The 2016 Varsity Softball Team entered the final days of their season with a 10-12 record, having another game to play versus Red Bank Catholic in the State Tournament. The team, composed of 16 players, has developed throughout the year by learning to be better players, teammates, and leaders. Facing difficult opponents and tough situations allowed the players to become closer as friends and led to many individual and team successes.

The Purple Roses started the season off well, obtaining an 8-4 record and winning games against teams like Point Pleasant Beach and Keansburg. However, when a rough patch in the season came for the team, they did not give up and continued to fight. Senior first-baseman Bri McCarren said, “We struggled a little in the middle of the season, but were able to pull together in some of the most difficult and important games.” Teams like Mater Dei and Bishop Eustace posed a challenge for the Roses, but with contributions from senior pitcher Bri McInerney, junior Bryn Onoshko, and sophomore Emily DeFalco in the outfield and at the plate, the team was able to win vital games toward the end of the season.
This year was an especially important one for the growth of the team’s collective skills. “We knew this year we had a very talented team, it was all about discovering those talents and learning how to use them in our games,” said Onoshko. With 12 players returning next year, the core group of players have developed a chemistry that will continue on to next season. The underclassmen have found success in teamwork against tough opponents, even if it did not translate onto the scoreboard. The season was filled with many individual successes as well, with many players having stand-out seasons. Pitcher Bri McInerney reached a very impressive 500 career strikeouts this season, throwing her 500th on her senior day in an exciting win over undefeated rival Mater Dei. Junior Kate Thompson and senior Kristin Case also had remarkable performances in the infield, keeping games close in tight situations. Many of these personal successes can be partially attributed to new assistant Coach Sferlazzo, who keeps a positive attitude on the field and inspires players to work harder and believe in themselves.

Though the team did not have a winning record, the season proved successful in the evolution of the players as a cohesive unit that can find success even against very difficult opponents. With contributions from every member, they were able to bring down some of their greatest oppositions and learn new facets of the game that they had never been exposed to before.

By Jillian Barry ’17

The 2015-2016 Boys Tennis team’s season came to an end with their last match on Thursday, May 12^th against Keansburg. The seventeen boys faced some challenges throughout the year with only one win, however their coach, Jerry Joyce, and team captain, Ethan Scannell (senior), encouraged them to try their best and have fun. They look forward to improving next year, but are sad to see their seniors leave.

Mr. Joyce has been coaching tennis for 41 years. The boys are very fortunate and grateful to have him as their leader. He is always making jokes, yet he still does a fantastic job of coaching. Although the goal of the game is mostly to win, Mr. Joyce does not put pressure on his players to make sure they beat their opponents every time. He believes that they should just have a good experience and keep it relaxed.

The practices are held every day after school at Maclearie Park in Belmar for an hour and a half. Mr. Joyce has the boys practice a series of drills in order to enhance the performance of the players. Although the boys are expected to take the sport seriously, they still have fun and play in a jovial atmosphere.

Every night before a match, the team gathered at one of the seniors’ houses for a pasta party. They would fuel up on a myriad of foods and talk about their plan to beat their opponents the next day. This fun activity seemed to work when the boys won against Henry Hudson. It was their only win of the season, however, it was one of their favorite memories. Another favorite was when they played against Ranney because of “How nice it was. It was a nice day out, the whole team was there, and the courts were so nice”, said Michael McNulty (senior) and Brian Lafferty (senior). The combination of the nice weather, full team, and nice courts, made a long-lasting imprint in the memories of these young men.

The team this year consisted mostly of seniors: Ethan Scannell (captain), Brian Lafferty, Michael McNulty, Quentin Sylvester, Noah Canderozzi, Zach Canderozzi, Tanner Long, JP Krotulis, Jason Heinzeroth, and Tom Ciano. Many of whom it was their first year. Others: Brian, Jason, and Michael, had all been on the team for two years, and Tom Ciano was on the team for all four years of his high school career.

The underclassmen are looking forward to showing their skills with more open spaces on the team. They are excited to finally play in the singles matches next year now that the seniors have left. The goals for the team next year are to expand the team, improve their skills, and win more matches.

By Julia Renna ’17

The St Rose Boys Baseball Team has been successful this year and head coach Chris LeMore, as well as the varsity team of fourteen boys, has high hopes for what remains of their season. The boys were 17-9 last year and 12-2 in the division, and ended up pulling a win over Mater Dei for the division title to end a great season. This year, the team has already improved their record with 18 wins and only 5 losses.

Captain Mike Gowen is the only senior this year and is eager to see how the season ends along with his teammates. The team thanked him for his four years of dedication to the team on Senior Day against Brick Memorial where they won 6-3. “I’m upset to leave, but I know the Juniors have great potential in carrying the team next year,” Gowen stated. Pitcher Brandon Mology and Co-captains Brendan Hueth and Joey Volpe have shown great leadership this year and contributed a great amount of talent to the team. “If the team continues to work hard every day like we have the entire season” Mology states,“ We have a great shot in claiming the state title.” He explained that the boys have to be confident in one another and they will meet their goals.

Although the boys have been very successful, they have not begun every game on top. “Recently we have been down the first few innings but have made remarkable come-backs,” explains Joey Volpe who recently hit a walk-off homerun to claim victory over Ocean in 8 innings. The team continues there season and plays their rival, Manasquan, and thenw ill continue on to the state games. They ask for as much support as they can get and hope to see their classmates and parents cheering them on.

By Jacqueline Lorenzo ‘17

The Purple Roses Boys and Girls golf teams shared a similar goal this season: They both wanted to exceed last season’s accomplishments. In order to go farther in the post-season, both teams practiced year round and unlike last year, both teams had varsity and junior varsity squads. Coach Connelly and Coach Pignataro were happy to see new faces as it strengthens the program’s future.
The Girls varsity golf team had a positive outlook going into the season. Captains Samantha Boehmcke and Clare Peropat led the team consisting of Bridget Burrus, Annie Butler, Kayla Coan, Kelly Crines, Kirsten Heine, Lauren Hickey, Samantha Loori, and Ava O’Shaughnessy. Their final record was 7-6, achieving their goal of having a winning season. As a team the girls placed fourth out of thirteen schools in the Monmouth County Tournament. Sam Loori placed eighth individually and Sam Boehmcke placed eleventh. In the Shore Conference tournament Sam Boehmcke placed ninth individually. Next year the girls will return the whole team except for senior captain Clare Peropat. Co-captain Sam Boehmcke is confident that next season the girls will be just as strong. “Our season was extremely successful this year and we shocked everyone finishing above 500. It was really awesome to see the freshmen step up and play in a ton of matches. I’m very excited for the upcoming season next year because this team has a bright future ahead of them.”
The Boys varsity team consisted of Captain Patrick Gates, Chris Gowen, Jack McDonough, Noah Conforti, Chuck Ruchalski, and Jared Scheininger. The boys were determined to start off the season “watchchasing” referring to the watches the winners of the Tournament of Champions receive. This motivation proved evident throughout the season. The boys placed second in three tournaments and third in three as well. Their regular season record was 16-1, their only loss being Manasquan. The boys are ranked second in the Shore Conference and fifth in the state. The boys also won their seventh consecutive State Sectional Non Public B South title. Although they did not manage to clinch the Tournament of Champions title, the boys are looking forward to next year. The team should be just as forceful because the whole team is returning.
The boys and girls golf team proved that hard work pays off. They both intend to carry their success into next year. With their work ethic, anything is possible for the Purple Roses.

By Ava O’Shaughnessy‘17

This year the boy’s varsity lacrosse team went 5-10, enjoying wins over Long Branch and Toms River East, while suffering tough losses to Newark Academy and Barnegat High School. Competing as a young team that was learning to play together without relying on 4 year varsity player Matt Frost, the playing ability and fight of the team this year surprised many people.

This season the team graduated five seniors: Rich Harold, Rich Herro, Kevin Kelly, Nick Ricca, and Cam Vuono. Next season the team will have a hard time replacing them and the leadership roles they played, but the future looks brighter than ever for the young squad. All four captains, Griffin McDermmott, Hunter Harms, Robbie Brugnoli, and Dan Clayton, are juniors and will be returning next year for their senior campaign. The attack was anchored by sophomore standout Shane Rielly, junior Chris Bormida, and the aforementioned Griffin McDermmott while the midfielders were led by a core group of veterans and athletic newcomers who used their athletic abilities and growing knowledge of the game to get better with each contest. On defense, junior Hunter Harms and shut down defender Bob Mahon protected the net while junior Tommy Reilly was crucial down low, playing tough, physical defense or quick long stick midfielder, depending on what the team needed from him. In net, Robbie Brugnoli showed why he is committed to play division one college lacrosse with each save this year, often keeping the team in games with his superb play. With this much talent returning, coach Kevin Preston is more than excited for next season,”I definitely think we have a chance next year at the shore conference tournament and some states tournament victories…with the core group of guys we have, even though they’re still learning to play the game, they work so hard and never give up.”

These high words of praise from the coach are hardly unwarranted though, as the team showed flashes of next season during its game against Newark Academy, which the seniors did not attend. Without them, the team still managed to perform well, showing how much they had bonded all season and playing with a level of trust some teams only develop after years of playing together.

Of the field, the team had a great year as well, highlighted by a weekend trip to Stockton that included team dinners, swimming, and game room antics that was very successful, and will hopefully become an annual trip. Other team activities included a pasta party in preparation for the Manasquan game and an end of the season banquet at the Harms’ residence where each new varsity player was recognized with a letter for their jackets. These festivities and activities helped put the focus that being a part of the lacrosse team is about meeting new people, making new friends, and having fun learning the game more than it is about winning and losing.

By Alex Phipps ’17

This season, the girls of the lacrosse team have proven that they are bettering themselves as individuals and as a team with every day at practice. Lead by senior captains Emily Tiernan, Audrey Conforti, and Liz Goss, the girls showed their skills as a still growing team and hopefully a future powerhouse in the Shore Conference.  The coaching staff seemed to make the lacrosse season a fun time for the players. Junior Marykate O’Malley appreciates the coaches and all they do for the girls, “We have three super young and super fun coaches that support us.” The coaches this year for girls lacrosse consist of varsity coaches Jen Molzon (second-year), assisted by Brian Wilderman, (first-year). Allison Riccio also coached the JV team this year. Although it was fun for the girls on the team, the coaches certainly did not let this season become a full-time party.

Conditioning exercises always awaited the players at practice to help sharpen their skills as well as help them get a workout in. Junior Ashley Ward, a first-year varsity player, gives her thoughts about the workouts and the season in general, “As a first year player, I think it was a good experience and we all definitely got in shape with all the running. I will be playing again next year because I had a great time with my team.”
When it came time for the girls to showcase what they learned from pre-season practice, they did not disappoint. This season the girls had some really close games and pulled out some exciting wins against teams like Ranney and Trinity Hall. There is a lot promising talent on the squad. Because a few starting players are leaving this year, freshman Abigail George and junior Bailey Antman, two of the leading scorers on the team, need to be to ready to fill their shoes as the girls prepare for next season. Although the team’s record was not exactly where they wanted it to be, this season showed that they are one step away from becoming a high caliber team that has the potential to be a major threat in the Shore.
The team also believes that team spirit is a big part of gaining success as a unit. Marykate O’Malley explains how “the girls show a lot of spirit with team outings, pasta parties, and creative cheers.” One thing that the girls lacrosse team holds near and dear to their hearts is senior day. This year, on the last practice, they kept the tradition of a team based scavenger hunt all around the athletic complex. They also took part in several other activities where the seniors each had a team that they were in charge of. This end of the year festivity really sums up the season and brings the team together as they share one final goodbye.
The Girls lacrosse team has really improved this year with new players and a new coach. The girls are ready for some off season work and the student body is eager to see what the Purple Roses can do next year.

By Chris Bormida ’17

Head Coach, Megan Miller (’06) helped lead the girl’s outdoor track team to a very successful season so far. Along with the help of assistant coaches Mr. Verga, Mr. Casagrande, Mr. Laureti, Mr. Jasko, Mrs. Handzo and throwing coach Alli Donahue (’11) the girls were unstoppable. All of the coaches are very helpful and fun! The team had key returning runners and some new additions that added strength in many different areas. The girl’s were led by a very strong group of seniors consisting of Erin Prachar, Aine Donohue, Deirdre Cahill, Katherine Taylor, Sam Mastrocola, Emma Winkley and Emma Cantlon who are all great role models to the underclassmen and crucial to the team.
The girls’ team won the division with a critical and final win against their rival, Mater Dei, for the first time in a couple of years! It was pouring rain the entire meet, but that did not stop the girls from competing. The whole team ran extremely well and almost everyone got a personal record and finished in the top three of their event. The 4×400 team of Erin Dailey, Brittany Lopes, Sheila Magrini and Jill Haggerty helped secure the win for the Roses, as it was the final event and the girls won it! Furthermore, the field events did just as well, getting new personal records in many different events and getting as many points possible to help lead the girls’ team to victory! After asking senior Erin Prachar about the meet, she gave some insight “I am very proud of our team for putting in so much hard work this season and seeing it pay off with us becoming division champs! It was even better because we beat our rivals Mater Dei in order to get back the title.”
The girls had two relay teams that raced at Penn Relays this season. The Penn Relays are held at the University of Pennsylvania with people competing from all over the world. Erin Dailey, Sheila Magrini, Megan Theobald and Jillian Haggerty made up the 4×400 team and the 4×100 team consisted of Aine Donohue, Erin Prachar, Sam Mastrocola and Brittany Lopes. Both teams did very well and the 4×100 team beat the Jamaican team, who was predicted to win it all!
Additionally, On May 7, the girls track team competed in the Long Branch Invitational and once again the girls performed to the best of their abilities and excelled in almost every event. Sheila Magrini won first place for the high jump and Alex Preckajlo won first place at shot put! It was a great day for the Purple Roses.
The season still has more to hold with shore conference, sectionals and states approaching. When asked about these upcoming meets, senior Aine Donohue said “We’ve been working hard individually and as a team this season to prepare for all the meets, especially sectional and states. I’m excited to watch everyone’s hard work pay off in my last few meets on the team!” The girls have been training all season for these important meets and expected to do very well!

By Erin Dailey ’17

The St. Rose Boys Outdoor Track team had another great season. The team was lead by head coach, Megan Hiller. Megan Hiller was an important member of the track team and won many state titles before graduating from St. Rose in ’06. She coaches the team alongside assistant coaches, Mr. Casagrande, Mr. Verga, Mr. Laureti, Mrs. Handzo and throwing coach Alli Donahue, who graduated from St. Rose in ’11. It is a really great team of coaches who all add something unique and valuable. The boys have a very strong team of returning members and many new members as well! The team is led by a great group of seniors consisting of Bobby Tuzzio, Luke Grodeska, John Murtagh, Nick McLaughlin, Kyle Kretzmer, Connor Cassidy, Chris Kinsel, Steven Wallace and Jake Shnaack. A couple of seniors are even taking their track and field talents to college! Bobby Tuzzio is continuing his running career at the College of Holy Cross, while Luke Grodeska will be throwing at Penn State University!
The boys’ team won the division with a huge win against rival Mater Dei. It was a very intense meet that took place in the pouring rain at Mater Dei’s home track.
Everyone gave it their all in event they competed in to help win as many points as possible to secure their win and title as division champions. The win also finally showed Mater Dei who the best is and put their talk to rest. After winning the conference and being titled as champions, junior Drew Reilly stated, “Winning our conference was a great way to start the season. It pumped us up and allowed us to prepare for the meets in June that matter the most, such as sectionals and states.”
The boys preformed to the best of their abilities at the Monmouth County Championship meet at Holmdel. Everybody was on the top of their game and ran very well, a plethora of boys got new personal records. Andrew Huisman and Luke Grodeska both threw extremely well that night. Luke won first place for shotput, throwing 68 feet. That allowed him to break a 40-year old record and set the new meet record, county record AND shore conference record!
At the end of April, some of the boys raced at the annual Penn Relays, held at the University of Pennsylvania. They had a 4×100 team of Sean Brueche, Kyle Kretzmer, Billy Tencza and John O’Hearn. The 4×400 team consisted of Bobby Tuzzio, Connor Cassidy, Chris Kinsel and John Murtagh. Both relays ran very well. Luke Grodeska threw shot put at Penn Relays earning 5th overall! Penn Relays has an awesome atmosphere with teams from around the world, which makes it exciting and exhilarating to compete in.
Shore Conference, Sectionals and States are approaching and the boys are more than ready! They have a very strong team in many different areas and positive mindsets that will only help them to do as best as they can. These upcoming weeks should be very exciting for the boys track team, as they will give
nothing but 110%.

By Erin Dailey ’17