Newswire 2004-2005

All press releases by Russ Waterman (through 12/15/05) and Dan LaCorbiniere (since January 2005) , Sports Information Coordinators

05.17.05

15 more CCRI Student-Athletes make First Team All-Region XXI

Baseball

Six CCRI Knight Baseball Players made first Team All-Region XXI and one voted Defensive Player of the Year. Heading the list was pitcher Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) with a 7-2 record pitched 67 1/3 innings with a 2.67 ERA allowing just 20 earned runs and striking out 67 and pitcher Marek Deska (Ontario, CA) who had a 6-0 record pitched 60 innings with a 2.70 ERA allowing just 18 earned runs and striking out 85. Offensively the Knights were represented by outfielder Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who batted .464 with 51 hits including five doubles, five triples, and two home runs, and 24 RBI, outfielder Phil Butler (Cranston, RI) who batted .333 with 39 hits including six doubles, one triple, and three homeruns and 21 RBI. Infielder Jang Won Lee (Toronto, CA) who batted .316 with 36 hits including nine doubles and Gregg Allen (Dighton, MA) who batted .355 with 43 hits including nine doubles, two triples, and three homeruns and 34 RBI. In addition to the six All-Region members first baseman Jon Furtado (Johnston, RI) was voted Defensive Player of the Year after completing his 2005 campaign without committing a single error a tremendous feat for any first baseman.

Softball

Eight members of the CCRI Lady Knights softball team made first Team All-Region XXI. Led by shortstop Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who batted .622 with 28 hits including four doubles, two triples 18 runs scored and 25 RBI. Co-Captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) batted .581 with 43 hits including 12 doubles two triples and a homerun with 23 runs scored 36 RBI, and eight stolen bases. Co-Captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) batted .548 with 40 hits including six doubles, four triples and a homerun with 27 runs scored 22 RBI, and eight stolen bases. Second baseman Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) batted .532 with 33 hits including two doubles with 23 runs scored 10 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Right Fielder Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) batted .509 with 27 hits including nine doubles two triples and two homeruns 18 runs scored and 13 RBI. Left fielder Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) batted .425 with 31 hits including a double and a triple with 23 runs scored 12 RBI and seven stolen bases. Designated hitter Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI) batted .429 with 21 hits eleven runs scored and 14 RBI. Last but certainly not least pitcher Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) who had a 9-1 record with a 1.86 ERA with two shutouts and 42 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings pitched.

Golf

There was one CCRI Knight Golfer to make All-Region XXI James O’Neill (Pawtucket, RI) a freshman from St. Raphael he was consistently the low scorer for the team. O’Neill Led CCRI in their only victory of the year over Holyoke and STCC with a low score of 73 beating the next closest competitor by eight strokes.

05.16.05

Jennings shines at NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Meet as CCRI women place 4th men 12th

Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) was voted The Field Event Female Athlete of the Championship after she set a new National record, CCRI School Record and was voted First Team All-American in the hammer with a throw of 51.72m in addition she won the shot put with a throw of 11.57m making her First Team All-American in the Shot Put as well, then she came in third in the Javelin throw with a throw of 29.42m. Jaimaal Munir (Warwick, RI) also made First Team All-American in the high jump by winning that event with a leap of 1.91m. Second Team All-American Honors went to Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) in the 5000m with a time of 19.53.06, Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) in the Heptathlon with a score of 3408 points, and Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) in the 100m high hurdles with a time of 16.44 sec.

On the women’s side the CCRI Outdoor track team finished fourth overall with 93 points behind SUNY-Delhi (125), SUNY-Cobleskill (121), and Mohawk Valley CC (102). Besides the First and Second Team All-American performances by Jennings, Oyekoya, Nicholas and Barbosa there were many more team highlights like Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) 3rd in the 400m at 1:00.29, 3rd in the high jump at 1.53m, and 5th in the 800m at 2:33.93. Barbosa came in 4th in the 1,500m with a time of 5:19.40. Oyekoya 4th in the high jump at 1.53m (had more misses than Nicholas) and the 4x800m team of Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA), Barbosa, Lani Pollack (Deland, FL), and Nicholas came in 3rd with a school record time of 10:42.84, and the 4x400m relay team of Nicholas, Oyekoya, Bailey, and Barbosa came in 6th with season-best time of 4:30.21.

On the men’s side the CCRI Outdoor track team finished 12th with 28.5 points led by the All-American performance by Munir. In addition to him there were other performances that were noteworthy, including the 4x800m relay team of Joe Hannon (Woonsocket, RI), Lance Llewellyn ( North Attleboro, MA), Eric Estrada (Providence, RI), and Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) who finished 3rd with a time of 8:19.08, Dalton in the 400m hurdles came in 4th with a time of 55.76 sec. Mike Dolan (South Kingston, RI) came in 6th in the hammer with a throw of 42.65m and the 4x400m relay team of Estrada, Hannon, Llewellyn, and Dalton came in 6th with a time of 3:28.96.

Jasmine Jennings was voted the Field Event Female Athlete of the Championship

Sherilyn Nicholas was the fourth highest point scorer of the Championship

Jasmine Jennings set a New National record in the Hammer

First Team All American Awards went to-Jasmine Jennings –Shot put and Hammer and Jaimaal Munir in the High Jump

Second Team All American Awards went to Saundra Barbosa -5000m and Sherilyn Nicholas in Heptathlon and Mary Oyekoya in the 100m Hurdles

Women Team Scores

1-SUNY Delhi College 125

2-SUNY Cobleskill 121

3-Mohawk Valley CC 102

4-CCRI 93

5-College of DuPage 80

6-Bronx CC 56

7-Herkimer County CC 45

8-William Rainey Harper College 37

9-Kingsborough CC 36

10-Alfred State College 35

11-Queensborough CC 30

12- Columbus State CC 26

13-SUNY Morrisville 22

14-Erie CC 19

15-Cumberland County College 9

15-Nassau CC 9

400m-3rd Sherilyn Nicholas 1:00.29

800m-5th Sherilyn Nicholas 2:33.93

1500m-4th Saundra Barbosa 5:19.40-6th Erin Bailey 5:30.16

5000m-2nd Saundra Barbosa 19:53.06

100m Hurdles-2nd Mary Oyekoya 16.44

400m Hurdles-8th Mary Oyekoya 1:17.53-ran a 1:12.81 in trial school record

4x400m relay-6th-Nicholas,Oyekoya-Bailey-Barbosa-4:30.21-Best time this season

4x800m relay-3rd-Bailey-Barbosa-Ollack-Nicholas-10:42.84 School record

High Jump-3rd Sherilyn Nicholas-1.53m-4th –Mary Oyekoya 1.53m-Not a tie mary had more misses at lower heights

Shot Put-1st Jasmine Jennings 11.57m

Hammer-1st Jasmine Jennings 51.72-National Meet Record and School Record

Javelin-3rd Jasmine Jennings-29.42m-6th Sherilyn Nicholas 26.60m

Heptathlon-2nd Sherilyn Nicholas- 3408

Men Team Score

1-SUNY Delhi College 160.5

2-Mohawk Valley CC 87

3-SUNY Cobleskill 76

4-William Rainey Harper College 73

5-College of DuPage 71

6-Howard CC 68

7-Alfred College 52

8-Kingsborough CC 46

9-Gloucester County CC 35

10-Erie CC 30

11-Nassau CC 29

12-CCRI 28.5

13-Bronx CC 28

14-Thaddeus Stevens College 16

15-Duchess CC 23

16-Queensborough CC 11

17-Herimer County CC 8

17-Cumberland County CC 8

17-SUNNY Morrisville College 8

400m-14th Eric Estrada 52.55

800m-8th Joe Hannon 2:05.28-ran 2:03.80 in trial

5000m-11th Chris Farrell 17:50.78

10000m-9th Chris Farrell-35:48.39-12th-Keith Jobin-38:09.64

400m hurdle-4th Justin Dalton 55.76

4x100m -10th Rogers-Dalton-Mante-Estrada-44.98

4x400m-6th-Estrada-Hannon-Llewellyn-Dalton 3:28.96

4x800m-3rd-Hannon-Llewellyn-Estrada-Dalton-8:19.08-school Record

High Jump-1st Jaimaal Munir-1.91m-Tie 8th Dante Lopardo 1.81m

Hammer-6th Mike Dolan-39.31m

Javilin-9th Tom Obenhaus 42.65m

05.11.05

CCRI Knights fall to UConn-Avery Point 9-2 and 4-3 to finish season 27-7

Game 1 Monday- CCRI 2 UConn-Avery Point 9

Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) who had been 2-0 versus Avery Point up to this game lasted just 3 2/3 innings giving-up eight runs, four of them earned, on five hits. It was the third time McNulty had faced Avery Point in the last two weeks and it seemed as thought the UConn bats just caught up to the young fire-baller. With the loss CCRI falls to 27-6 the Knights need to win two in a row to win the Region XXI Tournament.

Offense was provided by Phil Butler (Cranston, RI) who had two hits including a double and an RBI, Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who had one hit and two runs scored, and Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) who had a hit and an RBI.

Game 2 Tuesday- CCRI 3 UConn-Avery Point 4

Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada) kept the hot hitting batters for Avery Point off balance as he mixed his pitched well giving-up two runs on four hits and striking out five in six innings Troy Sainsbury (Westerly, RI) got the loss pitching 2 1/3 innings giving-up two unearned runs one in the seventh and one to end the game in the ninth. With the loss CCRI finishes the season 27-7 and runner-up in Region XXI.

Offense was provided by Jon Furtado (Johnston, RI) who contributed a hit and a run scored, Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) who had a double, and Seth Desautel (Cumberland, RI) who also provided a base hit.

The Knights played valiantly and left everything on the field, unfortunately they did not come out on the winning side this time. It was a bitter end to an excellent season.

05.10.05

2004-2005 "Team MVP's" announced

Cross Country - Chris Farrell, Saundra Barbosa
Men's Soccer - Bruno Texeira
Women's Soccer - Abby Hummel, Catherine Cusson
Women's Volleyball - LaRae Rhodes
Men's Basketball - Marvin Owens
Women's Basketball - Amanda Ward, Jeanell Hughes
Indoor Track - Justin Dalton, Jasmine Jennings
Baseball - Gregg Allen
Golf - Steve Vinton
Softball - Jen Dupont
Tennis - Drew Hochman
Outdoor Track - Justin Dalton, Jasmine Jennings

05.09.05

CCRI women win 2005 Northeast District Outdoor Track Meet men come in second

The CCRI Lady Knights outdoor track team came in first at the Northeast District Track Meet and the Knights came in second. The Lady Knights led by District Champions Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) in the hammer throw, Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) in the 500m run, Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) District runner-up, and the District Champion 4x400m relay team of Jennings, Barbosa, Nicholas and Oyekoya, and District Champion 4x800m team of Nicholas, Bailey, Barbosa, and Oyekoya scored 150.5 team points to win the Northeast District Outdoor Track Meet.

Jennings won yet another District championship in the hammer throw with a throw of 47.39m, came in second in the Shot Put with a throw of 11.56m, came in second in the Javelin with a throw of 30.28m, and third in the discus with a throw of 30.79m. Barbosa became District Champion in the 5,000m with a time of 20:46.72. The 4x400m relay team of Jennings, Barbosa, Nicholas and Oyekoya became District Champion with a time of 4:38.19 as did the 4x800m relay team of Nicholas, Bailey, Barbosa, and Oyekoya with a time of 12:06.48. Oyekoya became the District runner-up in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:22.57 and placed third in the 100m hurdles with a time of 18.2, and fourth in the High jump with a leap of 1.42m. Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) placed third in the Javelin with a throw of 24.16m, placed third in the High Jump with a leap of 1.47m, fourth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 22.34 and fourth in the 400m dash with a time of 1:00.95

The Knights men’s team finished second behind the efforts of District Champions Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI) in the 1,500m, Jaimall Munir (Warwick, RI) in the High Jump, Keith Jobin (North Kingston, RI) in the 10,000 run, and Mike Dolan (South Kingston, RI) in the Hammer throw, finished second with 124 team points as they were just edged out by Gloucester.

Farrell became the District champion in the 1,500m run with a time of 4:19.25. Munir became district champion in the High Jump with a leap of 1.82m and he was runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 12.93m. Jobin became District Champion in the 10,000m run with a time of 39:31.89. Dolan became District Champion in the hammer with a throw of 43.29m. Dalton became district champion in the 400m hurdles with a time of 56.82. He placed fourth in the 400m dash with a time of 51.48 and fourth in the 110m hurdles with a time of 18.15. The 4x800m relay team of Dalton, Estrada, Hannon, and Llewellyn were District Runner-up with a time of 8:31.06, and the 4x400m relay team of Dalton, Estrada, Llewellyn, and Hannon placed third with a time of 3:35.38, while the 4x100m relay team of Rogers, Mante, Dalton, and Estrada, placed fourth with a time of 45.29.

Both CCRI teams look to continue success at the Division III Outdoor Track Nationals this weekend May 12-14th at SUNY-Delhi.

CCRI‘s young tennis hopefuls come up short at the Region XXI Tournament

The CCRI co-ed tennis team made up completely of freshmen played valiantly at the Region XXI tennis tournament over the weekend but came-up short to Springfield Tech and a fully loaded Holyoke team.

In the men’s semi-finals Drew Hochman CCRI (Cranston, RI) was defeated by Ledue from STCC as Hochman labored through a hamstring injury suffered in an earlier match but came up short 6-4, 4-6, and 6-4. In the other men’s semi-final Jason Garrahan CCRI (Smithfield, RI) was defeated by Caslow from STCC 4-6, 6-3, and 6-4 in a hard fought match. In the women’s semi-final Tanekar Alexander CCRI (D’Abadie Trinidad) was defeated by Lundy from STCC 6-0 and 6-1. In the mixed-doubles semi-final the team of Hochman/Lenling CCRI were defeated by Kirkpatrick/Lundy STCC 6-1 and 6-2 and the team of Garrahan/Alexander CCRI were defeated by Kane/Lundy STCC 7-5 and 6-4 in a back and forth battle.

In the women’s finals Katherine Lenling CCRI (Riverside, RI) was outmatched by Delbouno form Holyoke 6-0 and 6-0. Natalie Waters CCRI (Manchester, England) was beaten by Streperer from Holyoke 6-3 and 6-1 while Brittany Godbout CCRI (Cranston, RI) was defeated by Kerry from Holyoke 6-2 and 6-2. In women’s doubles the team of Waters and Godbout CCRI were defeated by Kerry and Streperer Holyoke 6-2, 1-6, and 6-0 in a donnybrook of a match.

Though there were no regional champions for CCRI the Knights and Lady Knights showed that they have much to build upon for the future.

Review results of the Region XXI Tennis tournament......

2005 NE Region 21 Tennis Championships

Semi Finals

Singles

1) Ladue (STCC) def. Hochman (CCRI) 6-4,4-6,6-4

2) Kaslong (STCC) def. Garrahan (CCRI) 4-6,6-3,6-4

3) Lening (CCRI) def. Kirpatrick (STCC) 6-1,6-1

4) Lundy (STCC) def. Alexander (CCRI) 6-0,6-1

5) Waters (CCRI) def. Kane (STCC) 3-6,6-3,7-5

6) Godbout (CCRI) def. (STCC) Default

Doubles

1) Ladue/Kirtpatrick (STCC) def. Hochman/Lenling (CCRI) 6-1,6-2

2) Kane/Lundy (STCC) def. Garrahan/Alexander (CCRI) 7-5,6-1

3) Waters/Godbout (CCRI) def. (STCC) Default

Finals

Singles

3) Del Bono (HCC) def. Lenling (CCRI) 6-0,6-0

5) Strenper (HCC) def. Waters (CCRI) 6-3,6-1

6) Kerry (HCC) def. Godbout (CCRI) 6-0,6-0

Doubles

3) Strenper/Kerry (HCC) def. Waters/Godbout (CCRI) 6-2,1-6,6-0

All New England 2nd Team Selection

Singles

Katie Lenling, Natalie Waters and Brittney Godbout

Doubles

Natalie Waters/Brittney Godbout

05.06.05

Knights top UConn-Avery Point 8-4 to improve record to 26-5 and 10-0 in Region XXI

CCRI pitching ace Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) improved his record to 7-1 for the season pitching a complete game allowing only four runs on nine hits against the always tough UConn-Avery Point squad. With the win CCRI improves their record to 26-5 overall and 10-0 in Region XXI.

Offensive production was provided by Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who had three hits including a double, two runs scored and an RBI and Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) who also had three hits and two runs scored. Also contributing were Jang Won Lee (Toronto, Canada) and Jon Furtado (Johnston, RI) who each had a hit with 2 RBI, along with Luis Felix (Cranston, RI) who had a hit and two runs scored.

With this win CCRI has won the opportunity to host the Region XXI Tournament Saturday May 7th-Monday May 9th against this same U-Conn-Avery Point team that they have beaten twice this year.

Team Batting Leaders

Name AB Runs Hits RBI AVG. 2B 3B HR
Gregg Allen 110 26 41 33 .373 9 2 3
John Furtado 100 22 35 32 .350 9 0 2
Phil Butler 106 20 36 20 .340 5 1 3
Brett Thornton 100 28 47 24 .470 4 5 2
Jang Won Lee 105 31 34 18 .324 9 0 0

Team Pitching Leaders

Name IP H ER BB K’S ERA Wins Loss Saves
Andy McNulty 63 2/3 54 16 29 66 2.26 7 1 0
Marek Deska 45 39 16 12 66 3.20 5 0 0
Ryann Foss 29 17 2 12 45 .620 3 2 0
Troy Sainsbury 28 2/3 28 8 9 19 2.51 2 1 3
Steve Minor 33 2/3 34 12 21 30 3.21 4 1 0

Deska and the Knights shutout Quinsigamond CC 3-0 to improve to 27-5 and 11-0 in Region XXI

Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada) pitched a one-hit complete game shutout with an astounding 14 strikeouts versus Quinsigamond CC with the win Deska improves his record to 6-0 on the season and lowers his ERA to 2.67 with 80 strikeouts.

Offense was provided by Jon Furtado (Johnston, RI) who had two hits and three RBI and Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who had three hits including a double and a run scored. In addition, Jang Won Lee (Toronto, Canada), Luis Felix (Cranston, RI), Phil Butler (Cranston, RI), Ron Ribera (Newport, RI), and Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) each contributed a hit to the cause.

With this win CCRI finishes the regular season 27-5 overall and 11-0 in Region XXI. Their next games will be in the Region XXI Tournament starting this Saturday at noon versus UConn-Avery Point at the Knight Campus in Warwick and continuing Sunday and if there is a tie-breaker Monday the 9th.

Team Batting Leaders

Name
AB
Runs
Hits
RBI
AVG.
2B
3B
HR

Gregg Allen
114
27
42
33
.368
9
2
3

John Furtado
103
22
37
35
.359
9
0
2

Phil Butler
110
20
37
20
.336
5
1
3

Brett Thornton
103
29
50
24
.485
5
5
2

Jang Won Lee
108
32
35
18
.324
9
0
0

Team Pitching Leaders

Name
IP
H
ER
BB
K’S
ERA
Wins
Loss
Saves

Andy McNulty
63 2/3
54
16
29
66
2.26
7
1
0

Marek Deska
54
40
16
12
80
2.67
6
0
0

Ryann Foss
29
17
2
12
45
.620
3
2
0

Troy Sainsbury
28 2/3
28
8
9
19
2.51
2
1
3

Steve Minor
33 2/3
34
12
21
30
3.21
4
1
0

05.02.05

Lady Knights Fall to Dean become runner-up in Region XXI Tournament and end season with 19-3 record

Game 1 vs. Massasoit CC CCRI wins 5-2

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) pitched seven strong innings allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out nine to earn her eight victory of the season.

Offense was provided by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had two hits including a double with an RBI and a run scored and Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who went 3-3 with an RBI. Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) and Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) both contributed two hits each. CCRI improves their record to 17-1

Game 2 vs. Dean CCRI loses 7-6

Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) lost her first game of the season in a tough battle between the #1 and #2 seeds the game was suspended in the beginning of the second inning and started in the second on Sunday with the score CCRI 4 Dean 3 with runners on first and second with no outs. Dean pulled off the 7-6 victory in seven innings. What this meant was in order for CCRI to win the tournament they were going to have to win three in row.

Offensively CCRI was led by Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) who had two hits including a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Campo also provided two hits, an RBI and a run scored. With the loss CCRI falls to 17-2

Game 3 vs. Orange County CC CCRI wins 8-5

Boisvert picked-up her ninth win of the season pitching seven strong innings allowing just three earned runs. CCRI improves to 18-2

Offense was provided by Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had four hits including a triple three RBI and two runs scored, Strapponi had two hits including a double and two RBI, and Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) had two hits, a stolen base and two runs scored

Game 4 Finals vs. Dean CCRI wins 13-2

Boisvert and Dupont combined to hold Dean to just two runs on six hits and striking out seven over seven innings. With the win CCRI improves their record to 19-2.

The Lady Knights bats woke up with every batter getting at least on hit while Fisher, Laurie, and Ward had four hits each, Cavanagh, Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI), and Cusson had 3 hits each, and Ward, Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI), and Campo had two hits each.

Game 5 Championship game vs. Dean CCRI loses 6-3

A worn-down Jen Dupont lost her second game of the year giving-up six runs, 3 earned in 2 and 2/3 innings as the Lady Knights played their fourth game back-to-back. The Lady Knights fought hard to try and mount a comeback scoring two runs in the sixth inning and one in the seventh inning, but there was just nothing left in the tank as they fell short to the eventual Region XXI Champion Dean College. Offensively CCRI was led by Campopiano and Peters who each had two hits and an RBI, and Cusson who had two hits, Ward, Cavanagh, and Laurie each had a hit as well. CCRI ends the season with a 19-3 record the best record in CCRI Lady Knights History.

2005 CCRI Lady Knights Softball Team Leaders:

Batting Avg

Name
Team
Ttl

WARD, A
CCRI 2005
0.622

CAVANAGH, L
CCRI 2005
0.581

FISHER, A
CCRI 2005
0.548

CUSSON, C
CCRI 2005
0.532

STRAPPONI, N
CCRI 2005
0.509

ZINA, C
CCRI 2005
0.500

CAMPOPIANO, C
CCRI 2005
0.429

LAURIE, L
CCRI 2005
0.425

CAMPO, C
CCRI 2005
0.420

BRIERLEY, N
CCRI 2005
0.400

RBIs

Name
Team
Ttl

CAVANAGH, L
CCRI 2005
36

WARD, A
CCRI 2005
25

FISHER, A
CCRI 2005
22

CAMPO, C
CCRI 2005
15

CAMPOPIANO, C
CCRI 2005
14

STRAPPONI, N
CCRI 2005
13

LAURIE, L
CCRI 2005
12

CUSSON, C
CCRI 2005
10

PETERS, J
CCRI 2005
8

BRIERLEY, N
CCRI 2005
6

Hits

Name
Team
Ttl

BOISVERT, B
CCRI 2005
10

DUPONT, J
CCRI 2005
8

VACHON, A
CCRI 2005
1

Earned Runs Avg

Name
Team
Ttl

DUPONT, J
CCRI 2005
1.51

BOISVERT, B
CCRI 2005
1.86

VACHON, A
CCRI 2005
2.62

Strike Outs

Name
Team
Ttl

DUPONT, J
CCRI 2005
62

BOISVERT, B
CCRI 2005
42

VACHON, A
CCRI 2005
7

Shutouts

Name
Team
Ttl

DUPONT, J
CCRI 2005
3

BOISVERT, B
CCRI 2005
2

Complete Games

Name
Team
Ttl

DUPONT, J
CCRI 2005
9

BOISVERT, B
CCRI 2005
9

VACHON, A
CCRI 2005
1

04.28.05

#10 ranked CCRI narrowly escapes against UCAP 4-3 to improve to 22-5 and 8-0 in Region XXI

Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) improved his record to 6-1 on the season with an excellent nine inning performance against UConn-Avery Point allowing just three runs on seven hits while striking out five. CCRI improves their record to 22-5 with the win and 8-0 in Region XXI. In addition The Knights have improved their NJCAA Division II National ranking from #14 to #10 in the latest poll.

The offense was provided by Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) who had two singles an RBI and a run scored, Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) who had a double an RBI and a run scored, and Jon Furtado (Johnston, RI) who had a single and an RBI.

With six games left (depending on weather and scheduling) the Knights stand poised to win Region XXI, The knights still have make-up games with UConn-Avery Point which could sway the balance, but if they keep playing well they will be able to control their own destiny.

Here are some of the team leaders so far:

Team Batting Leaders

Name
AB
Runs
Hits
RBI
AVG.
2B
3B
HR

Gregg Allen
97
23
36
28
.371
8
2
3

John Furtado
84
19
29
26
.345
8
0
2

Phil Butler
98
19
33
18
.337
5
1
2

Brett Thornton
88
23
41
20
.466
4
5
2

Jang Won Lee
94
27
31
14
.330
8
0
0

Team Pitching Leaders

Name
IP
H
ER
BB
K’S
ERA
Wins
Loss
Saves

Andy McNulty
52 2/3
44
12
28
61
2.05
6
1
0

Marek Deska
38
35
16
11
51
3.79
4
0
0

Ryann Foss
29
17
2
12
45
.620
3
2

Troy Sainsbury
28 2/3
28
8
9
19
2.51
2
1
3

Steve Minor
33 2/3
34
12
21
30
3.21
4
1
0

04.22.05

Lady Knights sweep Massasoit CC in doubleheader 18-0 and 13-5 to improve record to 14-1

Game 1

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) held the Lady Warriors of Massasoit CC to just three hits over five innings to earn her sixth victory of the year while CCRI improved their record to 13-1 for the season.

The CCRI and their #1 Nationally ranked batting average exploded for eleven runs in the first inning and set the tone for the game as they did not give Massasoit an opportunity to even get into the game. The Lady Knights were led by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had three hits including two doubles, four RBI and three runs scored; Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had three hits, including a base-clearing triple, three RBI and four runs scored; and Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who had four hits including a double one RBI and two runs scored.

Also contributing to the hit parade were Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) who had three hits including two triples and RBI and three runs scored, Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) who had three hits two RBI and two runs scored, and Missy Keeley (West Warwick) who had two hits, both doubles, two tuns scored, and two RBI.

Game 2

Ashley Vachon (West Warwick, RI) earned her first victory of the year as she pitched six solid innings allowing just three earned runs on eight hits while striking out four. With the win CCRI improves their record to 14-1.

The offense was provided by Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) who had four hits, three RBI and two stolen bases, and a run scored, Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had three hits including two doubles three RBI and a run scored, and Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had two hits four RBI and two runs scored.

Also contributing were Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) who had three hits and three runs scored, and two stolen bases and Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) who had two hits and two runs scored.

Lady Knights celebrate sweet sixteen as they beat Dean 9-1 and 3-1 to go undefeated in Region XXI and improve record to 16-1

Game 1

Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) won her eighth game of the season and lowered her ERA to just 1.07 as she allowed only five hits over seven innings allowing just one earned run and striking out seven. With this win CCRI clinched the regular season Region XXI Title.

The offense was provided by Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who had two hits including a triple, three RBI a stolen base, and two runs scored, Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) who had two hits three RBI and two stolen bases, and Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had three hits including a double an RBI two runs scored and a stolen base.

Also contributing were Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had two hits and a run scored and Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) who had three hits and a stolen base.

Game 2

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) threw a four-hitter over seven innings allowing just one run earning her seventh victory and lowering her ERA to 1.60 for the year. With the win CCRI improves their record to 16-1 for the season and they finished the season undefeated in Region XXI.

The offense was provided by Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) who had three hits including a triple and a run scored, Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) who had three hits, and Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) who had a double and an RBI.

Also contributing to the win were Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who had a hit a, an RBI and a run scored, and Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had a hit and a run scored.

CCRI will host the Region XXI Championship Tournament this weekend Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st at Winslow Park in Warwick game times and match-ups still must be finalized.

CCRI extends their winning streak to 12 after a 16-7 victory over Dean

CCRI was down early 3-1 after two innings of play but with the top of the order starting the 3rd, CCRI had a 7-run inning off of 6 hits. Dean managed to drive in 3 runs in the 4th to cut the lead to 4 but never managed to come any closer as CCRI drove in 5 more off a 3-run homer from John Furtardo (Johnston, RI) in the top of the 7th. Furtardo went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI’s and is now hitting .319 with 18 runs batted in on the year.

Seth Desautel (Cumberland, RI) improves his record to 2-0 with 5 strong innings pitched giving up just 3 earned runs with an ERA of 3.75 this season. Andrew McNulty (Norwood, MA) came in to close out the game giving up just 1 hit and 1 run in the final two innings.

The Knights had 6 players with multiple hits as well as 6 players with multiple RBI’s. CCRI swung the bat well with 14 hits and 15 RBI’s and were only kept scoreless in two innings.

The Knights improve their record to 19-4 and continue to keep the bats cracking. CCRI is on a 12-game win streak and has been undefeated thus far in the month of April. Since the start of their win streak, the Knights have outscored their opponent 92 to 39.

CCRI 1 0 7 2 0 1 5 16 14 1

Dean 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 7 10 1

CCRI – Desautel, McNulty (6) and Allen; Dean – Skelton, Hanna (3), Rodriguez (5) and Gannon

Knights Baseball roll over Dean College again

For the second consecutive game CCRI laid it on Dean thick with a stellar performance from left fielder Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) by going 5 for 5 with 6 RBI’s. He helped CCRI get off to a quick start by leading the game off with a triple which turned into a 3-run inning for the Knights. Thornton then belted a grand slam to seal the deal in the 8th inning helping the team improve to 20-4.

Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada) got the win on a dominating 10 strikeout performance pitching 6 innings, 5 of which giving up no runs. Deska continues his undefeated record with 4 wins.

Adding to the offensive attack were John Furtardo (Johnston, RI) and Richard Jenkins (Middletown, RI). Furtardo continued his hot streak with 2 doubles, driving in 4 runs. Jenkins was 2 for 3 from the plate with a 2-run home run in the 4th.

CCRI – 3 3 1 3 0 0 0 5 15 20 0

Dean - 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 8 1

CCRI- Deska, Felix (7), Sainsbury (8); Dean-Connors, Gannon (4), Hanna (6)

04.19.05

Jennings and Nicholas set school records at Swanson Invitational

Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) broke her own hammer throw record at the Elmer Swanson Invitational taking place at Wesleyan University with a throw of 47.92m (157’.00) pacing first in her second meet in a row. Also setting a school record was Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) in the high jump with a leap of 1.54m (5.00.50) as she placed fifth in addition Nicholas placed second in the long jump with a leap of 4.44m (14.07.00).

In the other events on the women’s side in the 400m Nicholas placed 2nd with a time of 1:02.04 and Melissa Dellay (East Greenwich) placed 5th with a time of 1:05.37 and in the 200m Nicholas also placed 2nd with a time of 27.91 while Dellay came in 11th with a time of 29.92. In the 100m high hurdles Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) came in 2nd with a time of 17.24 she also placed 4th in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:21.77. In addition, the 4x400m team of Nicholas-Dellay-Barbosa-Bailey placed fifth with a time of 4:34.55.

On the men’s side Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) won the 400m high hurdles with a time of 56.92. Mike Dolan (South Kinston, RI) placed 3rd in the hammer throw with a throw of 41.96m (137.08). In the high jump Jamaal Munir (Warwick, RI) placed 4th and Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI) placed 5th with each leaping1.82m (6.00.00)in the 100m Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) placed 4th at 11.80, Nick Mante (Central Falls, RI) 11th at 12.18 and Maurice Rogers (Clinton, MA) 13th at 12.22. In the 400m Eric Estrada (Providence, RI) placed 6th with a time of 52.78. The team of Farrell-Hannon-Jobin-Medeiros placed 6th in the 4x800m relay with a time of 9:04.07, while the team of Rogers-Mante-Dalton-Estrada placed 6th in the 4x100m with a time of 45.24, and the 4x400m team of Dalton-Estrada-Hannon-Rogers placed 6th with a time of 3:40.73.

This was a non-scoring meet so there were no team placements special congratulations to Jasmine Jennings and Sherilyn Nicholas for there record setting performances and Justin Dalton for his first place finish and congratulations to both men’s and women’s teams for an excellent meet.

04.18.05

Lady Knights sweep Colts in doubleheader 6-4 and 2-1 to improve record to 12-1

Game 1

Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) improved her record to 7-0 pitching a seven inning six-hitter allowing four runs and striking out three. CCRI improved their record to 11-1 with the victory over the tough Colts of Orange County Community College with the 6-4 victory.

The offense was provided by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had three hits including a double, a triple, two runs scored and an RBI, All-American Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had two hits, and RBI and a run scored and Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) who had two hits including a key two RBI double in the fifth and a run scored. Also contributing were Missy Keeley (West Warwick, RI) who had two hits and an RBI and Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who had a hit, an RBI and a run scored.

OCC 103 000 0 4 6 0

CCRI 100 050 x 6 13 0

Game 2

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) pitched a gem allowing just one run over seven innings striking out four to improve her record to 5-1 for the year. With the 2-1 victory CCRI improves their record to 12-1 for the year.

Offense was provided by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had two hits including a double, a run scored and an RBI, and Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who had two doubles and Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) who had a double.

The two key plays of the game were provided by catcher Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI) who got the RBI base hit in the bottom of the sixth inning to put CCRI ahead then in the top of the seventh Orange County got the first batter on Boisvert struck out the second batter and Peters made a dynamic snap throw pick-off from her knees to Cavanagh after the called third strike to nail the runner at first base effectively killing the Colts rally as Boisvert got the last batter to pop out and secure the 2-1 victory.

OCC 001 000 0 1 12 0

CCRI 000 101 x 2 8 0

04.15.05

CCRI sinks Naval Prep 10-2 to improve record to 18-4

Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) pitched 52/3 innings of spectacular relief to pick-up his fifth victory of the season, giving-up only two hits and one unearned run with a whopping 12 strikeouts. McNulty had to come in after NJCAA Pitcher of the week Ryann Foss (Bradford, CT) had to leave the game with a tight forearm in the second.

The offense was provided by Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) who had three hits including a double and a two run homer in the sixth to give the Knights a 3-1 lead which they never relinquished. Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) had a double and three RBI while Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI), Phil Butler (Cranston, RI), and Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) all contributed two hits each. CCRI won the game in the eight inning after a seven run explosion to break the game open ending the game by the "mercy rule" with the score 10-2.

Here are some of the Team Leaders after 22 games:

Team Batting Leaders

Name
AB
Runs
Hits
RBI
AVG.
2B
3B
HR

Gregg Allen
75
19
31
24
.413
7
1
3

John Furtado
65
15
21
15
.323
5
0
1

Phil Butler
80
13
24
17
.300
4
0
2

Brett Thornton
67
13
28
12
.418
4
1
1

Team Pitching Leaders

Name
IP
H
ER
BB
K’S
ERA
Wins
Loss
Saves

Andy McNulty
41-1/3
36
8
23
53
1.74
5
1
0

Marek Deska
32
28
12
10
41
3.38
3
0
0

Ryann Foss
29
17
2
12
45
0.62
3
2
0

Troy Sainsbury
23-2/3
24
8
9
15
2.70
2
1
3

Steve Minor
29
22
9
20
28
8.69
4
0
0

CCRI beats Sacred Heart 14-4 and Holyoke 2-0 to improve record to 17-4

CCRI vs. Sacred Heart JV

Seth Desautel (Cumberland, RI) made his first pitching start of the year a memorable one as he pitched a complete game four-hitter allowing only two earned runs while striking out four. Desautel is normally the starting second baseman who has been sidelined with a wrist injury since the Florida trip has been unable to swing a bat, stepped-up big time to earn his first win of the season. CCRI improves their record to 16-4 with the victory.

Offense was provided by Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who had two hits including a double and a homerun with five RBI, Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) had two hits including his third homerun of the year with three RBI and John Furtado (Johnston, RI) who had three hits and two RBI. CCRI won the game in the seventh inning by the "mercy rule" with the score 14-4.

CCRI vs. Holyoke

Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) threw seven innings of three-hit, shutout baseball with

Eight strikeouts to pick-up his fourth win of the season. Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada) and Troy Sainsbury (Westerly, RI) both pitched a solid inning of relief with Sainsbury picking up his third save of the year. CCRI improves their record to 17-4 with the victory.

Offense was provided by Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) who had two hits including a double and a run scored. Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) and John Furtado (Johnston, RI) both contributed a base hit and an RBI each providing the margin of victory.

Lady Knights whip Warriors in doubleheader 17-0 and 13-0 as Dupont throws No-hitter and Boisvert throws one-hitter to improve record to 10-1

Game 1

Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) pitched a spectacular no-hitter striking out eleven of the sixteen batters faced in five innings, just missing a perfect game after hitting a batter in the bottom of the fifth. No batter hit a ball out of the infield. Improving her record to 6-0 with an ERA of 0.44 for the season, The Lady Knights improve their record to 9-1 with the win.

The Lady Knights exploded for 22 hits led by Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) who went 5-5 including two doubles with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored, Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who went 3-4 including 2 doubles 4 RBI and 3 runs scored, and Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who was 3-4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Also having a big day were Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI) who was 3-3 with 3 RBI and a run scored, Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) who had 2 hits including a double with 2 runs scored and an RBI, and Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) who had 2 hits and 2 runs scored. The game ended in the fifth inning by the "mercy rule" with the score 17-0.

Game 2

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) pitched a gutsy one-hitter, battling the cold weather and even snow while striking out six batters over five innings. Improving her record to 4-1 with a 2.41 ERA, The Lady Knights improve their record to 10-1 with the win.

The offense was provided by All-American Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who went 3-3 with a double 3 RBI and 3 runs scored and two stolen bases, Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) who went 4-4 with 3 runs scored an RBI and a stolen base, and Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) had 2 runs scored and 2 hits including a triple and a Grand Slam in the fifth. Also contributing were Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) who celebrated her birthday with a double an RBI and a run scored, Nicole Brierly (Lincoln, RI) who had a base hit an RBI and a run scored, and Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had a base hit and an RBI. The game ended in the fifth inning by the "mercy rule" after an eight-run frenzy by CCRI capped by the Grand Slam from Fisher making the score 13-0.

04.13.05

CCRI sweeps ECONN in doubleheader 6-5 and 6-5 to improve their record to 15-4

Game 1

Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada) pitched five solid innings allowing five runs on ten hits while striking out seven, Troy Sainsbury (Westerly, RI) pitched two innings of shutout ball allowing just three hits and striking out one earned the win his second of the year. CCRI improves their record to 14-4.

Offense was provided by Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) who went two for three including a double, two runs scored and an RBI, Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) who also went two for three with a double and a run scored and Luis Feliz (Cranston, RI) who went two for three with an RBI and a run scored.

Also contributing were Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) who had a hit one RBI and a run scored and Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) who had a double and a run scored.

CCRI 020 020 2 6 9 0

ECONN 002 030 0 512 1

CCRI- Deska, Sainsbury (6) and Allen; ECONN- Montebrook, Eisler (5), and Spirito (7)

Game 2

Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA) pitched seven solid innings allowing five runs only three of them earned on nine hits and striking out ten earning him the victory his fourth of the year. CCRI improves their record to 15-4 with the victory and 7-2 in one-run games.

The offense was provided by Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA) who went two for three with a majestic three run homerun that traveled well over 400 feet in the third and a two run double in the seventh which provided the margin of victory. Also having a big day was Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) who had two hits including a double two runs scored and an RBI.

CCRI 003 000 3 6 7 2

ECONN 000 300 2 5 9 1

CCRI- McNulty and Allen ECONN- Schilling, Cavioli (5), Spirito (7), and Praisner

CCRI Athletic Department welcomes Richard Marchetti as their new golf team coach

The Community College of Rhode Island is proud to announce the hiring of Richard Marchetti as their new golf team coach. Marchetti, a Johnston native, is a graduate of CCRI and former member of the CCRI basketball team in 1971-72. He then went on to play basketball at St. Joseph’s College in Rutland, VT where he graduated before going on to get his Masters degree in Arts and Counseling at Rhode Island College. The CCRI Athletic Department is glad to bring one of their own back to help the program.

Marchetti brings unique experience to the golf team as he served as the Director of Golf Operations for Target Sport Adventures from 2000-2001. Richard has been a teacher at CCRI since 2002 teaching Psychology courses, one of the courses, Psychology of Personal Adjustment, is a course designed to give the student the basic knowledge of normal adjustment. Golf is a game of reading and adjustments. This combined with good course management will lead to success for the CCRI golf program. In the words of Marchetti "trying to get my players to understand course management and to get them to understand better what they can do and what they can’t do, will make them better players and us a better team".

Director of Athletics Lou Pullano said: "We are very excited to have one of our former student-athletes returning to the CCRI athletics family. Coach Marchetti brings a genuine enthusiasm for the CCRI golf program that the student-athletes will enjoy and benefit greatly from."

04.12.05

Foss shines while CCRI bats pound Quinsigamond 9-0 to win in seven by "mercy rule"

Ryann Foss (Bradford, RI) tossed a two-hit shutout while striking out nine to blank Quinsigamond in seven innings. With the win the CCRI Knights improve their record to 13-4.

The offense was provided by Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) who had three hits including a triple, three runs scored and a stolen base. Gregg Allen (Rehoboth, MA), Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) and Luis Feliz (Cranston, RI) all contributed two hits and an RBI. Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) had an RBI double and Phil Butler (Cranston, RI) had a hit with two RBI.

Also contributing to the onslaught were Rich Jenkins (Middletown, RI) who had one hit an RBI and a run scored and Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) who had two stolen bases and a run scored.

CCRI 102 132 0 9 12 1

Quinsigamond 000 000 0 0 2 3

CCRI- Foss and Allen; Quinsigamond- Natoliano and Fusco

04.11.05

CCRI’s Jasmine Jennings has record-setting throws at Bryant Meet

Here is a recap of the Outdoor track meet held at Bryant the CCRI women’s team placed ninth as a team with 27 points while the men’s team placed 13th as a team with 25 points here are some of the results from the meet:

Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) set yet another school record in the hammer throw, this time it was in outdoor track with a mammoth throw of 47.85m (157.00’), beating the next closest competitor by over three meters and beating the CCRI record set by Sara Johnson (2001) by over 2.5 meters. Jennings also set a school record in the shot put with a throw of 11.79m (38’-08.25") beating the CCRI record holder Orlagh Cullen’s mark (2003) of 11.51m, and just .2 meters behind in the winner Ashley Wallace of Pace University.

Other notables from the CCRI women’s indoor track squad include: Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) came in 6th in the high jump with a jump of 4’10", 7th in the 400m at 1:02.09 and 9th in the 200m at 27.43 sec. Mary Oyekoye (Woonsocket, RI) placed 6th in the 110m high hurdles at 17.14 sec and 8th in the 400m hurdles at 1:17.07 and Melissa Dellay (East Greenwich, RI) came in 13th in the 400m at 1:05.82. Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) placed 9th in the 5000m with a time of 19:51.57 and Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA) placed 28th in the 1500m with a time of 5:32.9. The 4x400m relay team of Dellay, Nicholas, Pollack, and Oyekoya placed 10th with a time of 4:46.58.

For the men Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI) placed 4th in the high jump with a leap of six feet and Jaimaal Munir (Warwick, RI) also with a jump of six feet. Chris Farrell (Manville, RI) placed 5th in the 10,000m with a time of 35:13.36, Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) placed 6th in the 400m hurdles with a time of 58.96sec, and Michael Dolan (South Kingston, RI) placed 8th in the hammer with a throw of 38 76m (127’02"). The men’s 4x100m relay team of Dalton, Estrada, Mante, and Rogers placed 6th with a time of 45.2sec and the 4x400m relay team of Dalton, Llewellyn, Estrada, and Hannon also placed 6th with a time of 3:36.92.

All members of The CCRI Outdoor Track Team mentioned in this press release have qualified for the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track Nationals May 12-14th at SUNY Delhi.

04.08.05

Amanda Ward selected First Team All-American and Alex Owumi selected to Second Team All-American

Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) became the first women’s basketball player in CCRI history to make NJCAA Division II First Team All-American. Ward averaged 18.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, four assists, and two steals a game for the regular season earning her a spot on the All-Region Team. Ward excelled even further in the post season as she scored 23 points and dished out five assists in the Northeast District Championship game versus Mercer CC. At the Nationals in Phoenix, AZ, she averaged 22 points, 6.7 rebounds, six assists and 1.7 steals a game including a 30 point six rebound outing against Kirkwood Community College in her last game of the season which helped her team secure third place and earning her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Ward finished her career with the CCRI women’s basketball career scoring record with 956 points as she passed her assistant coach Claudia DeFaria who had scored 916 points during her career in the early nineties.

Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) was selected as a NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American. Owumi averaged 14.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, four assists, and 1.6 steals a game for the regular season earning him a spot on the All-Region Team. Owumi earned district Tournament MVP honors Scoring 13 points and pulling down eight rebounds versus Orange County CC and scoring 17 and ripping down 12 rebounds in the championship game versus #8 ranked Lackawanna CC. At the National tournament in Danville, Illinois Owumi scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds against Cuyahoga CC and scored 12 points and pulled down five rebounds versus Lincoln College helping The Knights secure ninth place. Owumi played three positions during the season usually small forward and shooting guard, and in one game he filled in for the injured point guard Darrell Taylor and scored a season-high 37 points.

04.06.05

CCRI baseball team beats Sussex CC 3-1 and Dutchess CC 2-0 to push their record to 10-4

First Game vs. Sussex CC

Andrew McNulty (Norwood, MA) pitched a masterful game giving-up only four hits and one run over seven innings and John Furtado (Johnston, RI) drove-in two of CCRI three runs to push The Knights record to 9-4 for the season.

CCRI scored first in the first inning as Jang Won Lee (Ontario, Canada) reached after being hit by a pitch. Sussex answered back in the bottom of the inning with one run on two hits. From there McNulty held the Sussex to only two hits and no runs notching his third victory of the year and Furtado drove home two more insurance runs one in the fourth and one in the sixth to cap the CCRI lead to 3-1 as the Knights improve their overall record to 9-4. Also contributing for the Knights were Luis Feliz (Cranston, RI) and Rich Jenkins (Middletown, RI) who both went 2-3.

Second Game vs. Dutchess CC

Ryann Foss (Bradford, RI) tossed a three-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts to notch his second victory of the year and improves the CCRI record to 10-4 for the season. John Furtado (Johnston, RI) continued his hot hitting as he went 2-4 with an RBI.

Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) scored the first run for CCRI after scoring on an RBI single from Furtado, and that was all the run support that Foss needed as he struck out ten of the twenty-five batters he faced, charting at least one strikeout per inning including fanning the side in the second. Also contributing for the Knights was Ron Ribera (Newport, RI) who went 2-3 with an RBI. The Knights improve their record to 10-4 with the victory.

CCRI Lady Knights Softball sweep double-header with Dean 10-1 and 4-1 to improve record to 8-1

Game 1

CCRI Jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead I the first inning as they batted around the order in the first inning. Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) and Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) each singled, Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) doubled home Fisher followed by Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT)who singled home Laurie and Cavanagh later in the inning Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI) singled and Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) doubled and later scored on a fielder’s choices. Dean scored one in the third inning but CCRI answered back with three more making the score 8-1 after three innings. The game ended early in the fifth by the mercy rule as Fisher doubled home Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) and Cris Campo (Coventry, RI).

Pitching ace Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) improved her record to 5-0 with an ERA of .520, allowing only one run on two hits with two strikeouts. Hitting leaders included Fisher and Cavanagh who both went 2-for-3 with three RBI each, Strapponi who also went 2-for-3 with two doubles and Cusson who went 3-for-3 scoring twice. CCRI improves their record to 7-1

Game 2

The second game was much closer as the score was 0-0 until the bottom of the third inning when Strapponi hit a towering Homerun to straight away centerfield. In the fifth Dean tried to comeback but Laurie made a jaw-dropping catch in leftfield to start off the inning and swing momentum back to CCRI. In the bottom of the fifth Campo led off with a base hit Cusson followed with a textbook bunt single both later scored on fielder’s choices making the score 3-0. In the sixth Dean again mounted a comeback with runners on second and third with no outs until defensive standout Laurie made another tough catch relayed to Ward who gunned down the runner at the plate Dean did manage one run, but minimal damage was done. In the seventh CCRI held Dean after Ward made an unbelievable diving stop in the whole followed by another aggressive play up the middle for the first two outs to quash any threat Dean may have posed making the final 4-1.

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge MA) CCRI’s other ace pitched masterfully as she worked her way out of jam after jam increasing her record to 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA, pitching a complete game allowing only one run and charting five strikeouts. Hitting leaders for game two were Fisher who went 2-2 with an RBI, Campo who went 2-3 with a double and two runs scored, Cusson 3-3 with an RBI and Strapponi with the big Homerun. CCRI raises their record to 8-1.

04.04.05

2005 CCRI Spring Track and Field Outlook

For the women Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) has a fine chance of being National Champion in the hammer throw. Jennings also has a chance of placing in the top three in the shot put. Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA) two-time cross country first team All-American should qualify and place spring track and field NJCAA National in 5,000 meter run, 1,500m run and help out in the 4x400m relay. Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) third team All-American in cross country and NJCAA Indoor National qualifier should qualify and place at outdoor Nationals in 5,000m, 1,500m and help out in the 4x400m relay. Melissa Dellay (East Greenwich, RI) is a returning 2004 third place finisher as a member of the 4x400m relay. Dellay also was a qualifier last year in the open 400m race. Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) should qualify for the championships in the 100meter HH and the 400m HH and be a member of the 4 x 400m relay. Lani Pollack (Deland, FL) new to the sport will help in mid distance events and in the 4x 800m relay.

For the men Nicholas Audet (Johnston, RI) new to the sport won’t know much about him until he competes. Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) second-team All-American last year NJCAA Nationals will place well again this year in the 400m hurdles. Dalton also placed last year on the 4x100m and 4x400m teams. He will help out there once more. Michael Dolan (South Kingston, RI) should place high at the NJCAA nationals in the hammer. Eric Estrada (Providence, RI) should qualify for the 400m and be a member of the 4x400 and 4x100 and maybe 4x800 teams at the NJCAA Nationals. Chris Farrell (Lincoln, RI) 18th place at the cross- country championships this fall. He should place in the 10,000m and or the 5,000m run at the NJCAA Outdoor Championships. He also could be part of the 4x800m team. Joe Hannon (Woonsocket, RI) should qualify for the NJCAA Nationals in the 800m run and be a member of the 4x800m team. Keith Jobin (North Kingstown, RI) should qualify for the NJCAA Nationals in the 10,000 or 5,000—and the 4 x 800m. Lance Llewellyn (North Attleboro, MA) should qualify in the 400m and part of the 4x400m –4x100m teams at the NJCAA Nationals. Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI) should qualify for the NJCAA Nationals in the high jump. Nicholas Mante (Central Falls, RI) should qualify for the Nationals Championships as part of the 4x100 and 4x400m relay. Kevin Medeiros (Bristol, RI) will help out in the 4 x 800m relay. Jaimaal Munir (Warwick, RI) will qualify and place at the NJCAA Nationals in the high jump. Maurice Rogers (Clinton, MA) could help out at Nationals in the 4x400m and 4x100m- and could qualify in the open 200m.

Both men’s and women’s teams will place in the top five teams at the North East District Championships on May 6th at Bergen CC NJ, and in the top eight at the NJCAA National Championships at Delhi NY on May-12-14.

03.31.05

CCRI win’s Battle of the Knights 3-2 over Northern Essex CC to improve their record to 8-4

CCRI Starter Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) gave-up only one run on six hits over six innings while Troy Sainsbury (Westerly, RI) who came in to pitch in the seventh was lights-out as he helped close the deal giving- up only one run on three hits over three innings of work. They held the Knights of Northern Essex CC to just two runs over nine innings leading the CCRI Knights to a 3-2 victory.

Northern Essex jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first on three hits. CCRI answered back in the bottom of the second with a run on four walks. CCRI took the lead in the fourth inning on a towering Homerun to left center field from first baseman John Furtado (Johnston, RI) making the score 2-1. CCRI extended the lead to 3-1 in the fifth inning on a double by Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) whom later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jang Won Lee (Toronto, CA). Northern Essex cut the lead to one at 3-2 in the seventh on a double by Jeison King scoring Matt Thurlow. In the ninth inning Northern Essex tried to mount a comeback but Shortstop Girouard made two outstanding defensive plays turning two sure hits into outs insuring the 3-2 victory for CCRI.

Assistant Coach Joe Vigeant said: "the win was due in great part to the pitching of Minor and Sainsbury along with clutch hitting and fielding of Shortstop Dan Girouard. Steve and Troy both pitched lights-out ball while Dan had a key double in the fifth along with two web gems defensive plays that saved the game for us in the ninth"

Northern Essex 100 000 100 -- 2 9 0

CCRI 010 110 00x -- 3 3 2

Mooradian, DelRio (6) and Carter; Minor, Sainsbury (8) and Allen. Records -- NE, 7-2; CCRI, 8-4.

03.28.05

CCRI Knights fall to Lincoln College 68-65 claim ninth at Nationals

Freshman Forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), scored 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) scored 15 points but they couldn’t hold off the Lynx of Lincoln College from Lincoln Ill., as CCRI fell 68-65 running their record to 22-11 for the season.

Lincoln jumped out to a 10-4 lead at the 16:00 mark of the first half, CCRI tied the score 12-12 at the 12:08 mark on a jumper by Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA), and took their first lead 15-14 on a 3-pointer by Jones at the 11:20 mark. The game went back and forth and was tied again 29-29 at the 1:30. CCRI closed out the half with a 6-0 run on lay-ups by Travon Little (Danbury, CT), Owens and Jones to go into halftime 35-29. The Lynx started the second half on a 4-0 run cutting the CCRI lead to 35-33 at 18:45. The Knights stretched the lead to 53-45 on two Owumi free throws at the 9:31 mark; the Lynx closed the lead back to five at 55-50 at the 7:30 mark on two free throws by Brandon Alexander. The Lynx then went on an 8-2 run capped off by a Brad Howell 3-pointer to take their first lead of the second half at the 4:00 mark. Two straight baskets by Owens put the Knights up 61-58, but Howell answered with another 3-pointer to tie it at 61-61, The Lynx later took a 62-61 lead on an Alexander free throw at the 1:23 mark a lead they would not surrender. With 5.1 seconds left, down 68-65 the Knights forced the ball up the court for a last second 3-point attempt by Owumi but it rimmed out and the Knights fell 68-65.

Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) and Owumi both had 12 points and five rebounds. For the Lynx Alexander led all players with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. CCRI claims ninth place while Lincoln moves on the play Gogebic CC tomorrow at 2:30pm CST for 5th and 6th place.

Region XXI All-region Basketball Teams full of CCRI Players

The CCRI women’s basketball team has four representatives on the Region XXI All-region Team they are: guard Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT), guard Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD), center Viviane "Babette" Noah (Cameroon, Africa) and guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY).

Co-captain Ward, CCRI’s all-time leading scorer with 956 career points had an outstanding season scoring 628 points averaging 18.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.9 steals a game. Not to be outdone Co-captain Hughes set the CCRI single-season scoring mark with 662 points averaging 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals a game. Center Noah averaged a double-double for the season scoring 12.2 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. Guard Farrior set the single-season 3-pointer record with a whopping 64 3-pointers and is only ten away from the career record of 74 (Sara Duskewicz 2003-04).

All this fire-power is what helped the Lady Knights re-write history at CCRI, setting team marks in wins: 29, win%: 88%, consecutive wins at 14, Region XXI title, District title, highest national rank #6, and best finish at nationals of third, and most points in a single game of 111 versus Dean College 2/26/05. Also making the All-region team are Tiera Smalls and Sharee Daluze both of Dean College.

The Men’s Region XXI All-region team also had members from CCRI they were: guard/forward Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) and forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT).

Co-captain Owumi was an integral part of the Knights’ success this year averaging 14.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while playing three positions point guard, shooting guard and small forward. Forward Owens CCRI’s leading scorer for the season averaged 19.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals a game. Owens’ ability to break down the opposing team’s defenses with his speed and athleticism helped CCRI play above the rim.

Also making the team are Stephane Abelard and Ryan Frassica of Massasoit CC and Dominique Beck and Stace Garrick (West Warwick, RI) from Dean College

2004-05 Rhode Island Basketball Media Award Winners Announced

Providence, RI--The Rhode Island Basketball Media has announced its award Winners for the 2004-05 season. The award press conference will be held Tuesday, March 29 at The Radisson at the Airport Hotel at noon.

The award winners are as follows: Division I Men's Player of the Year: Ryan Gomes, Providence College; Division I Women's Coach of the Year: Jean Burr, Brown University; Division I Women's Player of the Year: Holly Robertson, Brown University; Division II, III & CC Men's Co-Coaches of the Year: MaxGood, Bryant University & Dave Chevalier, CCRI; Division II, III & CC Men's Player of the Year: John Williams, Bryant University; Division II, III & CC Women's Coach of the Year: Cas Grygorcewicz, CCRI; Division II, III & CC Women's Player of the Year: Jamie Angell, Rhode Island College

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Scott Gibbons in the Rhode Island College media relations department, his number is 456-8516.

03.25.05

CCRI men’s basketball team loses heartbreaker to Cuyahoga CC 69-65 at NJCAA Division II National Tournament

Eight unanswered points in the final 1:22 was the difference as the defending national champion Challengers of Cuyahoga CC defeated CCRI 69-65. Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds and Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) had 18 points, six rebounds and four steals, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Knights to victory.

With 1:22 left on the clock and CCRI up by four 65-61, Grant Urbanski charted his only steal of the game off CCRI point guard Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) and passed it to center Darrell Harris to cut the CCRI lead to 65-63. From there Curtis Bradley stole the full court baseball pass attempt from Owumi intended for Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) which led to an easy basket and almost 3-point play by Mike Melton for Cuyahoga, to tie the game at 65-65. Though Melton did not make the foul shot he accomplished and even more important task by fouling-out CCRI center Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) with 44.5 seconds left. CCRI did not score the next time down the court, the Challengers’ Darrell Harris hit a basket down low with 7.6 seconds left to give the Challengers of Cuyahoga CC the lead 67-65 which they never relinquished. 5’11" point guard Taylor tried to tie the game with a full-court dribble penetration, but was rejected by 6’11" center Harris, Urbanski hit two free throws and The Challengers won 69-65.

"We had a four-point lead with about a minute (to go) and we turned it over twice and we couldn't pull it out," said Bill Monigan, a CCRI assistant coach. "We thought the kids did a nice job. We were down nine late in the half. Maybe we ran out of gas."

Mirkovic had an impressive game with 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, while Taylor had seven points, eight assists and five steals. The Knights record falls to 22-10 for the season, they will play Lincoln College from Lincoln, Ill Friday at 3pm CST.

CUYAHOYOGA (69): Melton 8 0-1 9, Haynes 0 0-0 0, Darrell Harris 9 4-7 22, Eric McPherson 1 2-2 4, Urbanski 3 2-2 9, Sorrell 3 1-1 7, Bradley 4 0-0 8; totals 28 9-13 69. CCRI (65): Marvin Owens 9 0-0 18, Alex Owumi 9 2-4 22, Milos Mirkovic 5 0-1 10, Darrell Taylor 2 3-4 7, Kenny Jones 3 2-2 8, Julian Boateng 0 0-0 0, Travon Little 0 0-0 0; totals 28 7-11 65.

Halftime -- Cuyahoga, 34-29. 3-points -- CCC 4 (Melton 3, Urbanski); CCRI 2 (Owumi 2). Records -- CCC 24-7; CCRI 22-10.

03.21.05

WNAC Fox-64 and WPRI Ch 12 to air segment on CCRI men’s basketball team Wednesday evening.

This Wednesday March 23rd the segment will air on the evening and late editions to the news so everyone should get a chance to view the piece done by Rob Garafalo last week. The segment features player and coach interviews along with seasonal analysis. Please tune in to Channels 64 and 12 on Wednesday, it is not often that the television stations carry full segments on any of our teams.

03.20.05

Lady Knights beat Kirkwood CC 71-61 to earn third place at Nationals, Hughes and Ward make All-Tourney Team

Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) scored 19 of her 30 points in the second half to lead the CCRI Lady Knights to victory over Kirkwood CC 71-61 to earn third place at the NJCAA Division II National Championship. Another major contributor was Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) just missed a triple-double scoring 17 points, ripping down 10 boards, and dishing out nine assists.

Both CCRI and Kirkwood came out slowly as the Kirkwood took a 10-6 lead at the 10:32 mark of the first half. The lady Knights closed the gap to 23-21 at 5:41on a 3-pointer by Ward, but Kirkwood led at halftime 28-24. CCRI took their first lead of the second half 42-41 on a Ward lay-up. Both teams went back and forth and were tied at 52-52 when Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) hit a 3-pointer from the corner off the backboard as the shot clock expired to pull ahead 55-52, but Kirkwood’s Brittani Kozik answered with a three of her own to tie it at 55-55, Ward answered back with another 3-pointer to go up 58-55, but Kozik answered back again with a 3-pointer to tie it at 58-58. From there Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) hit a jumper near the top of the key off the backboard to take a 60-58 lead and CCRI closed the game with an 11-3 run to win the game 71-61.

Other contributors included center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) had eight points and eleven rebounds while Farrior had eight points.

Coach Grygorcewicz said "not many teams get to finish their season with a win and we did. I want to acknowledge the great job that Vinisha Mack (Paterson, NJ) did breaking the press, Shermane and Odessa came up huge with their contributions in the second half after not playing in the first half. I can’t say enough about Amanda and Jeanell, Amanda took the team on her shoulders scoring 19 of her 30 in the second half and Jeanell did it all, I mean 17 (points), 10 (rebounds) and 9 (assists), I’m extremely happy for the whole team"

Co-captains Ward and Hughes both earned All-Tournament Team honors, Ward with 22 points and 6.67 rebounds tournament average, while Hughes had 19.67 points, 6 assists, and 2.67 steals tournament average. Ward’s career scoring mark stands at 956 points and Hughes single season scoring mark now stands at 662 points.

The CCRI Lady Knights finished the season 29-4, setting CCRI school records in wins at 29 shattering the old record of 22 set last year, consecutive wins with 14 straight set 1997-98, win-loss percentage at .879 breaking the previous record of .833 set 1989-90, With these accomplishments, CCRI coach Cas Grygorcewicz earned Northeast District coach of the year.

03.18.05

Hughes and Ward lead Lady Knights to victory over Bismarck State 87-79 head to Final Four at NJCAA Nationals

Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) had 27 points eight assists and seven rebounds and five steals, Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) had 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) had a monster double-double scoring 17 points ripping down 17 rebounds along with six steals to lead the CCRI Lady Knights to victory over the upset minded Mystics of Bismarck State College 87-79 to head to the final four in the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

The Lady Knights jumped out to a 23-13 lead at the 12:52 mark of the first half with a tough press that caused Bismarck State problems. They built on that lead stretching it to 40-21 on a fast break lay-up by Hughes. The Mystics displayed some tenacity of their own as they closed the first half with a 10-4 run as CCRI took a 44-31 lead into the half. In the second half is was like déjà vu all over again as Bismarck went on a 10-4 run to cut the lead to seven on a 3-pointer by Mystic guard Kristi Wist at the 16:21 mark of the second half. Bismarck State grinded down the Lady Knights and at the 11:27 mark had cut the lead to six at 59-53, but CCRI showed why they were the #4 seed and Bismarck never got any closer as the Lady Knights kept the Mystics at bay to win 87-79. The Lady Knights won their 14th game in a row to improve their record to 28-3, their best record ever.

The Lady Knights also received a spark from Co-captain Nikki Dalton (Danbury CT) who pulled down nine rebounds and reserve forward La Rae Rhodes (Warwick, RI) who pulled down six rebounds and four points.

Coach Grygorcewicz said "I want to acknowledge the fantastic job that Vinisha Mack (Paterson, NJ) did breaking the press of Bismarck State, the jump-switch defense was their bread and butter, but because of the masterful job by Vinisha it was a non-factor, she definitely gets the game ball, she was the key to our victory".

CCRI faces the #1 ranked Monroe Community College from Rochester, NY in the Semi-final game Friday at 5pm MST (7pm EST). Monroe has beaten CCRI twice this year already once in Rochester and once at the CCRI invitational. Coach Grygorcewicz said "We’re not going back down, we’re playing our best ball now, we’re going to play our game and let the chips fall where they may". Follow the action as it happens on the internet at www.njcaa.org/webcast then click on Basketball II.

03.17.05

CCRI women’s basketball team to face Bismarck State College in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament

The Lady Knights will face the upset minded Mystics of Bismarck State College in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. The Mystics knocked-off Carl Sandburg College 74-53. Sandburg is ranked #5 by NJCAA in Division II in the year end poll. Bismarck State College is not ranked in the year end poll, but did receive votes.

CCRI, who received a first round bye, will play Thursday at 4pm MST or 6pm EST. You can follow the game via the NJCAA web-cast at www.njcaa.org/webcast/ then click on basketball II.

The winner of the CCRI versus Bismarck game will face the winner of the Monroe Community College versus Kellogg Community College game in the Semi-finals Friday at 5pm MST or 7pm EST. Monroe is the #1 seed and ranked #1 in the country in the year end poll. Kellogg is ranked #8 in the year end poll and beat Potomac State College 87-83 to advance to play Monroe.

03.16.05

CCRI women’s softball team sweeps double-header versus Penn State-Hazelton 8-0 and 12-4 improve their record to 5-1

Game 1

Freshman pitcher Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) threw a no-hitter at Penn State-Hazelton while the offense kept to their hot hitting to lead CCRI to their third game in a row.

In the first inning CCRI mounted a two-out rally as Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI) singled then stole second and later scored on a double by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI), Cavanagh then steals third and later scores on a error by the third baseman.

In the second Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) reaches on an error stole second then scored on a bunt single by Nicole Brierly (Lincoln, RI), who later advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a ground out by Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) making the score 4-0.

The Lady Knights scored four more in the later innings, three in the fourth and one in the fifth to make it 8-0. In the game Nicole Brierly (Lincoln, RI) had three hits and two RBI while Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) had two hits and two RBI. CCRI raises their record to 4-1.

Game 2

In the first Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) led-off with a triple and scored on a Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) single followed by a Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI) single, both then scored on a three-run homer by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI). Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) singled then advanced to second on after Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) reached on an error from there Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) singled her in CCRI leads 5-0.

The Lady Knights added four more in the third inning and three in the fourth including a solo homerun by Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) to go ahead 12-4.

The Lady Knights had a solid pitching performance from Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) as the bats stayed hot. Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) had two hits including a three-run blast and 4 RBI, Chris Campopiano (Johnston, RI) had three hits and two RBI, Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA)had two hits, two RBI, while Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) had three hits and Nicole Brierly (Lincoln, RI) had two hits. CCRI improves their record to 5-1.

03.14.05

Owumi leads CCRI men’s basketball team in upset over #8 ranked Lackawanna CC 64-56 to Win Northeast District Title.

Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) charted a double-double scoring 17 points and ripping down 12 rebounds to lead the CCRI men’s basketball team past #8 ranked Lackawanna Falcons to capture the District IX Northeast District Title. CCRI advances to the National Tournament to be held March 24-27 in Danville, Ill. Though the Brackets have not been announced we do know that CCRI has received a first round bye.

The Knights played arguably their best game of the season as they surged to a 15-point lead ahead of the powerful Falcons of Lackawanna early in the first half. But the Falcons showed why they were the top seed as they jumped right back into the game behind the master stroke of guard Manny Urbilla who hit four 3-pointers and Jeff Graves who banged his way down low to take a 41-35 lead into halftime. However, in the second half, The Knights fought gallantly and clamped down their defense allowing only 15 points in the second half, including holding Lackawanna scoreless in the final 3:17. With 3:17 left the game was tied at 56-56 until Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) stole the ball and went coats-to-coast with a two-handed tomahawk dunk to ignite his team and the crowd. From there Co-captains Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) and Kenny Jones (Baltimore MD), and Brian Williston (Hartford, CT) had a basket each to pull away for the win 64-56.

Freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) had 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals and Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) had 14 points, while Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) contributed 11 points.

CCRI (64): Taylor 6 0-0 11, Williston 2 0-0 4, Owens 7 0-2 14, Owumi 7 2-2 17, Mirkovic 2 0-0 4, Ellis 0 0-0 0, Jones 6 1-3 14; totals 29 3-7 64. LACKAWANNA (56): Louis 3 0-0 6, Leach 1 0-0 2, Stanberry 1 0-0 2, Urbilla 6 0-0 17, Morris 4 0-0 8, Farrow 3 1-1 7, Graves 6 2-3 14; totals 24 3-4 56.

Halftime -- L 41-35. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 3 (Taylor, Owumi, Jones); L 5 (Urbilla). Records -- L 28-4; CCRI 22-9.

CCRI Basketball teams sweep Districts and go to Nationals

For first time ever both teams make it in same year

For the first time in CCRI history both CCRI basketball teams won the district IX Northeast district championships earning them spots in the NJCAA division II National Tournament. In the past each team has appeared in the National Tournament, but this is the first time they both made it in the same year. The women went for the first time last year the men haven’t been since 2001.

The #6 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team outmatched Mercer County Community College 88-61 to win the Northeast District Title and improve there record to 27-3. The win qualifies them for the National tournament March 16-19 in Phoenix, AZ.

The CCRI women’s basketball team will be seeded #4 in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament Bracket. The #4 seed means they will earn a first round bye and will play Thursday at 4pm against the winner of the Carl Sandburg College versus Bismark State College game. The winner of that game will play Friday at 5pm.

The CCRI men’s basketball team upset #8 ranked Lackawanna CC 64-56 on Sunday to earn their birth into the NJCAA Division II National tournament that will be held March 24-27th in Danville, Ill. The men also have a first round bye. There seed and bracket is still not yet known.

03.14.05

CCRI Basketball teams sweep Districts and go to Nationals

Both CCRI basketball teams won the district IX Northeast district championships over the past week earning them spots in the NJCAA division II National Tournament.

03.12.05

Taylor Leads CCRI over Orange County CC 77-56 to reach championship of Northeast District Finals.

Freshman guard Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) had fifteen of his 23 points from the free-throw line on 15-17 shooting from the charity stripe to lead the CCRI men’s basketball team to the championship at the Northeast District Finals. Taylor used his quickness to break-up the Orange County CC defense all they could do to stop him was foul him where he did his damage from the free-throw line.

Taylor was one of four CCRI starters to scorer in double figures. Freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) contributed a double-double scoring 16 points and ripping down 10 rebounds. Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) added 13 points and pulled down eight boards while Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) helped the cause with 14 points including two 3-pointers and seven rebounds.

The Knights took control of the game early in the first half as Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) Slashed and ripped through the porous Orange County defense creating opportunities for him and his teammates as they took 42-29 lead into halftime. CCRI began the second half with a 6-0 run but were answered by an 11-0 run by orange county to close the gap to 48-40 about five minutes in. They traded baskets for the next seven minutes then CCRI went on a 13-4 run to bring their lead to 69-50 at the 5:00 mark. CCRI kept their lead do to some clutch free-throws from Taylor and key baskets from Owens CCRI wins 77-56.

Center Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) just missed a double-double scoring nine points, pulling down 1o boards and he had two blocks. CCRI advances to the Championship game versus Lackawanna Sunday at 1pm.

CCRI (77): Taylor 4 15-17 23, Owens 6 4-10 16, Owumi 5 3-3 13, Mirkovic 2 5-7 9, Ellis 1 0-0 2, Jones 6 0-0 14; totals 24 27-37 77. OCCC (56): Wilkins 2 0-0 5, Lang 1 0-0 2, Mortenson 3 3-4 10, Diggs 2 5-8 10, Rickard 4 0-2 9, Clifford 1 0-0 2, Alexander 3 0-2 7, Charles 3 1-2 7, Bran 2 0-0 4; totals 21 9-18 56.

Halftime -- CCRI 42-29. 3-pointers -- CCRI 2 (Jones 2); OCCC 5 (Wilkins, Mortenson, Diggs, Rickard, Alexander). Records -- CCRI 21-9; OCCC 18-11.

03.09.05

#6 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team crushes Mercer County CC 88-61 to win Northeast District Title and make National Tournament.

The Lady Knights were led by Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) who had 25 points and eight assists and Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who had 23 points and five rebounds. They were helped by Tournament MVP Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) who scored 21 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and three blocks.

The Lady Knights started slowly then eased into a rhythm to take a 32-17 lead with eight minutes left in the half, until Ward and Noah each picked up their third foul and Mercer went on an 8-0 run. CCRI responded outscoring mercer 8-5 in the final minutes to take a 40-30 lead into halftime. After the break CCRI kept their momentum and outscored Mercer 48-31 to win 88-61.

Also contributing was Co-captain Nikki Dalton (Danbury, CT) who ripped down 15 boards and six points while Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) had 10 points and seven boards.

After the game coach Grygorcewicz said "I feel tremendous, absolutely tremendous. It was one of our goals this year (making the national tournament). We can't wait to get down there and, hopefully, compete for the national title,"

Record watch: Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) added to her single-season scoring record now at 603 points for the season, Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) is only 27 points away from becoming CCRI’s all-time leading scorer, while Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) added to her single-season 3-point field goal record bringing her total to 60 3-pointers this season.

CCRI (88): Hummel 0 1-3 1, Williams 0 0-0 0, Farrior 3 3-4 10, Hughes 9 6-8 25, Mack 0 0-0 0, Rhodes 1 0-0 2, Dalton 3 0-1 6, Ward 9 3-8 23, Noah 10 1-3 21, Rollins 0 0-0 0; totals 35 14-27 88. MERCER CC (61): Prassas 0 0-0 0, Maurer 8 1-3 17, Gibbs 2 0-0 5, Whittaker 4 2-2 11, Temple 3 1-2 9, Brown 5 7-8 19, Redondo 0 0-0 0; totals 22 11-15 61.

Halftime -- CCRI, 40-30. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 4 (Ward 2, Hughes, Farrior); M 6 (Brown 2, Temple 2, Whittaker, Gibbs). Records -- CCRI, 27-3; M, 22-11.

03.08.05

CCRI women’s softball crushes Central Lakes 9-0 in five innings improves record to 2-1

The CCRI women’s softball team coming off a heartbreaking extra-inning loss to Glenn Oaks came out with something to prove as they put the hurt to Central Lakes College 9-0 scoring three runs in each of the first three innings to improve their record to 2-1.

In the first Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) led off with a single, Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) walked they both advanced to third and second respectively on a wild pitch thrown to Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) then later scored on a single from Cavanagh. Cavanagh stole second advanced to third on a ground out by Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI) and scored on a wild pitch to Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) putting the Lady Knights up 3-0.

In the second three errors by Central Lakes led to three more runs by the Lady Knights as the jump out to a commanding 6-0 lead. The sloppy play by Central Lakes allows three more runs as CCRI took a 9-0 lead and never looked back. For the game CCRI had one hit each from Fisher, Laurie, Cavanagh, and Strapponi.

Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) turned in a one-hitter as she blanked Central Lakes for her second win of the season and the second win for the Lady Knights who improve to 2-1.

Central Lakes CC 000 00 -- 0 1 3

CCRI 333 0x -- 9 4 0

Smith and Walters; Dupont and Peters.

CCRI women’s softball team punishes Burlington County 11-3 to improve their record to 3-1

The CCRI women’s softball team behind a 15 hit offensive barrage lays the wood to Burlington County CC 11-3 to improve their record to 3-1.

The Lady Knights were led by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) who had three hits including a double and two singles and four runs batted in and a stolen base. Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) had two hits herself including a lead-off double to set the tempo and two runs batted in.

They were helped by Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI), Christian Campopiano (Johnston, RI), Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI), and Christine Zina (Bristol, RI) who all had two hits a piece. Cris Campo (Coventry, RI) and Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) also each had a hit.

Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) notched her first victory of the year on a four-hit performance. With the win CCRI women’s softball team’s record improves to 3-1.

Burlington CC 200 010 -- 3 4 2

CCRI 330 122 -- 11 15 0

Turner and Strypinski; Boisvert and Peters. Record -- CCRI 3-1.

03.07.05

CCRI Women’s Softball Team wins first game of double-header in Orlando against Glen Oaks CC 4-1, start season 1-0.

Game 1

CCRI women’s softball team wins their first game in on their Florida road trip 4-1 over Glen Oaks CC behind an outstanding nine strikeout performance from starting pitcher Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) and timely hitting from Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) to start the season 1-0.

The Lady Knights jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning on a walk from Lindsay Laurie (Warwick) a single from Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI); they were driven home by a triple from fourth batter Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI).

In the third Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) led off with a single, stole second, then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Campopiano, and scored on a single from Cavanagh.

Later in the seventh, Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) led-off with a single, stole second, and scored on a single from Fisher.

Glen Oaks was kept at bay by freshmen starting pitcher Jen Dupont (Lincoln, RI) who held them to one run and recorded nine strikeouts. CCRI wins 4-1 their record 1-0.

CCRI 201 000 1 -- 4 8 1

Glen Oaks CC 100 000 0 -- 1 2 1

Dupont and Peters; Wilson and Knight.

CCRI drops second half of double-header with Glen Oaks 8-9 in eight innings, fall to 1-1

Game 2

Glen oaks got one run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead, in the second inning CCRI got on the board as Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI) led-off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jenna Peters (Lincoln, RI), then scored on a double by Cris Campo (Coventry, RI).

In the third the Lady Knight’s bats came alive with four. Nicole Strapponi (Milford, MA) led-off with a single then advanced to second uncontested ands scored on a single from Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) who is then caught stealing. Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI) singles, Christina Campopiano (Johnston, RI), Cavanagh doubles scoring Laurie, Campopiano to third, Campo singles in Campopiano from third, Cavanagh advances to third Cat Cusson (Lincoln, RI) singles in Cavanagh.

In the fourth the CCRI bats stayed hot as Co-captain Aubrey Fisher (Somerset, MA) hits a double then scored on a single by Lindsay Laurie (Warwick, RI), Laurie steals second and scored on a single by Co-captain Lindsay Cavanagh (Warwick, RI).

In the seventh inning CCRI blew a 7-4 lead with an untimely error from slick-fielding center fielder Fisher that allowed glen oaks to tie the game and send it into extra innings and give Glen Oaks critical momentum.

In the eighth Glen Oaks put up two runs to take a 9-7 lead. CCRI could only answer with one and lost a heart-breaker 8-9 in eight. CCRI fall to 1-1 on the season.

Starting pitcher Becky Boisvert (Uxbridge, MA) pitched a good game but was not helped out by the defense behind her.

Glen Oaks CC 100 210 32 -- 9 12 2

CCRI 014 200 01 -- 8 14 4

Boisvert and Peters; Wilson Groff (6) and Knight, Wilson (6), Record -- CCRI 1-1.

03.06.05

Jennings and Sauer earn Coaches Association All-American honors at 2005 Indoor Track Nationals.

Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) came in 2nd in the 20 lb weight throw with a throw of 55’03.75" or 18.1 meters to earn Second Team All-American honors this past weekend at the 2005 Indoor Track Nationals in Charleston, Illinois. Jennings also placed 6th in the shot put with a throw of 38’06.75" earning her Coaches Association All-American honors for that event as well.

In addition to Jennings, Nicole Sauer (East Greenwich, RI) placed 4th in the 20lb weight throw with a throw of 48’03.75" qualifying her as a Coaches Association All-American as well.

As a team CCRI finished in 11th place out of 30 teams who participated, highest among Division III schools. Considering that Division III schools offer no scholarships, finishing 11th is quite an accomplishment. CCRI indoor track coach Gregg Cornell said: "I’m just glad for the kids, it’s great to see them do well on the national stage".

Also competing at the 2005 National meet were Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) who came in 12th in the 600 meter run with a time of 1:51.18 and Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) who came in 13th in the 3000 meter run with a time of 11:23.03.

03.05.05

Taylor and Owens lift CCRI over Dean 83-75 to capture Region XXI Championship

Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) charted a double-double scoring 20, dishing out 10 assists, and also knocked down critical free throws as the game came to a close to secure the Region XXI championship for the Knights of CCRI. Taylor’s clutch performance was enough to earn him Region XXI Championship MVP honors.

Freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), CCRI’s leading scorer, had a double-double of his own with 22 points and ripping down 12 rebounds to help lead the Knights to victory as they knocked-off last years champion Dean College.

The Knights jumped out to a quick lead in the first half spurred on by an electrifying alley-oop dunk from Darrell Taylor to Marvin Owens that gave CCRI early momentum as they took a 46-37 lead into halftime. In the second half Dean tied the game by the 15:00 mark from there the game was nip and tuck until Taylor took the game into his own hands with masterful dribbling and clutch free-throws down the stretch to lead the Knights to a 83-75 victory.

CCRI Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) poured in 19 points and Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Dean College was led by West Warwick native Stace Garrick who had a game-high 24 points and Anthony Wynn contributed 14 points but it was too little too late. Both teams have qualified for the District Tournament.

CCRI will host the men’s Northeast District Tournament this Saturday and Sunday. Saturday the Region XXI Champion CCRI Knights (20-9) play Region XV Champion Orange County CC (18-9) at 1pm and the Region XXI runner-up Dean College (17-11) will play the Region XIX #8 ranked Champion Lackawanna College (27-3) at 3:30pm. The winners will then meet on Sunday at 1pm for the Championship game.

CCRI (83): Taylor 6 7-10 20, Williston 1 1-2 3, Boateng 0 0-0 0, Owens 9 2-4 22, Owumi 4 3-4 11, Mirkovic 3 2-2 8, Little 0 0-0 0, Jones 7 3-5 19; totals 30 18-27 83. DEAN (75): Rose 5 0-0 13, Williams 1 0-0 2, Wynn 5 4-8 14, Beck 4 1-3 7, Garrick 10 1-5 24, Preaster 0 2-2 2, Palmer 4 2-4 10, Chastang 0 0-0 0, Roy 1 1-2 3; totals 29 11-24 75.

Halftime -- CCRI, 46-37. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 5 (Taylor, Owens 2, Jones 2); D 6 (Rose 3, Garrick 3). Records -- CCRI, 20-9; D, 17-11.

03.03.05

#6 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team beats Dean 111-45 finishes season winning 12 in a row

Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford) CCRI women’s basketball second all-time leading scorer led the Lady Knights with 25 points including five 3-pointers in addition she had eight boards, five steals and four assists . She was helped by Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) who has set a school record with 578 points this season, had a double-double with 19 points and eleven assists. The win Helped move the Lady Knights up the NJCAA Division II national poll to #6 their highest rank ever.

The Lady Knights took control of the game from the opening tip with a balanced attack and relentless defense took a 61-27 lead into halftime. In the second half CCRI kept rolling with a barrage of 3-pointers while holding Dean to only 18 second half points to win their twelfth game in a row.

The Lady Knights had a total of six players in double figures including: Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) had a double-double scored 20 points and pulled down10 rebounds, Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) poured in 19 points including four 3-pointers, Nikki Dalton who also had a double-double scored 15 points and ripped down 11 boards, and Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) had 10 points while pulling down 11 rebounds. The Lady Knights will host the District Tournament against the winner of Region XIX date and time TBD

CCRI (111): Williams 5 0-2 10, Farrior 7 1-2 19, Hughes 6 3-4 19, Mack 1 1-1 3, Rhodes 0 2-2 2, Dalton 2 5-6 15, Ward 8 4-4 25, Noah 10 0-1 20, Rollins 1 4-4 7; totals 40 20-26 111. DEAN (45): Smalls 3 0-0 7, Huertes 1 0-0 2, Daluze 2 3-3 7, Wotherspoon 3 0-0 6, Clark 2 0-1 4, Light 1 0-0 2, Elicier 3 5-8 11, Biggs 1 0-0 2, Okubanso 1 2-2 4; totals 17 10-14 45.

Halftime -- CCRI 61-27. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 11 (Farrior 4, Hughes, Ward 5, Rollins), D 1 (Smalls). Records -- CCRI 26-3, D 19-6.

03.02.05

CCRI Head Baseball Coach Ken Hopkins Appointed Pitching Coach for Winter Haven franchise in the FCSL.

Ken Hopkins, Head baseball coach at the Community College of RI, has recently signed on as the pitching coach for the Winter Haven franchise of the Florida Collegiate Summer Baseball League. Hopkins will travel to Orlando and begin working with his new team in June. The FCSL is located along the I-4 corridor and comprises six teams. The team is comprised of players from some of the top collegiate programs in the country.

FCSL was founded in November 2003 to provide a place in Florida for college players to hone their wood bat skills against top-level competition, in a festive, community environment. The Florida Collegiate Summer League is affiliated with the National Alliance of College Summer Baseball (NACSB) - an alliance of college summer wood bat leagues which operate following NCAA legislation.

FCSL is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation, depending on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations in the teams’ communities. The FCSL mission can be summed up in one phrase, player-focused. The schedule (night games, 30 games, and minimal travel) is designed to allow players time during the day to work, attend summer classes or condition on their own. FCSL is all about volunteerism – volunteers operate the league, staff games, and the players volunteer in their team’s communities. Come out and join the fun!

Hopkins previously managed the Riverpoint Royals of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Hopkins, a two time New England Junior College Coach of the Year, is currently in his 5th season as Head Coach of the CCRI Knights baseball team.

CCRI Baseball team has high expectations as veteran staff hopes to lead them back to New England prominence.

The CCRI Baseball Team looks to regain their prominence among the elite teams in New England. For the Knights pitching and defense are very strong. Returning pitchers, Ryann Foss (Bradford, RI), Andrew McNulty (Norwood, MA), Marek Deska (Ontario, Canada), Troy Sainsbury (Westerly, RI) and transfer, Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) will handle the bulk of the pitching.

Offense is spearheaded by sophomore catcher Gregg Allen (Dighton, MA) and sophomore third baseman Richard Jenkins (Middletown, RI). The Knights have many freshmen with loads of talent to contribute. They include: shortstop Jang Won Lee (Toronto, Canada), second baseman Seth Desautel (Cumberland, RI), first baseman John Furtado (Johnston, RI), center fielder Clint Mitchell (Windsor, CT) and right fielder Phil Butler (Cranston, RI) have all secured starting spots. Brett Thornton (Coventry, RI) and Luis Feliz (Cranston, RI) will share duties in leftfield and transfer Dan Girouard (Lincoln, RI) will handle the DH role and spell both middle infield positions. George Gray (Narragansett, RI) will see some action as a reserve in the infield and Ron Ribera (Newport, RI) will handle the backup catching position.

The team begins their season This weekend with seven games in the Palm

Beach Challenge in West Palm Beach Florida followed by trips to Delaware and Baltimore, before returning home to start their regular season.

03.01.05

CCRI Women’s indoor track team win Northeast District Tournament men come in second.

The CCRI women’s indoor track team led by Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA), Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI), Elisa Semedo (Lisbon, Portugal), Erica Hird (Providence, RI), and Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) won the Northeast District Tournament with 201 total team points at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY.

The CCRI women had 11 district champions: Erica Hird (Providence, RI) 3000m with a time of 13:35.10 and 5000m with a time of 22:51.7, Elisa Semedo (Lisbon, Portugal) 55 high hurdles with a time of 9.0 sec., 400m with a time of 1:02.4, and triple jump with a leap of 36’06.5", Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) 1000m with a time of 3:31.2 and 1600m with a time of 5:57.0, Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) 600m with a time of 1:49.2, 800m with a time of 2:40.0, and the high jump with a jump of 4’7", and Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) in the shot put with a throw of 38’ 06.25".

The CCRI women’s track team ended with 201 total team points, almost double the next team Kingsborough CC who had 102 points followed by Queensborough CC with 79pts, Nassau CC 16, Dutchess CC 16, and Bronx CC 9.

The CCRI men’s indoor track team came in second at the Northeast District Tournament. The Knights were led by Chris Farrell (Manville, RI), Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI), Joe Hannon (Glocester, RI), and Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI).

The Knights had seven District Championship Performances: Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) 55m high hurdles with a time of 8.9 sec., Chris Farrell (Manville, RI) 1600m with a time of 4:50.6, Joe Hannon (Glocester, RI) 1000m with a time of 2:55.3, Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI) high jump with a leap of 5’9", the team of Hannon, Lopardo, Farrell, and Dalton in the 4 x 800m relay with a time of 9:24.00, and The team of Estrada, Lopardo, Farrell and Hannon in the Distance Medley Relay with a time of 12:39.7.

The Knights just missed winning the Districts being edged out by Queensborough CC who ended with 149 points, CCRI 133, Bronx CC 72, Nassau CC 61, Dutchess CC 24, and Kingsborough CC 23.

The CCRI men’s and women’s indoor track team now looks to follow-up this performance with a good showing at the 2005 NJCAA National Tournament March 4-5th in Charleston, Illinois.

02.28.05

CCRI Athletic Department welcomes Richard Marchetti as their new golf team coach

02.25.05

CCRI routs UConn-Avery Point 104-62 finishes unbeaten in Region XXI

Seven CCRI players scored in double figures led by Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia), Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD), and Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) all had fifteen points each. The Knights finished in first place in Region XXI with a 12-0 record and a 19-9 record overall.

Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad Serbia) went 7-for-7 from the field and pulled down eight rebounds while Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) charted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Knights took control of the game from the opening tip taking a 48-24 lead into halftime. The second half was much of the same even after CCRI cleared the bench UCAP could not keep up with the talented Knights as they eventually succumbed 104-62.

Other CCRI players in double figures included Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) who had a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) had 14 points and seven assists, Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had 11 points and Ian Ellis (Magruder, MD) had 10 points.

CCRI (104): Taylor 6 1-3 14, Goldney 1 0-0 2, Boateng 3 1-2 8, Owens 6 2-3 15, Owumi 5 2-3 12, Mirkovic 7 0-0 15, Little 4 3-4 11, Ellis 4 2-3 10, Jones 7 0-0 15, Lopes 1 0-0 2; totals 45 11-18 104. UCONN-AVERY POINT (62): Simmons 5 1-2 11, Oliver 2 1-2 5, Hespeer 2 0-0 5, McKinney 1 2-2 4, Martin 2 0-0 4, Hauschild 3 1-1 7, Quinony 2 0-0 4, Pinder 9 0-2 18, Murphy 0 4-4 4;p totals 26 9-13 62.

Halftime -- CCRI 48-24. 3-pointers -- CCRI 5 (Taylor, Boateng, Owens, Mirkovic, Jones); UCAP -- (Hespeer). Records -- CCRI 19-9 (12-0 Reg. 21); UCAP 6-16.

02.24.05

Ward and Hughes lead CCRI women’s basketball team over Globe Institute of Technology 73-48 to win 11th in a row

Co-captains Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) and Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) each poured in 23 points to lead The CCRI Lady Knights over Globe Institute of Technology to finish the regular season on an eleven game winning streak. Ward, CCRI #3 all-time scorer, had 23 points including four 3-pointers seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals while Hughes, added to her CCRI all-time single season scoring record (559 pts.), had 23 points including three 3-pointers and six rebounds.

The CCRI women’s basketball team started out slowly in the first half but still managed to take a 29-21 lead into halftime. In the second half the Lady Knights got hot from the perimeter led by Ward, Hughes and Farrior pulled away to win their eleventh in a row.

Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY), CCRI single season 3-point leader added ten points of her own including two three pointers bringing her record total to 55 this season. Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) contributed ten points and five rebounds, while Nikki Dalton (Danbury,CT) ripped down 14 rebounds to help the Lady Knights finish the regular season 25-3. The CCRI Lady Knights will host the District Playoffs Saturday March 5th against the 25-0 #15 ranked Lady Bears of Harcum College to see who goes on to the National Tournament March 16-19 in Phoenix, AZ.

CCRI (73): Hummel 0 0-0 0, Williams 1 0-0 7, Farrior 4 0-0 10, Hughes 8 4-8 23, Mack 0 0-0 0, Rhodes 0 1-2 1, Dalton 0 4-10 4, Ward 9 1-3 23, Noah 4 2-6 10, Rollins 0 0-0 0; totals 24 12-29 69. GLOBE INSTITUTE (48): Green 7 1-2 18, Steadman 0 1-2 1, Blaise 3 1-3 7, Sistrunk 1 3-6 5, Maiga 0 0-0 0, Romao 4 0-0 9, Saccoh 1 1-4 3, Maiga 1 4-7 7; totals 17 11-24 50.

Halftime -- CCRI 29-21. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 9 (Farrior 2, Hughes 3, Ward 4); G 5 (Green 3, Romao, Maiga). Records -- CCRI 25-3 (2-0 Reg. 21).

02.21.05

CCRI men’s basketball team loses 96-80 at Globe Institute of Technology

The Knights of Globe Institute of Technology were too much for the Knights of CCRI as they handed CCRI their ninth loss of the season. Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) fought hard to keep his team in it by putting up a double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) contributed 12 points and five rebounds of his own, but in the end it just wasn’t enough.

The game went back and forth in the first half as both teams tried to establish control but neither team could pull away Globe went into the half with a 41-40 lead. In the second half Globe took control and pulled away to win 96-80.

Freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), the teams leading scorer for the season, had 12 points and four rebounds and Sophomore Center Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) added 10 points and five rebounds. The loss brings CCRI Knights’ record to 18-9 for the season.

GLOBE INSTITUTE (96): Williams 5 1-3 11, Smith 7 6-7 20, Shields 5 1-4 11, McGiven 6 1-2 13, Chieco 1 0-0 2, McCoy 6 1-2 13, Orman 8 4-5 20, Scruggs 2 0-0 6; totals 40 14-23 96. CCRI (80); Taylor 2 3-3 7, Lopes 0 1-2 1, Williston 2 2-2 6, Boateng 1 3-4 5, Owens 4 4-11 12, Owumi 7 6-8 22, Mirkovic 4 2-2 10, Little 2 1-1 5, Jones 5 2-2 12; totals 27 24-35 80.

Halftime -- G 41-40. 3-pointers -- G 2 (Scruggs 2); CCRI 2 (Owumi 2). Records -- G 17-6; CCRI 18-9.

02.18.05

2004-05 Women’s Basketball stats that may be records

Career scoring

#1 Claudia DeFaria 916
#2 Jerilyn Johnson 849
#3 Amanda Ward 753
#4 Brenda Randall 723
#5 Diane O’Brian 718
#6 Jeanell Hughes 690
#7 Cindy Mascio 658

Points in a season

#1 Jeanell Hughes 536
#2 Amanda Ward 491
#3 Casie Rhodes 484

3-pointer in season

#1 Shermane Farrior 53
#2 Jeanell Hughes 48
#3 Sara Duskewicz 43
#4 Teressa Denton 38
#5 Amanda Ward 34
#6 Claudia Defaria 26

3-pointers career

#1 Sara Duskewicz 74
#2 Shermane Farrior 53
#3 Jeanell Hughes 50
#4 Teressa Denton 46
#5 Amanda Ward 43
#6 Casie Rhodes 38

02.17.05

Jennings and Barbosa lead way as CCRI men’s and women’s indoor track team shatter seven school records at 2005 Wesleyan Invitational.

Jasmine Jennings (Warwick, RI) who is ranked #1 by the NJCAA in the 20 lb weight throw set two more school records on Saturday at the Wesleyan Invitational. First shattering the school record in the 20lb weight throw she had set earlier in the year with a throw of 53-07.00, then setting a new school record in the shot put with a throw of 39-00.50. Just behind Jennings was Nicole Sauer (East Greenwich, RI) who is ranked #5 in the 20lb weight throw had a throw of 47-11.00. Both Jennings and Sauer have qualified for The National Meet to be held March 4-5th in Illinois.

Saundra Barbosa (East Providence, RI) lapped the whole field on her way to set the new school record in the 3000m run with a time of 11:47.54. Barbosa, an honorable mention All-American in cross country who also possesses a 4.0 GPA, will qualify for nationals with a provisional bid.

Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA) set two school records herself with a time of 1:24.64 in the 500m and shattering her own high jump record with a leap of 5-00.00. Nicholas will qualify for nationals with a provisional bid having the best marks in her events in Region XXI.

Other notable standouts for the Knights women’s indoor track squad are sprinter Elisa Samedo (Lisbon, Portugal), hurdler-sprinter Mary Oyekoya (Woonsocket, RI) and long Distabce runner Erica Hird (Providence, RI)

Leading the charge for the men was Chris Farrell (Manville, RI) who set a school record in the 3000m posting a time of 9:24:06. Farrell currently owns the school records for the 5000m and 3000m.

The last record of the day was set by the men’s 4x200 relay team of Maurice Rogers (Clinton, TN), Nicholas Mante (Central Falls, RI), Jaimaal Munir (Warwick, RI), and Eric Estrada (Providence, RI) with a record time of 1:40:11.

They are joined on the Knights men’s indoor track team by two other standouts: sprinter Justin Dalton (Warwick, RI) and high, long and triple-jumper Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI).

The CCRI men’s and women’s indoor track team looks forward to the Northeast District Meet in Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY on February 22nd. This will be the first meet of the year where team points will be calculated as well as individual performances.

02.14.05

Noah leads the #8 ranked Lady Knights over CCBC-Dundalk 88-62 to win ninth in a row.

Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) led the CCRI women’s basketball team had a monster double-double with 25 points and 17 boards to lead The Lady Knights past the Lady Lions of CCBC-Dundalk. The CCRI women’s basketball team is currently ranked #8 by the NJCAA division II. Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) added 19 points of her own while dishing-out five assists and swiping two steals to improve the Lady Knights record to 23-3.

Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) netted 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Abby Hummel (Warwick, RI) added eight points and Co-captain Nikki Dalton (Danbury, CT) ripped down 14 rebounds to help the Lady Knights win their ninth in a row.

CCBC-Dundalk came into the game with a record of 19-2 and had been ranked #15 the week before but the Lady Knights had too much fire power behind the triple-threat of Noah, Hughes, and Ward.

CCRI (88): Hummel 4 0-2 8, Williams 2 0-0 4, Farrior 2 0-0 6, Hughes 7 3-3 19, Mack 0 1-2 1, Dalton 2 2-2 6, Ward 8 0-0 17, Noah 11 3-4 25, Rollins 1 0-0 2; totals -- 37 9-13 88. COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY (62): G. Brody 4 0-1 12, L. Brody 3 2-3 10, Bellamy 3 0-0 8, Dixon 7 3-5 17, Hughes 1 1-2 3, Baldwin 4 1-2 9, Calliste 1 0-2 2, McIntosh 0 1-2 1; totals -- 23 8-17 62.

Halftime -- CCRI 50-32. 3-pointers CCRI 5 (Farrior 2, Hughes 2, Ward); CCBC 8 (G. Brody 2, L. Brody 2, Bellamy 2). Records -- CCRI 23-3; CCBC 19-3.

Hughes and Noah Lead #8 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team in 88-62 rout Cecil CC to win tenth in a row.

Sophomore center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) charted her fourth double-double in the last five games with 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) added 22 points five assists and six steals to lead the #8 ranked Lady Knights to their tenth win in a row.

Freshman forward Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) had her first double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) had 10 points four assists and six rebounds while Co-captain Nikki Dalton (Danbury, CT) pulled down eight rebounds as the Lady Knights improve their record to 24-3.

Cheri Bryant led the Lady Seawolves with 11 points.

The CCRI women’s basketball team has been torrid over the past month going 10-0 with wins over #10 ranked division I school Louisburg on their home court to win the Coca-Cola Classic, Region XXI foe Bunkerhill CC, and arch rival Dean College. The Lady Knights have one more regular season game against Globe Institute of Technology Saturday the 19th.

CCRI (73): Hummel 0 1-2 1, Williams 5 0-0 10, Farrior 1 0-0 3, Hughes 8 4-12 22, Mack 1 0-0 2, Dalton 1 0-2 2, Ward 4 2-3 10, Babette Noah 10 3-3 23; totals 30 10-22 73. CECIL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (44): Bryant 4 3-4 11, Dashiell 2 0-0 4, Evans 1 2-3 4, Kyle 1 4-4 7, Sanders 1 1-2 3, Grier 2 1-2 5, Stoudemire 2 0-0 4, Wolitz 2 0-0 2, Bagby 1 0-4 2, Auguste 0 2-2 2; totals 15 13-21 44.

Halftime -- CCRI, 39-28. 3-pointers -- CCRI 3 (Hughes 2, Farrior); Cecil (Kyle). Records -- CCRI 24-3; CCC 15-6.

Jones and Owumi lead CCRI men’s basketball team in 86-71 victory over Springfield Technical Community College to win sixth in a row.

The CCRI men’s basketball team showed tremendous balance as all five starters for The Knights scored in double figures. Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) scored 25 points snagged seven rebounds and swiped three steals while Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) added a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards to lead the Knights of CCRI to their sixth win in a row and improves their Region XXI record to 11-0.

The first half of action was even as the Knights of CCRI traded baskets with the rams of STCC as CCRI went into the break with a 32-31 lead. In the second half The Knights stopped giving the rams second chance points by attacking the backboard pulled away to a comfortable lead and they never looked back.

Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) added a double-double of his own with 11 points and yanked down 11 rebounds. Freshman guard Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) contributed 16 points and six assists while freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) had 12 points and seven rebounds. The win improves the Knight’s overall record to 18-8.

CCRI (86): Taylor 5 3-4 16, Lopes 0 0-1 0, Williston 1 0-0 2, Owens 4 4-6 12, Owumi 8 0-0 17, Mirkovic 4 2-4 11, Little 0 3-4 3, Jones 11 2-2 25; totals -- 31 14-21 86. SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (71): Bumsfield 5 3-4 13, Gardiner 5 0-0 14, Jarrett 3 5-8 11, Hebert 5 1-2 11, Conaway 5 3-5 14, Leone 2 0-0 5, Siekierski 1 1-2 3; totals -- 26 13-21 71.

Halftime -- CCRI 43-32. 3-pointers -- CCRI 6 (Taylor 3, Owumi, Mirkovic, Jones); STCC 6 (Gardiner 4, Conaway, Leone). Records -- STCC 15-9 : CCRI 18-8 (11-0 Reg. 21).

02.11.05

Hughes and Ward lead #8 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team in 103-55 rout of Central Maine CC to win their eighth in a row.

Co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) netted 29 points to lead The CCRI Lady Knights to their eighth victory in a row against the Lady Mustangs of Central Maine CC. Keeping pace with her was Co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) who poured in 27 points of her own while pulling down 8 rebounds. The CCRI Lady Knights remain #8 in the NJCAA division II national poll and improve their overall record to 22-3.

The CCRI Lady Knights played suffocating defense as they had a season-high 32 steals led by sophomore forward Nikki Dalton (Danbury, CT) who had 9 swipes. The constant pressure made it impossible for the Lady Mustangs to get anything started as CCRI took a 41-23 lead into halftime.

Sophomore center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds. While key reserves freshman guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) added 14 points and freshman forward Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) scored 11 points. The win brings the Lady Knights win streak to eight in a row.

CCRI (103): Hummel 0 0-0 0, Williams 5 1-2 11, Hughes 13 2-4 29, Mack 3 0-0 7, Dalton 0 0-0 0, Ward 12 2-2 27, Noah 7 1-2 15, Rollins 0 0-0 0, Farrior 6 0-0 14; totals 41 6-10 93; CENTRAL MAINE (55): Millett 3 0-0 8, Anderson 0 0-0 0, Vincent 4 1-3 11, Woolford 3 3-3 10, Hunt 0 1-2 1, Hutchinson 7 1-4 15, Calderwood 0 0-0 0, Mastine 0 0-0 0; totals 17 6-12 45.

Halftime -- CCRI 41-23. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 5 (Hughes, Mack, Ward, Farrior 2), CM 5 (Millett 2, Vincent 2, Woolford). Records -- CCRI 22-3.

02.10.05

CCRI Knights thrash Northern Essex CC Knights 88-62 to win their fourth in a row.

Four of the five starters for the CCRI men’s basketball team scored in double figures as the CCRI Knights took their fourth game in a row to improve their record to 16-8.

Co-captains Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) and Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) led the way, Owumi with a double-double scoring 16 points and ripping down 13 rebounds while Jones led all scorers with 18 points.

The CCRI Knights took control of the game in the first half by sharing the ball and getting everyone involved taking a 45-34 lead into halftime. After the half it was much of the same as the Knights of CCRI stretched the lead to twenty at the 7:00 mark and never looked back.

Freshman Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) added 17 points of his own while dishing-out eight assists. Not to be left out team leading scorer Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) poured in 17 points while swiping 5 steals from the visiting Knights of Northern Essex CC.

CCRI (88): Taylor 6 2-3 17, Goldney 0 0-0 0, Lopes 2 1-2 5, Williston 3 0-0 6, Boateng 0 2-2 2, Owens 8 1-1 17, Owumi 7 0-0 16, Mirkovic 2 0-0 4, Ellis 1 1-4 3, Jones 9 0-0 18; totals 38 7-12 88. NORTHERN ESSEX CC (62): Martin 0 2-2 2, Rosario 0 2-4 2, Gomez 4 1-1 9, Ruiz 2 0-0 4, Nartiff 2 2-2 7, Russell 5 0-0 13, Favara 4 2-3 10, Tardiff 5 3-3 15; totals 22 12-15 62.

Halftime -- CCRI, 45-34. 3-pt. goals -- CCRI 5 (Taylor 3, Owumi 2); NECC 6 (Nartiff, Russell 3, Tardiff 2). Records -- CCRI 16-8; NECC 7-11.

Marvin Owens 20 points lead CCRI as the Knights roll over Dean to take region XXI regular season title and improve their record to 15-8.

Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), who is ranked #17 nationally in scoring in NJCAA Division II, led all scorers with 20 points including two rim-rattling dunks that energized the Knights and the crowd as the CCRI men’s basketball team rolled to a 75-60 win over Dean College.

Owens also ripped eight rebounds, was one of four Knights in double figures. Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) finished with 17 points, Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) had 11 points, and Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD) contributed 10 points.

Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) dominated the paint and narrowly missed a triple- double with ripping down 17 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 9 points. His presence inside led to many easy baskets at the other end of the floor for the Knights.

The win gives the CCRI men’s basketball team and 8-0 record in Region XXI and regular season crown. The Knights will host the regional tournament March 5-6th and will play the winner of Massasiot vs. Dean, to see who will go on to the district championship.

Stace Garrick led the bulldogs with 18 points in his homecoming to the West Warwick area, but it wasn’t enough to un-seed the first place Knights of CCRI.

CCRI (75): Taylor 3 3-6 11, Owens 7 6-11 20, Owumi 8 0-1 17, Mirkovic 2 5-7 9, Little 3 2-2 8, Jones 3 3-4 10; totals -- 26 19-31 75. DEAN (60): Rose 3 0-1 7, Holligan 0 1-2 1, Wynn 0 1-2 1, Beck 8 0-2 17, Fitzgibbon 2 0-0 4, Brown 2 0-1 4, Garrick 6 6-6 18, Premster 2 0-0 4, palmer 2 0-0 4; totals 25 8-14 60.

Halftime -- CCRI 33-28. 3-pointers -- CCRI 4 (Taylor 2, Owumi, Jones); D 2 (Rose, Beck). Records -- CCRI 15-8 (4-0 Reg. 21); DC 9-5 (2-2 in Reg. 21).

02.07.05

Jeanell Hughes’ 25 points lead CCRI women’s basketball team over arch rival Dean College 76-55 to win region XXI regular season title and raise their record to 20-3

Sophomore co-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) finished the game with 25 points and eight rebounds to lead CCRI over their arch rival Dean College 76-55 to win the region XXI regular season crown.

Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds while co-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) added 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists to lead the Lady Knights to their fifth consecutive win. The win gives CCRI the Region XXI regular season title and the Lady Knights improved their overall record to 20-3.

Dean’s Sharee Daluze kept the Lady Bulldogs in the game with 22 points of her own but Hughes, Noah, Ward and the Lady Knights were just too much for her to handle alone.

It was the last regular season home game at the Vincent A Cullen Field house for Sophomore Tri-captains Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD), Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT), and Nikki Dalton (Danbury, CT), as well as Sophomores Vinisha Mack (Paterson, NJ) and Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa).

CCRI (76): Hummel 2 0-0 4, Farrior 1 1-2 4, Hughes 10 4-7 25, Mack 1 2-4 4, Dalton 3 1-2 7, Ward 5 3-4 13, Noah 5 6-10 16, Rollins 1 1-2 3; totals -- 28 18-31 76. DEAN COLLEGE (55): Smalls 5 2-3 13, Dalvze 7 7-9 22, Wotherspoon 2 1-2 5, Rich 0 0-2 0, Clark 1 0-0 2, White 0 0-2 0, Elicier 3 2-3 8, Biggs 0 1-2 1, Okubanjo 1 0-0 2, Scurry 1 0-0 2; totals -- 20 13-23 55.

Halftime -- CCRI 34-18. 3-pointers -- CCRI 2 (Farrior, Hughes); DC 2 (Smalls, Dalvze). Records -- CCRI 20-3 (2-0 Reg. 21); DC 18-5 (0-2 Reg. 21).

01.31.05

Kenny Jones 23 points lift CCRI to 80-79 victory over Notre Dame Prep to improve their record to 13-8.

Co-Captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore MD) scored 23 points, including the game clinching free throw in the final seconds, just enough to help the CCRI men’s basketball team to an 80-79 victory over a tough Notre Dame Prep squad to improve their record to 13-8.

The Knights who hadn’t played in over a week started out slowly but were able to keep the game close in the opening moments. Co-captains Kenny Jones (Baltimore, MD), who led the team with 23 points, and Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) who had a double-double with 10 points 10 rebounds led CCRI to a 38-36 halftime lead.

With 5:20 to go CCRI took their biggest lead of the game 67-58 by attacking the boards and blocking shots Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) contributed with his own double-double 19 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots as did Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks helped lead to the Knights to easy baskets to keep the knights ahead.

Cam Tyler of Notre Dame kept his team close and led all scorers with 25 points including a last second 3-pointer to pull them within one. In the end the Knights of CCRI fought-off the Crusaders of Notre Dame Prep 80-79. CCRI improves their record to 13-8 while Notre Dame Prep falls to 16-8.

"I’m glad we won. We’ve got to learn to play smarter as a team if we want to achieve our goals. We have the talent to win" CCRI men’s basketball coach Dave Chevalier

CCRI (80): Owens 18 1-3 19, Owumi 10 0-1-10, Mirkovic 14 2-2 16, Ellis 2 0-0 2, Jones 19 4-5 23, Taylor 4 0-3 4, Williston 2 0-0 2, Little 2 2-2 4, totals 35 9-16-80.

NDP (79): Fields 1 0-0 2, Hayhood 8 0-0 18, McLendon 3 0-0 8, Wilson 1 0-0 2, Miton 2 0-0 4, Dupre 4 2-2 11, Philips 2 0-0 4, Brooks 2 0-0 5, Nkumah 0-0-2 0, totals 33 6-10 79.

Halftime – CCRI 38 ND 36. 3pt goals – CCRI (Jones); NDP 7 (Hayhood 2, McLendon 2, Tyler, Dupre, Brooks)

Records: CCRI 13-8; ND 16-8.

CCRI Weekly Round-up Week of 1/24/05-1/30/05

CCRI men’s basketball team takes two to improve their record to 14-8.

After coming-off a week where the CCRI men’s basketball team had had two no contests to Holyoke CC and Sullivan CC who couldn’t play. The CCRI men’s basketball team won two big games.

Tuesday the Knights faces edged a tough Notre Dame Prep Squad 80-79 behind 23 points including the game-clinching free-throw from Co-captain Kenny Jones (Baltimore MD) and three double-doubles from Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) 19 points 12 rebounds, Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia)16 points and 11 rebounds, and Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) 10 points 10 rebounds. Cam Tyler of Notre Dame kept his team close down to the wire with a game high 25 points including a last second 3-pointer that made the final score 80-79. CCRI men’s basketball team improved their record to 13-8.

Saturday the CCRI men’s basketball team over-powered Roxbury Community College 90-66. The Knights were led by leading scorer Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) who had a game-high 23 points. Providence’s own Darrell Taylor (Mt. Pleasant) had 19 points highlighted by back-to-back four point and three point plays in the first half that seemed to take the life out of the Tigers from Roxbury CC. Co-captain Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) contributed to the winning effort with 15 points of this own to improve the Knights’ record to 14-8.

Amanda Ward and the #8 ranked CCRI women’s basketball team hand Monroe College their first defeat 68-45 to improve their record to 18-3.

The Lady Knights won their third straight over the previously unbeaten Monroe College team who came into the game 15-0. Tri-captain Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) led the Lady Knights with 22 points 4 assists and 4 rebounds and Tri-captain Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) contributed 11 points 4 assists and 3 boards while Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) pulled down 14 rebounds and had three blocks. CCRI’s bench provided the margin of victory scoring 23 of the 68 points led by do-it-all guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) who scored nine points including two 3-pointer and 5 rebounds which is a tall task for the shortest member of the team (5’4"). Those hustle points provided a much needed spark for the Lady Knights in the second half. With the win CCRI improved their record to 18-3.

Olympians bring the Gold to CCRI Women’s Softball Winter Clinic

Olympic Gold Medalists Amanda Freed (2004) and Stacey Nuveman (2000 & 2004) were on hand Friday and Saturday for a unique opportunity to teach local coaches and players on the finer points of the game of fast-pitch softball.

Many local fast-pitch softball coaches flooded the Flanagan Campus of CCRI to see Olympians Stacey Nuveman and Amanda Freed. The clinic served as a forum to help coaches enhance their coaching ability, provide instruction and insight with an emphasis on practice organization, motivation as well as offensive and defensive fundamentals.

With the focus of youth softball being switched from slow pitch into fast-pitch this clinic provided local coaches and athletes the opportunity to see how the best players in the world train and prepare for their sport.

CCRI women’s softball coach Beverly Wiley said "It was great for my team, to get to learn first-hand from the players they watched in the Olympics, I feel it will give them a competitive advantage while it also reinforces the principles we teach everyday in practice." One attending coach said "It is not often that players get to learn from the best in their sport…This is the softball equivalent to having Curt Shilling and Jason Varitek, come teach you how they prepare to play baseball." One parent beamed "I had never even seen a gold medal before and today my daughter got to wear one, she’ll never forget this day."

Amanda Ward’s 25 points lead CCRI women in upset win, 71-63, over Louisburg College in championship game of Coca-Cola Classic.

Amanda Ward scored 18 of her 25 points in the second half to lead the CCRI women’s basketball team to a 71-63 upset victory over Louisburg College in the championship game of the Coca-Cola Classic Sunday at Louisburg, NC.

The Lady Knights who were ranked tenth nationally in the NJCAA Division II poll, were underdogs coming in to meet the Hurricanes—ranked tenth in the country in NJCAA Division I. The win was also significant since CCRI lost to Louisburg by 20 points in last year’s final. With this win CCRI improved their national Division II rank to #8 while Louisburg College fell to #14 in Division I.

CCRI, which trailed at halftime, 28-27, led, 58-56, with six minutes remaining. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Ward and Shermane Farrior gave the Lady Knights an eight-point lead and they never looked back.

"As the game ended we heard the best sound you can hear in a hostile environment…Silence" remarked assistant coach Claudia Defaria after the win.

Farrior finished with a season-high 15 points, including three 3-pointers in the second half. Teammate Jeanell Hughes had 20 points and 6 assists.

CCRI (71): Hummel 0 2-2 2, Williams 2 0-0 4, Farrior 5 2-2 15, Hughes 7 6-10 20, Mack 0 0-2 0, Rhodes 0 0-0 0, Dalton 0 1-5 1, Ward 5 14-17 25, Noah 2 0-2 4, Rollins 0 0-0 0; totals 21 25-40 71.

LOUISBURG COLLEGE (63): Johnson 6 2-3 15, Crawford 1 0-0 2, Harper 4 2-4 11, Williams 3 0-0 6 Slade 2 0-0 4, Bryant 2 0-0 6, Mills 8 3-4 19, Pickens 0 0-0 0, Wright 0 0-0 0; totals 26 7-11 63.

Halftime – LC 28-27. 3-pt. goals – CCRI 4 (Farrior 3, Ward); LC 4 (Johnson, Harper, Bryant2).

Records – CCRI, 17-3; LC, 14-2.

12.15.04

New CCRI indoor track and field records established by Jasmine Jennings, Bryan Galvin, and Sherilyn Nicholas at Harvard Invitational meet on Saturday

Head Coach Gregg Cornell predicted that many new records were likely to be set this season. And in the very first meet of the 2004-05 season, with his student-athletes competing on Saturday against four-year schools at the Harvard University Invitational in Boston, Mass. his statement is already holding up.

Freshman Jasmine Jennings of Warwick set a record in her first appearance by establishing a new standard of excellence in the weight throw, heaving it a first-place throw distance of 15.20 meters, or 49.87 feet. That not only qualified her for the NJCAA National Indoor Track and Field Championships but also easily eclipsed the former record distance of 44’, 11 ½" set by All-American Orlagh Cullen just last year. Freshman Nicole Sauer (East Greenwich) threw the 20-pound weight 13.56 meters for 4th place, also qualifying her for the nationals. In the shot put, Jenning’s effort of 10.94 meters placed her 4th overall.

Jennings was ranked fifth nationally among high school weight throwers last year. She was an All-State weight and hammer thrower at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School where she also came in 16th in the weight throw in the New England Indoor Championships

Freshman Bryan Galvin of Seekonk, Mass., set a new record in the indoor mile when he ran 4:47.67. That time easily broke the former mark of 4:53 set by Brian McGuire during 2002-03.

And finally, freshman Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton), who ran so well on CCRI’s nationally-ranked #3 cross country squad, started out right in the indoor track season by setting a new record in the 400 meters. Her time of 1:03.51 (23rd) bested that of Jennifer McCormack’s time of 1:03.60 in 2002-03. Nicholas also ran the 200 meters in 28.51 for 42nd place.

The following athletes were CCRI’s top performers in each respective event: Men- sophomore Maurice Rogers (Clinton, TN), 60-meter dash, 15th, 7.25; freshman Trevor LeFebvre (Pawtucket), Weight throw, 14th, 11.25 meters; sophomore Justin Dalton (Warwick), 400 meters, 52.08; freshman Maurice Rogers, 25th, 200 meters, 23.65 and 4-by-400, (Justin Dalton, Joseph Hannon, Dante Lopardo, Eric Estrada, 16th, 3:36.15.

Women- freshman Kristina Lanctot (Lincoln, RI), mile, 6:26.33 and freshman Saundra Barbosa (East Providence), 3000 meters, 11:43.02

12.13.04

Amanda Ward scores 20 and Jeanell Hughes 18 for #14 CCRI women’s basketball squad as they trip up #15 Genesee CC, 59-53, in Warwick, for 6th consecutive win.

CCRI of Region XXI and ranked #14 nationally in Division Two Junior College polls, defeated #15 Genesee Community College of Region III (Batavia, NY) 59-53, for the second time this season. Sophomore guards and captains- Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, Maryland) with 18 points and 5 assists had excellent all-around efforts in the Lady Knights sixth win in a row, who improved to 9-1 overall and 1-0 in the region.

The teams battled back and forth for most of the game with five ties and five lead changes until

CCRI took control in the last eight minutes.

GCC’s Antoinetta Young, a 5-10 sophomore forward who led all scorers with 22 points, did her best to get the Lady Cougars back into the contest, scoring 15 points after intermission and several of those came down the stretch. Teammate Danielle McCray added 16 for Genesee, now 8-3.

LaRae Rhodes, a sophomore center from Warwick, also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked four shots while freshman center Babette Noah(Cameroon, Africa) also had eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Vinisha Mack (Paterson, NJ) had five assists and five rebounds.

CCRI (59) Ward 7 4-7 20; Hughes 6 5-18 18; Noah 4 0-1 8; Dalton 3 0-0 6; Williams 2 1-1 5; Rhodes 0 0-0 0 Johnson 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 10-20 59

GCC (53): Young 9 4-7 22; McCray 6 4-5 16; Darden 3 0-0 8; Washington 0 0-1 0; Anderson 1 3-3 5; Roth 1 0-1 2; Tingley 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 11-17 53.

Halftime: CCRI 33-30

Three-pointers: CCRI (3) Ward 2, Hughes 1; GCC (2) Darden 2

Records: CCRI 9-1, 1-0 in Region XXI; GCC 8-3

CCRI Men’s Basketball (9-4, 3-0 in Region XXI) loses first game in nine outings, 78-76, to Genesee (NY) CC.

Genesee Community College, behind a game-high 28 points from Phil Santiago, upset CCRI, 78-76, in Warwick on Sunday. The loss by the Knights ended their eight-game win streak in what still is the best start by a CCRI club in NJCAA Division Two.

For CCRI, freshman forward Travon Little (Danbury, CT) had 19, freshman guard Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) 17; sophomore forward Alex Owumi (Boston, MA 15) and freshman guard Darrell Taylor (Mt. Pleasant HS, Providence) 10.

There were several lead changes and four ties throughout the contest.

Genesee’s biggest lead came late, on a Santiago layup with 3:43 left making it, 72-64. Two minutes later, with the CCRI defense holding the Cougars to just one basket, the Knights put together a 11-2 run highlighted by a Taylor steal and layup at 1:27 for a 75-74 lead. A.J. White put in a 15-foot jumper and Taylor nailed one free throw, but Santiago canned two foul shots with 3.8 seconds left. Taylor’s running shot from 12 feet out at the buzzer rimmed out.

White had 16 and Reggie Holmes had 15 points and 18 rebounds for GCC, now 5-8.

CCRI (76) Owens 7 2-4 17; Owumi 5 3-6 15; Taylor 4 1-2 10; Grogan 0 0-0 0; Jones 4 1-2 9; Little 9 1-2 19; Mirkovic 2 1-2 5; Ellis 0 1-2 1; Boateng 0 0-0 0. Totals: 31 10-20 76.

GCC (78) Irwin 1 1-2 4, Santiago 9 8-10 28; Tooms 5 2-3 13; Houston 1 0-0 2; White 6 3-4 16; Holmes 5 5-8 15. Totals 27 19-27 78

Halftime: CCRI 36-35

Three-pointers: CCRI (4) Owumi 2, Taylor , Owens; GCC (5) Santiago 2, Tooms, Irwin, White

Records: CCRI- 9-4, 3-0 in Region XXI; GCC 5-8

12.09.04

Men’s and women’s indoor track begins on Saturday at 10:00 am in Boston, MA (Harvard University Invitational)

Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track season begins.

The 2004-05 CCRI Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field season gets underway at the Harvard University Invitational on Saturday in Boston, Mass. Coach Gregg Cornell and his assistant coach, Bob Bayha, are optimistic about this year’s squad despite losing several track stars, including the talented Irish duo and multisport athletes- Orlagh Cullen and Jennifer McCormack- who starred in track and soccer, to graduation and transfer to NCAA Division One schools.

As the only junior college in Region XXI competing in track and field, CCRI expects to have a total of 18 men and 12 women participating against four-year college athletes in preparation for competition in the National Junior College Athletic Association for the Northeast District Championship and then hopefully qualify for NJCAA National Championship competition.

Among the returnees slated to return are Erica Hird, Jennifer Bento, Eric Estrada, Maurice Rogers, Sarean Kao, Bryan Galvin and Justin Dalton.

(NOTE: See the men’s and women’s indoor track review on the pipeline at www.ccri.edu/athletics

Basketball.

It’s a big basketball weekend ahead for both men’s and women’s Region XXI Division Two hoop squads as they attempt to extend their respective win streaks. The men (9-3 and 3-0 in the region) have now won eight games in a row, including victories over defending region champion, Dean College and Division One power Globe Institute. The women (7-1 and 1-0 in the region) have also mowed down their opposition four consecutive games. The men and women hope to attract a big crowd for their home doubleheader in Warwick on Sunday versus Genesee Community College of Batavia, New York.

Women’s Squad seeking wins over Navy Prep and Genesee CC this weekend at home.

For the women’s squad, currently ranked #14 in the NJCAA Division Two polls under first-year head coach Cas Grygorcewicz, the Navy Prep game on Saturday (1:00 p.m. in Warwick) will prove to be more of a challenge than in the recent past because the Lady Napsters of Newport have already beaten former region adversary Mitchell College and Dean College, the Lady Knights’ current Division Two foe.

But CCRI is also looking to the rematch on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. versus #15 Genesee CC, whom they defeated in `their house’ in early November in Batavia, NY, 64-58. At stake is a possible spot in the top 10 with a loss probably dropping one squad out of the top 15.

Men.

The men had no trouble with a depleted six-man squad from Holyoke Community College, on Thursday, winning their eighth game in a row, 95-57. Five Knight players were in double figures, led by Ken Jones and Marvin Owens with 17 each, Julian Boateng with a season-high 14, Alex Owumi with 13 and Travon Little with 10. All 10 players that suited up scored as the Knights cruised to their latest win in what is the best start ever for the men’s team in Division Two.

The men also need and want to keep their win streak alive against Genesee CC at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday because they’re on the cusp of making the national poll. On the other hand, Genesee also wants to avenge their defeat at home to the Knights, 90-74, on the first game of the season between the two district foes. The Cougars of Batavia, NY, currently 4-7, features the explosive scoring of 6’2" guard Don Juan Tyson and the inside play of 6’11" Bart Tooms of Holland.

12.08.04

Five CCRI women's soccer player's, including new All-Americans Anne Kineke, Misa Dellay, and Catherine Cusson honored for their fall sports achievements

Anne Kineke, Misa Dellay, Catherine Cusson, Abby Hummel and Sarah Lynch, all members of the 2004 Community College of Rhode Island women’s soccer team, have been honored for their achievements this past season.

Kineke, a freshman goalkeeper from East Greenwich, was selected for the National Junior College All-American First Team while Cusson, a sophomore midfielder from Lincoln, was a NJCAA All-American Honorable Mention selection. Dellay, a sophomore defender from East Greenwich, was selected for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Second Team.

Kineke made 66 saves and yielded just 10 goals in 15 games for a 0.67 goal-allowed per game average, placing her seventh nationally in NJCAA goalie statistics. She also recorded eight shutouts. .

Head Coach Dennis Grassini of Warwick noted Kineke is "CCRI’s fourth consecutive All-American goalie developed by my assistant coach Kathy Bannan."

"Anne has got great, soft hands," said Bannan, a Narragansett native who was one of CCRI’s all-time best goalies (1995-96). "She made a point-blank save against Monroe, and made either acrobatic or a succession of saves in games against many top 20 teams. And her punts are tremendous, often beyond half field."

Cusson had six goals and eight assists for 20 points. Her assist total was the second highest total on the Lady Knights. For her career, Cusson finished with 9 goals and 15 assists for 33 points .

Dellay, a sophomore defender from East Greenwich, was part of a solid-knit defensive effort which yielded just 10 goals this season, the second-lowest total in the program’s history.

Also named to the NSCAA All Northeast Region team were Dellay, sophomore midfielder Abby Hummel of North Kingstown (Toll Gate HS) and freshman forward Sarah Lynch of Tiverton.

Hummel and Lynch helped generate many goals and assists in the Lady Knights offense. Hummel, with her deceptive dribbling, passing and shooting skills, accounted for 9 goals, second highest on the team and 3 assists for 21 points. The former Toll Gate All-Stater finished with a career total of 48 points (12th all-time) on 19 goals and 10 assists. Lynch, in just her first season, had a team-leading 9 assists to go along with 7 goals for 23 points, the third-top scorer on the squad.

"Co-captains Abby Hummel and Catherine Cusson were two of the top leaders we’ve ever had in the program," added Grassini.

"Misa was a leader on defense who came back after working very hard in the off-season and it showed. She was 110% improved over last year."

"Sarah was a pleasant surprise who opened a lot of eyes with her determination, speed and good footwork. She also crossed the ball very well."

The 2004 women’s soccer team (11-3-2), 2002 Division One National champions and 2003 National Runner-up, finished #9 in the 2004 NJCAA Division One polls. Winning the Region XXI title for the fourth year in a row, the Lady Knights ended the season in a loss to Monroe College, eventual national champion, in the Northeast District championships held in Lincoln.

According to coach Grassini, these selections reinforce the national stature of the women’s soccer program which now has produced 21 All-Americans in the program’s nine years. "We’re very pleased with our final national ranking considering that the top eight make the national tournament and we were ninth. So we feel proud of how many of our student-athletes were honored for their accomplishments."

12.06.04

NJCAA Division Two CCRI men and women’s basketball teams sweep Manhattan’s Globe Institute of Technology’s Division One squads in doubleheader in Warwick

The CCRI women overwhelmed Globe Institute of Technology, 70-29, and the CCRI men’s squad completed a sweep of the Manhattan-based squads with a come-from-behind 90-85 triumph over the Globe men in a doubleheader Sunday in Warwick. It was the first time that CCRI men’s and women’s teams had ever defeated Division One basketball squads on the same day.

CCRI women streak to fourth win in a row.

The CCRI women, who improved their record to 7-1 and have won four games in a row, had little trouble in their conquest of formerly unbeaten Globe Institute (3-1), 70-29. It was the second day in a row that the CCRI women blemished a perfect record of an opponent. On Saturday at home, the Lady Knights also knocked off Orange County CC of Middletown, NY of Region XV, a Division Two squad, 79-57.

Against GIT, the Lady Knights leading scorer, sophomore guard Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) once again led the CCRI offense with 20 points while sophomore guard Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) had 11 and freshman guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) added 10. Overall 9 of the 10 Knights players in action scored.

CCRI led at halftime and continued to widen the margin despite using their bench extensively after intermission.

CCRI is in action this weekend at home when they face Naval Prep Academy on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and #11 nationally-ranked Genesee (NY) CC (whom CCRI defeated earlier, 64-58) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

CCRI (70): Hughes 8 2-3 20; Ward 5 1-1 11; Farrior 4 1-3 10; Noah 1 6-10 8; Rhodes 2 2-2 6; Mack 2 1-2 5; Hummel 2 0-0 4; Rollins 1 0-0 3; Johnson 1 0-0 2; Williams 0 1-1 1; Dalton 0 0-2 0 Totals: 25 16-27 70.

GIT: Tyler 2 2-2 6; Steadman 0 0-0 0; Blaise 1 0-2 2; Maiga 3 1-2 7; Martin 1 0-2 2; Sistrunk 0 3-7 3; Sacco 3 0-0 6; Ramao 1 0-0 3. Totals 11 6-15 29.

Halftime: CCRI 36-17

Three-pters: CCRI (4) Hughes 2, Farrior, Rollins GIT (1) Ramao.

Records: CCRI 7-1; Globe 3-1

CCRI Men’s team (7-3) recover from 11-point halftime deficit to overtake Globe Institute of Technology, 90-85.

For just the third time in eight years, a CCRI men’s basketball squad defeated a Division One team, this time rallying to overcome Globe Institute of Technology, 90-85, on Sunday in Warwick. The Knights sixth straight win improved the squad’s record to 7-3.

Trailing 49-38, at halftime, the Rhode Island Knights full-court pressure helped fashion a 41-19 run in the first 13 minutes of the second half and then had to withstand a late charge to beat the Manhattan-based Knights team. Globe was led by Marcus Williams and Donald McCoy with 19 each and Lavar Wannamaker and Brian Orman with 17 each.

Freshman guard Marvin Owens (Danbury, CT) led all scorers with 26 points and contributed six steals. Freshman guard Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) scored 18 points, including 8 of the team’s last 10 points in the last 1:16, sinking a crucial three pointer to break a 80-80 tie and then nailing five of six free throws to ice the contest.

Freshman point guard Darrell Taylor (Providence, RI) had an outstanding floor game with eight points, eight assists and four steals. Sophomore forward Kenneth Jones (Baltimore, MD) added 17 while excelling on the defensive end.

CCRI (89): Owens 11 4-7 26; Owumi 6 5-6 18; Grogan 3 0-0 7; Mirkovic 4 1-2 9; Little 2 0-0 5; Jones 6 5-6 17; Taylor 3 2-2 8. Totals 35 17-23 90

Globe Institute of Technology (85): Williams 5 7-8 19; Checo 1 1-2 3; Rivers 0 0-1 0; McCoy 8 1-2 19; Orman 5 7-12 17; Shields 1 0-0 2; Wannamaker 6 2-3 17. Totals: 28 20-30 85

Three-pointers: CCRI (3): Grogan, Owumi, Little; GIT (7) Wannamaker 3, Williams 2, McCoy 2.

Halftime: Globe 49-38

Records: CCRI: 7-3, 2-0 in Region XXI; GIT, 6-2.

12.03.04

2004-05 CCRI Mens’ and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Preview

Despite losing some cornerstone student-athletes who thrust CCRI’s indoor track and field program into more success and prominence the past two years, head coach Gregg Cornell and assistant coach Bob Bayha are optimistic about the program’s fourth season. In fact, coach Cornell foresees his mix of high-quality returnees, former high school standouts, transfers and newcomers as being very capable of shattering many existing records.

While it won’t be easy to build significantly on that solid foundation and upgrade made the last three years, they will be prepared. The Knight squads- the only junior college participating in Region XXI indoor track- will again be force-fed an indoor track education very quickly. Because their regular-season competition is against NCAA Division Three competition consisting of four-year college student-athletes, this obviously prepares the athletes for district and hopefully, national junior college open competition.

Women’s Indoor Track.

With some of the women’s national runnerup cross country team returning, the `long-distance lineup’ indoors could a potent on a hard, even track. Erica Hird, 2004 Northeast District 3000-meter indoor track champion and Saundra Barbosa, the country-country pacesetter (for most races) and an Honorable Mention All-American are the most notable returnees. Kristina Lanctot, another member of the cross country squad, could be a district scorer in the 1500 and 3000. Add freshmen Daisy Perry and Lani Pollak, both avid runners, and it wouldn’t be very surprising if two of these competitors qualify for district and national championships.

So who’s going to replace the celebrated Irish duo of Orlagh Cullen and Jennifer McCormack? Cullen excelled in weight events indoors and outdoors while establishing several records and earned more All-American designations (8) than any other CCRI student-athlete, McCormack was maybe the most versatile women’s track athlete ever running in everything from dashes to middle distances and running relays. The answer is no one, of course!

Still, on the women’s track horizon looms some potential titanic performers whose prowess in high school already has matched or exceeded some of the record distances in the same events by CCRI standouts. So, heave out at least some of that anxiety the window. For example, Jasmine Jennings (Warwick Vets) and Nicole Sauer of East Greenwich, a transfer from Tulane University, seem destined to keep the tradition of excellence alive in throwing events. And returnee Jennifer Bento (Providence) can’t be overlooked either, not with her steady and ever-improving performances last year in indoor and outdoor throwing events.

Speed to burn, anyone? Lisbon, Portugal native Elise Semedo, who played women’s soccer, might be the fastest on the squad all the way up to 400 meters, though Troyneissha Daniels, a transfer from Rhode Island College out of Hope High School, might be almost as quick in the 200 and 55-meter dashes. Kelli Fleury (Pawtucket) will also likely be a factor in the 55, 200 and 400 meters dashes. Mary Owekoya, an All-State hurdler and sprinter from Woonsocket High School is a likely district finisher and possible national qualifier, too.

Lincoln’s Sherilyn Nicholas, yet another member of the cross country squad, has the greatest potential in the 400 meters, but could run the 200 and 600 meters while also high jumping.

Men’s Indoor Track.

Warwick’s Justin Dalton holds the 300-meter high hurdles record indoors, but the former Warwick Vets All-Stater is willing to contribute anywhere. The multi-talented sophomore even ran cross country but this winter will focus more on distances from 200 to 600 meters, dashes and relays, and who knows where else.

Sophomore Eric Estrada (Providence), probably the squad’s most versatile athlete, could wind up as a scorer in any event from the 800 to 600 to 400 to the 200 to relays. Maurice Rogers (Clinton, MA), another returnee, is a valuable short-distance runner and athlete who’ll be a major factor in from the 200 to 600-meter events and in relays.

Manville’s Chris Farrell is coming off a very successful cross country season in just his freshman season. Placing 18th at the nationals as CCRI’s front-runner in every race, this talented and poised freshman will set his sights on school records at 3000 and 5000 meters. Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) in the 800, the mile and/or 1500, also has a solid chance place in the districts. Still another men’s cross country harrier- Joseph Hannon of Gloucester (Mount St. Charles Academy)- could make his mark at 600 meters and in the 4-by-400 meter relay.

The easiest prediction to make is that the fleetest of the men will be from Central Falls. Former Central HS teammates Thang Huynh and Nicholas Mante, will present formidable challenges in the 55 and 200 meter dashes and relay events. Jonson Saldivar is also an excellent runner at 400 and 200 meters and will be looked upon to be a valuable performer in relays, too, along with Huynh and Mante.

Chris Riley was one of the state’s premier high hurdlers at Lincoln HS and Cranston’s Dario Saucedo, a durable and untiring men’s soccer player, will put his speed, power and endurance to the test at middle distances.

Will it be former Pilgrim star and All-Stater Jaimaal Munir who’ll spring into the record books in the high jumps or will it be Johnston’s Dante Lapardo, who’ll give his teammate a `jump’ for the money?

Finally, in the weight throw and shot put, Cranston’s Sarean Kao, easily CCRI’s largest athlete at 6’4" and 275 pounds, will thrust his size into a potential bid for district and national honors and recognition. Former Tolman standout Trevor Lefebvre and ex-Ponaganset star Russell Ducharme will be also be in great shape to compete for district and possibly national championship qualification.

11.30.04

CCRI women’s basketball ranked All-Time high #7 in Division II; CCRI men’s team on a four-game win streak

The Community College of Rhode Island men’s and women’s basketball teams, with only one loss between them in the past two weeks, are preparing for their longest stretch of consecutive home games (CCRI-Warwick) beginning this weekend.

CCRI Women’s Basketball.

The women’s squad has been ranked #7 in the latest NJCAA Division Two national poll, the highest ranking ever for the squad- as a result of their 5-1 start under first-year head coach Cas Grygorcewicz. Playing the toughest division Two schedule nationally, the Knights have sustained just one loss- that to #1 Monroe CC, defending national champion, in Rochester, NY.

Leading the way for the Knights are sophomore guards Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) and Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT), excelling at both ends of the court. Hughes’ 19.1 ppg average (105 points in 6 games) places her #9 nationally while Ward, with 102 points in 6 games (17.0) is tied at #20 nationally. Hughes and Ward have also dished the ball out equally, resulting in the same assist average of 4.50 (27 assists in 6 games), making them tied at #21 nationally.

Babette Noah, a 6-3 sophomore center from Cameroon, Africa, is averaging 12.8 points per game and is #14 nationally in rebounds with a 10.5 per game average.

The team, after a 13-day layoff in games, will now resume play with a four-game home stretch in Warwick, beginning on Saturday (Dec. 4) at 1:00 p.m. when they face Orange County CC (NY) on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.. On Sunday, Dec. 5, they play Division One Globe Institute of Technology at 1:00 p.m. as part of a men’s/women’s doubleheader with the Manhattan-based school.

CCRI Men’s Basketball

The men’s team captured their fourth straight win, 73-69, over Roxbury CC, in Boston, MA last week, to improve their record to 5-3 and 2-0 in Region XXI. Four players were in double figures including freshman guard Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) with 18; sophomore forward Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) and freshman forward Kenneth Jones (Baltimore, MD) with 15 each and sophomore center Milos Mirkovic (St. Andrew’s School; Novi Sad, Serbia) with 13.

With their win streak, the Knights team and several players have risen to the top nationally in several categories. The CCRI squad, averaging a torrid 88.1 points per game, are #12 nationally in scoring average and #17 in field goal percentage (50.5%).

Two Knights are in the top 50 nationally in scoring. Owens, averaging 22.4 ppg, is #11 and Owumi at 16.0 ppg is #39.

The versatile Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) , just 6-4, also is #20 in rebounding (8.6 rpg) and 33rd in three-point percentage nationally at 45.5% (10 of 22). Owumi is #31 nationally in three-point percentage at 46.5% (13 of 28)

Providence freshman point guard Darrell Taylor (Mt. Pleasant HS) is tied at #17 nationally in assists with 4.75 (38 in 8 games) per game.

In free-throw percentage, sophomore guard Brendan Grogan (Nauset, MA) is tied at #17 nationally at 88.9% (24 of 27) while 6-8 sophomore center Milos Mirkovic (St. Andrew’s School) is #22 nationally at 87.5%.

The men’s next game, the first in a four-game home stretch in Warwick, is on Sun, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. when they play Globe Institute of Technology, part of a doubleheader vs. Globe squads with the CCRI women playing Globe at 1:00 p.m. The men play Gateway CC (CT) on Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m. and Holyoke CC on Thursday, Dec. 9, also at 7:00 p.m. at CCRI-Warwick.

11.23.04

2004-05 CCRI Indoor Track and Field Preview

Despite losing many cornerstone student-athletes who thrust the CCRI indoor track and field program into more prominence the past two years, head coach Gregg Cornell and assistant coach Bob Bayha are optimistic about the program’s fourth season. In fact, he foresees that his mix of high-quality returnees, former high school standouts, transfers and even newcomers to the sport will exceed several records established during the program’s formative years.

It won’t be easy to build significantly on that solid foundation and upgrade made the last three years, Yet the Knight squads- the only junior college participating in Region XXI indoor track- will likely learn their lessons quickly again in their regular-season schedule versus NCAA four-year Division Three competition. And that quick jolt into the world of college competition will obviously prepare the squads again for district and hopefully, national junior college open competition in which there aren’t any divisions.

Women’s Indoor Track

With most of the women’s national runnerup cross country team returning, the `long-distance lineup’ indoors could be potent as well. There’s Erin Bailey, two-time First Team All-American; Erica Hird, 2004 Northeast District 3000-meter indoor track champion and Saundra Barbosa, the pacesetter for races over land and an Honorable Mention All-American. Kristina Lanctot, another member of the cross country squad, could be a district scorer in the 1500 and 3000. Add freshmen Daisy Perry and Lani Pollak, both avid runners, and it wouldn’t be very surprising if at least two of these competitors qualify for district and national championships.

So who’s going to replace seven-time All-American Orlagh Cullen, who excelled in the weight

throw indoors and in throwing events outdoors? No one, of course! Yet on the horizon looms some potential titanic performers, whose prowess in high school throwing events already matched or exceeded record distances by several past CCRI standouts. So heave at least some of that anxiety out the window. For example, Jasmine Jennings (Warwick Vets) and Nicole Sauer of East Greenwich, a transfer from Tulane University, are going to keep the tradition of excellence alive in the throwing events. And returnee Jennifer Bento can’t be overlooked either, not with her steady and ever-improving performances last years indoors and outdoors in throwing events.

Speed to burn, anyone? Lisbon, Portugal native Elisa Semedo, who played women’s soccer, might be the fastest on the squad all the way up to 400 meters, though Troyneissha Daniels, a transfer from Rhode Island College out of Hope High School, might be almost as quick in the 200 and 55-meter dashes. Kelli Fleury of Pawtucket will likely be a factor in the 55, 200 and 400 meters dashes. Mary Owekoya, an All-State hurdler and sprinter from Woonsocket High School is a likely district finisher and possible national qualifier, too.

Lincoln’s Sherilyn Nicholas, yet another member of the cross country squad, has the greatest potential in the 400 meters, but could run the 200 and 600 meters while also high jumping.

Men’s Indoor Track

Sophomore Eric Estrada (Providence), probably the squad’s most versatile athlete could wind up as a scorer in any event from the 800 to 600 to 400 to the 200 to relays. Maurice Rogers (Clinton, MA), another returnee, is a valuable short-distance runner and athlete who’ll be a major factor in the 200, 400 and relay events.

Manville’s Chris Farrell is coming off a very successful cross country season in just his freshman season. Placing 18th at the nationals as CCRI’s front-runner in every race, he’s poised to set records at 5000 and 3000 meters. Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA) in the 800, the mile and/or 1500 also has a solid chance place in the districts. Still another men’s cross country harrier, Joseph Hannon of Gloucester (Mount St. Charles Academy) could make his mark at 600 meters and in the 4-by-400 meter relay.

The easiest prediction to make is that the fleetest of the men will be from Central Falls. Former Central HS teammates Thang Huynh and Nicholas Mante will present a firm threat in the 55 and 200 meter dashes and relay events. Jonson Saldivar is also an excellent runner at 400 and 200 meters and will be looked upon to be a valuable performer in relays, too, along with Huynh and Mante.

John Riley was one of the state’s premier high hurdlers at Lincoln HS and Cranston’s Dario Saucedo, a durable and untiring men’s soccer player , will put his speed, power and endurance to the test at middle distances.

Will it be former Pilgrim star and All-Stater Jaimaal Munir who’ll spring into the record books in the high jumps or instead will it be Johnston’s Dante Lapardo, who’ll give his teammate a jump for the money?

Finally, in the weight throw and shot put, Cranston’s Sarean Kao, easily CCRI’s largest athlete at 6’4" and 250 pounds, will thrust his weight toward a potential bid for district and national honors and recognition. Former Tolman standout Trevor Lefebvre and ex-Ponagnaset star Russell Ducharme will be also be in great shape to compete for district and possibly national championship qualification.

11.20.04

Men’s basketball team (4-3) records third consecutive victory and women’s basketball team(5-1) registers second straight win in historic Saturday doubleheader at Warwick

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are on win streaks after a history-making doubleheader at the CCRI-Warwick campus. Both games were covered in a live play-by-play radio broadcast over the internet for the first time in CCRI sports history.*

The CCRI men (4-3 overall and 1-0 in Region XXI Division Two) eked out a 76-74 victory- their third straight win- over visiting Essex County College (Newark, NJ) on Saturday, after a 10-point lead the Knights held with about a minute to play was nearly frizzled away.

The game was a big departure from the previous three games in which the Knights had averaged 105.7 ppg. But with CCRI ahead, 42-34, at halftime, Essex CC tightened up on defense to prevent the hosts from pulling away and making it a nailbiter at the end.

The Knights held off a miracle comeback by ECC primarily from the efforts of three players who combined to score 65 points, or 88% of the team’s total. Freshman guard Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) had 29 points with freshman forward Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) adding 19 and sophomore guard Brendan Grogan (Nauset, MA) chipping in with 17. Owumi, who also scored 27 points including making 7-of-10 three-point field-goal attempts in a 105-88 win over defending region champion Dean College last Tuesday night in Franklin, Mass., was named CCRI Male Athlete of the Week.

The next men’s game is Tuesday when they visit Roxbury (MA) CC, a perennial NJCAA Division Three power, for a night game at 7:00 p.m.

The CCRI women, with a decided height and manpower advantage over visiting non-conference opponent Lackawanna College (PA), triumphed, 84-47, on Saturday in the opening game of the twinbill. Sophomore guard and Baltimore, MD native Jeanell Hughes (CCRI Female Athlete of the Week) led the way with 26 points while sophomore guard Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) contributed 12 points, 5 assists and 10 rebounds for the Knights who improved to 5-1 overall. Sophomore center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) added 12 points and six rebounds.

The Lady Knights, ranked #10 nationally, now have several days off to prepare for the first of four straight home games at CCRI-Warwick. Orange County Community College plays CCRI at 1:00 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 4; Globe Institute of Technology is next on Sun., Dec. 5 followed by Naval Prep vs. CCRI on Sat., Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m. and Genesee CC (NY) on Sun., Dec. 12

* More details about future broadcasts, including the schedule, will soon be forthcoming via CCRI pipeline (www.ccri.edu) and though a press release.

11.18.04

CCRI men’s and women’s basketball team sweep Dean Tuesday

Men’s Basketball.

The CCRI men’s basketball team (2-3) enters Thursday’s non-conference game versus Teikyo Post University subvarsity with the offense producing an average of 108.5 ppg the past two games, including a wild 115-112 overtime loss to CC last weekend

On Tuesday night at Dean College in Franklin, MA, the Knights showed they’re in the region title hunt again, defeating the two-time defending champion Bulldogs, 105-88, in a NJCAA Region XXI Division Two opener.

Over 50% of the offense vs. Dean was by Bridgeport CT 6-4 forward Marvin Owens (12 for 16) and Boston, MA) Alex Owumi (Jeremiah Burke HS, Georgetown University, 9 of 15, each of whom had sensational games with 27 points each. Owens wowed the crowd with a spectacular follow-up dunk off a missed shot in the first half, but drew a technical foul (counts as a personal) on the play and had to sit down when picking up his third foul shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile Owumi had five consecutive three-pointers in the first half as the Knights staked themselves to a 56-42 halftime lead. Owumi ended up with 7 treys, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Owens added 8 rebounds. Also posting a double-double in his best game as a Knight was 6-8 center and former St. Andrew star, 6-8 sophomore center Milos Mirkovic (15 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. Kenneth Jones (6-3 sophomore forward, Baltimore, MD) , who often guarded Dean star and West Warwick’s Tom Garrick, holding him to 19 points, added 18 of his own while freshman guard Darrell Taylor (Providence) had an excellent floor game (10 points and 6 assists)

Leading in assists in a very tightly-bunched fashion are Taylor (3.8) followed by Jones (3.6), Owumi and sophomore guard Brendan Grogan (Nauset, MA) , each at 3.4. Owens leads all scorers with 23.8, followed by Owumi (16.8), Grogan (15.8) and Jones (10.8). Owens is the top rebounder (8.2), Owumi (8.0), and Jones and Taylor are at 5.0 per game.

Women’s Basketball.

The #10-nationally ranked (pre-season) and defending Region XXI and Northeast District Division Two Lady Knights is off to an excellent 4-1 start, subduing host Dean College, 79-49, on Tuesday night in Franklin, MA. Leading four players in double figures was sophomore guard Amanda Ward (E. Hartford, CT) with 27 points followed by sophomore center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) with 16 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocked shots), 11 by freshman guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) and 10 by sophomore guard Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) .

That’s a good indication of how well the ship’s run thus far by CCRI first-year head coach, Cas Grygorcewicz, former Mitchell College mentor along with assistant coaches, former CCRI All-American Claudia DeFaria and by Sarah Craft, former Mitchell College All-American.

The season started when they captured the Genesee CC Tournament with wins over Mott CC (MI) and Genesee CC, and then a split in the Pete Pavia Memorial Tournament in Rochester, NY, defeating #20 Owens CC (OH) before losing their first game in convincing fashion, 96-61, in the championship to host and defending national champion Monroe CC

Scoring leaders are Ward (18.0 ppg) and Hughes (17.8) followed by Noah (11.0) Tops in assists is Ward (4.80) and Hughes (4.40). Noah tops the charts in rebounding (10.8) then sophomore forward Nikki Dalton, Danbury, CT (5.2) and Hughes (5.0). Farrior has 12 three’s thus far, Hughes 10 and Ward 8.

The women have their season opener on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 1:00 p.m. in Warwick vs. Lackawanna (PA) College.

11.15.04

CCRI men’s basketball squad drop two close games at Monroe CC Invitational in Rochester, NY

The CCRI men’s basketball squad once again displayed the ability to put the ball in the basket (average of 88.6 points per game) at the Monroe Community College invitational Tournament held in Rochester, NY on Friday and Saturday, but still went home empty-handed. The Knights lost two close contests, first to host Monroe CC (3-0), 89-81, followed by a 115-112 defeat in overtime to Hagerstown CC (2-2) in the consolation game on Saturday.

Versus the host Monroe CC squad, CCRI just couldn’t dig itself out of a 53-39 halftime deficit despite establishing much better defense in the second half. There were four double-digit scorers for CCRI, including sophomore guard Brendan Grogan (Nauset, MA) and freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), each with 21 points; forward Alex Olumi (Boston, MA) with 16 and freshman guard Darrell Taylor, former Mt. Pleasant HS All-State guard, with 10.

It was a wild overtime consolation game against Hagerstown CC in a game that had ended in a 99-99 tie, after regulation play. The score by CCRI was the highest since Feb. 7, 2000 when they won, 122-93 over Massasoit CC.

Owens (averaging 23.0 ppg) poured in 39 points with four three-pointers for the Knights while Owumi and Grogan each added 18 and Taylor chipped in with 13. Hagerstown, with David Miner also equaling Owens’ total of 39, outscored the Knights, 16-13, in overtime to even its record at 2-2.

The Knights will play their biggest rival, two-time defending region champion Dean College at 8:00 p.m. in Franklin, Mass on Tuesday night. Their first home game in Warwick is on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Teikyo Post University (CT) subvarsity squad.

CCRI women’s basketball beats #20 Owens CC (OH), 84-66 but loses to #1 host Monroe CC, 96-61 in tournament

The CCRI women (3-1), ranked #10 nationally in NJCAA Division Two, played two top 20 teams at the Pete Pavia Memorial Tournament and came away with a split on Nov. 12-13 at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY.

Amanda Ward, Jeanell Hughes, Babette Noah and Shermane Farrior combined for 65 points in a 84-66 win over #20 Owens CC (OH) on Friday night. Ward, a 5-9 sophomore forward from East Hartford, CT, connected for 23 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists while Hughes, a 5-9 sophomore guard (Baltimore, MD) had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Babette Noah, a 6-3 sophomore center (Cameroon, Africa) contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds while 5-4" freshman guard b) had 13 points, including three treys.

The Lady Knights unbeaten streak ended at three against defending national champion and #1 ranked Monroe CC on Saturday. The Lady Tribunes raced away to a 96-61 triumph after establishing a 44-28 halftime lead.

Hughes, now averaging a team-leading 19.75 points per game, had 19 points, tying for team-high honors with Ward (15.75 ppg), who also contributed 7 assists. Noah, averaging 12.25 points and 9.25 rebounds per game, added 6 points and 11 rebounds.

CCRI plays at Dean College in Franklin, MA at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday night in its first region matchup. The Lady Knights first home game in Warwick is on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1:00 p.m. vs. Lackawanna CC (PA)

11.12.04

2004-05 CCRI Women’s Basketball Preview

New CCRI women’s head coach Cas Grygorcewicz isn’t, of course, `new’. He brings proven success from seven junior college region championship squads at Mitchell College (1995-2003) to CCRI, which itself made history last year with an all-time best record in winning the Division Two Region XXI and Northeast District titles and appearing at the nationals- all for the first time.

To be sure, the Lady Knight will be very hard-pressed right away to replace the likes of all-time three-point shooter Sara Duszkiewicz (also 7th all-time career scorer), the aggressive inside play of Roxanne Reid and Carla Hands and the elusiveness of point guard Jamie Angell, one of the school’s all-time assistmakers and top scorers..

But what a foundation from last year’s squad remains"! The veterans include leading scorer, guard Amanda Ward (E. Hartford, CT) as well as guard Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) and forwards Nicola Dalton (Danbury, CT), LaRae Rhodes (Warwick) and Abby Hummel (N. Kingstown)

As for the newcomers, center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa), forward/center Odessa Williams (Stratford, CT) and point guard Vinisha Mack (Paterson, NJ), a Mitchell College transfer, are among the newcomers likely to make a big impact. So, too, are these freshmen likely to be solid contributors: Hollie Scott (Lisbon, CT); Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY); Nasheema Johnson and Faquaya Rollins, also of Paterson, NJ), Nicole Leblanc (Woonsocket, RI) and Danielle Davis (Warwick, RI)

Blessed with more height than any CCRI team has ever had (four players 6’0" or over), `coach Cas’ has a luxury he definitely didn’t have at Mitchell College

"I like to keep opposing teams off-balance and run a lot of different sets," he says. "The changes I make on offense and defense during a game and season will all be designed to help us reach our full potential. Sometimes we’ll be more guard-oriented and sometimes we’ll be more post-oriented."

The bar’s been raised for the program by coaches (Marcus) Reilly and (Steve) Ceseretti and I’m excited to be here. Potentially, this can be one of the strong teams in the NJCAA and I’m looking to do as good as last season, if not better."

While Mitchell College is now a NCAA Division Three program, that makes the path a lot easier in many ways But the Lady Knights still must seriously tend to regional matters with the likes of Dean College, always a very competitive program.

Coach Cas definitely ascribes to the "Anytime, anyone anywhere" theory and if he can use that grueling schedule- likely the toughest in all of Division Two- to edge the competitive bar of success up even a little higher, maybe a national title would actually be in reach.

Head Coach: Cas Grygorcewicz (1st yr.) Record, 197-32 at Mitchell College, 1995-2003; Assistant Coach, Brown University women’s basketball, 2003-04)

2003-04 Team Record: 22-10

Assistant Coaches: Claudia DeFaria (3rd yr.), Sarah Craft (1st yr.)

2004-05 CCRI Men’s Basketball Preview

Last year’s sixth man, versatile forward Jose Rico, is the only returnee from a 16-15 team that was region runner-up for the second season in a row. That might be the cause for Civil Defense Alarm bells at most schools, but this squad has the potential to get over that runner-up hump, take the title and even further advance.

For in the rapidly-evolving world of much more competitive junior college basketball in NJCAA Region XXI Division One and Two ranks, a strong recruiting class with high-quality transfers has added more suspense, and extra excitement and anticipation of success.

Head coach Dave Chevalier states: ``We don’t have all green freshman. We’re much more athletic than last year and have more experience, including some excellent transfers

Hopes on reversing the team’s region runner-up fortunes to Dean College the past two years will hinge on a very strong recruiting class that includes Mt. Pleasant HS All-Stater Darrell Taylor, former St. Andrew’s School center Milos Mirkovic (Novi Sad, Serbia) , Connecticut All-Stater Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT), Mitchell College transfer Brendan Grogan (Nauset, MA) and Boston’s Alex Olumi, among several others.

``I could go with whole different combinations this year from pressing full-court and trapping with one group to slowing it down and pounding it inside with another. And I could have any one of 9 or 10 players who could start. Defensively, we hope to exert more full-court pressure because we have better athletes who could execute all over the court."

"Brendan Grogan is one of our best shooters, a good ballhandler, and good defensively," added

coach Chevalier. "Darrell Taylor (Mt. Pleasant HS First Team All-State point guard) is an excellent penetrator and very good defensively. Marvin Owens is a high flyer, hungry on the boards and very aggressive to the hoop."

Alex Owumi, a star athlete from Boston, spent last year at Georgetown University and played for AAU national champion BABC under Boston Celtics assistant coach Leo Papile. ``Alex is probably our best all-around player," said Chevalier. "He’s solid and cool under pressure."

Among the team’s top defenders inside are forward Bryan Williston (Hartford, CT) , "a good defender who also goes to the basket strong" and forward Kenneth Jones (Baltimore, MD), who’s played at Mt. Zion Academy, one of the nation’s top prep schools.

Big bodies belong to 6-8 Milos Mirkovic, a former star at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington; 6-4 Ian Ellis (Magruder, MD) with prep experience at Perkiomen Academy and 6-6 Travon Little (Danbury, CT) another highly-regarded CT star likely to be a double-digit scorer and effective rebounder.

Coming off the bench is guard Evan Goldney (Revere, MA), Providence forward Julian Boateng, also of Mt. Pleasant HS; guard Daryl Massey (Bronx, NY)., forward Josh Dupret (Cranston HS West) and shooters Peter Bien-Aime ((Somerville, MA) and Jeraud Ilyas (Revere, MA)

With the schedule nudged upward a few levels again, the team will be under the gun just about every night. The roundball bottom line for CCRI is simple? ``We’ve now play six Division One colleges and several others who’ve been nationally ranked. We easily play the toughest Division Two juco schedule in the country, so we’ll be ready for the regionals," assured coach Chevalier.

CCRI student-athletes honored for Fall 2004 accomplishments

Team Honors:

Men’s Soccer (12-4-3): 2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division One Runner-up

Women’s Cross Country- 2004 NJCAA Division Three National Runner-up, Northeast District Champion

Men’s Cross Country- #9 at 2004 NJCAA Division Three Cross Country Meet

Women’s Soccer (11-3-2): 2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division One Champion

Women’s Volleyball (19-13): 2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division Two Champion

Individual honors:

Erin Bailey, Women’s Cross Country, 2004 NJCAA Division Three First Team All-American

Chris Farrell- 2004 NJCAA Men’s Division Three Cross Country- #18 at National Meet

2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division One Men’s Soccer First Team: Bruno Texeira, Andres Perdomo, Ismael Brito, Jhon Izurieta. Honorable Mention: Philipe Moreira

2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division One Women’s Soccer First Team: Anne Kineke, Abby Hummel, Catherine Cusson, Misa Dellay, Brittany Godbout, Sara Lynch, Jami Elliot

11.08.04

CCRI women’s volleyball team offers stiff fight to nationally ranked Genesee CC before falling in Northeast District Division II Championship at CCRI-Lincoln

The CCRI women’s volleyball team lost three games to #19 nationally-ranked Genesee CC (36-14) at the 2004 Northeast District Division Two Volleyball Championships on Sat. at the Lincoln campus. But the Lady Knights spikers didn’t surrender meekly to the perennial Region III and nationally-ranked power, performing splendidly throughout the entire match.

Indeed, the Lady Knights led for nearly the entire game before finally falling, 31-29, and led for many stretches during the next two games before losing, 23-30 and 22-30. The outcome, however, was far different from the first time the two squads played during the regular season when Genesee overwhelmed CCRI in convincing fashion at home.

CCRI finished with a 19-13 mark and was undefeated at 5-0 in the region, capturing its 15th title overall, with more titles now earned than any other sport at CCRI.

Ranking among the Division Two leaders all season nationally in several categories including blocks, kills, aces and hitting efficiency were co-captains and middle hitters LaRae Rhodes (Pilgrim HS, Warwick), #7 in hitting efficiency and #9 in blocks) and Meghan Hickey (Cumberland), both of whom finished their careers as two of the best all-around players ever at CCRI; freshman middle hitter Gina Ciambrone (Woonsocket, RI- #4 in blocks), freshman libero Kayla Plante (Woonsocket), freshman middle hitter Sonja Nealey (Woonsocket- #10 in blocks) and freshman outside hitter Nicole Pedro (Fall River, MA).

Also contributing to the team’s success was freshman setter Flor Roman (Cranston);

sophomore outside hitter Abigail Bense (Seekonk, MA); freshman setter Nicole Leblanc (Warwick); freshman outside hitter Faquaya Rollins (Paterson, NJ);

Head Coach Ray DeAngelis and assistant coach Laurie Clark note there is an excellent foundation of returnees and combined with a strong recruiting class coming in, these are all optimistic signs for an even better season next year.

2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division Two Women’s

Volleyball Championship @ CCRI-Lincoln.

Genesee CC def. CCRI 31-29, 30-23, 30-22

CCRI Final Record: 19-13, 5-0 in Region XXI

GCC Record: 36-14. GCC advances to 2004 NJCAA Division Two National Championship on Nov. 11-13 at Owens (OH) CC.

CCRI women are National Runner-up and CCRI men finish 9th in the 2004 NJCAA Division III Cross Country Championship meet at Lincoln on Saturday November 6

The first national championship event ever hosted by CCRI went off without a hitch on Saturday with some very successful results by CCRI teams and runners.

From the banquet on Friday night featuring former Providence College All-American and NCAA Division One champion Keith Kelley to the entire organization and administration under the leadership of Kevin Salisbury, CCRI Assistant Director, to the weather, the event drew rave reviews and complimentary responses by participants and spectators alike.

The CCRI women’s cross country team finished as national runner-up at the NJCAA Division Three Cross Country Championship Meet held at CCRI-Lincoln on Saturday. CCRI, also the Northeast District champion, scored 70 points overall, finishing behind champion SUNY-Delhi who had 48. It turned out to be the most successful season ever for the CCRI women.

By finishing fourth overall in a time of 20:40.68, sophomore Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA) became the first cross country runner at CCRI- man or woman- to become an All-American First Team selection two years in a row.

Freshman Saundra Barbosa (East Providence) came in 11th in 21:00.94, earning her Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Also finishing in the top 25 for CCRI were sophomore Erica Hird (Providence, RI), 19th, 21:55.67 and freshman Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA), 21st, 22:07.18. Freshman Kristina Lanctot (Lincoln, RI) ran well, placing 44th in 23:54.40.

The CCRI men’s cross country team came in 9th with a total of 220 points in the men’s national championship race. SUNY-Delhi captured its sixth national championship with 31 points easily outdistancing second-place SUNY-Cobleskill with 67.

Leading the first four CCRI runners, all of whom ran their best race this season according to head coach Gregg Cornell, was Chris Farrell (Manville, RI). Farrell, the first CCRI runner in every race this season for CCRI, came in 18th in a time of 28:19.34.

Freshman Joseph Hannon (Woonsocket, RI) was 45th in 30:20.03, freshman James Howard (Lincoln), 52nd in 30:36.23 and sophomore Justin Dalton (Warwick), 65th, in 31:08.99, sophomore Tristan Fraser (Blackstone, MA) was 76th in 31:38.15, sophomore Jason Andrade (Warwick) was 77th in 31:45.99 and sophomore Eric Estrada (Providence), 88th , 32:54.25.

2004 Men’s Cross Country NJCAA Nationals

Teams Results. 1. SUNY-Delhi, 31. 2. SUNY-Cobleskill, 67. 3. Mohawk Valley CC, 77. 4. Alfred State, 123. 5. Howard CC, 138. 6. Harper College, 155. 7. Suffolk CC, 199. 8. SUNY-Ulster, 218. 9. CCRI, 220. 10. College of DuPage, 332. 11. Georgia Military College, 343. 12. Finger Lakes CC, 351. 13. Kingsborough CC, 358. 14. Queensborough CC, 375. 15. Williamson Trade School, 410. 16. Gloucester CC, 432. 17. Chattahoochee Tech. CC, 495.

CCRI results. 18. Christopher Farrell, 28:19.34; 45. Joseph Hannon, 30:20.03; 52. James Howard, 30:36.23; 65. Justin Dalton, 31:08.99; 76. Tristan Fraser, 31:38.15; 77. Jason Andrade, 31:45.99; 88. Eric Estrada, 32:54.25.

2004 Women’s Cross Country NJCAA Nationals

Team Results. 1. SUNY-Delhi, 48. 2. CCRI, 70. 3. Columbus State CC, 84. Mohawk Valley CC, 88. 5. Morrisville State College, 113. 6. Alfred State College, 143. 7. Harper College, 154. 8. Herkimer County CC, 171. 9. Queensboro CC, 218.

CCRI results. 4. Erin Bailey, 20:40.68; 11. Saundra Barbosa, 21:00.94; 19. Erica Hird, 21:55.67. 21. Sherilyn Nicholas, 22:07.1; 44. Kristina Lanctot, 23:54.40.

#1 Monroe Community College defeats #5 CCRI, 3-0, to win the NJCAA Northeast District Division I women’s soccer tournament

For the first time in three years, the Community College of Rhode Island women’s soccer team, 2002 national champion and 2003 national runner-up, won’t be returning to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division One Tournament.

Undefeated Monroe Community College (19-0-1), ranked #1 nationally, defeated #5 CCRI, 3-0, in the 2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division One Championship game on Sunday afternoon at CCRI-Lincoln. That assured Monroe, six-time national champions, a berth in the 2004 NJCAA National Tournament to be held on Nov.18-21 at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.

Monroe and CCRI (11-3-2) were in a scoreless tie after the first half. CCRI freshman goalie Anne Kineke (East Greenwich) made a spectacular point-blank save with a minute to go before intermission, coming out 15 yards from the net to snare a line drive ball kicked by sophomore forward Jacyln Fafinski. Kineke’s catch on a ball kicked merely seven feet from her surely prevented the ball from going in.

In the second half, Monroe finally broke the scoreless tie at 28:54 on an unassisted goal by freshman forward Melissa Hornfeck from the left-hand side. Just seven minutes later, on an indirect kick from midfield by sophomore defenseman Janine Davie, sophomore midfielder Jamie Dougherty streaked in from the right hand side and directed the ball on a bang-bang play into the right-hand corner of the net.

Hornfeck, the nation’s #16 leading scorer with 28 goals and 11 assists for 67 points, helped to complete the scoring by assisting on the last goal by Fafinski with 6:42 to go.

2004 Women’s Soccer District Championship results

Monroe (3) Hornfeck, Dougherty, Fafiski; assists- Davie, Hornfeck. CCRI (0)

Goalie saves: Nuessle, MCC, 6, Kineke, CCRI, 6.

Monroe 0 3 3

CCRI 0 0 0.

Records: Monroe CC, Rochester, NY 19-0-1 (#1 ranked nationally)

CCRI: 11-3-2 (ranked #5 nationally)

Monroe CC advances to the 2004 NJCAA National Division One Tournament to be held on Nov.18-21 at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.

CCRI men’s soccer season at 12-4-3 following 5-1 defeat to #2 nationally ranked Mercer County CC at NJCAA Northeast District semifinal on Saturday

The CCRI men’s soccer season ended on Saturday when Mercer County Community College, (16-0-1) ranked #2 nationally, defeated the Knights, 5-1, in the 2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division One Men’s Soccer Championships held at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Mass.

Mercer went on to capture the district title, 4-0, over Monroe CC the next day and will represent the district at the NJCAA National Championships at Tyler (TX) CC from Nov. 18-21.

The Knights started off slowly in the district semifinal as Mercer struck quickly for four first-half goals en route to a 4-1 lead at intermission. The only goal scored was by the Knights leading scorer (tied), freshman midfielder Andres Perdomo (Central Falls), also in the first half.

Sophomore goalie Olusanya Ojo (Providence) made seven saves.

The Knights thus end their season at 12-4-3 and 8-3 in the region, the most wins in three years, when the 2001 team went 12-6-0.

Among other bright notes was freshman goalie Tim Tracey (N. Providence) ending up in the top 10 for goalies nationwide..

CCRI almost upset #11 nationally-ranked Massasoit Community College in the NJCAA Region XXI finals last week. Philippe Moreira scored a spectacular goal in the first half in the regional finale but the narrow lead just couldn’t hold as the Warriors struck for two early second-half goals and made it stand up for a 2-1 triumph.

2004 CCRI Leading Scorers:

Phillipe Moreira (Luxembourg), 9 g, 4 a, 22 pts

Andres Perdomo (Central Falls), 8 gls, 6 asst, 22 pts

Jerry Rico (Cranston) 7 gls, 1 asst, 15 pts.

Julian Montoya (N. Providence) 5 gls, 1 ast, 11 pts.

Bruno Texeira (Pawtucket) 4 gls., 4 ast, 10 pts.

CCRI women’s basketball team wins Genesee CC Invitational in Batavia, NY

Women’s basketball

For the Lady Knights and first-year head coach Cas Grygorcewicz, it was a very successful debut as the CCRI women’s squad won the championship game, 64-58, over host Genesee CC. Both squads were ranked high in the NJCAA Division Two pre-season poll with CCRI at #10 and Genesee at #13.

Sophomore guard Jeanell Hughes (Baltimore, MD) led the way with 19 points while freshman guard Shermane Farrior (Bronx, NY) added 12 and sophomore forward Amanda Ward (East Hartford, CT) chipped in with 11. The two teams opened up after intermission when the score was tied at 23 each.

The Lady Knights won the opening round game, 76-72, over Mott CC of Flint, MI behind a flurry of 10 three-pointers by four players. Hughes once again was CCRI’s high scorer with a career-high 24 points with sophomore center Babette Noah (Cameroon, Africa) adding 14 and freshman guard Hollie Scott (Lisbon, CT) adding 11 points, including three treys.

The Knights, now 2-0, had to withstand an amazing display of shooting by Mott sophomore guard Delores Hughley who scored 40 points, including seven three-pointers.

CCRI next plays in the Monroe Community College Tournament this weekend in Rochester, NY. Its first home game is on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1:00 p.m. versus Lackawanna CC (PA).

Men’s basketball

The CCRI men’s squad split in the Genesee CC Invitational, losing, 88-68, to Gloucester CC (Sewell, NJ) after defeating host Genesee CC, 90-74, the previous night.

In the championship game, CCRI succumbed to the depth of Gloucester (12 players scored in all) in the second half after trailing by just eight, 39-31, at intermission. Freshman forward Marvin Owens (Bridgeport, CT) was the Knights leading scorer with 15 points and sophomore guard Alex Owumi (Boston, MA) added 11.

In the Knights opening-round win over Genesee (ranked #20 in the pre-season poll), four players scored in double figures. Sophomore forward Brendan Grogan (Brewster, MA) had an auspicious debut with 24 points, as did freshman forward Travon Little (Danbury, CT) with 20, Owens with 17 and Owumi with 12. The Knights had bolted to a 45-27 lead by the half and never looked back for their season-opening victory.

CCRI next plays in the Monroe Community College Tournament this weekend in Rochester, NY. The men’s first home game is on Saturday, Nov. 20at 3:00 p.m. versus Northern Essex CC.

11.01.04

CCRI MEN’S SOCCER TEAM FALLS, 2-1, TO MASSASOIT CC AT NJCAA REGION XXI DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BROCKTON, MA

Were it not for a 2 minute and 23-second span at the beginning of the second half, the CCRI men’s soccer team would have captured the NJCAA Region XXI championship against host Massasoit Community College at Brockton, Mass. on Saturday. Instead, sophomore forward Adilson DosSantos scored twice in that time period to lead the Warriors to a 2-1 triumph and its first region championship since 1995.

The Knights struck first at 27:08 when freshman forward Philippe Moreira (Luxembourg), the Knights leading scorer this season, whirled around on a loose ball and rocketed a 25-yard shot with his right foot past Massasoit goalie Adam Carreira into the upper left pocket of the net for a stunning 1-0 halftime lead against Massasoit (15-2), #11 nationally-ranked.

The Knights (12-4-3, 7-3 in region), whose 8-game unbeaten streak finally came to a halt, couldn’t capitalize on other scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. One shot hit the top goalpost while other shots just missed, with the squad carrying the play for most of the first half.

Then DosSantos, the 14th leading scorer nationally (now with 24 goals) struck scoring pay dirt for Massasoit 1:49 into the second half on a crossing pass from his teammate, sophomore All-American midfielder Zico Veiga, to knot the score. Merely 143 seconds later, DosSantos tucked in another shot, this time on an assist by midfielder Adam Robitaille.

The lead held up the rest of the way. Freshman goalie Tim Tracey (N. Providence), made four saves including an excellent diving save in the first half to save a goal while Correira made six saves overall despite facing several close-in shots that just went awry for the Knights.

Despite the loss, the Knights get a chance for redemption and a shot at qualifying for the national tournament when they play in the four-team NJCAA Northeast District playoffs to be held this Saturday and Sunday again at Massasoit CC. On Sat., Nov. 6, CCRI will meet Mercer County (NJ) CC, Region XIX champion) at 1:00 p.m. The first game at 10:00 a.m. features Massasoit CC and Monroe CC (NY), Region III champion. Winners of these semifinal games will play on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. for the championship. The district champion qualifies for the NJCAA Division One Men’s Soccer Championship to be played on Nov. 18-21 at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM SOLIDIFIES #1 NATIONAL RANKING WITH NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP WIN IN PENNSYLVANIA

CCRI’s Erin Bailey (Attleboro, nudged out teammate Saundra Barbosa (East Providence) for the top spot for the first time this season among CCRI women cross country runners as the Knights captured the NJCAA Northeast District title at Williamson Free Trade School in Media, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The Lady Knight harriers, on the strength of a 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and 11th-place finishes, scored 15 points to 53 for Queensborough CC and 54 for Gloucester (NJ) CC.

Bailey, a sophomore who became CCRI’s only First-Team Women’s Cross Country All-American last year, finished the rugged 5000-meter course in 23:04 for 4th place. Barbosa, a freshman who was the women’s frontrunner leader at every prior meet, came in 5th in 23:07. And Erica Hird (Providence, La Salle Academy), notched 6th place in a time of 23:57. Rounding out the CCRI women’s scores were Sherilyn Nicholas (Taunton, MA), 10th, 24:53 and Kristina Lanctot (Lincoln, RI), 11th

The women, ranked #1 nationally for the past three weeks, will race at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday in the NJCAA National Division Three Women’s Cross Country Meet to be held at CCRI-Lincoln. This is the first national meet ever hosted by the Community College of Rhode Island Department of Athletics.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM FINISHES #4 AT NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP MEET IN PENNSYLVANIA

The CCRI men’s cross country team, finished 4th out of 8 squads at the NJCAA Northeast District title at Williamson Free Trade School in Media, Pennsylvania on Saturday. CCRI had 106 points with the winning squad, Howard CC (Columbia, MD), winning the championship with 28 points.

As he’s done all season, Chris Farrell (Manville,RI), was the lead runner for the Knights, finishing the 8000-meter course in 7th place at 32:19. Sophomore Tristan Fraser (Blackstone, MA) was 20th in 34:11, freshman Joseph Hannon (Woonsocket, Mt. St. Charles Academy), 28th, 34:49, sophomore Justin Dalton (Warwick), 29th, 34:49; freshman James Howard (Lincoln), 32nd, 35:22 and sophomore Jason Andrade (Warwick), 35th, 35:50. The men, ranked #7 nationally, will race at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 6 in the NJCAA National Division Three Men’s Cross Country Meet, to be held at CCRI-Lincoln.

10.27.04

Women’s volleyball team will meet Genesee CC (NY) in NJCAA Northeast District Championship at CCRI-Lincoln on November 6, 2004

The CCRI women’s volleyball team, Region XXI champions, (19-12 and 5-0 in the region) will meet Region III champion Genesee Community College (31-13) of Genesee, NY on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m. at CCRI-Lincoln to determine the NJCAA Northeast District Division Two champion and a berth in the national tournament.

The Lady Knights, winner of their past six matches, will rely on the experience of veteran outside hitters and sophomore co-captains LaRae Rhodes (Warwick, Pilgrim HS) and Meghan Hickey (Cumberland HS), combined with the excellent overall depth of the entire squad for success in the district title match. Currently there are five players, including Rhodes and Hickey, who rank among the top 50 in the national polls in various categories.

Nationwide, in blocks per game, freshman middle hitter Gina Ciambrone (Woonsocket, RI) ranks 4th at 2.36 (165 blocks in 70 games) followed by Rhodes in 10th at 1.79 (131 in 73 games) and freshman middle hitter Sonja Nealey (Woonsocket) , 11th at 1.76 (129 in 73 games).

For aces per games, freshman outside hitter Nicole Pedro (Fall River, MA) is 7th nationally at .904 per game (66 in 73 games) followed by freshman setter Nicole LeBlanc (Woonsocket) at 0.835 per game with 61 aces in 73 games.

Rhodes is 35th in kills per game at 3.37 (246 in 73 games) while Nealey is 49th in kills at 3.16 per game (231 in 73 games).

In hitting efficiency, Rhodes has leaped all the way from 20th to 7th in the country with a percentage of 44.3% on 246 kills and just 22 errors in 505 attempts. Nealey, ranked #25, has a hitting efficiency of 34.8% on 231 kills and 62 errors in 484 attempts.

CCRI men’s soccer heads into NJCAA Region XXI playoffs on Saturday against Massasoit CC with an 8 game unbeaten streak……

The CCRI men’s soccer team whitewashed Naval Preparatory Academy of Newport, 5-0, on Wednesday, to conclude their regular season on a seven-game unbeaten streak. The Knights, now 12-3-3, on Saturday, tied #4 nationally-ranked Monroe CC in Lincoln, and finished the season red-hot by going 8-1-1and outscoring the opponents 28-4 the last nine games of the season.

CCRI (12-3-3 and 8-2 in the region) now faces #11 nationally-ranked Massasoit Community College on 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 in Brockton, Mass. for the right to qualify for the Northeast District playoff the following week. (This is the team’s best winning record since 1998 when they went 14-2.)

Once again CCRI put on a multi-player offensive display in the latest victory, with six Knights having a foot in the scoring.

Sharing in the team’s 9th shutout of the season were goalies, freshman Tim Tracey (N. Providence) and sophomore Olusanya Ojo (Providence), who made eight saves between them.

Freshman forward Jerry Rico (Cranston HS East) had two goals while other scorers were Philippe Moreira (Luxembourg), Bruno Texeira (Pawtucket, Tolman HS) and freshman defender Dante Lopardo (Johnston HS). Moreira and freshman midfielder Stalino Biosse (Providence) also added two assists with another assist going to freshman defender Manny Pereira (Pawtucket).

Leading Scorers This Season:

Phillipe Moreira (Luxembourg), 8 g, 4 a, 20 pts

Andres Perdomo (Central Falls), 7 gls, 6 asst, 20 pts

Jerry Rico (Cranston) 7 gls, 1 asst, 15 pts.

Julian Montoya (N. Providence) 5 gls, 1 ast, 11 pts.

Bruno Texeira (Pawtucket) 4 gls., 4 ast, 10 pts.

10.25.04

Attention shifts to postseason action for CCRI fall sports……

The CCRI fall sports season will culminate in lots of postseason action for the five sports squads with the Flanagan campus in Lincoln, in particular, being the focal point of more playoff competition than the CCRI Department of Athletics program has ever hosted in its 40-year sports history.

Four of the five fall sports teams are competing in either district or national competition at CCRI-Lincoln. The 2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division One Women’s Soccer Championships will be held on Friday, Nov. 5 and Sun., Nov. 7. On Saturday, Nov. 6, the 2004 NJCAA Division Three Men’s and Women’s National Cross Country Championships will be held on the Lincoln course. The 2004 NJCAA Division Two Women’s Volleyball Championships will be held at CCRI-Lincoln on Sat., Nov. 6 at 4:00 pm. between Genesee (NY) CC, Region champion and CCRI, Region XXI champion.

Finally, the CCRI men’s soccer squad travels to Massasoit CC in Brockton, Mass. on Sat., Nov. 6 for the 2004 NJCAA Region XXI Division One Men’s Soccer Championship.

Cross country teams travel to Pennsylvania for the NJCAA Northeast District Championships this Saturday.

The CCRI women, ranked #1 nationally for the first time ever, and the CCRI men, #7 nationally, will compete at the NJCAA Northeast District Championships on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, Pennsylvania.

Both Knights squads then work out in preparation for CCRI’s first-ever nationally-sponsored event, the 2004 NJCAA Division Three Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships at CCRI-Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 6. Over 150 men and 100 women from 30 teams are expected to compete at the meet. The men’s meet on the 5-mile course will be 10:00 a.m. while the women’s race on a 3-mile course will be at 11:00 a.m.

After 6-0 triumph, CCRI women’s soccer team prepares for another chance at nationals.

The CCRI women’s soccer team improved to 11-2-2 and finished off the regular season in typical unselfish style by defeating formerly unbeaten New Hampshire Technical Institute (13-2), 6-0, in Lincoln. In all nine players contributed to the scoring for the Region XXI champions, with freshman goalie Anne Kineke (East Greenwich having to make just two saves en route to her eighth shutout win.

The Lady Knights now have an unprecedented (team) six players with 20 points or more headed

Kara Hurston (West Warwick), sophomore forward, 10 gls and 7asts and freshman forward Lindsay Laurie (Warwick Vets HS), 11 g, 5 ast., each with 27 pts; freshman midfielder Sarah Lynch (Tiverton), with 23 pts. 7 gls and 9 ast; freshman midfielder Brittney Godbout (Cranston), 7 gls and 7 asts and sophomore midfielder Abby Hummel (N. Kingstown, Toll Gate HS), 9 gls and 3 asts, each with 21 pts, and soph midfielder Catherine Cusson (Lincoln) 6 gls and 8 ast. for 20 pts.

Freshman goalie Anne Kineke (E. Greenwich) is currently ranked #5 nationally among all Division One keepers with 8 shutouts, 7 goals allowed, 60 saves and a 0.50 goals-against average in 14 games.

The Knights now prepare for the district championships to be hosted by CCRI on Friday, Nov. 5 and Sunday., Nov. 7. On Sun. Nov. 7, CCRI will play the winner of the first district game that will be held on Fri., Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. between Region III and Region XIX champions.

The Lady Knights will play on Sunday, Nov. 7 at noon to determine the district champion.

CCRI men’s soccer team ties #4 nationally-ranked Monroe CC (NY), 1-1, in Lincoln on Saturday.

The CCRI men’s soccer squad (11-3-3) got a big boost after tying #4 nationally-ranked Monroe CC, 1-1, at CCRI-Lincoln on Saturday. Freshman forward Phillippe Moreira scored in the first half on an assist by Andres Perdomo, with Monroe (11-2-1) countering also in the first half.

Both teams battled it out into the second half and into overtime without any further scoring as sophomore goalie Olusanya Ojo (Providence) making 6 saves while sharing duties with freshman goalie Tim Tracey (N. Providence), kept Monroe at bay.

Leading scorers for CCRI thus far:

Andres Perdomo (Central Falls), 6 gls, 7 asst, 19 pts

Phillipe Moreira (Luxembourg), 7 g, 4 a, 18 pts

Jerry Rico (Cranston) 5 gls, 1 asst, 11 pts.

Julian Montoya (N. Providence) 5 gls, 1 ast, 11 pts.

Bruno Texeira (Pawtucket) 3 gls., 4 ast, 10 pts.

Tim Tracey is now #3 nationally among all Div. One goalies with a 0.65 average, allowing 8 goals in 13 games with 58 saves.

CCRI’s last foe is at home tomorrow (Oct. 26) at 3 p.m. vs. Navy Prep. The Knights will await the pairings for the upcoming NJCAA Region XXI Division One championship to be held at Massasoit College on Sat. and Sun. Oct. 30-31 in Brockton, Mass.

CCRI women’s volleyball team (19-12) to host #4 nationally-ranked Genesee CC (NY) NJCAA Northeast District Championships at Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m.

The women’s volleyball squad, which captured the NJCAA Region XXI Division Two title outright by having defeated two-time defending champion Dean College five times during the regular season, will hosts the NJCAA Northeast District Championship on Sat., Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m. at CCRI-Lincoln. They meet top 20 nationally-ranked Genesee CC (NY), Region III champion with a record of 31-13 with the champion advancing to the national championship.

The Lady Knights won six matches in a row to end the regular season and have been led by a balanced attack that features several players ranked nationally in various categories. In blocking, freshman middle hitter Gina Ciambrone (Woonsocket), sophomore outside hitter LaRae Rhodes (Warwick)and freshman middle hitter Sonja Nealey (Woonsocket) have remained among the top 10 blockers nationwide most of the season. Rhodes and Nealey also ranks among the top 25 nationally in hitting efficiency while sophomore outside hitter Meghan Hickey (Cumberland) and freshman outside hitter Nicole Pedro (Fall River, MA) also are in the top 25 nationally in digs.

10.19.04

Five CCRI Fall sports squads near end of regular season as they prepare for upcoming Regional, District, and National championships

Men’s Soccer Team Wins Fourth in a Row, 3-0, over Globe Institute of Technology.

This time in the battle of the two Knight men’s soccer teams in Division One between the visitors from Globe Institute of Technology (NY) and the host Community College of Rhode Island- the victor was CCRI, 3-0, which their fourth game in a row, on Saturday in Lincoln. CCRI improved to 10-3-2, already matching last season’s win total with three games and the playoffs yet to go.

Last year, Globe prevailed, 2-1, in overtime, over CCRI in the region playoffs, but this time the Rhode Island-based Knights dominated play from start to finish while also registering their third straight shutout. CCRI outshot Globe, 23-5, overall.

CCRI struck early on a goal by freshman forward Phillipe Moreira (Luxembourg), with an assist to freshman midfielder Ismael Brito (East Providence) that broke him away at 17:01. Sophomore forward Bruno Texeira (Pawtucket), who was buzzing around the net often during the contest, got credit for an own goal in the first half. Freshman midfielder Julian Montoya (North Providence) added even more insurance when he spun around from right to left and startled the Globe goalie for the Knights last goal at 14:47 of the second half.

Freshman Tim Tracey (North Providence) , ranked #6 nationally among goalies, wasn’t tested too often, but made three saves to record his 6th shutout of the season. Behind a staunch defense that’s helped in allowing just five goals scored against them resulting in victories in 9 of the last 11 games, Tracey lowered his goals-against average to 0.40.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams compete successfully at New East Conference Championships in New York.

The Knights men’s squad, ranked #7 nationally in the latest NJCAA Division Three poll finished second in the men’s five-team race with 45 points, just two points from Ulster (NY) CC, the winning squad . As he’s done all season, freshman Christopher Farrell (Lincoln) led the way for the Knights with a third-place finish in a time of 30:08. Other top finishers for CCRI were sophomore Jason Estrada (Providence), 9th, 32:42; sophomore Justin Dalton (Warwick), 10th, 42:47, freshman James Howard (Lincoln), 12th, 32:59 and freshman Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA), 14th, 33:05.

The CCRI women’s cross country team, ranked #1 nationally in NJCAA Division Three, easily finished ahead of the only other team, Queensborough CC (NY) in the meet, doing their part to try and stay on top nationwide. Freshman Saundra Barbosa (East Providence) also was the pacesetter again for the Lady Knights, placing second in 21:22 while sophomore Erica Hird (Providence) was 4th in a time of 22:36 and sophomore Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA), 6th, 23:11.

Preparations continue for the 2004 NJCAA National Division Three Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Meet to be held on Sat., Nov. 6 at CCRI-Lincoln. This is the first-ever championship meet ever sponsored by the CCRI Department of Athletics and over 30 schools with 160 male and 125 female runners are expected to attend.

Keith Kelley, a former six-time All-American, eight-time Big East champion and 2000 NCAA cross country champion at Providence College, will be the keynote speaker at the pre-race banquet for the runners to be held on Friday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Providence Marriott Hotel at 1 Orms Street.

CCRI Women’s Volleyball.

The CCRI Women’s Volleyball squad, already declared the 2004 NJCAA Region XXI champions, registered a four-match sweep against Bridgewater State College JV (2-0), Springfield College JV (2-0), Mitchell College (2-0) and Dean College (2-1) on Saturday at Bridgewater State College. The wins improved the Lady Knight spikers record to 18-12 and 4-0 in the region.

The team plays at home in Lincoln on Tuesday versus Dean College at 7:00 p.m. and finishes its regular season on Thursday against the Harvard University JVs in Boston at 7:30 p.m.

CCRI Women’s Soccer squad move up to #7 with two regular-season games remaining.

The CCRI women’s soccer team, #7 in the NJCAA Division One national rankings after 10 straight wins, has two regular-season games left. With an overwhelming 65-5 edge thus far in goals scored versus goals allowed, the Lady Knights hope to continue that win streak with two non-conference games against Sacred Heart University JVs on Wed. in Fairfield Connecticut and at home (CCRI-Lincoln) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct . 23 vs. New Hampshire Tech.

Already declared NJCAA Region XXI champion, CCRI will host the 2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division One playoffs on Friday, November 5 and on Sunday, November 7 at CCRI-Lincoln. The district winner advances to the 2004 NJCAA National Championships to be held at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona on Nov. 18-21.

10.17.04

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

The CCRI men’s and women’s squad has its last regular-season meet on Saturday, Oct. 16 in Poughkeepsie, NY at the NJCAA Region XIV / New East Conference Meet.

The women continue to be ranked #1 nationally in NJCAA Division Three (the first time ever in the program’s history), though the points are well-distributed among several schools, including CCRI. CCRI has 200 points while second-place SUNY-Delhi has 180 followed by Mohawk Valley CC has 150.

The men are ranked #7 nationally in the latest NJCAA Division Three poll, one notch up from last week.

Meanwhile, preparations continue for the 2004 NJCAA National Division Three Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Meet to be held on Sat., Nov. 6 at CCRI-Lincoln. This is the first-ever championship meet ever sponsored by the CCRI Department of Athletics and over 30 schools with 160 male and 125 female runners are expected to attend.

Athletes of the Week

Female.

Freshman forward Elisa Semedo (Lisbon, Portugal) scored two goals over the weekend in successive road-game wins in New Jersey, helping lead the Lady Knights past #8 ranked Brookdale Community College, 2-1, and over Mercer County CC, 5-0 on Sunday. She now has sevcn goals for the season.

Male

Freshman goalie Tim Tracey (N. Providence) leads the region in goaltending and has recorded 5 shutouts in his nine games while helping the Knights secure a playoff berth and continue gathering momentum as the postseason nears. His 0.67 goals against average (includes 36 saves and only 6 goals scored against him) ranks him 13th nationally.

CCRI Baseball team finishes with 12-6 record and in finale of Cardi’s Furniture Baseball Classic

The CCRI baseball team (12-6) had an excellent end to its fall season, losing to Rhode Island College, 9-5, in the final game of the Cardi’s Furniture Baseball Classic on Saturday at McCarthy Field in West Warwick. The Knights simply ran out of gas in the one-day tourney after posting a come-from-behind 7-6 win over Roger Williams University in the morning followed by a 7-3 triumph over Bryant University on a brilliant complete game, four-hit, nine-strikeout performance by sophomore righthander Andy McNulty (Norwood, MA). It was a very encouraging win for the Knights over the Bulldogs, who have most of their players returning from the roster of a team that made it to the NCAA Division Two World Series last year.

Freshman righthander Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) got out of a jam to close out the game by string out a batter with the bases loaded in the win over RWU.

In the bottom of the 9th, freshman second baseman Seth Desautel (St. Raphael Academy, Cumberland, RI), won the contest to drive in Phil Butler, who had previously doubled. Butler’s two-run double in the seventh had tied the game.

Freshman third baseman Rich Jenkins (Middletown, RI) had three homers in the first two games, including a grand slam and finished with four hits and 8 RBIs.

The leading hitter during the fall was freshman second baseman Seth Desautel (St. Raphael Academy, Cumberland, RI). The former Saints star led the team in batting average with a 341 average, scoring seven runs while going 14 for 41, including four doubles. Freshman outfielder Jon Benoit (Worcester, MA) hit .333 with 11 hits in 33 at bats and a team-leading seven steals. Freshman utility player Phil Butler (Cranston) had a .308 average with 8 hits in 26 appearances. Tied with a .306 average were sophomore third baseman Rich Jenkins (Middletown) with 11 hits in 36 at bats (and with team-leading totals of 5 homers and 15 RBIs) and freshman first baseman John Furtado (Johnston), also 11of 36.

The leading pitchers were:

Marek Deska (Toronto, Canada), sophomore righthander, had a 3-0 record and 4.22 ERA. He pitched 21 1/3 innings, struck out 19, allowed 18 hits and 10 earned runs and walked 7 batters.

Andrew McNulty had a 4-1 mark and 1.86 ERA. He pitched 29 innings, struck out 31, allowed just 12 hits and 6 earned runs and walked 12 batters.

Freshman righthander Mike Perry (Warwick Vets) had a 1-0 record with a 2.38 ERA.

He pitched 11 innings, struck out 4, allowed 10 hits and only 3 earned runs and walked 2 batters

Freshman righthander Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) was 1-1 with a superb 0.54 ERA. He pitched 16 1/3 innings, struck out 9, allowed 12 hits and 1 earned runs while walking 2 batters.

Women’s Soccer

The CCRI women’s soccer team, 2004 NJCAA Region XXI champion, will be hosting the 2004 NJCAA Northeast District Division One playoffs on Friday, November 5 and on Sunday, November 7 at CCRI-Lincoln. The district winner advances to the 2004 NJCAA National Championships to be held at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, Arizona on Nov. 18-21.

10.05.04

CCRI women are ranked first nationally in cross country

For the first time in the history of women’s cross country at the school, CCRI is ranked #1 nationally according to the latest edition of Hill N’ Dale, the official magazine of NJCAA Division Three Cross Country teams. They had 470 points in the rankings to surpass 430 for Mohawk Valley Community College and 420 for SUNY-Delhi of NY.

CCRI had three runners finish in the top 20 at the recent Tri-State Invitational hosted by CCRI in Lincoln on Oct. 2. CCRI finished first overall among the two-year schools entered with 25 points to Suffolk County CC’s 30.

Freshman Saundra Barbosa (E. Providence) came in 5th and sophomore Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA), 2003 All-American First Team runner was 8th followed by sophomore Erica Hird (Providence, RI) in 19th. Barbosa and Bailey have both been named NJCAA Division Three Runners of the Week the past two weeks, respectively, by the NJCAA Division Three Coaches Association.

CCRI hosts the 2004 NJCAA Men’s and Women’s National Cross Country Championships on Nov. 6 at the CCRI-Lincoln campus.

10.04.04

CCRI Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Soccer claim NJCAA Region XXI titles……..

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

SUNY-Delhi won the men’s race and Clark University won the women’s race at the Tri State Cross Country Invitational Meet held on Saturday at the Community College of Rhode Island campus in Lincoln.

Women’s Race

The CCRI women, currently 5th nationally in NJCAA Division Three, placed second among the 11-team field in the 5,000-meter race with 101 points to Clark’s 80. The Lady Knights were paced by a 5th- place finish by freshman Saundra Barbosa (E. Providence) in 20:37; 8th by sophomore All-American Erin Bailey (Attleboro, MA) in 21:00 and 16th in a time of by 21:33 by Providence sophomore Erica Hird. Other CCRI finishers were Freshman Kristina Lanctot of Lincoln was 32nd in 22:26 and freshman Sherilyn Nicholas of Taunton, MA was 57th in 24:04.

Danielle Connor of Suffolk County CC finished first in 19:41

Men’s Race

In the men’s 5-mile race with 15 teams participating, SUNY-Delhi was first with a score of 34 points. CCRI (currently ranked #8 in NJCAA Division Three) was 6th with 215 points with freshman Chris Farrell (Manville, RI) again leading the way for CCRI with a 17th place finish in 28:42. The winning time was by Jonathan Grant of Naval Prep in 26:55.

Other leading finishers for the Knights were: freshman Bryan Galvin (Seekonk, MA), 49th, 30:57; freshman James Howard (Lincoln, RI), 55th, 31:13; sophomore Eric Estrada (Providence, RI), 72nd, 32:12 and Justin Dalton, 76, (Warwick), 3

The men’s soccer team returned home from a trip to Maryland with two close losses.

Women’s Soccer

The#12 nationally- ranked CCRI women’s soccer team (7-2-1 and 5-0 in Region XXI) clinched their third straight NJCAA Region XXI Division One title last week with an 8-0 victory over Dean College. The Lady Knights, 2002 national champions and 2003 national runner-up, will be going after their third straight NJCAA Northeast District title on Nov. 4-6 when they host the playoffs at CCRI-Lincoln. Thus far, they have scored 55 goals and allowed just 4.

The streak of six straight shutout wins registered by the team came to an end on Saturday when the Lady Knights won, 9-1, over Springfield Tech.

Thus far, with excellent offensive balance (7 players in double digit-points) the team’s leading scorers are: freshman forward Lindsay Laurie (Warwick Vets HS), 9 goals and 4 assists, 22 pts., 47th nationally; freshman midfielder Brittney Godbout (Cranston) 7 goals and 7 assists, 21 pts., 48th nationally; Kara Hurston (West Warwick), sophomore forward, sophomore midfielder Abby Hummel (N. Kingstown, Toll Gate HS), 7 goals and 3 assists, 17 pts. and freshman forward, Sarah Lynch (Tiverton), 5 goals and 7 assists, 17 pts.

Freshman goalie Anne Kineke (East Greenwich) is ranked #10 nationally among all Division One keepers with five shutouts, 4 goals allowed, 34 saves and a 0.44 goals-against average in nine games.

CCRI Women’s Volleyball

Last Thursday, the CCRI women’s volleyball team finally broke the region championship stranglehold by Dean College, defeating the two-time champion Lady Bulldogs, 3-0 (30-, 30- , 30- , and claim their first title in years. This was the 15th title overall for CCRI and the first since 2001. CCRI now participate in the 2004 NJCAA Northeast District championships to be held on

National leaders.

Five Lady Knights spikers are listed nationally in several categories in Division Two national ranks for their performances this season.

Gina Ciambrone (Woonsocket) is 2nd nationwide in digs with 70 in 31 games for a 2.258 average

Sophomore outside hitter LaRae Rhodes (Warwick, Pilgrim HS), is 9th in blocks nationwide with 48 in 31 games and a 1.548 average and ranks 29th in hitting efficiency at 34.78% with 83 kills, 19 attack errors, and 184 attack attempts.

Freshman middle hitter Sonja Healey (Fall River, MA), is 6th in the nation with 53 blocks in 31 games for a 1.710 average and is 31st in hitting efficiency at 34.15% with 70 kills and 14 attack errors in 164 attack attempts.

Freshman libero Kayla Plante (Woonsocket) is 11th in aces per game (0.839) with 26 in 31 games and is 48th in digs per game with a 4.032 average with 125 digs in 31 games.

Freshman outside hitter Nicole Pedro (Fall River, MA) is 30th in aces at 0.645 with 20 aces in 31 games.

09.29.04

CCRI FALL SPORTS UPDATE

The CCRI men’s soccer team is unbeaten in its last five games following a narrow 1-0 victory over host Holyoke CC on Saturday. Scoring the only goal of the game was sophomore midfielder Bruno Texeira (Shea HS, Pawtucket) with an assist from freshman midfielder David Salinas (Warwick Vets HS). As usual, the Knights defense protected the goalie well with freshman keeper Tim Tracey (N. Providence) having to make only three saves while recording his second shutout. The Knights improved their record to 4-1-2 and 3-1-1 in Region XXI while Holyoke’s record fell to 2-4.

Women’s Volleyball.

The CCRI women’s volleyball squad met by far their toughest competition of the season during last weekend at the Genesee CC Invitational in upstate New York. The Lady Knights lost four of five matches, including 2-0 losses to Mott CC (MI), Vincennes CC (IN) and host Genesee CC. They battled Onondaga CC strongly before succumbing in three games, then finished the invitational with a two-game sweep of Jamestown CC. Their record now stands at 6-7 and 2-0 in Region XXI.

Women’s Cross Country

At the Rhode Island College/ Ray Dwyer Invitational held at Goddard Park on Saturday, the CCRI women’s cross country team, paced again by East Providence freshman Saundra Barbosa, who came in 10th overall, came in fourth with 98 points, missing third place by just four points to UMass- Boston. This was the best result ever recorded by a CCRI women’s team at the meet. Barbosa was named NJCAA Division Three Cross Country Coaches Association Runner of the Week for her performance last week at the UMass-Dartmouth Invitational.

Team results

1, Coast Guard, 20; 2, Southern Conn., 73; 3, UMass-Boston, 94; 4, CCRI, 98; 5, Eastern Conn., 106; 6, Johnson & Wales, 136; 7, Framingham State, 187.

Individual results

Winner: 1, J. Arons, CG, 18:53. CCRI RESULTS -- 10, Saundra Barbosa (E. Providence), 20:27; 16, E. Bailey, 20:57; 21, E. Hird, 21:29; 43, K. Lanctot, 23:08; 47, L. Marold, 23:25; 54, S. Nicholas, 24:32. Distance - 5,000 meters.

Meanwhile, the CCRI men’s squad, led by Manville freshman Chris Farrell’s second-place time of 29:27 came in 2nd to fiurst-place Rhode Island College in the 4-team field at the RIC/Ray Dwyer Invitational on Saturday.

Team results: 1, RIC, 27; 2, CCRI, 61; 3, tie between Johnson & Wales and Eastern Conn., 71.

Individual results

1, E. Lonergan, RIC, 29:10; 2, Chris Farrell (Lincoln), CCRI, 29:27; CCRI Finishers - 9, T. Fraser, 31:07; 13, B. Galvin, 31:49; 22, B. Ludwig, 36:23; 27, S. Garlick, 38:16. Distance -- 5 miles.

CCRI Women’s Soccer.

The women’s soccer team, 4-2-1 and 2-0 in the region is riding a five-game unbeaten streak and is currently ranked #12 nationally. They’re in action tomorrow (Tues) at home in Lincoln versus Massasoit Community College.

Freshman goalie Anne Kineke (East Greenwich) is currently ranked sixth nationally in NJCAA Division One, allowing just three goals for a 0.415 goals-per-game average while making 33 saves on 36 shots on goal.

09.21.04

Women’s Volleyball

The women’s volleyball squad played well and went over the .500 mark for the season after hosting a Quad match on Saturday versus Nassau (NY) CC, Dean College and Naval Prep at the Lincoln campus. Sophomore outside hitter Meghan Hickey (Cumberland), with an exceptional all-around effort, lifted the Lady Knights spikers to two victories in three contests. CCRI lost to Nassau CC in an exciting three-game match and then defeated Dean College, two-time defending region champions, for the second time this season and Navy Prep, another strong squad, in two straight close games.. Hickey was named CCRI Female Athlete of the Week for her performance.

Woonsocket freshman middle hitter Gina Ciambrone is now leading the country in blocks per game in Division Two at 2.18 blocks (45 total) per game. She is the first women’s volleyball player in CCRI history to lead the nation in any category.

at CCRI-Lincoln- Nassau CC def. CCRI, 31-33, 30-23, 15-12; CCRI def. Dean College, 30-28, 30-19; CCRI def. Naval Prep, 30-26, 30-27. Record - CCRI 4-3 (2-0 NJCAA Reg. 21).

CCRI Men’s Soccer

The CCRI men’s soccer team is still 2-1-2 with their away game being cancelled at Springfield Tech CC on Saturday. On Thursday, the Knights had posted an outstanding 1-0 win over previously undefeated Dean College (3-1) on a goal by freshman midfielder Manny Perrira (Pawtucket, CCRI Male Athlete of the Week) and an assist to freshman midfielder Francisco Campo (Central Falls) and outstanding goalie work by Tim Treacy, a freshman from N. Providence, who filled in brilliantly for usual starting keeper Olusanya Ojo, by making five saves.

Women’s Soccer

Both the CCRI and Monroe Community College women’s soccer teams couldn’t finish what they started on a rainy, torrential Saturday with the game being called before a half was even completed. It was too bad because this was billed as a clash between two national powers and superstar teams of the Northeast and respective regions the last several years, Monroe CC is currently ranked #4 nationally at 6-0 with 33 goals scored and just one goal scored against. CCRI, #12 ranked nationally, has a 2-2-1 record. CCRI beat Monroe in the national championship game for a perfect season (22-0-0) in 2002 while the year before Monroe captured the national championship with a perfect mark of 23-0-0. CCRI plays three straight home contests this week: Mon. Sept. 20 vs. Springfield College, Wed., Sept. 22 vs. Holyoke CC and Tuesday, Sept. 28 vs. Massasoit

09.14.04

CCRI Fall sports teams begin competition……

The CCRI fall sports season is already in full swing and for the first time in the 39-year history of the sports program, all five fall sports squads- men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer- will utilize the Flanagan campus facilities at Lincoln for their home contests.

CCRI Women’s Soccer (1-2-1)

The CCRI women’s soccer squad, competing in their third and fourth road games last weekend at Nassau Community College (NY), tied San Diego’s Mesa College (CA), 1-1, and then posted their first win of the young season over host Nassau CC, 2-0.

Against Mesa, it was a closely contested game with the shots nearly even, though freshman goalie Anne Kineke (E. Greenwich) had a brilliant effort with 12 saves. Freshman midfielder Brittney Godbout (Cranston) had the lone tally for CCRI with a successful penalty kick attempt in the second half. Neither team could score in two successive 10-minute sudden death overtimes. Against Nassau the Lady Knights did their scoring in the first half while their defense held firm in the second half. Sophomore midfielder and captain Abby Hummel (N. Kingstown, Toll Gate HS) broke the scoring ice with a goal off a corner kick, assists going to Godbout and freshman midfielder Jennifer Andreoni (Central Falls) at 6:17. Then at 21:01, sophomore forward Kara Hurston (W. Warwick) broke away for an unassisted goal. Kineke registered her first shutout as a CCRI player, making two saves while the Knights peppered the Nassau defense with 41 shots overall.

The Lady Knights have their first home game scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 4:00 p.m. vs. Dean College. That begins a five–game home stretch in which they will face six-time national champion Monroe College, CCRI’s Northeast archrival and national powerhouse, on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 12:00 p.m., Springfield College JV on Mon., Sept. 20 at 4:00 p.m.; Holyoke CC on Wed., Sept. 22 at 4:00 p.m. and Wed., Sept. 28 at 4:00 p.m. vs Massasoit CC

CCRI Men’s Soccer (1-1-1)

The record of the CCRI men’s soccer squad record is knotted at 1-1-1 following a 2-2 home game tie versus Essex Community College (Newark, NJ) last Saturday. The Knights bolted ahead, 2-0, in the first half, on two penalty kick goals by freshman midfielder Andres Perdomo (Central Falls) following two fouls within the 18-yard box. But the Wolverines (2-2), rebounded, carrying the action in the second half with outstanding efforts by their offensive catalysts Denis Noel, who chipped in one goal and Jackie Deshommes who scored the other with Ascencao notching an assist on each of the goals

Essex was short-handed by one man midway through the second half when Deshommes was issued a red card and disqualified. But they continued to press their attack despite the disadvantage. Sophomore Olusaanya Ojo(Providence) made saves overall while Essex CC keeper made

After two sudden-death overtimes with very few scoring opportunities by either squad, the game concluded in a tie.

Freshman forward Philippe Moreira (Luxembourg) for his outstanding effort against Bunker Hill CC, in which he was a offensive catalyst and scored a goal in the 5-0 shutout, was named CCRI Male Athlete of the Week for September 5-11.

In the next three weeks, the Knights play eight of games on the road. Their only home game during that period will be on Thursday, Sept. 16, versus Dean College, at 4:00 p.m.

CCRI Women’s Volleyball (1-2, 1-0 in Region XXI)

In the program’s longest trip ever to a match, the CCRI women’s volleyball squad lost two very close non-conference Division Two matches at the Morton College Invitational in Cicero, Illinois. Against S. Suburban College, the Knights won the first game 30-23 and then lost two narrow games, 30-28 and 16-14. The Lady Knights, likewise battled hard against Black Hawk College, losing 29-31, winning 30-21 and then losing by the score of 12-15.

The Lady Knight spikers began their season in outstanding style with a three-game sweep and match win (30-17, 30-21, 30-22) over Dean College, the two-time defending New England Region XXI champions last week. The entire squad played well in defeating Dean, their first win in three years in a match over their Region XXI rival. Named as CCRI Female Athlete of the Week for Sept. 5-11 was freshman middle hitter Gina Ciambrone (Woonsocket HS), who had a match-high total of 13 blocks and delivered eight serves for points. Also playing exceptionally well were two returnees: sophomore outside hitter LaRae Rhodes (Pilgrim HS, Warwick) and sophomore libero Kayla Plante (Woonsocket HS).

The Lady Knights next match is Saturday, Sept. 18 vs. Nassau CC and Holyoke CC at home beginning at 11:00 a.m.

CCRI Cross Country

The CCRI men finished 3rd out of 4 teams at the Rhode Island College Invitational Meet held at the CCRI-Lincoln campus on Thursday. Naval Prep Academy (Newport) was in first with 19 points followed by RIC with 64, CCRI 69 and Johnson and Wales University with 78.

The best time posted on the 8800-yard course in the field of 30 runners was by Navy’s Jonathan Grant in 27:56. CCRI’s best finisher was freshman Christopher Farrell (Lincoln HS) in 30:46 for 5th place. Other CCRI finishers were freshman Bryan Galvin (Seekonk HS), 8th, 31:26; freshman James Howard (Lincoln HS), 13th, 32:29; freshman Brian Ludwig, N. Attleboro HS, 22, 35:21 and sophomore Jason Andrade (Warwick), 27, 37:02.

In the RIC Invitational women’s race, there were two full teams (of five) and 26 runners, three CCRI women finished within less than a minute of each other. Freshman Saundra Barbosa (E. Providence HS) came in 7th overall in 22:13 followed by sophomore Erica Hird (Providence, La Salle Academy, 8th, 23:02 and sophomore All-American Erin Bailey (Attleboro HS) 9th, in 23:10

Salve Regina University squad finished first with 15 points, taking first through fifth places. Kara Bowen was the top runner with a time of 20:17.

The Knights next meet is Saturday, Sept. 18 at the UMass-Dartmouth Invitational in Dartmouth, Mass. starting at 10 a.m.

08.18.04

CCRI Athletics is looking for you.......

If you are interested in playing a college sport here at CCRI please contact the athletic department at 333.7316 (Lincoln) or 826-2114. If varsity sports is not for you, we also have a variety of intramural sports available for you. Registration begins September 20 for intramurals.

08.11.04

VIN CULLEN, RETIRED CCRI ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, INDUCTED INTO NATYCAA HALL OF FAME

The National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) recently selected three retired athletic directors, Vin Cullen, Community College of Rhode Island; Rex Brumley, Broward (FL) CC and Peter Pisciotta, Glendale (AZ) CC, to be the first members of the NAYYCAA Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame. This inaugural class, in which Cullen was introduced first, was inducted at the NATYCAA National Convention held at Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Dick Vitale, noted basketball analyst, was the keynote speaker.

Cullen held several national leadership positions and was chosen for his many contributions to NATYCAA. A member of the National Executive Committee from 1987 to 2002, he served as representative to the American Association of Community Colleges, a national organization of community college presidents; was an elected officer for five years and was named NATYCAA president in 1995. He was also instrumental in the formation of the NCAA Two-Year College Advisory Committee, formed to develop a strong relationship between the NCAA and the nation’s two-year colleges. In 1997, NATYCAA awarded him the L. William Miller Award, presented annually to the National Athletic Administrator of the Year.

Cullen, a lifelong resident of Cranston, was CCRI’s athletic director and men’s head basketball coach from 1965-2002. The all-time winningest coach of any post-secondary basketball program in New England and 10th all-time in wins in the junior college ranks, he had a lifetime mark of 711-270 while guiding his teams to 10 region championships. He previously has been inducted into the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame and the New England Basketball of Fame.

08.03.04

Community College of Rhode Island finishes 18th nationally in Pepsi Cup NATYCAA awards for athletic program excellence

The Community College of Rhode Island athletics program placed 18th overall among junior colleges nationwide in the NJCAA Scholarship Division of the inaugural Pepsi/ National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators Awards program. Only one other junior college in the Northeast- Monroe Community College (NY), which finished seventh- placed higher than CCRI. The College of Dupage (IL) was in first place with 161.5 points while CCRI compiled 72.5.

The Pepsi NATYCAA Awards were designed to recognize and reward overall program excellence at the two-year college level as well as promote all programs in all sports on an equal basis. Member colleges are allowed to use their top five men’s and women’s sports for scoring in the program. Along with the first place Cup, awards are presented to the top three colleges nationally, including a contribution to their institution’s general scholarship fund. The top 20 schools also receive recognition. Awards were presented at the Pepsi NATYCAA Awards Luncheon in Dallas, Texas on June 11, 2004.

The CCRI women’s basketball, women’s soccer and women’s softball squads both captured their respective region championships last season to lead the way for the school with the soccer and basketball teams also advancing to their respective national tournament. The CCRI women overall placed 13th nationally for women’s athletic programs among all NJCAA scholarship schools.

In addition, the CCRI men’s and women’s outdoor track teams each won the NJCAA Northeast District title for the first times ever while finishing in the top five nationally while the men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams were both region runner-ups.

07.12.04

CCRI DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

Under the direction of Louis Pullano, Director of Athletics/Associate Dean of Student Life, the past two seasons have been banner years for CCRI sports teams and student-athletes.

CCRI sports teams compete in Region XXI of the National Junior College Athletic Association. But the Department of Athletics mission for excellence now extends far beyond region boundaries. In fact, the total of awards and honors by our teams, coaches and student-athletes on a region, district and even nationwide level was an all-time record in 2003-2004.

2003-04 was an all-time best season at CCRI.

In 2003, the women’s soccer team followed up their national championship with a national runnerup season. The women’s basketball team won their first-ever region and Northeast District championships qualifying them for their first national tournament appearance. The men’s and women’s outdoor track squads each won their respective Northeast District championships for the first time. And the women’s softball team won its second region title ever.

During the 2003-04 season, a record total of nine CCRI student-athletes were named as NJCAA All-Americans in five sports Overall, 40 student-athletes or teams were ranked nationally in 50 categories, with many placing in the top 10. Freshman Amanda Ward hit three grand slam homers in a game, a feat never duplicated before at any level of women’s softball in junior college or college ranks.

Attention to academics is paying off.

The Student-Athlete Academic Support Program, required attendance for student-athletes twice a week for one hour each, continues to be an invaluable aid for many of our student-athletes to become better prepared for transfer to four-year institutions so they can continue their educational and athletic careers. Many student-athletes were honored for their academic achievements, including four named as NJCAA Academic All-Americans by Sport for earning 3.60 grade-point averages or better. A record nine CCRI student-athletes this past season received athletic scholarships to six NCAA Division One institutions including Arizona State University, Birmingham-Southern (AL) College, Sacred Heart University, Central Connecticut State University, State University of New York- Albany and Southern Connecticut State University.

In all, over 30 athletes earned their Associates Degrees with several committing to other four-year institutions, including Providence College, Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island and Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida.

The CCRI Department of Athletics is proud of the work being done in competition and in the classroom by its student-athletes and teams and by the leadership and guidance displayed by staff, coaches and advisors. We welcome everyone to visit the Warwick and Lincoln campuses and see what we can offer prospective student-athletes.

Men’s Soccer. Coach Victor Gaspar (401) 825-2102 vgaspar@excite.com

The men’s soccer program is taking its very successful act, including a stellar 10-3-3 mark in 2003, to the Lincoln campus, its new home field. But one thing doesn’t change: Head coach Victor Gaspar, about to start his 25th season at CCRI, has compiled a record of 284-126-30 placing him 8th among active coaches nationally. Entrenched as a nationally-recognized NJCAA Division One program, the Knights consistently place in the top 20 nationally, producing many All-Region and All-American players. They’ve won the NJCAA Region XXI championship three times in what traditionally is regarded as one of the toughest regions in the country. Among the great players in the Knights tradition of excellence was Carlos Rocha, selected as one of NJCAA’s top 25 men’s soccer players of the 20th century and who went on to excel in college and professionally.

Women’s Soccer. Coach Dennis Grassini (401) -2185 dgrassini@ccri.edu

The Lady Knights have forged the way for CCRI sports in the past two years, reaching the pinnacle of success the past two seasons. With successive Division One national championship and national runnerup finishes leading to top nationwide rankings, they’ve shattered all school records for nationally-recognized team performance. Head coach Dennis Grassini and assistant coach Kathy Bannan have not only guided the program to unprecedented success, but they’ve also helped develop many All-Americans, All-Northeast District and All-Region players. More student-athletes in this program have been recognized for their academic prowess, too, than any other sport at CCRI. The program plays its home games at the spacious and well-drained field at the Flanagan campus in Lincoln.

Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach Gregg Cornell (401) 333-7322 gcornell@ccri.edu

The Knights men’s and women’s cross country teams are among CCRI’s most consistent, top-achieving athletic programs. The men’s team captured its first-ever NJCAA Northeast District Championship in 2003 and ranked #5 among Division Three squads. Erin Bailey, placing second in the 2003 nationals, became a NJCAA First Team All-American, the first CCRI woman harrier to be so honored. The men’s team has won six NJCAA Region XXI team titles while several men’s and women’s runners have taken home All-Region, All-Northeast and/or All-American honors. Head coach Gregg Cornell is currently preparing the home course in Lincoln for the 2004 NJCAA Division Three National Cross Country Meet, the first national meet ever hosted by CCRI in 40 years of sports competition.

Women’s Volleyball. Coach Ray DeAngelis (401) 825-2444 rdeangelis@ccri.edu

Few probably realize the Lady Knights women’s volleyball team has won 14 NJCAA Region XXI titles, ranking them second behind tennis for most region championships in any one CCRI sport Many All-Region, All-District and All-American players have also honed their skills at CCRI. Many opportunities are provided for CCRI players to compete and travel to highly-rated programs as far away as New York, New Jersey and Maryland. The 2003 CCRI Invitational was a 10-team competition that successfully hosted teams from as far away as Chicago, Illinois. The Knights play their home contest at the Lincoln campus.

Men’s Basketball. Coach Dave Chevalier (401) 825-2120 dchevalier@ccri.edu

The CCRI men’s basketball program has a rich tradition of success with 10 region championships and consistent top 20 national rankings. Many All-American and All-Region players have successfully transferred to NCAA Division One, Two and Three institutions. Head coach Dave Chevalier, whose squad competes in Division Two of NJCAA Region XXI, has considerably upgraded the schedule, playing Division One and Two teams. Last year, the Knights toppled Division One Broward Community College in Florida, another excellent barometer of progress. The Knights also advanced to the NJCAA Region XXI Division finals the past two seasons. Home games are played at the Knight campus in Warwick on one of the Ocean State’s newest hardwood floors.

Women’s Basketball. Coach Cas Grygorewicz cgrygorewicz@ccri.edu

The Lady Knights took the regional and national stage in 2003-04, winning their region and district championships in 29 years of competition with an all-time best record of 22-10. But the long climb to glory was a result of hard off-season work and much more challenging competition, including the toughest Division Two schedule in the nation, producing a record seven wins against Division One squads. An air of excitement has been generated for the 2004-05 season as new head coach Cas Grygorewicz, who guided Mitchell College to eight region titles in the 1990s, takes the helm as the Lady Knights head coach. Home games are played at the Knight campus in Warwick.

Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track Coach Gregg Cornell (401) 333-7322 gcornell@ccri.edu

Great strides for the men’s and women’s indoor track and field program were made at the 2004 NJCAA National Meet because the 7th place result of Orlagh Cullen in the women’s weight throw) and the 8th-place result of Jonathan Reynolds in the men’s weight throw, each produced a score, the first time that’s ever happened for the program. Squads practice at the Lincoln campus, providing full, unrestricted use of the facility during the winter season. Participating in meets mostly against four-year colleges throughout the Northeast, that high level of competition helps our athletes prepare for the NJCAA Northeast District Championships and for possible qualification for the national championship meets, too.

Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track Coach Gregg Cornell gcornell@ccri.edu

With several cross country runners and indoor track athletes also participating on the outdoor track and field squads, that produced great dividends and not just in fostering excellent team chemistry. For both the men’s and women’s outdoor track teams captured the 2003 NJCAA Northeast District Championships for the first time ever, no small accomplishment considering they compete almost exclusively in regular-season meets against NCAA Division Three colleges throughout New England and New York before competing in the district and national championships. Training at the Lincoln campus, Knight track and field athletes

Golf Coach Steve Forleo (401) 825-2361

With 12 NJCAA Region XXI championship plaques firmly in its grasp and with many golfers often earning medalist, All-Region, All-District and even All-American awards, the CCRI golf program takes a back seat to no other junior college program in the area. Golfers have several opportunities to practice indoors during the pre-season at the two campus facilities. They’re fortunate to have Cranston Country Club as their home course. Often traveling south for a pre-season tuneup, in 2003, the Knights knocked off four top 15 nationally-ranked programs in New Jersey. That type of preparation gets Knights golfers primed for NJCAA Region XXI regular-season and post-season competition and for the national championships in June.

Men’s and Women’s Tennis. Brian Deighan (401) 825-2104 jpavone@ccri.edu

Local high school talent who’ve extended their tennis careers playing at CCRI have honed their skills so successfully that the program has produced 15 NJCAA Region XXI Division Three tennis titles, 14 for men and 2 for women., the most of any sport at CCRI. Second-year head coach Brian Deighan was a former CCRI Distinguished Student-Athlete and All-Region player Besides being able to utilize the indoor polyurethane surface at Lincoln and Warwick during pre-season, the team also practices at nearby indoor and outdoor tennis facilities. Home matches are played at Winman Middle School, less than a mile from the Warwick campus.

Softball. Coach Bev Wiley (401) 333-7363 bevjwiley@ccri.edu

The Lady Knights softball program created a buzz after conquering the competition year in taking the 2003 NJCAA Region XXI Division Two title and in receiving national attention from First Team All-American Amana Ward, who hit three grand slam homers in just one game. By recruiting more Rhode Island and out-of-state standouts than ever, head coach Bev Wiley has the program headed toward even more success regionally and nationally. While the competition is stiff in the region, the schedule is now supplemented with pre-season competition in Florida, and trips throughout the Northeast to play other region powers. The team plays it home games at Father Tirocchi Field in Warwick, just 1/2 mile from the Warwick campus. .

Baseball. Coach Ken Hopkins kenhopsr@aol.com

Major-league baseball scouts are drawn to Whitey Fell Field in Warwick for many compelling reasons: CCRI, consistently a nationally-ranked program and NJCAA Division Two Region power, recruits top-flight talent, has won nine NJCAA Region XXI titles and has cultivated future professional players such as Rheal Cormier of the Philadelphia Phillies and Allen Levrault, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers. Head coach Ken Hopkins, a former CCRI star, has devised a challenging program that includes fall ball against collegiate competition and to pre-season games against competition in Florida and Delaware. This program thus continues to elite players from local, regional, national and even international ranks, assuring consistent success.

*PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view - Download here