Dragons softball has won 11 of their first 12 games, with their only loss coming by a single run. Last week they beat Rocky Hill and Manchester by a combined score of 39-2. The team has several power hitters that are going yard early and often this season, including senior Briana DiMartino who hit back-to-back homeruns in a 23-0 victory over Rocky Hill. The team is in the middle of a three-game home stand with Wethersfield coming to town on Friday, May 12 at 4:15 p.m.

Turnaround for Cromwell Baseball
The Panthers baseball team started the season with three losses, but they have since rebound to win 11 of 13 games entering the week. Sean Melaven has been the catalyst behind the turnaround, leading the team in RBIs. The senior has drove in three runs in wins over North Branford, East Hampton and Portland. Luke Matchett has also been solid from the plate, leading the team in hits and runs, and Noah Budzik has been consistent from both the plate and mound.