Bronx News Sports: Fordham in Sweet Sixteen

Bronx News Sports: Fordham in Sweet Sixteen: Rams Score First Post-Season Victory Since 1980 (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NY, March 25, 2013- The slogan ...

Fordham in Sweet Sixteen

Rams Score First Post-Season Victory Since 1980

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NY, March 25, 2013- The slogan “Tradition begins now” adopted by the women’s basketball program at Fordham University (26-8) at the start of this season has proven to be quite prophetic. The Rams, after 16 consecutive losing seasons, have compiled the second highest total of victories, 26, in the history of the program.

Its list of successes this year is unique since the university joined the Atlantic-10 conference in 1995. Veteran coach Stephanie Gaitley, in only her second year at the helm of the team, has created a culture of success under a leadership of decency that hopefully will set a tone that will be followed in the future.

Its season of achievement has led the Rams to be invited to a post-season tournament for the first time since 1995. One day after being denied an automatic entrance to the NCAA Women’s National Tournament by a one point loss, 47-46, to St. Joseph’s in the final of the Atlantic-10 Championship, the Rams were one of 64 invitees to the WNIT.

In the first round on March 20, the Rams hosted Army (22-7) at the Rose Hill Gym on Fordham’s Bronx campus. The Black Knights received an automatic berth as they were the regular season champions of the Patriot League.

Both teams started slowly and missed most early shots, perhaps because of nerves or effective defense. The two were highly ranked this season nationally for their scoring defense; Army ranked 7^th in the nation and Fordham ranked 16^th as the stingiest in surrendering points.

The Black Knights were the first to reach double digits as a three by Jen Hazlett gave them an 11-6 advantage at 13:09. A basket by sensational freshman Kelsey Minato raised Army’s lead to a game high six, 15-9. The Rams then awoke and scored 15 unanswered points to take their game high advantage, 24-15 with 2:34 left in the first half.

On a 9-2 scoring run, Army knotted the score at 26 with 15:40 remaining in the contest. After a third tie at 28, the Rams led through the remainder of the second half. The action was intense and physical as each team made a supreme effort to gain the victory. Fordham treated its fans to a joyous experience by earning a 55-46 victory.

The Fordham starters, with the exception of freshman Samantha Clarke who sat out much of the game, contributed mightily to the win. Abigail Corning achieved a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Graduating players Marah Strickland (15) and Arielle Collins (14) netted double digits. Erin Rooney fell short of double figures but led the team with six assists and showed her defensive capabilities with four steals. Gaitley said of Rooney’s contribution, “With Erin, there was a lot of residue from Saturday’s game. It’s a testament to her.”

Minato, Patriot League Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, played outstandingly with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Her backcourt mate, Anna Simmers, played equally well, 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Gaitley explained the importance of the twosome, “We’re a really disciplined team. The key to the game was to make things tough for 5 [Minato] and 25 [Simmers].”

With its win, Fordham moved to round two of the tournament. The Rams played host to Boston University (24-6), the victor of Sacred Heart in round one on Saturday afternoon, March 23 in the Bronx.

Gaitley had high hopes for her team, “I think we’re going to be much better on Saturday. We needed to get this game out of our system.”

Her prognostication proved true as the Rams dominated the Boston University Terriers on Saturday afternoon. The visitors took an early 6-2 lead, but a 15-2 scoring run by Fordham that culminated in consecutive threes by Strickland and Rooney put Fordham ahead, 17-8, at 13:28. A three by Charlotte Stoddard at 5:03 gave Fordham its first double digit advantage of the contest.

Three straight baskets by the Terriers cut the deficit to five, 28-23, with 18:34 remaining in the contest. That Fordham lead was the lowest since the first five minutes of the game.

A critical moment came at 15:19 as Rooney, a hardnosed defensive specialist, was called for her fourth foul. The lead was cut in half, 41-35, with her on the bench for the next five minutes, which led Gaitley to return her to action. Gaitley explained her reasoning after the contest ended, “I felt they were going on a run. She’s [Rooney] a calming presence.” A layup by Rooney at 5:26 brought the lead back to double figures, 45-35, where it remained for the rest of the contest. Fordham qualified for its first “Sweet Sixteen” finish with a 58-44 win.

Starters Strickland (14), Rooney (12) and Collins (12) scored in double digits. Clark and Corning failed to net at least 10, but each grabbed six rebounds.

After the contest, Gaitley spoke to reporters of the reason for the Fordham win, “The key to the game was defense and rebounding.”

Fordham topped Boston University in rebounds, 41-33. The Rams held their opponent to fewer than 50 points for the 14^th time this season.

Fordham will next travel to Virginia to face James Madison University in the Sweet Sixteen round of the WNIT at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 27.

The outcome of the above contest cannot erase the accomplishments of the Fordham women this year. Gaitley expressed her happiness of what they achieved, “I’m just so proud of the team. I’m so happy for them. This never happened at Fordham before. It will live on in their memories forever.”

Of the future, she proclaimed, “It sets a tone for the future. Women’s basketball has arrived at Fordham.”

Fordham Wins

Rams Tradition Begins Now!
Fordham’s First Post-Season Victory Since 1980

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 23- The slogan “Tradition begins now” adopted by the women’s basketball program at Fordham University at the start of this season has proven to be quite prophetic. The Rams, after 16 consecutive losing seasons, have compiled the second highest total of victories in the history of the program.

Its list of successes this year is unique since the university joined the Atlantic-10 conference in 1995. Veteran coach Stephanie Gaitley, in only her second year at the helm of the team, has created a culture of success under a leadership of decency that hopefully will set a tone that will be followed in the future.

Its season of achievement has led the Rams to be invited to a post-season tournament for the first time since 1995. One day after being denied an automatic entrance to the NCAA Women’s National Tournament by a one point loss, 47-46, to St. Joseph’s in the final of the Atlantic-10 Championship, the Rams were one of 64 invitees to the WNIT.

In the first round on Thursday night, March 20, the Rams hosted Army (22-7) at the Rose Hill Gym on Fordham’s Bronx campus. The Black Knights received an automatic berth as they were the regular season champions of the Patriot League.

Both teams started the slowly and missed most shot, perhaps because of nerves or effective defense. The two were highly ranked this season nationally for their scoring defense; Army ranked 7th in the nation and Fordham ranked 16th as the stingiest in surrendering points.

The Black Knights were the first to reach double digits as a three by Jen Hazlett gave them an 11-6 advantage at 13:09. A basket by sensational freshman Kelsey Minato raised Army’s lead to a game high six, 15-9. The Rams then awoke and scored 15 unanswered points to take their game high advantage, 24-15 with 2:34 left in the first half.

On a 9-2 scoring run, Army knotted the score at 26 with 15:40 remaining in the contest. After a third tie at 28, the Rams led through the remainder of the second half. The action was intense and physical as each team made a supreme effort to gain the victory. Fordham treated its fans to a joyous experience by earning a 55-46 victory.
The Fordham starters, with the exception of freshman Samantha Clarke who sat out much of the game, contributed mightily to the win. Abigail Corning achieved a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Graduating players Marah Strickland (15) and Arielle Collins (14) netted double digits. Erin Rooney fell short of double figures but led with six assists and showed her defensive capabilities with four steals. Gaitley said of Rooney’s contribution, “With Erin, there was a lot of residue from Saturday’s game. It’s a testament to her.”
Minato, Patriot League Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, played outstandingly with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Her backcourt mate, Anna Simmers, played equally well, 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Gaitley explained the importance of the twosome, “We’re a really disciplined team. The key to the game was to make things tough for 5 [Minato] and 25 [Simmers].”

With its win, Fordham moved to round two of the tournament. The Rams will play host to Boston University (24-5), the victor of Sacred Heart in round one on Saturday afternoon, March 22 in the Bronx.

Gaitley had high hopes for her team, “I think we’re going to be much better on Saturday. We needed to get this game out of our system.”

Bronx News Sports: No three-peat for Mustangs

Bronx News Sports: No three-peat for Mustangs: By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, March 22- The Monroe Mustangs women's basketball team will not three-peat. After a ferocio...

No three-peat for Mustangs

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 22- The Monroe Mustangs women's basketball team will not three-peat. After a ferocious effort, the two-time defending national champs who came to the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships as a #9-seed, were narrowly defeated 53-50 by the top seeded Mesa Thunderbirds in Thursday's quarterfinal.  

So Monroe will play in the loser's bracket against (#12) South Suburban (IL) beginning at 3:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. EST) on Friday.  If they win, they will face #6 Highland (KS) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. EST) for fifth place in the tournament. 

"It was a great game," Coach James Robinson Jr. said in an interview. "It could have (gone) either way. We put ourselves in a position to defend our national championship. I'm proud of my girls. They gave it all they got." 

Down by six at the half, Monroe was able to capture a few slim leads in the second half, but were not able to sustain them. After All-AmericanJasmine McRoy put back a Ly'Nasha Frazier miss with 2:20 to go, the Mustangs were down by a point, 51-50, but they did not convert their opportunities down the stretch.

The game was a defensive battle from the start with neither team able to establish the things that earned their reputations. Mesa was not in their comfort zone, able to move the ball to the open man and Monroe was never really able to get their up-tempo offense in gear. The Thunderbirds finished below their 60-point scoring average and Monroe was well below it's 70-point average.

Frazier led Monroe with 13 points, McRoy had 12, and Danielle Forrest had 10. Monroe had a 42-35 rebounding edge, with Tiara Brown capturing 14 of them, high for either team.  Mesa shot 12 free throws while the Mustangs shot only 6, which was one of the keys in the game.

"It's a tough loss because we're built as national champions at Monroe, that's what we do," Coach Robinson said. "When we come up short, we feel it, it's a sting. But we'll bounce back.  We've got another game tomorrow at 3:00 and we'll show the championship caliber of basketball that we're capable of playing."

Tip-off on Friday is slated for 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. in NY. If Monroe wins they play Saturday at 2:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. EST) for fifth place in the nation and if not, their season will be over.

"We'll persevere," he said. "The way I see the girls, we'll be back next year.  We'll work hard enough to do it."

Monroe hosted 60 children from the South Side Mission, who they had visited a day earlier. They came to the game to root for Monroe, sporting the caps the Mustangs distributed and autographed.

Bronx News Sports: Mustangs Show Heart

Bronx News Sports: Mustangs Show Heart: Claw Back to Win Round 1 By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, March 20 - It looked for all the world like the dream of a three-pe...

Mustangs Show Heart

Claw Back to Win Round 1

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 20- It looked for all the world like the dream of a three-peat was dying. Flat-footed and down by 22 points to a top-flight (#8 seed) Iowa Central team in the first half of their first round game in the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships, the (#9 seed) Monroe Mustangs women's basketball team hustled and clawed their way back to an 87-84 win that spoke volumes about their resolve and their moxie as defending two-time national champs.  

The Tritons led 31-9 with 8:52 to go in the first half as Monroe was being out-classed by Iowa Central shooters who seemed to be hitting from all corners of the court.

"In these games you have to reach inside yourself and decide how you want it to go," said Coach James Robinson Jr. "We decided we weren't going to try to come back all at once, but chip away as best we could. Getting it down to nine points at the half let us know that we could get it done. There's no doubt the experience of our sophomores was a big factor."

Predictably, Monroe's comeback was led by All-American Jasmine McRoy, who was the game's high-scorer with 24 points, despite an uneven first-half and off night from the foul line (1/6). But McRoy's stablity and leadership in handling the ball and creating on offense was indispensable. When she hit a four-point play (a three-pointer and foul shot) to cut the lead to 52-51 with 12:55 left, the signal was sent that the game was up for grabs.

Even though Iowa again extended the lead to nine, Monroe got a big contribution during crunch time from sophomore Ly'Nasha Frazier, who had her biggest game of the year, scoring 19 points and dishing for four assists. The best of it was in a stretch in the second half when she found the stroke on two three-pointers and showed confidence in the lane and at the line. It was a sign that Frazier had come all the way back from a difficult knee injury that sidelined her for last year's nationals and forced a lengthy rehab that lasted well into this season.  

Another soph who showed her big-game savvy, undoubtedly picked up in part from last year's championship run, was Christina Jones, who had 12 points and five rebounds, much of it during Monroe's furious second half run.

Monroe had a huge rebounding advantage in the game, 56-40.  Brianna Perlmutter nabbed 14 of them.

"Anyone who thinks this is not a team sport, doesn't know Monroe women's basketball," Coach Robinson said. "You can look up and down our bench and see contributions from everyone. We look at obstacles and as a team navigate our way around them or through them and that's why we won today."

The task for the 23-7 Mustangs is about to get tougher. After a day off on Wednesday, they will face Mesa (AZ), the tournament's #1 seed in round two on Thursday beginning at 6:00pm (7:00pm EST). 

The Mustangs will be making good use of their time off on Wednesday. They plan to visit the South Side Mission to support the youngsters there with homework help and some on-court fun.

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Will Honor Sandy Hook Victims

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Will Honor Sandy Hook Victims: BRONX, NEW YORK, March 20 - The New York Yankees announced that they will honor the community of Newtown and the memory of those lo...

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Will Honor Sandy Hook Victims

Bronx News Sports: Yanks Will Honor Sandy Hook Victims: BRONX, NEW YORK, March 20 - The New York Yankees announced that they will honor the community of Newtown and the memory of those lo...

Yanks Will Honor Sandy Hook Victims

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 20- The New York Yankees announced that they will honor the community of Newtown and the memory of those lost in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

On Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on April 1, the Yankees and their opponents, the Boston Red Sox, will stand together in dedicating the game to the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting, their families and the greater community of Newtown. Pregame ceremonies will feature joint honor guards of Newtown police and firefighters, along with a moment of silence, during which a list of the Sandy Hook victims’ names will be recognized on the center-field video board.

The Yankees and Red Sox will wear a special ribbon on their uniforms for Opening Day to honor those lost and those affected by the tragedy. This ribbon will also be prominently painted on the field in front of both dugouts. To show Major League Baseball’s solidarity in remembering the victims, their families and the greater community of Newtown, Commissioner Bud Selig has asked the 28 other teams to follow suit in wearing the ribbon during their respective Opening Day games.

On Sunday, July 7, approximately 3,000 children, families and members of the Newtown community will be invited to celebrate summer recess by attending the Yankees’ 1:05 p.m. game vs. Baltimore. The Yankees have proclaimed the date “Newtown Day at Yankee Stadium” and look forward to hosting members of the community at a time of year after the school calendar is complete that allows for the most children and families to be able to attend.

“On Opening Day, we will reflect upon more important things and play the game to honor the community of Newtown,” said Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. “Since the day of the tragedy, our hearts and thoughts have been with those who were affected. We hope that bringing the families of Newtown together at Yankee Stadium later in the summer will give the community an opportunity to create new memories and aid in the difficult process of moving forward.”

“Months have passed, yet we are still trying to come to grips with this incomprehensible tragedy,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John W. Henry. “As our teams look to face each other on Opening Day, we will stand united in support of the families affected as we remember and honor those who were lost.”

“The Yankees organization has supported our community in several ways since the tragic events of December 14,” said Pat Llodra, First Selectman, Town of Newtown. “Their generosity and compassion during this difficult time means a lot to all of us. We also would like to thank Commissioner Selig, the Red Sox and Major League Baseball for this meaningful tribute to our community.”

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Honors Hoops Greats

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Honors Hoops Greats: (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, March 18- On March 16, the inaugural class of the Atlantic-10 Men’s a...

Fordham Honors Hoops Greats

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 18- On March 16, the inaugural class of the Atlantic-10 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Legends were feted at the 40/40 Club within Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The celebratory awards brunch recognized each of the honorees. One male and one female represented the outstanding basketball history of each of the 16 colleges/universities that comprise the 2013 Atlantic-10.

Fordham’s two honorees are among the elites of college basketball. Anne Gregory O’Connell was the finest female hoopster in the long history of Fordham University. The Bronx native did not travel far to enroll in college. She entered Fordham after graduating from Monsignor Scanlan High School. Once at Fordham, she rewrote the college’s history book in women’s basketball.

During her years at Fordham, she not only established school career marks for points, 2,548, and rebounds, 1,999, that still stand, but was a leader who brought her team great success in each of her four years. As a freshman, her skill led Fordham to the Eastern AIAW Small College state tourney. The team had even more success in her sophomore year as they reached the AIAW Small College National Tournament. Her last two seasons were years of even higher achievement for the team as they won the New York State crown and in her senior year captured the AIAW Eastern Regional title.

During O’Connell’s years at Fordham, 1976-1980, the women’s team achieved its higher number of victories (91) for a four year period. Her accomplishments were not forgotten at Fordham as six years after her graduation, she was deservedly the first female inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2009, she became the first female athlete at Fordham to have her number (55) retired.

The current high school guidance counselor maintains a strong loyalty to Fordham. She regularly attends women’s games at the Rose Hill campus .Both of her sons graduated from Fordham and one, Andrew, is currently Assistant Sports Information Director (SID) at the university.

Johnny Bach, the male Fordham legend earned his award at the place of his birth, Brooklyn. Eighteen years after his birth, July10, 1924, Bach began his studies and a place on the basketball squad at Fordham. His degree in economics awarded by Fordham came in 1948. In the years between1943-1947, Bach attended Brown University, the University of Rochester and served in the U.S. Navy. His impressive play on the Rams during the 1947-8 season earned him team MVP honors and a draft notice from the Boston Celtics. After two years of pro basketball, Bach took the helm of the Rams.

At the age of 27, Bach began a lengthy and distinguished coaching career. His first 18 years of coaching was at his Alma Mater, Fordham. His teams in the Bronx compiled an outstanding 263-193 mark. In seven of those seasons, Bach led the Rams to post-season tournaments.

After his very successful stint at Fordham, Bach coached at Penn State. During the decades of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, Bach coached in the NBA as a head and assistant. His highest pro accomplishment came in the years 1991-3, when he served as an influential assistant to head Coach Phil Jackson during three consecutive NBA championship seasons for the Chicago Bulls.

Bach retired from basketball in 2006. He has since become an accomplished painter. Although the 88 year-old was unable to attend the ceremony, his accomplishments were not forgotten.

Four of the other A-10 male legends have been previously enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Arnold “Red” Auerbach, John Chaney, Tom Gola and “Tony” Hinkle.

Atlantic-10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade saluted the men and women with the following tributes. Of the women she said, “Individually each legend has become a role model for others as they competed and benefitted from Title IX to elevate women’s basketball within the A-10 and nationally.”

Her tribute to the men included the following words, “Each of these honorees is part of the fabric of A-10 history and we’re thrilled to be able to honor them.”

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Overpower UMASS

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Overpower UMASS: BRONX, NEW YORK, March 18- A five-run sixth inning, and seven shutout innings on the mound from Scott McClennan (Highland Mills, N.Y./Co...

Jaspers Overpower UMASS

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 18- A five-run sixth inning, and seven shutout innings on the mound from Scott McClennan (Highland Mills, N.Y./Cornwall), led the Manhattan baseball team to a 7-1 victory over Massachusetts in the final game of the “Strike Out Cancer” Tournament at Seton Hall. The Jaspers (6-9) went 3-1 on the weekend, splitting two games with the host Pirates while sweeping the Minutemen.

As was the case for most of the weekend, a pitchers duel ensued at Owen T. Carroll Field with neither squad mustering much of a threat through the first five innings. Despite UMASS getting a runner on base in all but one inning, McClennan did not allow a anyone past second base in his seven innings of work. Minutemen starter Jordan Pace was solid through his first five frame allowing just three singles before Manhattan broke through.

Entering the top of the sixth in a 0-0 tie, Nick Camastro (Lagrangeville, N.Y./Arlington) led off with a single to center before Aidan John O’Leary (Portsmouth, N.H./Portsmouth) laid down a bunt single to put runners at first and second with nobody out. Kyle Murphy (Waterbury, Conn./Holy Cross) also singled up the middle for the Jaspers but UMASS centerfield Kellen Pagel misplayed the ball, allowing Camastro to score to give Manhattan a 1-0 lead on the error.

The Jaspers would not let up as Ramon Ortega (Miami, Fla./Christopher Columbus) singled to bring in another run before Brendan Slattery (Danbury, Conn./Brookfield) doubled home two more, leaving the score 4-0 Manhattan with one on and nobody out. After a pop up off the bat of Vin Teixeira (Hamden, Conn./Hamden Hall Country Day) registered the first out of the frame, freshman Chris Reynolds (Wall, N.J./St. Rose) singled home Slattery for the final run of the inning.

McClennan did not allow the Minutemen to regain any momentum, working around a two out single from Nik Campero in the bottom half of the frame. After the Jaspers went in order in the top of the seventh, UMASS looked to go to work in the home half. A leadoff double from Dylan Begin was quickly erased when McClennan picked him off at second for the first out. Pagel would single and steal second to keep the threat alive, but two quick fly outs ended the inning leaving Manhattan up 5-0 after seven.

The Jaspers would add an insurance run in the top of the eighth when Joe Rock (Carmel, N.Y./Kennedy Catholic) worked a bases loaded walk with nobody out to go up 6-0. UMASS would work out of it though as Manhattan left the bases loaded. They would get one more tally in the top of the ninth as Reynolds laced a two out, RBI single up the middle to plate Murphy.

After Michael Scarini (Nanuet, N.Y./Pearl River) tossed a perfect eighth, freshman Chris Liquori (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo) came on to seal the deal in the ninth for Manhattan. He would get Campero to ground out weekly back to the mound for the first out before Adam Picard homered to left for the Minutemen’s only run of the game. A Pagel ground out would follow before Liquori walked the bases loaded with two outs. The rookie was able regain his composure and induced a game ending fly out to left.

McClennan (1-1) got his first win of the season allowing only four hits through seven innings walking three and striking out two. Pace (1-1) took the loss for UMASS giving up six runs in seven innings on 11 hits while striking out four.

McClennan was one of two Jaspers named the All-Tournament Team, along with fellow starting pitcher Michael Martin (Massapequa, N.Y./Chaminade) who also tossed seven shutout innings against UMASS.

Manhattan will now turn their attention to conference play as they take on Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) rival Iona in a three game this coming weekend. The series begins on Sat., March 23 with a double header starting at noon and concludes on Sun. March 24 with one game beginning at noon in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Bronx News Sports: Manhattan’s Marathon Men

Bronx News Sports: Manhattan’s Marathon Men: Jaspers Prevail in 13-Innings over Seton Hall BRONX, NEW YORK, March 16- It took 13 innings, and nearly four and a half hours, but ...

Manhattan’s Marathon Men

Jaspers Prevail in 13-Innings over Seton Hall

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 16- It took 13 innings, and nearly four and a half hours, but the Manhattan baseball team earned a 2-1 victory over Seton Hall in the first game of the “Strike Out Cancer” Tournament at Owen T. Carroll Field. Kyle Murphy’s (Waterbury, Conn./Holy Cross) RBI single in the top of the 13th broke a 1-1 tie before Kevin Bonanni (Plainview, N.Y./Plainview JFK) set down the Pirates (3-10) in order in the bottom of the frame to seal the victory.

A pitcher’s duel throughout, the Jaspers (4-8) had to battle back after Seton Hall pushed a run across in the bottom of the third. After Zack Granite reached on a walk from Manhattan starter John Soldinger (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore), Mike Genovese singled to put two on with one out. A wild pitch would later move both runners up before Scott Kalamar hit a sacrifice fly to center for 1-0 advantage.

Both pitchers remained on their game through five innings of work with Soldinger retiring the next eight batters he faced after the run scored. Meanwhile, Seton Hall starter Josh Prevost was tossing a gem, not allowing a single hit to Manhattan in the four innings. In the fifth, however, the Jaspers would break through. With nobody on and two outs, Andrew Gorecki (Smithtown, N.Y./St. Anthony’s) was hit by a pitch and later followed by a single to left from Yoandry Galan (Miami, Fla./Florida Christian). The ball was misplayed in left field by Zack Weigel, allowing Gorecki to score from first to tie the game.

Manhattan would threaten to break the deadlock in the top of the sixth, putting two runners on with two out. Jose Lopez would then come on in relief for Seton Hall and get out of the jam. The Pirates looked to take the lead back in the home half of the frame as well. After a lead off fly out, Kalamar singled back up the middle and later advanced to second on a failed pickoff attempt. Soldinger would get the next batter to pop out to centerfield before issuing consecutive walks, loading the bases with two outs. Michael Scarinci (Nanuet, N.Y./Pearl River) relieved the senior starter and struck out Weigel to end the inning.

Scarinci would work four scoreless innings in relief, including leaving the bases loaded in the seventh inducing an inning- ending fielder’s choice after giving up back-to-back walks. Manhattan also struggled to break through, getting just one base runner combined in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings.

As Seton Hall looked to walk-off in the bottom of the ninth, Scarinci retired the first two batters before letting up a single to Papaccio. After Jacob Marchus (Miami, Fla./Miami Palmetto) came on to pitch, Papaccio stole second before a walk put the winning run in scoring position with two outs. Marchus then induced an inning-ending line drive to center, sending the game into extras.

Each squad had their chances in the extra frames. The Pirates best opportunity came in the bottom of the 10th when pinch hitter Chris Selden led off with a bunt single. As Kyle Grimm looked to sacrifice his teammate into scoring position, Murphy threw out the lead runner at second for the first out of the inning. Despite a pinch runner stealing second, Marchus retired the next two batters in order, ending the threat.Manhattan was then left with a golden opportunity in the top of the 12th, loading the bases with nobody out. Murphy began the inning by working a full-count walk before consecutive singles from Christian Santisteban (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep) and a Joe McClennan (Highland Mills, N.Y./Cornwall) bunt single. But Brian Gilbert, the third pitcher of the night for Seton Hall, regained his composure and recorded back-to-back strike outs over Joe Rock (Carmel, N.Y./Kennedy Catholic) and Galan before retiring Nick Camastro (Lagrangeville, N.Y./Arlington) to get out of the jam.

Then, in the top of the 13th, Aidan John O’Leary (Portsmouth, N.H./Portsmouth) singled to lead things off before advancing on passed ball. After two quick outs left Manhattan with a runner in scoring position and two outs, Murphy laced a double into the right centerfield gap, scoring O’Leary and giving the Jaspers a 2-1 lead.

Bonanni, who pitched a scoreless 12th, set the Pirates down in order in the 13th securing the win. For Bonanni (1-0) it was his first decision of the year after four relief appearances. Soldinger finished the day tossing five and two-thirds allowing just one run on three hits, walking three and striking out three. Gilbert (0-3) took the loss for Seton Hall allowing four hits in his three innings of relief.

Manhattan continues their play in the “Strike Out Cancer” Tournament on Sat., March 16 with a double header. The Jaspers will take on Massachusetts at 12 p.m. before again facing off with Seton Hall at 3 p.m. in South Orange, N.J.

Bronx News Sports: Undefeated

Bronx News Sports: Undefeated: Bronx Boxer Could be a Contender By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, March 11- One bout on the undercard of the Tavoris Cloud-Bernar...

Undefeated

Bronx Boxer Could be a Contender

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 11- One bout on the undercard of the Tavoris Cloud-Bernard Hopkins IBF Light Heavyweight title tilt, held at Barclays Center on March 9, was of special interest to Bronx natives and residents. For Bronx born boxer Eddie Gomez 13 was a lucky number. The 20-year-old junior middleweight (13-0, 9 KO’s) kept his undefeated professional record intact with an impressive victory.

The opponent of Gomez in the scheduled eight-round light middleweight encounter on Saturday night was Javier Gomez (14-11, 10 KO’s), no relation. The latter Gomez is from Baja California in Mexico, where he fought all but one of his bouts.

For the fifth time in his short pro career, Gomez of the Bronx was able to end the bout in the first round. A left hook floored Gomez of Mexico. He rose from the canvas, but experienced second generation referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. stepped in and halted the bout at 1:17 of the initial round, the shortest lasting bout in young Gomez’s successful career.

The bout was not the first for Gomez in the new venue as he stopped Saul Benitez in the second round in the inaugural boxing card held at the great new arena on October 20, 2012. The Puerto Rican resident has fought six of his pro bouts in his new homeland. On August 19, 2011, Gomez thrilled family and friends from his pace of birth by gaining a TKO win over Marcus Hall in the Paradise Theater on the Grand Concourse. The fight was halted after Gomez floored his opponent three times in the opening round.

Gomez had the distinction of boxing at the world renowned Madison Square Garden in his most recent encounter on December 1, 2012. He won a six-round decision over previously unbeaten Luis Hernandez.

Gomez, following in the footsteps of his dad, trained as a boxer when in his young teens. While attending John F. Kennedy High School, he was training at the Juan LaPorte Boxing Club, both in the Bronx. Gomez, the youngest of nine siblings, compiled an outstanding amateur record including two Junior Olympic national Championships.

At the age of 17, Gomez won the 152-pound Open championship of the prestigious NY Daily News Golden Gloves tournament. In the title bout, Gomez won a unanimous decision over Long Islander Cletus Seldin, now also an undefeated pro.

Shortly after that win, Gomez signed a professional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Former world champion Oscar de la Hoya spoke words of welcome and praise for his newly signed boxer, “Eddie Gomez is part of the new breed of fighter coming into this sport and we’re very excited about signing him with Golden Boy. He can do it all in the ring, he’s exciting, charismatic and fans are going to love him.”

The Garifuna-American boxer is a true source of pride not only to those born in the Bronx, but to his people from the Caribbean and to his parents who were born in Honduras.

The headline bout of the exciting evening that drew a crowd of 12,293 made boxing history. Bernard Hopkins (53-6-2, 32 KO’s) defeated Tavoris Cloud (14-1, 19 KO’s) in a 12-round unanimous decision to win the IBF Light Heavyweight title, becoming the oldest fighter to capture a recognized world championship in the history of the sport.

In a post-fight press conference the 48-year-old champion declared, “Cloud is a gutsy young champion…But I’ve got a history. I’ve got a history of destroying young champions.”

The next highly anticipated pro boxing event to be held at Barclays will take place on April 7, 2013. The headline bout will be a showdown between Danny Garcia and Zab Judah for the super Lightweight title.

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Earn Major Awards at MAAC Postseason Banqu...

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Earn Major Awards at MAAC Postseason Banqu...: BRONX, NEW YORK, March 8-  Manhattan College junior Rhamel Brown (Brooklyn, N.Y./Transit Tech) was named the 2012-13 Metro Atlantic At...

Jaspers Earn Major Awards at MAAC Postseason Banquet

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 8- Manhattan College junior Rhamel Brown (Brooklyn, N.Y./Transit Tech) was named the 2012-13 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Defensive Player of the Year and freshman Shane Richards (New York, N.Y./York Prep) garnered Co-Rookie of the Year honors Thursday at the MAAC Postseason Awards Show at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Richards shared the award with Fairfield freshman forward Amadou Sidibe. The Jaspers earned the #6 seed at the MAAC Tournament, which is held at the MassMutual Center, and take on #3 Loyola on Saturday in the Quarterfinals at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN3.

Brown is only the third player in MAAC history to take the Defensive Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons. Last year, he became the first Jasper to receive the accolade. Brown dominated games with his defense this season as he blocked a

program record 88 shots, starting 25 of 29 games. He ranks 10th in the nation with 3.03 blocks per game, and he leads the MAAC averaging 3.7 against league opponents.

The 6'7", 230-pound forward from Brooklyn broke Manhattan's career blocks record this season, which stood for 35-years.

Brown surpassed Jasper great Steve Grant (220, 1974-78) as he enters the MAAC Tournament with 240 career rejections in three seasons. He ranks fourth on the MAAC's career blocks chart and is one shy of cracking the top-5 of the league's single

season list.

Brown finished the regular-season leading Manhattan with an 11.7 scoring average. He also led the MAAC with a 55.6 percent field goal shooting percentage and ranked fifth in the conference with 7.1 rebounds per game. One of the most unique players in

MAAC history with his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, Brown had five double-doubles and nearly recorded a triple-double on several occasions. He had four career-high seven block performances this season. Brown delivered an 18-point, 15 rebound outburst in the season opener at #2 Louisville that put the Jaspers' big man on the national radar.

Richards is the ninth Manhattan player to earn the MAAC Rookie of the Year Award since the conference formed in 1981-82, marking the most ever from a single institution. He joins Manhattan Athletic Hall of Fame members Tim Cain (1981-82), Keith Bullock (1989-90) and Jason Hoover (1993-94) as Jaspers who were named MAAC Rookie of the Year.

The 6 foot 6 forward from New York City ranked second on the team averaging 9.2 points as he shot 40.9 percent from three-point range against MAAC opponents during the regular-season. Richards emerged as one of the top three-point threats in the league standing fifth with a 39.6 percent shooting percentage from downtown and he was sixth averaging 2.0 threes per game in 29 appearances.

Richards posted 11 double-digit scoring performances, leading the team in scoring seven times. He erupted for a career-high 19 points, shooting 7-for-8 from the field with four three-pointers in a win at Rider on Jan. 27. Richards hit 45 of his team-high 59 three-pointers against MAAC opponents.

Manhattan will meet Loyola for the fifth time in MAAC Tournament history as the Jaspers hold a 3-1 advantage over the Greyhounds in the postseason. The programs last met in the 2010 MAAC Tournament First Round as Manhattan rolled to a 94-79 victory in Albany, N.Y. Saturday's contest will be available to a national audience on ESPN3 and via the WatchESPN app.

Bronx News Sports: Manhattan Tops Loyola, 50-49,

Bronx News Sports: Manhattan Tops Loyola, 50-49,: Jaspers Move On to Face Marist BRONX, NEW YORK,  March 8- Monica Roeder (Marlton, N.J.) hit an eight-foot jumper as final buzzer sound...

Manhattan Tops Loyola, 50-49,

Jaspers Move On to Face Marist

BRONX, NEW YORK,  March 8- Monica Roeder (Marlton, N.J.) hit an eight-foot jumper as final buzzer sounded to give the Manhattan College women’s basketball team (8-22) a 50-49 victory over Loyola (12-18) in the first round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament at the MassMutual Center on Thursday afternoon. With the win, the Jaspers moved on to face top- seeded Marist (23-6) in Friday’s quarterfinals.

After a Roeder jumper put the Jaspers ahead 48-47 with 27 seconds left, Loyola called a timeout. Katie Sheahin then hit a jumper to give the Greyhounds the lead, 49-48, with 11 seconds remaining. On the ensuing Manhattan possession, Allison Skrec (Roselle, N.J.) missed a shot, but got her own rebound. Skrec missed again, but the ball went out-of-bounds off Loyola with less than a second to go. Manhattan Head Coach John Olenowski then used both of his remaining timeouts, and he drew up a play for Toni-Ann Lawrence (Elmont, N.Y.) off the inbounds pass. However, Skrec saw Roeder had an open look, and she released the shot just before the horn. The officials reviewed the video and confirmed that the bucket was good.

“I’ve never done it before. It feels good,” Roeder said about her game-winning shot. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Toni worked hard to get the defense directed towards her, and Allison made a nice pass to me.”

“There were plays down the stretch that were really outstanding,” Olenowski added. “We made the key baskets. Monica, of course, with the last one, but the one before that was just as key to take the lead.”

The game began as a defensive struggle, as baskets were hard to come by in the opening 20 minutes. With the score tied 6-6 at the 8:39 mark, Katie Reese (Mountain Lakes, N.J.) was fouled on a layup and sank the free throw to give Manhattan a 9-6 advantage. Loyola responded with six straight points to go up 12-9 before Reese drained a three-pointer to even the score at 12-12 with 3:04 left in the first half. The Greyhounds scored six of the next eight points to take an 18-14 lead, but Maggie Blair (Briarcliff, N.Y.) nailed a trey to trim the Jaspers’ deficit to one, 18-17, at intermission.

The Greyhounds got a three-pointer from Nicole Krusen to open the second half, but Manhattan immediately countered every Loyola bucket, evening the score at 28-28 on a Lawrence layup and free throw. Skrec then hit a layup to give the Jaspers a 30-28 lead before a pair of Sheahin layups put Loyola back in front, 32-30. Roeder responded with a trey to once again put Manhattan in front, but Sheahin sank a trey of her own on the other end to make it 35-33 in favor of the Greyhounds.

After Lawrence hit a jumper and Skrec nailed a three-ball to give Manhattan the lead, Alyssa Sutherland sank a trey for Loyola to tie it once again at 38-38. However, the Jaspers responded with a 6-0 run to open up the largest lead of the game for either side, a 44-38 advantage with 5:35 remaining. The Greyhounds stormed back, though, rallying for seven straight points to regain the lead, 45-44. Lawrence then sank a layup to put Manhattan back in front, 46-45, before a pair of Sheahin free throws gave Loyola a 47-46 cushion with 2:05 left.

“We knew that this game was going to be a really tough defensive battle,” Olenowski said. “In the second half, offensively both teams turned it up a notch. We had a really big goal of coming out of here with a win. We’re happy to get that win and really excited to get the opportunity to play Marist tomorrow.”

Lawrence led the Jaspers with 15 points and eight rebounds to go along with two blocks and two steals. Skrec added 11 points, all in the second half, six boards and five assists, while Roeder had 10 points, including the 1,000th of her career, and eight rebounds. Manhattan shot 35.8 percent (19-of-53) from the field and outrebounded Loyola 39-28. The Jaspers shot 40 percent (6-of-15) from long range and 75 percent (6-of-8) at the free throw line.

Sheahin tallied 13 points to pace the Greyhounds. She also tallied five rebounds, four assists and five steals. Kara Marshall contributed 11 points and four steals off the bench, while Nneka Offodile pulled down a team-high six rebounds. Loyola shot 35.4 percent (17-of-48) from the field, 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from three-point land, and 66.7 percent (10-of-15) at the charity stripe.

Manhattan will now take on the seven-time defending champion Red Foxes, who went a perfect 18-0 in conference play this season. Including the MAAC Tournament, Marist has won 67 of its last 69 games against conference opponents, with the only two losses coming against the Jaspers.

Bronx News Sports: Councilman King Cheers Evander on to Victory

Bronx News Sports: Councilman King Cheers Evander on to Victory: (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, March 7- PSAL boys playoff basketball continued this week with the...

Councilman King Cheers Evander on to Victory

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 7- PSAL boys playoff basketball continued this week with the second and quarter final rounds of the A division playing out this week.  

Number 2 seed Evander Childs beat visiting Number 15 seed John Bowne 71-53. The win advances Evander to a quarter-finals matchup against McKee Vocational Tech Thursday.  

Evander held a comfortable lead throughout much of the contest when an early 14-5 lead ballooned to 22-5 off of two quick three pointers and a layup in the final minutes of the first quarter.  Bowne showed fight, shaving a few points off Evander's lead, but the Tiger would answer every time, finally pulling away with a 54-34 lead with only seven minutes remaining.  

In attendance watching on his Tiger was former basketball alum and current city council member Andy King. 

Bronx News Sports: Can Boxing History Be Made at Barclays?

Bronx News Sports: Can Boxing History Be Made at Barclays?: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, March 6- The amazing Bernard “The Eexecutioner” Hopkins (56-6-2, 32 KO’s) will attempt to become t...

Can Boxing History Be Made at Barclays?

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 6- The amazing Bernard “The Eexecutioner” Hopkins (56-6-2, 32 KO’s) will attempt to become the oldest fighter to win a recognized world championship when he challenges undefeated Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-0, 19 KO’s) for the IBF Light Heavyweight title on March 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Hopkins celebrated his 48^th birthday on January 15.

After surviving a rough childhood and nearly five years in prison, Hopkins began his professional boxing career in 1988. Never easy to discourage, Hopkins rebounded from a light heavyweight loss in his pro debut to capture his next 23 bouts, all fought in the middleweight ranks.

His first world championship encounter was against Roy Jones, Jr. in 1993, which he lost by a 12-round decision. His second loss, like his first in 1988, was followed by a lengthy winning streak, 26 bouts. His first world’s title, the IBF middleweight, came during that streak on April 29, 1995, when he defeated Segundo Mercado.

A 12-round TKO victory over the legendary Felix “Tito”  Trinidad at Madison Square Garden earned Hopkins the undisputed middleweight crown 18 days after the 9/11 terrorist attack upon the United States.

Interestingly, Oscar De La Hoya, the promoter of the March 9 title tilt, was an unsuccessful opponent of Hopkins in 2004.

Hopkins, greatly able to verbally promote his bouts, said in a recent press conference, “I have broken records, quieted doubters and solidified my legacy. Now, I am going to do all of that again, but this time at the new Barclays Center in front of a large crowd of people that understand and appreciate the sport.”

In his first ring appearance in the northeast, Cloud, the IBF champion is standing in the shadows of the much greater known challenger. Rising from an impoverished and difficult childhood, Cloud found boxing to be his salvation.

After compiling a successful amateur record, Cloud turned pro in 2004. On August 28, 2009, he took his undefeated mark into a bout for the vacant IBF crown, which he won in a 12 round decision. Cloud has since successfully defended his title five times.

Saturday night’s title match and card, the second at Barclays, is being co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Don King Productions.

The co-feature bout is another 12 rounder between WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Champion Jan Zavecek (32-2, 18 KO’s) and his undefeated challenger Keith Thurman (19-0, 18 KO’s).The 36 year-old champion is only fighting in the U.S. for the second time in his lengthy career. His only previous bout in this country was a loss to Andre Berto.

The undercard will include several young local boxers, Eddie Gomez of the Bronx (12-0, 8 KO’s), Marcus Browne of Staten Island (2-0, 2 KO’s), Stevens Bujaj (8-0, 6 KO’s), Juan Dominguez (12-0, 8 KO’s) and Frank Galarza (8-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, who hope to keep their undefeated marks unblemished.

The championship encounters will be televised live by HBO beginning at 9:30 pm. Tickets for the event are priced at $25, 50, 100 and 200 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations and at Barclays.

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Enter MAAC as 6th Seed

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Enter MAAC as 6th Seed: RIVERDALE, BRONX, NEW YORK, March 4- The Manhattan men's basketball team was edged in its regular-season finale Sunday falling 6...

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Enter MAAC as 6th Seed

Bronx News Sports: Jaspers Enter MAAC as 6th Seed: RIVERDALE, BRONX, NEW YORK, March 4- The Manhattan men's basketball team was edged in its regular-season finale Sunday falling 6...

Jaspers Enter MAAC as 6th Seed

RIVERDALE, BRONX, NEW YORK, March 4- The Manhattan men's basketball team was edged in its regular-season finale Sunday falling 63-61 at Loyola (21-10, 12-6). Greyhounds' forward Erik Etherly set a career-high with 30 points as Manhattan's (12-17, 9-9) two-game win streak was snapped. The Jaspers were led in scoring by junior forward Rhamel Brown who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, marking his 18^th double-digit performance of the season.

Manhattan enters the 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament as the #6 seed. The Jaspers will have a rematch with #3 Loyola on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals in Springfield, Mass. at the MassMutual Center.

Etherly scored 19 of his 30 points by halftime as the Greyhounds carried a 39-35 lead into the locker room. He had half of Loyola's first half field goals, shooting 7-for-11 to anchor a 48.7% (14-29) effort.

The Jaspers got out of the gate quickly opening a six point lead three minutes into the game. Sophomore forward Donovan Kates buried a pair of free-throws after a technical foul was assessed to Loyola's sophomore guard R.J. Williams to give Manhattan an 8-2 advantage. Kates shot 7-for-7 from the free-throw line and had nine of his 11 points in the opening stanza.

Manhattan led for the majority of the first half before Loyola captured a lead in the last five minutes that it managed to hold on to. The Greyhounds scored nine straight points with Etherly posting seven. He tied the game for the ninth time with 4:51 on the clock in the first half on a free-throw, and then converted consecutive layups to give the Greyhounds a 36-30 cushion 2:27 before intermission.

The Greyhounds pieced together an 11-2 run to take its largest lead of the contest at 13:19 in the second half. Junior guard Dylon Cormier finished a layup through traffic to put Loyola on top 52-39. Cormier posted 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds in the contest.

The resilient Jaspers battled all the way back getting key buckets from senior guard Mohamed Koita and sophomore forward Emmy Andujar to make it a three point game with less than four minutes to play. Koita gave Manhattan a huge boost with back-to-back three-pointers. Four minutes later Andujar converted a layup to make it a 58-55 ballgame with 3:55 remaining.

The contest came down to only a few possessions, but two costly turnovers by the Jaspers helped Loyola withstand Manhattan's late rally. Cormier topped off a 6-for-7 free-throw shooting effort with a pair of free-throws with 1:50 remaining to open a six point advantage. Etherly's dunk with 17 seconds on the clock kept it a six point game allowing Loyola to escape.

Koita did not miss a shot as he finished with 10 points going 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. Andujar also had 10 points and a team-high three assists in 26 minutes off the bench.

Manhattan shot 50% (12-24) in the second half and finished the contest 46.7% (21-45) from the field. The Jaspers' stingy defense limited Loyola to only six field goals and a 37.5% (6-16) shooting mark in the final 20 minutes. It was the eighth straight game Manhattan held its opponent to fewer than 65 points.

The Jaspers are 3-1 in their four meetings with Loyola in the MAAC Championships. The programs last met in the 2010 MAAC Tournament First Round as Manhattan rolled to a 94-79 victory at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.