Sports 05-17-2017

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

RHS star Stella continues career success at Mt. Ida College

By Cary Shuman

Kristina Stella knows all about success on the softball fields. As a starting infielder for Revere High School, Stella played a key role in the Patriots winning the Division 1 North championship and advancing to the state semifinals.

“It was an awesome feeling to win the North title and I thank coach [Joe] Ciccarello and [assistant coach] Butchie Bruno for really helping me to step up and to contribute to such a memorable season – it was a great accomplishment for everyone involved.”

The 20-year-old Stella is still making her presence felt in softball, having just completed a solid season for the Mount Ida College team as a starting outfielder. Stella’s on-field performance impressed Mount Ida head coach Katie Zuman.

“Kristina came in as a freshman shortstop but she had a first-team all-conference player in front of her, so we asked her to play outfield. At first she struggled, but she has really developed in to a great outfielder with an incredibly strong arm.”

Stella made progress at the plate as well, moving from the ninth spot in the order to cleanup. The 5-foot-4-inch right-handed hitter belted a home run in a win over Anna Maria College.

The Mustangs recognized Stella’s excellent play with the team’s Most Improved Player Award. There was another major honor for Stella as well: team captain.

“Kristina will assume the role as a captain [of the 2018 team],” said Zuman. “She really stepped up as a vocal leader for us this year and set the tone with her positive attitude on game days. She was not afraid to take charge, especially if the team was down.”

Stella is also excelling academically, having earned Dean’s List honors with a 3.6 grade point average this semester.

It’s been a long road from the fields of Revere to the captaincy of a college softball team.

Stella began playing T-Ball at the age of five and continued in softball and baseball in the St. Mary’s Cal Ripken League. She first gained notice as one of the younger players on an undefeated Revere middle school team led by legendary coach Peter DiCarlo, assisted by Anthony Palermo. She was a middle school teammate of Mr. DiCarlo’s daughter, Logan, and Mr. Palermo’s daughter, Sabrina, continuing that association at the high school.

“The coaches really pushed me to a better player,” recalled Stella. “Peter really let you know how to improve as a player and really pushed us all to try harder.”

He said that coach Ciccarello really prepared his players for high school competition and beyond.

“I think Revere High has really made me in to the player I am today,” lauded Stella.

Stella is excited about the 2018 season and the progress the team is making under coach Zuman.

“We have 13 incoming freshmen and a really good pitcher from California,” said Stella. “I’m hoping we can compete for a playoff berth.”

Her parents, Joseph and Denise Stella, have been “stellar” supporters every step of the way. Her father has not missed a single game of her career.

“I want to say I really appreciate everything they do for me,” said Stella. “They have been there for me through thick and thin and they always have my back. They’ve always motivated me to do better and telling me that no matter what it is, I can do it if I try my hardest.”

And with a captaincy and Dean’s List recognition in her Early Education major, Stella has become a role model for Revere girls and she’s well on her way to realizing her goal of becoming a teacher.

This summer, Revere residents will see Stella demonstrating her exemplary work ethic as a waitress at Renzo’s at Revere Beach and as a park instructor in the Revere Parks and Recreation Department.
RhS sports Roundup

RHS boys lacrosse wins two, now 13-2

The Revere High boys lacrosse team won both of its contests this past week, defeating Swampscott, 14-4, and Saugus, 18-10.

Patriot defender Jimmy Kioussis played what RHS head coach Austin Powers termed “shutdown defense” against Swampscott,  which resulted in few scoring opportunities for the Big Blue.

On the offensive end, Eddie Sullivan and Anthony DeStefano kept up their playmaking for the Patriots, while Eric Bua and Nick Sujko continued their lock- down style of play on the all-important face-offs.

Powers noted that Matt Stasio “has been excellent at boxing out for our guys to get ground balls to keep possession” and also praised the “overall great play from our man-down and man-up units, defense, and offense. Our goalie, Cam Mazza, has been rock solid, with almost 200 saves this season.”

Powers and his crew, who now stand at 11-1 in the Northeastern Conference and 13-2 overall, were set to play at Salem this past Monday and at Winthrop tomorrow (Thursday). They will host Northeast Regional Vocational School this coming Monday and trek to Mystic Valley next Thursday.

 

RHS softball team wins three contests

The Revere High softball team enjoyed a successful week, winning all three of its contests with solid performances in every aspect of the game.

In a 10-1 triumph over Salem last Monday, RHS pitcher Olivia McManus brought a no-hitter into the sixth inning, only to have a bloop single ruin her no-hit bid. Her teammates, led by Vanessa Puopolo (three hits) and Taylor Sullivan (a home run over the fence), provided more than enough run support.

The Lady Patriots then took on a Gloucester team that is in first place in the South Division of the Northeastern Conference and handed the Lady Fishermen a 4-1 defeat last Wednesday at St. Mary’s Field.

After spotting the visitors an early 1-0 advantage, Revere scored solo runs in the second and third to take a 2-1 lead. Victor Correia then blasted a two-run homer that seemed to still be rising as it cleared the fence in the fifth to provide added insurance for McManus, who once again turned in a superlative effort in the pitcher’s circle that was supported by her teammates in the field.

The Lady Patriots then made the long trek to Waltham (which was made even- longer than expected thanks to heavy traffic) a worthwhile endeavor with a 16-2 onslaught.

The RHS offensive barrage was led by Alina Giuliano with three hits on the day and Correia with a pair of doubles.

“We’re finally starting to come together as a team,” noted RHS head coach Joe Ciccarello. “We’re hitting the ball and playing well in the field. The lone negative note has been that we have not been running the bases as well as we should be, which has taken us out of some potentially big innings.”

A few recent RHS alumni were in the stands to root on the Lady Patriots in their contest with Gloucester: Gabby Cammarata, who is playing at Regis College; Kristina Stella, who is playing at Mt. Ida, and Ally Hinojosa, who is playing at Assumption.

Revere was set to play at Medford yesterday (Tuesday) and will host Beverly today (Wednesday). Everett comes here tomorrow (Thursday) and Waltham will visit Sunday evening at 6:00.

 

RHS girls lacrosse continues on a roll

The Revere High girls lacrosse team won two of its three games this past week with a 7-6 triumph over North Reading in a non-league contest and a 16-3 rout of Northeastern Conference rival Malden.

Kiana Napolitano led the Lady Patriots with four goals in the win over No. Reading and was credited with four draw controls. Emily Giuliano reached the back of the enemy net twice and Jenna Wells added a solo tally to go with her five draw controls.

Jessica Haggerty and Taylor Sujko also contributed one draw control possession apiece. Revere goalie Shateya Travis recorded five saves.

“Our defensive unit played really well together,” said RHS head coach Karen Atkinson. “As an entire unit, the girls worked together and got the job done. There were so many great plays throughout the game that helped us get the win over North Reading. I was very impressed with their play.”

Last Wednesday the Lady Patriots proved to be rude hosts to Malden, blowing past the Lady Golden Tornados by a decisive 16-3 margin on the turf at Harry Della Russo Stadium.

“We did extremely well with draw control and loose balls throughout the game,” noted Atkinson. “I was impressed by the work ethic of everyone on the team.”

Sophomore Napolitano scored five goals and had one assist to lead the Revere offensive charge. Taylor Giuffre-Catalano also turned in a fine offensive performance with three goals and one assist. Taylor Sujko, who played what Atkinson termed a “fantastic” game, and Wells added two goals apiece.

Single tallies came from the sticks of Jannel Mercado, DiGiulio (who also contributed two assists), junior Marina Robinson (two assists), and Natalie Maggioli.

“Offensively and defensively the team has started to mesh a bit more, which is exciting to see,” said Atkinson.

The lone setback for the Lady Patriots came in a 9-8 loss at Gloucester on Friday. Napolitano rang in four goals and had one assist and DiGiulio also popped in four balls that reached the back of the Gloucester net.

“We controlled the draw and most of the play, but lost with 10 seconds left,” said Atkinson. “We were down four goals in the first half and came back. The girls worked hard, but it just didn’t go our way.”

Atkinsoin and her crew now are 7-1 in the South Division of the Northeastern Conference and 8-7 overall. They were set to entertain non-league rival Wilmington this past Monday and to host Salem tomorrow (Thursday). They will play at Winthrop next Wednesday and at Swampscott next Thursday.

 

 

Fitzpatrick sets new school mark in 800

 

Junior Hannah Fitzpatrick set a new Revere High School record in the 800 meter run this past weekend at the State Coaches Invitational Meet.

Hannah’s time of 2:31.20 eclipsed the previous mark of 2:32.4 that was set by Tayla Hough in 2010.

“Hannah’s second lap was run in under 76 seconds,” said RHS head coach Antonio LaBruna. “She never wavered and looked like a sprinter during the final 100 meters of the race. Breaking this record was a goal of hers from day one of this season, but an injury set her back.  For Hannah to run this time coming off an injury and with restricted training is so impressive. She is one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached both mentally and physically and I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Fitzpatrick was among a contingent of four RHS track girls who participated in the meet . Helen Perez competed in the 400 meter hurdles and ran a 74.4. “Helen started off great, but stutter-stepped on the last few hurdles which slowed her time a bit,” said LaBruna. “If she can straighten that out before this Saturday’s NEC League Meet, she’ll have a chance to score.”

Rachel Shanbar competed in the shot-put and discus. Rachel struggled in shot, only managing to hit 29’-7”, but she had a great day in discus, throwing 91’-6”.

“Three of Rachel’s last six competitive throws have been over 90 feet,” noted LaBeruna. “This is the most consistent she’s ever been and is starting to peak at the right time. She has been using a half spin and is getting right in the circle and throwing without wasting any time or energy.”

Claritza Vasquez competed in the 200 dash and the long jump. “Claritza jumped 14’-1” in the long jump,” said LaBruna. “She got off a good jump on her first attempt, but fouled by about an inch. 14’-1” certainly isn’t her best, but the pits were in terrible condition and almost all of the jumpers were jumping 6-10 inches less than usual.”

 

Impressive performances for girls track vs. Beverly; Shanbar sets RHS record

 

Although the Revere High girls track team came out on the short end of a 99-36 decision to Beverly last week, a number of Lady Patriots turned in impressive performances.

“Despite the score, this was our best effort from a performance perspective,” said RHS head coach Antonio LaBruna.

The highlight of the meet for Revere was the winning discus throw of 94’-10” by Rachel Shanbar, which shattered the previous mark of 89’-10” that was set by Ariana Licata in 2013.

“Rachel has made States each of the last two seasons in the discus, but hadn’t made the qualifying throw (88’-3”) going into the meet,” said LaBruna. “On her second throw she threw 93’-5”, which broke the RHS discus record. On her final throw she added to her new record and hit 94’-10”. That throw also will likely put her in the top five in the state for Division 1 and gives her a realistic opportunity to not only score in the state meet, but possibly advance to All-States.”

Other first-place finishers for Revere were Samantha Myrtil in the javelin with a throw of 108-’4” and Claritza Vasquez in the 200 meter dash in a personal record (PR) time of 27.5.

“Samantha qualified for the New Balance Nationals Meet in North Carolina in mid-June in the Emerging Elite Division,” noted LaBruna. “Sam has been throwing over 100 feet consistently and she was well aware of the 108-foot qualifying throw that she needed. It was great to get that out of the way and take a little pressure off her going forward. She still has other goals that she’d like to achieve in these next few weeks, so it will be fun to watch as she chases the RHS school record of 108’-9”  held by Kim Hyland from the late 80s or early 90s.”

Second-place finishers for the Lady Patriots were:

Helen Perez (400M Hurdles) 75.9

Hannah Fitzpatrick (800M) 2:40.1

Rachel Shanbar (Shot-put) 30’-5”

Claritza Vasquez (Long Jump) 15’-4.25” (PR)

Claritza Vasquez (Triple Jump) 30’-3.25”

Monica Posada (Mile) 6:00.3

Lady Patriots who added single points to the Revere side of the scoresheet with third-place finishes were:

Claritza Vasquez (100M) 13.3 (PR)

Helen Perez (400M) 68.3

Sam Myrtil (Shot-put) 28’-3”

LaBruna and his crew were set to wrap up their dual-meet season this past  Monday against Danvers. The Northeastern Conference Meet is set for Saturday.

 

RHS tennis girls split, stand at 5-5

 

The Revere High girls tennis team kept pace at the .500 mark for the season (5-5) by splitting its two matches this past week.

In a 5-0 victory over Salem, Revere’s top player, Hanadi Kobilic, won her  match at first singles, 6-3, 1-0 (the Salem girl had to retire with an injury at the start of the second set). At the second singles slot, Lady Patriot Trang Nguyen cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 triumph, as did Christina Restrepo at third singles, 6-0, 6-1.

The RHS first doubles duo of Maria Hernandez & Luisa Gil won in shutout fashion, 6-0, 6-0, and the second doubles pairing of Victoria Mom & Katherine Guzman triumphed handily, 6-1 6-1.

In the match with Gloucester, both of the Revere doubles teams, Hernandez & Gil and Mom & Restrepo, won their matches in straight sets.

However, the Lady Patriots lost all three of the singles matches, Kobilic at No. 1 (0-6, 0-6), Farah Selman at No. 2 (4-6, 2-6), and Nguyen at No. 3 (2-6, 4-6).

Coach Carla Maniscalco and her squad have a busy week ahead. They were set to take on Medford this past Monday, Everett yesterday (Tuesday), Beverly today (Wednesday), and Lynn Classical tomorrow (Thursday). They will trek to Danvers next Wednesday.

 

RHS boys tennis wins two matches

 

The Revere High boys tennis team won two of its three matches this past week, defeating Salem and Everett by identical scores of 4-1, but falling to Gloucester by the same result.

Revere’s top player, David Grujic, defeated his Salem counterpart at first singles, 6-2, 3-0 (the Salem boy had to retire in the second set when he rolled an ankle). Andrea Shejaz triumphed 6-1, 6-2 at second singles and Josh Preciado likewise was a victor in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, at third singles.

The second doubles duo of Josue Martinez and Alejandro Zuleta won their match, 6-0, 6-0, but the first doubles tandem of Naveed Jabbar & Ralph Corbelle fell, 2-6, 1-6.

The same line-up earned victories in their matches against their Everett counterparts, with the first double pairing of Jabbar & Cortbelle dropping a close arch, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 2-7 (the third set was a tiebreaker because of darkness).

In the 4-1 loss to Gloucester, Shejaz scored the lone point for the Patriots with a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Coach Mike Flynn and his crew, who now stand at 5-4 on the season, were set to play at Medford this past Monday and host Beverly today (Wednesday). They will travel to Lynn Classical tomorrow (Thursday) and wrap up their season next Wednesday with Danvers on the Gibson Park courts.

 

Sims pitches well for RHS baseball in 4-2 loss to Gloucester

 

The Revere High baseball team received a fine pitching effort from Frank Sims, who tossed a two-hitter through five and one-third innings, but came up on the short end of a 4-2 decision last Wednesday at Gloucester.

The Patriots had taken a 2-0 lead in the second on a clutch, two-out, two-RBI base hit by RHS lead-off man John DeSimone. John’s single delivered  teammates Vincent DeGregorio, who had been hit by a pitch, and Kevin DePaula, who had walked, across the plate.

Sims made the 2-0 lead stand-up until the fatal sixth, when Gloucester parlayed a base hit, a hit-batsman, two Revere errors, and a sacrifice fly to push across four runs.

In addition to DeSimone’s safety, David Guillama and Anthony Cecca also had base hits for the Patriots.

“It was a tough loss — we keep knocking on the door,” said first year RHS head coach Ron Jordan.

Jordan and his crew will be hosting an Alumni Game this Sunday at noon at Tony Conigliaro Field for which 20 former Patriots have committed to play.

The Patriots are scheduled to trek to Beverly today (Wednesday) and will host Woburn Monday. They will travel to Danvers next Wednesday.

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