SHS Baseball, Softball Teams Set Lofty 2011 Goals

A new era for Southington High baseball begins Wednesday when Charlie Lembo leads the Blue Knights against East Catholic-Manchester to open the 2011 season.

Lembo, who had been the JV coach and varsity assistant for six years, was named varsity head coach in January after Steve Matyczyk resigned last December to coach in his hometown of Simsbury. Lembo is only the third coach since 1962.

"Steve and I had a great relationship," Lembo said, "like-minded in baseball and philosophy, so it worked out really well. I wasn't shocked, but I was kind of surprised when Steve left. I think he will do well at Simsbury."

Southington was 9-5 in the CCC West and 14-8 overall last season, losing in the second round of the Connecticut lnterscholastic Athletic Conference Class LL state tournament. Matyczyk didn't exactly leave Lembo in a lurch. In fact, he left a group of 16 seniors amongst a varsity roster that currently sits at 19.

"That's a lot," Lembo said. "It really is, but it's important to me that these guys stay involved. I wasn't going to cut any seniors, but if they don't like their role, then that is up to them.”

Tennessee-bound Sal Romano, who posted a 7-3 record with four complete games a year ago, leads the staff.

In 59 innings, Romano struck out 51 and walked 16 with a 2.12 ERA. The 6-foot-5, right-handed pitcher, who will likely be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June, could play in the outfield and also serve as DH.

"Sal had a great year last year," Lembo said. "He potentially has a great choice in front of him and that's good for our other players. Sal deserves everything he gets, but we've told these kids since their freshman year that you never know who is watching."

Joe Sullivan (2-1, 3.75 ERA) will see mound time, along with Tim Leahy, Justin Robarge, Alex Roger and Tyler Burns. Leahy is the only lefthander, while Robarge is the only junior. When not pitching, Burns will be in center field, Roger in right field, and Sullivan will play shortstop or third base.

"You don't need five starters with three games a week," Lembo said. "Some of these guys have to come out of the bullpen."

Zack Niles (.357) returns at first base with Brian Thompson backing up. In addition to Sullivan, the middle infielders include Connor Butkiewicz, Trevor Dalia, George Dibble and sophomore Matt DiNello. Junior Ben Nichols is at third base with John Giovannucci.

"It's nice to be able to have guys that can move around if you have to," Lembo said.

Bryan Jannetty is expected to start in left field. Shane Fusco will serve as the primary backup in the outfield and can play all three positions. Chris Lee returns as the starting catcher, backed up by Matt Bernacki and James Faroni.

Junior Matt Spruill, who moved from Georgia to become the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter in 2010, suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. He is not likely to play this season.

"(Spruill) would definitely help us," Lembo said. "I feel bad for Matt because he loves baseball so much and it will be hard to sit and watch during the season, but we have other guys who will have to fill in and need them to do the job."

Southington softball

Every year, the goal for the Southington Blue Knights softball team remains the same - to be playing in the Class LL state championship game.

"The expectations are always high," said 10-year head coach John Bores.

Southington was 14-0 in the CCC West and 21-2 overall, losing in the LL semifinals to eventual champion Westhill-Stamford. The Blue Knights, 14-time state champions, haven't been to the finals since winning the 2004 LL title.

"The story is still to be written about this team, but the bar is always set high," Bores said.

Sacred Heart-bound right-hander Jessica Davenport returns for her second year as the full-time pitcher and third year as a starter. An All-State selection in 2010, Davenport was 21-2 with a 0.65 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 161 innings.

"Jess has been very good and we will rely on her a lot," Bores said. "She is also a very good hitter."

Senior first baseman Julia Bocek (15 RBI) is a returning starter in the infield, along with sophomore second baseman Sarah Carangelo and junior Alyssa Dunphy. The newcomer is freshman shortstop Sydney Ferrante.

"Most of the kids coming back are experienced," Bores said. "The only one without varsity experience is Sydney."

Sophomore Rachel Harvey takes over as the full-time catcher, after seeing time at third base and behind the plate last season. Senior Michelle Sirois is in left field, Quinnipiac-bound Brittney Cyr (.318) is in center and junior Nicole Rossitto (.363) is in right. Cyr is a three-year starter along with Rossitto, who led Southington in every offensive category.

Junior outfielder Sarah Collier is back after missing last season with a back injury and junior Chrissy Swol is the backup catcher. Junior Rachel Mongillo can play first or third base, while sophomores Caitlin Downes and Jordan Moquin will backup the starting outfielders. Moquin will be the No. 2 pitcher.

Southington opens the regular season Wednesday at home against East Catholic.