rivereast Standout Athletes of the Week

Here are the Rivereast Standouts of the week for April 3-9:
           
Grace Baran - RHAM High School (Tennis): Baran has assumed the role as the team’s No. 1 singles player this spring and is thriving, winning her first two matches in straight sets. Baran, a senior captain, won her first match (6-4, 6-3) during the team’s season opening win over Bolton at RHAM High School on April 4 and then won (6-0, 6-1) as the Raptors swept Bloomfield, winning all seven matches, at RHAM on April 5.
           
“She has great game sense and adjusts her play throughout the match when necessary,” RHAM head coach Carol Fish said of Baran. “Her consistency, patience, and strong net game make her a formidable opponent.” 
           
Olivia DeMartino - East Hampton High School (Softball): DeMartino opened the spring season by going 4-4 from the plate, scoring four runs and driving in four more as the Bellringers beat Valley Regional 11-5 at East Hampton High School on April 3. DeMartino, a sophomore, powered a line-up that cemented the game with a five-run fifth inning. Jocelyn Gustavson and Emily Jovel each scored a pair of runs, while Kendall Jump, Alison Hebb, and Allison Jacobsen also crossed home plate in the season opener.
           
In the following game, a 2-1 win over Cromwell in extra innings, DeMartino was clutch. She connecting on three hits and scored both runs, including the game-winner in the eighth inning to seal the upset of the defending state champs at Cromwell High School on April 5.      
           
Mason Pingree - Bacon Academy (Baseball): Pingree earned his first varsity win, striking out seven over final four innings of relief duty as the Bobcats defeated Stafford 7-3 to win their first game of the season on April 4. Pingree, a sophomore, also had a pair of hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Senior A.J. Blanchette walked three times and scored two runs as the Bobcats piled up five runs over the first two innings, thanks to six walks and three wild pitches. 
           
​Ryan LaPila - Portland High School (Baseball): LaPila went 2-3 from the plate, slapping a double and scoring a pair of runs as the Highlanders earned an 8-4 win over Old Saybrook, the reigning Shoreline Conference champs, on April 5. Harrison Collins also connected on two hits and scored a pair of runs, while Austin Vess drove in two more.