WAYNE, N.J. (March 10, 2010) – The Centenary baseball team (2-4) fell to in-state rival William Paterson (2-1-1), Wednesday at Pioneer Baseball Park in Wayne, N.J. The Cyclones gave up seven runs in the first three innings and were unable to come back en route to their third consecutive loss.

Senior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) went 2-for-4 while fellow classmates Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) and Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) and sophomore Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) each picked up a hit apiece. DeMaio and sophomores Randy Castillo (West New York, N.J./Memorial) and Shane Solimani (Lopatcong, N.J./Phillipsburg) all scored to account for Centenary’s runs.

Sophomore Johnny Veninata (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp.) got the start, going five innings and giving up 10 hits and seven runs, six earned, while striking out seven. Andrue Laguerre led the Pioneers, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Ryan Steidl went six innings, gave up three runs and one run and struck out five to get the win.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, March 13, with games against Susquehanna and PSU-Behrend as part of the Cyclones’ Spring Break trip to Ft. Pierce, Fla.

Boxscore

UNION, N.J. (March 9, 2010) – Playing their fifth game in four days, the Centenary baseball team struggled to get into a groove and fell to No. 4 Kean, 34-3, Tuesday in Union, N.J. With the loss, the Cyclones dropped to 2-3. KU picked up its fifth-consecutive win to improve to 5-1.

Led by junior JP Palmer (Belvidere, N.J./Belvidere), who went 2-for-4, Centenary mustered only nine hits. Sophomore Shane Solimani (Lopatcong, N.J./Phillipsburg) and freshman Steven Taggart (Dayton, N.J./South Brunswick) came off the bench to record a hit and an RBI apiece, while seniors Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) and Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) and junior Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) all scored for CC. Sophomore Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) started and gave up 12 runs, 10 earned, in just 3.1 innings.

Kean was led by Dave Zavistoski, who went 6-for-6 with four runs and three RBI. Julian Diaz pitched six strong innings, giving up only two runs, on earned.

The Cyclones return to action on Wednesday with a road contest at in-state rival William Paterson at 3:00 p.m.

Boxscore

FLEMINGTON, N.J. (March 7, 2010) The Centenary baseball team played its second double-header in two days, splitting a pair of games with Scranton University. The Cyclones (2-2) took the first game, winning 13-7 before falling to Scranton (1-1) in the second game, 9-6.

In the first game Centenary scored all 13 of its runs in the second and third innings. Sophomores Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills) and Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) each hit a home-run apiece and combined for eight RBI. Winning pitcher Chris Sisco (Monmouth Junction, N.J./South Brunswick) pitched five strong innings, surrendering only one hit and recording nine strikeouts. 

In the second game, it was Scranton this time who jumped out to a big lead, taking a 9-1 advantage into the fifth inning behind two home-runs from Chris Bligh. Centenary was able to cut into that lead and in their final at bat, Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East), Mike Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph’s) and Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) connected on three consecutive doubles to make the score 9-6, but Scranton’s Rocky Sawyer was able to end the rally and earn the Royals a split of the series.

Cordova finished the day going six-of-eight with four doubles while Chris Bligh of the Royals hit two home-runs and knocked in a total of six runs.

Next up for the Cyclones will be an away game against non-conference foe Kean University. Kean is ranked No. 3 amongst Division III baseball teams. The game is Tuesday, March 9 at 2:30 pm.


Game 1

Game 2

FLEMINGTON, N.J. (March 6, 2010) – The Centenary baseball team opened its season with a double-header against Purchase, splitting the two games, Saturday at Diamond Nation in Flemington, N.J. The Cyclones (1-1) won the first contest, 6-3, but the Panthers (1-1) took the second, 8-4.

Senior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph’s Regional) and sophomores Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) and Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) combined to go 7-for-13 with two home runs, two doubles, eight RBI and eight runs in the two contests.

In the first game, DeSomma finished 2-for-3 with four RBI, including a go-ahead three-run home run in the fifth inning to break a 3-3 tie. Junior pitcher Dan Chapman (River Vale, N.J./Pascack Valley) threw a career-high 5.2 innings to pick up the win while sophomore Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) closed out the game for his first career save.

Purchase scored two runs to open the second contest before Centenary answered with one of its own in the bottom of the first. The Panthers put three more on the board in the top of the third to go up 5-1, but CC was able to answer again, as Fasano hit a two-run homer in the bottom half of fourth the inning to cut the advantage to two. The Cyclones were unable to complete the comeback, however, as PC tallied two in the fifth and one in the sixth to come away with the 8-4 victory. Sophomore Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) gave up four earned runs in five innings to take the loss.

Centenary returns to action on Sunday with a double-header against Scranton at Diamond Nation, starting at noon.

Game 1

Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (February 26, 2010) – The Centenary baseball team was picked to finish fourth in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) preseason poll after a vote by league coaches, it was announced Thursday. The Cyclones earned 31 points, trailing Keystone (49), Gwynedd-Mercy (39) and Neumann (32). KC, the defending champion, received all seven first-place votes.

Centenary finished the 2009 season 15-20-1, including a 7-8 mark in conference action. The Cyclones earned a berth to the CSAC Tournament, falling to eventual winner Keystone in their first game and the losing a heartbreaker, 10-9, to Gwynedd-Mercy in their second contest.

CC returns First Team All-CSAC performers in seniors Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) and Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) as well as Honorable Mention winners in junior Dan Chapman (River Vale, N.J./Pascack Valley) and senior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool).

Fasano and sophomore Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) were each named to the New Jersey College Baseball Association (NJCBA) All-State Third Team and sophomores Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional), Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) and Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) earned All-Rookie Team honors. DeMaio was also recognized as a Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove outfielder by the American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA).

Centenary will open its season on Thursday, March 4, at in-state rival William Paterson at 3:00 p.m.

2010 CSAC Baseball Preseason Poll

In his first season as Centenary’s baseball coach, Scott Kushner led a bittersweet campaign. The team overcame a slow start against nationally ranked opponents to finish the year playing their best ball of the season, going 11-8-1 over their final 20 games. Ultimately, the 2009 campaign came to a close in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) playoffs with a thrilling back-and-forth 10-9 affair against Gwynedd-Mercy. This gut-wrenching loss has only served as inspiration for the 2010 season.

Gone is starting pitcher Andrew Koncen, who earned First Team All-CSAC and New Jersey College Baseball Association (NJCBA) All-State Third Team honors after his senior campaign, but the Cyclones return many players who put together a noteworthy 2009. Seniors Mark DeMaio and Mike Fasano each were named to the All-CSAC First Team while junior Dan Chapman and senior Andrew Granozio received Honorable Mention accolades.

Fasano and sophomore Jordan Wright were each named to the NJCBA All-State Third Team and sophomores Chris Smith, Mark Tanis and Mark Delannoy earned All-Rookie Team honors. DeMaio was also recognized as a Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove outfielder by the American Baseball Coaches’ Association (ABCA).

The starting pitching staff is headlined by veteran Matt Devenny, who leads a young staff as the lone senior hurler. He is joined by a pair of sophomore lefties, Chris Sisco and Delannoy, who combined for four wins and 33 strikeouts in 2009. Junior transfer Bryan Bailey and sophomore Johnny Veninata are right-handers who will also vie for a spot in the starting rotation. 

“Devenny was an inning-eater last season, pitching 40 plus inning in eight appearances,” said Kushner. “Sisco and Delannoy are each capable of being frontline conference starters. They have strong fastballs and a variety of plus-offspeed pitches. Bailey is a hard thrower with lots of movement on his pitches, while Veninata unleashes a curveball that tends to buckle the knees of opposing hitters.”

The bullpen is deep with quality arms as well. Chapman made seven appearances and finished with an ERA of 3.18 while Tanis pitched 10 times and recorded an ERA of 3.07. The team is also excited about the additions of sophomore transfers Donny Bunce and Shane Solimani, from Burlington County College and Northampton Community College, respectively. Junior Lou Penna, Centenary’s starter at centerfield last season, has also proven to be a reliable pitcher and will be used out of the pen.

“Chapman and Tanis were lights out last year and will return as the go-to guys out of the pen,” said Kushner. “Bunce, Solimani and Penna have all shown filthy stuff off the mound. Bunce has a deceptively powerful fastball while Penna and Solimani have strong arms and sharp sliders. Freshman Chris Campbell is a change-of-pace lefthander whose stuff will contrast nicely with our otherwise right-hand heavy bullpen.”

Freshmen Chris Zaneski, Dylan Kemmerer and Kyle Bayse showed promise during the Fall season and have been improving steadily through the Spring.

Centenary returns more than 80 percent of its offense, including DeMaio, Granozio and Fasano. DeMaio led the team with a .381 batting average (45-of-118) while also contributing 22 runs, 15 RBI and four doubles. Fasano was the team leader in runs, (30), RBI (29), doubles (eight) and home runs (five) and was second on the team in batting average, hitting .379 (36-of-95). Granozio finished 2009 with an average of .310 (36-of-116), along with 26 runs, 20 RBI, five doubles, one triple and one home run.

“The offensive lineup will have a lot of different looks this year, but in all variations it should remain potent,” said Kushner. 

Handling the pitching staff will be a trio of catchers in junior Brian Lemay, sophomore Anthony DeSomma and freshman Andy Rogers. Lemay was second on the squad with 131 putouts and finished with a fielding percentage of .967. DeSomma hit .319 (15-of-47) last season and tallied 11 RBI, five runs and one double.

“Lemay has a quick and accurate release from behind the plate that should keep opposing baserunners at bay,” said his head coach. “DeSomma had a taste of success last year and has taken some important steps to build off of his achievements, not the least of which was reporting to spring practice stronger, faster and more agile than a year ago. Rogers has loads of potential, both as a hitter and as a backstop. His strength and athleticism could earn him a great deal of playing time this season.”

Fasano will get the bulk of the starts at first base with junior Jose Cordova and Wright serving as a backup. All three saw action in 2009, as Cordova hit .316 (24-of-76) with 21 RBI, 12 runs, three doubles and two home runs and Wright went 24-of-72 (.333) with 21 RBI, 12 runs, five doubles and one home run.

“Fasano enjoyed his best year as a Cyclone last season and looks to cap off a tremendous career with a strong senior campaign,” said Kushner. “Cordova will also share time at the DH position as his bat is a powerful weapon that will undoubtedly find its way into the starting lineup. Wright proved himself to be a valuable left-handed hitting commodity last season and he has only gotten better. He will also see time in the outfield and at the DH spot.”

The middle infield will be comprised of seniors DeMaio, Mark Cerrachio and Sal Prestigiacomo along with Smith. Cerrachio moved from third to shortstop to take over for the graduated Jayson Loder and brings his smooth fielding skills with him. In limited action last season, Cerrachio finished with 33 assists, 11 putouts and just one error for a fielding percentage of .978. Prestigiacomo will see action at second and DH and should see his opportunities increase this season after being very productive at the plate last year, hitting .313 (10-of-32). Smith will pull double duty on either side of the second base bag. His defensive versatility is a valuable asset and his swing is now making him an offensive threat as well. DeMaio, the 2009 starter at left field, will alternate between outfield and second in an effort to capitalize on his tremendous range as well as give the team some intriguing lineup flexibility.

The hot corner will be manned by sophomores Matt Andrews and Solimani.

“Andrews was a pleasant surprise last year as he quietly proved himself to be one of the most productive hitters in our lineup,” said Kushner. “Solimani has a strong arm and a very powerful stroke and could provide some pop in the heart of the order.”

The outfield may have experienced the greatest improvement in terms of depth. Starters Penna, DeMaio and Granozio all return for another year, all three of which are vital members to the offense. DeMaio finished with a fielding percentage of .982, including 13 assists and Granozio started every game last season in right field. Sophomore Randy Castillo has enhanced every facet of his game and will continue to be a valuable asset as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. Freshmen Steven Taggart and Pat Williams and junior transfer J.P. Palmer round out the outfield. 

“Taggart is outstanding at tracking down fly balls with his speed and knack for getting a great jump,” said Kushner. “Williams provides speed as well and has potential as a lefty hitter. Palmer not only hunts balls down in the outfield but has a strong arm as well, making him a likely candidate as a defensive replacement and occasional starter.”

Centenary will open the season with a double header against Rowan on February 28, before heading back to Ft. Pierce, Fla., over spring break. CSAC play begins March 19 as the team takes on an addition to the conference lineup, Immaculata.

The Cyclones will be playing their home games at two new fields, both of which are beautiful places to play. Weekday home games will take place at Diamond Nation in Flemington, N.J., and weekend double headers will be held at TD Bank Park in Somerset, N.J. 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (January 27, 2010) – The Centenary baseball team will host a beefsteak dinner and food drive to kick off its 2010 campaign on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, N.J., head coach Scott Kushner announced.

The all-you-can-eat affair will take place in Starr Hall at the United Methodist Church, located at 213 Main Street in Hackettstown. Fans are asked to bring canned food, which will be donated to the church.

The cost of a ticket is $35.00 if you order your tickets early, or $40.00 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Centenary baseball program. T-shirts, hats, gift certificates and many other prizes will be auctioned off during the dinner and fans will have the opportunity to meet the team.

Centenary finished the 2009 campaign 15-20-1 and 7-8 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC). The team earned a berth to the CSAC Tournament, falling to eventual champion Keystone in their first game and Gwynedd-Mercy in their second.

To reserve a spot at the dinner, print out the form below and mail it in with your check to:
Scott Kushner
Baseball Office
400 Jefferson Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Centenary Baseball Beefsteak Dinner Flyer

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (June 5, 2009) – Centenary senior pitcher Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic), junior first baseman Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) and freshman designated hitter Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) all earned Division III All-State Third Team honors from the New Jersey College Baseball Association (NJCBA). It was the second award for Koncen and Fasano, as they were each named to the All-Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) First Team.

Freshmen Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt), Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) and Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) were all named to the NJCBA Division III All-Rookie team.

Koncen finished the season 3-6 with a 3.91 ERA in 11 appearances. He pitched a team-high four complete games while leading the team with 52 strikeouts, which was third-best in the conference. He also recorded his first career save in Centenary’s 10-7 win over Marywood on April 17.

Fasano led team in home runs (five), RBI (29), total bases (59), doubles (eight), runs (30) and slugging percentage (.621). He was second on the team and 13th in the conference with a .379 batting average (36-for-95). He led the CSAC with 13 hit by pitches and recorded an on-base percentage of .512, best on the team and third in the conference. He stole 11 bases in 13 attempts and finished with 153 putouts, nine assists and a fielding percentage of .982.

Wright hit .333 (24-for-72) with 12 runs, five doubles, one home run and 21 RBI. He slugged .444, walked seven times and recorded an on-base percentage of .422. Delannoy finished the season 4-1 with a 4.03 ERA in seven appearances. He led team in wins and pitched two complete games. Smith appeared in 32 games, starting 26, and hit .264 (24-for-91). He scored 17 runs, hit five doubles and knocked in 12 runs. He also walked 10 times. Tanis appeared in 10 games, starting two, and finished 2-3 with a 3.07 ERA. He pitched 29.1 innings, giving up only 10 earned runs while striking out 11.

2009 Division II and III NJCBA All-State Teams

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 19, 2009) – Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) earned a 2009 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)-Rawlings Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove, the organization announced Monday. DeMaio was stellar for the Cyclones in left field, leading Centenary outfielders with 13 assists. He also ranked in the top five of CSAC outfielders in that category.

The award marks the second postseason honor for DeMaio, as he was named First Team All-CSAC as well. He recorded 43 putouts and only one error in 34 games to post a fielding percentage of .982. He had two double plays, tops among Centenary outfielders. At the plate, the junior led the team with a .381 batting average (45-for-118) with 22 runs, four doubles, 15 RBI and 24 stolen bases. He made several highlight-reel catches during the season, including a catch over the wall in the team’s conference tournament game against eventual champion Keystone to take away a grand slam.

2009 ABCA-Rawlings All-Mid-Atlantic Region Awards

BOYERTOWN, Pa. (May 9, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (15-20-1, 0-2 CSAC Tournament) held leads of 3-0 and 8-5, but it wasn’t enough as Gwynedd-Mercy (22-14, 1-1 CSAC Tournament) came from behind to win, 10-9, in the elimination game of the CSAC Tournament. Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) finished 3-for-5 with a run, an RBI and several highlight reel catches to lead the Cyclones.

“Every team in the country ends their season with a loss, except the team that wins the championship,” said head coach Scott Kushner. “It’s never easy, but how you play that last game, how you lose that last game determines how you feel about yourself and the team going into the offseason. It hurts, but I am proud as hell of my guys because they battled through so much, plays that didn’t go our way, calls that didn’t go our way, the other team fighting back and taking the lead, but we kept battling back. It’s the kind of game you want to end on, you just wish it was a win.”

A GMC error led to three Centenary runs in the first inning. DeMaio led off with a single and was bunted to second by senior Jayson Loder (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty). After junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) grounded out to third, Griffins shortstop Scott Carroll was unable to corral the grounder from Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional), allowing DeMaio to score. Sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) and freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) walked to load the bases and second baseman Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) brought two more home with a single.

But the 3-0 lead was short-lived, as Gwynedd-Mercy scored three in the third to tie the game and then took the lead on Nick Goetz’s two-run homer in the fourth.

Centenary’s bats came alive in the fifth as the team batted around. DeMaio opened the inning by grounding out to shortstop. From there, five consecutive Cyclones reached base safely, plating three runs. Loder singled, Granozio walked and Fasano was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Cordova singled to right field to score Loder and Granozio, and Fasano came home on a single by Andrews.

After Smith flied out to left, sophomore Brian Lemay (Southbury, Conn./Pomperaug) singled to right to score Cordova. Fellow classmate Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) reached on an error by the shortstop and DeMaio batted again in the inning, this time singling to right to score Andrews. After a lengthy at-bat, Loder popped out to center to end the Cyclones threat. But Gwynedd-Mercy again battled back, hitting back-to-back home runs and scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at eight.

Centenary thought it had the lead in the top of the sixth. The Cyclones loaded the bases with nobody out. Andrews sent a shot to left field, and Granozio tagged up from third. The relay from GMC third baseman Mike Albert was on target, and Granozio was called out at home. The Griffins scored a run in the bottom of the inning to take a 9-8 lead.

In the seventh, however, Lemay led off Centenary’s half of the inning with a single. He was pinch run for by freshman Randy Castillo (West New York, N.J./Memorial), who advanced to second on Penna’s sacrifice bunt. After DeMaio was hit by a pitch, Loder singled to left to score Castillo and knot the game at nine. But GMC had another answer in the eighth inning, scoring on a sacrifice fly to take a 10-9 advantage. Junior Matthew Devenny (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) gave up three runs in three and two-thirds innings to take the loss. 

The Griffins will face Neumann on Saturday. Keystone awaits the winner in the championship game, to be held on Sunday.

“As far as the future goes, we have a lot of young talent,” said Kushner. “That gives me a lot of optimism for the years to come because of the freshman who received playing time this year, plus the veterans who are returning. Even if they didn’t put together a good year from start to finish, they ended on a good note, where each of them was contributing in a way. We will have some big holes to fill, but we will get better next year.”

Boxscore

BOYERTOWN, Pa. (May 8, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (15-19-1) dropped its first round CSAC Tournament contest to top seeded and ninth-ranked Keystone (35-4), losing 12-1, Friday afternoon at Bear Stadium in Boyertown, PA. Junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) accounted for the Cyclones’ scoring with a solo home run in the seventh inning, his team-leading fifth of the season.

Keystone scored first with a single run in the second. After the Giants loaded the bases in the third inning, junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) took away a grand slam by Jason Rohena with a highlight-reel leaping catch at the wall. But the top-seeded team still scored three in the third and three in the fourth to take a commanding 7-0 lead. After Fasano’s homer, the Giants crossed home plate four more times in the seventh inning, before adding another in the eighth.

Centenary had its opportunities to score, but were unable to capitalize. With one out in the fourth, junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) reached on an error and went to third when Fasano singled. But Fasano was caught stealing and sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.

With one out in the seventh, freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to third when sophomore Brian Lemay (Southbury, Conn./Pomperaug) singled. But sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) flied out to centerfield to end the threat. In the eighth, DeMaio singled to lead off the inning. Sophomore Sal Prestigiacomo (Staten Island, N.Y./Curtis) walked to put two on with nobody out. But Granozio popped out to right field and Fasano hit into a double play, ending Centenary’s chance to cut into Keystone’s lead.

Centenary falls to 0-1 in the double-elimination tournament, while the Giants are 1-0. The Cyclones will face Gwynedd-Mercy on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The Griffins fell to Neumann earlier on Friday, 8-7. The two 1-0 teams will play Friday evening.

Boxscore

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 8, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team received five postseason All-CSAC honors, the league announced Thursday. Senior Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) and juniors Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) and Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) all were named to the First Team, while sophomore Dan Chapman (River Vale, N.J./Pascack Valley) and junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) earned Honorable Mention accolades. It marks the second consecutive season that Koncen, Fasano, DeMaio and Granozio earned postseason awards.

Koncen is 3-5 with a 3.38 ERA, four complete games, one shutout, one save and 50 strikeouts. Fasano is hitting a team-best .386 (34-for-88) while leading the squad in runs (27), doubles (eight), home runs (four) and RBI (28). He has a slugging percentage of .614 and has stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts. DeMaio has performed well from the leadoff position, hitting .376 (41-for-109) with 11 walks, an on-base percentage of .443, 21 runs and a team-high 24 stolen bases.

Chapman is 2-1 in seven appearances with a 3.18 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 11 innings. He has limited opponents to a .154 average (6-for-39). Granozio has started 32 games, batting .324 (35-for-108) with 25 runs, five doubles, one triple, one home run, 20 RBI and 11 stolen bases.

Centenary returns to action on Friday when it faces No. 9 Keystone at 3:00 p.m. in round one of the CSAC Tournament. The fourth-seeded Cyclones are looking to better their second-place finish of last year, when they lost to Gwynedd-Mercy in the championship game.

2009 CSAC Baseball Regular Season Awards

LA PLUME, Pa. (May 5, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (15-18-1, 7-8 CSAC) opens its CSAC Tournament with a game against top-seed and ninth-ranked Keystone (34-4, 15-0 CSAC), Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Bear Stadium in Boyertown, PA. The fourth-seeded Cyclones are looking to better their second-place finish from 2008, when they lost to Gwynedd-Mercy in the championship game.

Three juniors have been key to Centenary’s success so far this season. Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) leads the team in batting average (.386, 24-for-88), runs (27), doubles (eight), home runs (four), RBI (28),  slugging percentage (.614) and on-base percentage (.518). He has 11 stolen bases in 12 attempts and a fielding percentage of .980. Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) has performed well for the Cyclones from the leadoff position, hitting .376 (41-for-109) with 21 runs, 24 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .443 and Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) is hitting .324 (35-for-108) with 25 runs and 20 RBI.

On the mound, senior Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) is 3-5 with a 3.38 ERA and 50 strikeouts. He has four complete games and one shutout. Reliever Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) has an impressive 1.09 ERA in nine appearances and freshman Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) leads the team with a 4-1 record.

Keystone is unbeaten in conference action and boasts a 14-0 record at home. KC has been ranked in the top-25 since April 19. The Giants swept a three-game set with Centenary earlier in the season, winning 8-7, 3-1 and 7-1. They have been led by Eric Groff, who is hitting .455 (66-for-145) with 51 runs and 49 RBI. He also has 11 doubles, six triples and 12 home runs. Esteban Meletiche (.435, 60-for-138) and Josh Hinkle (.400, 34-for-85) are also doing well from the plate. Brett Repard leads the pitching staff with a 8-0 record while Sean Murphy is 7-0 and Mike Hanley is 6-0. Hanley leads the team with a 1.51 ERA.

The winner of this game will play the winner of Gwynedd-Mercy and Neumann, Friday at 3:00 p.m. at Bear Stadium in Boyertown, PA. The two losing teams will play on Friday at 11:00 a.m.

CSAC Baseball Championship Information 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 5, 2009) – Centenary athletics held its annual banquet Tuesday night, handing out awards for the 2008-09 season. Coach of the Year honors went to first-year men’s basketball coach Enrico Mastroianni, Rookie of the Year went to Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) and Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown), the Scholar Athlete winners were Bianca Santulli (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater) and Adam Achillies (Lanoka Harbor, N.J./Lacey Twp.) and the Cardy Gemma Award went to Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) and Chris Hill (Flanders, N.J./Gil St. Bernard's).

Achilles finished the academic year with a GPA of  3.881. A back-up catcher, he has appeared in one game, scoring a run and recording an RBI in Centenary’s 13-0 win over Philadelphia Biblical on March 28.

Centenary 2008-09 Athletic Awards

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 4, 2009) – Four Centenary student-athletes received Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly honors, the league announced Monday. In baseball, junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph’s Regional) took home Honor Roll accolades.

Softball swept its sports’ weekly awards, as junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) was named Player of the Week and sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) was named Pitcher of the Week. In women’s lacrosse, freshman Danielle Bay (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) earned Player of the Week honors.

Fasano led the baseball team to a 2-0-1 week, hitting .532 (7-for-13) with five runs, two doubles, two home runs and six RBI. He now leads the team in batting average, RBI, runs and home runs.

May 4 CSAC Weekly Awards

MADISON, N.J. (April 29, 2009) – Junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) hit the game-winning home run in the eighth inning and Centenary held on to defeat FDU-Florham, 5-4, Wednesday in Madison, NJ. Fasano has homered in consecutive games and leads the team with four.

Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) finished 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI, while senior Jason Loder (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) hit 2-for-4 with two runs. Freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run. Freshman pitcher Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) came off the bench to throw three innings and pick up his second victory of the season, while lowering his ERA to 1.09.

Trailing 4-2 entering the seventh, Centenary scratched out three runs in the next two innings. Andrews singled and DeMaio walked to put two on with none out in the seventh. Freshman Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) reached on an error that allowed both base runners to come home, tying the game at four apiece. Fasano then led off the eighth inning with his home run, and Tanis shut down FDU to nail down the win.

Centenary returns to action on Monday, May 4, with a home game against John Jay at Skylands Park at 4:00 p.m.

Boxscore

AUGUSTA, N.J. (April 28, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team’s offense picked up where it left off in Monday’s 18-18 tie with New Jersey City, scoring double-digit runs in an 11-3 win over John Jay, Tuesday at Skylands Park in Augusta, NJ. The Cyclones have recorded 44 runs in their last three games, going 2-0-1 during that stretch.

A pair of juniors came up big for Centenary, as Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI from the leadoff spot and Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) finished 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI, including a solo home run to get the scoring started in the second inning. Sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) picked up two hits, scoring once, and fellow classmate Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) hit 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Freshman Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) pitched five innings, allowing six hits and only two runs, to pick up his fourth win of the season.

After Fasano’s team-leading third home run gave Centenary a 1-0 lead, the Cyclones went on to score three more times in the inning. Cordova singled, advanced to third on a double by senior Jayson Loder (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) and came home when freshman Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) grounded out. Junior Mark Cerrachio (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) then scored Loder with a sacrifice fly to centerfield. Penna kept the inning alive with a single, stole second and came home when DeMaio singled. Centenary added three runs in the fourth and four in the sixth inning to win by eight.

The Cyclones return to action on Wednesday with a road game at FDU-Florham at 3:30 p.m.

Boxscore

AUGUSTA, N.J. (April 27, 2009) – The Centenary  baseball team (13-18-1) rallied from a 9-0 deficit to tie New Jersey City (14-24-2), 18-18, Monday at Skylands Park in Augusta, NJ. Freshman Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) finished 3-for-6 with two runs and five RBI to lead the Cyclones. Centenary has scored 33 runs in its past two games.

Centenary trailed, 15-14, in the bottom of the eighth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Wright doubled down the left field line to score three, and then came home himself on an error by NJC third baseman Michael Fiorentino. That gave the Cyclones an 18-15 lead, but the Gothic Knights came back to score three in the top of the ninth to even the game. CC was unable to get on base in the bottom of the inning, and the game was called on account of darkness.

A number of Cyclones racked up at least two hits, including Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional), Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional), Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood), Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) and Randy Castillo (West New York, N.J./Memorial). Junior Sal Prestigiacomo (Staten Island, N.Y./Curtis) scored four runs and sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) scored three times for Centenary.

The Cyclones return to action on Tuesday, with a home contest against non-conference foe John Jay, at 4:00 p.m.

Boxscore

AUGUSTA, N.J. (April 26, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (13-18) split a double-header with non-conference foe Susquehanna (22-14) on Senior Day, falling in the first game 2-0 before rallying to win the second, 15-6. The 15 runs for the Cyclones are the most since they scored 17 in a win over Philadelphia Biblical on March 27. Prior to the second game, Centenary honored seniors Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic), Jayson Loder (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) and Keith Moran (Skillman, N.J./Montgomery), as well as former Cyclone Ben Jurgensen, who sadly passed away last fall.

“We got two great pitching efforts today from our two seniors, the unfortunate thing for Koncen was that he matched up against Susquehanna’s senior pitcher, who is the ace of their staff,” said head coach Scott Kushner. “Lunardi is an outstanding athlete, pitcher, hitter, fielder, he does it all for them and he showed how today, he just shut us down. It’s unfortunate we didn’t get any runs for Koncen because he pitched an outstanding game.”

The first contest was a pitching battle as Koncen and the Crusaders’ John Lunardi each kept their opponents down. Both pitchers went the distance, as Koncen limited Susquehanna to seven hits and two runs, but Lunardi did him one better, holding the Cyclones to five hits and no runs in a 2-0 win for the road squad. Junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) went 2-for-3 in the loss.

In the second game, however, the Cyclones’ bats came alive as they erupted for 18 hits and 15 runs. Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI, fellow classmate Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) finished 2-for-5 with two runs and four RBI and Fasano hit 1-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) reached base four times, going 2-for-3 with two walks while scoring two runs.

Other Cyclones got into the scoring action as freshman Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) went 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, junior Sal Prestigiacomo (Staten Island, N.Y./Curtis) finished 2-for-3 with two runs, freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) went 3-for-5 with one run and four RBI and sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) hit 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI. Moran pitched five innings, allowing six hits while striking out four to get the victory.

“Once Moran got out there, and he pitched great, and we didn’t have to face their ace, we really started stinging the ball,” said Kushner. “It was a total team assault, hit after hit, from the first inning on, we were constantly threatening. It was nice to see that especially on the heels of being dominated in the first game by a good pitcher. We haven’t had a game like that in a while, so hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. We have a few more games left before the playoffs, so hopefully the bats stay alive and stay hot going into the playoffs.”

Centenary returns to action on Monday, April 27, with a home game against New Jersey City at 4:00 p.m.

Game 1                                   Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 20, 2009) – Four Centenary student-athletes earned Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly awards, the league announced Monday. Men’s lacrosse junior attacker Jason Rieg (Chester, N.J./West Morris Central) was named his sport’s Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, while baseball’s Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) and Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) and softball’s Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) earned Honor Roll recognition.

Penna and Koncen combined to help Centenary baseball clinch a berth in the CSAC playoffs with a 3-3 conference week. Koncen threw a complete game on April 13 to hand Gwynedd-Mercy its first conference loss, 6-3, and then recorded his first career save in the Cyclones’ 10-7 win over Marywood on April 17. The senior struck out 12 in 12 innings of work and had an ERA of 2.25. Penna hit .409 (9-for-22) with three walks, six runs, one double, two triples and five RBI.

Centenary (12-17, 7-8 CSAC) returns to action on Tuesday, April 21, with a road contest at Mt. Saint Vincent’s at 3:30 p.m.

April 20 CSAC Awards

AUGUSTA, N.J. (April 18, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team clinched a spot in the 2009 CSAC playoffs by splitting a double-header with Marywood, winning the first game 5-4 before dropping the second, 6-4. The Cyclones improve to 12-17 overall while closing out their CSAC slate 7-8, while the Pacers fall to 7-18, 1-8 in the conference. Although Marywood has six more conference games, Centenary clinches a playoff berth by way of winning the season series over both the Pacers and Philadelphia Biblical.

On Saturday, sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) led Centenary by going 3-for-4 with two triples, a walk, a hit by pitch, one run and three RBI. Junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) went 3-for-5 with one run and one RBI, while fellow classmate Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) finished 4-for-7 with one run and one RBI in the two games.

In the first game, Centenary opened the scoring when Penna singled in freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional). The Pacers put four in the board in the top of the fourth to take a 4-1 lead. The Cyclones answered in the bottom of the inning with two runs of their own when pinch-hitter Anthony DeSomma (Clifton, N.J./Clifton) scored Fasano and senior Jayson Loder (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) with a single. With two outs in the sixth inning, Penna hit one of his two triples on the day to score Loder and pinch runner Randy Castillo (West New York, N.J./Memorial) for a 5-4 lead, and Centenary held on for the victory.

The Cyclones started the second game quickly with three runs in the first two innings. In the first, junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) and Fasano each recorded an RBI to score DeMaio and freshman Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional), respectively. In the second, Penna hit his second triple of the afternoon and came home on a DeMaio RBI single.

The two teams traded runs in the third inning, but then Marywood scored two in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth to take a 6-4 lead. The Cyclones best chance for a comeback fizzled when DeSomma grounded out with the bases loaded in the fifth inning.

Centenary returns to action on Tuesday, April 21 with a road contest at Mount Saint Vincent at 3:30 p.m.

Game 1                                    Game 2

SCRANTON, Pa. (April 17, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (11-16, 6-7 CSAC) scored three runs in the ninth to defeat Marywood (6-17, 0-7 CSAC), 10-7, Friday in Scranton, Pa. Junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) went 3-for-4 with three runs and one RBI while fellow classmate Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) came off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two runs and four RBI, including a three-run home run in the eighth inning.

Marywood scored one run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at seven. But in the ninth, Centenary put two on with one out. Fasano came up big again with an RBI single to give the road team an 8-7 lead. A pair of Pacers errors led to two more Cyclones runs and a 10-7 advantage. In the bottom of the inning, after Marywood put two on base, senior Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) came off the bench to strike out two and nail down his first career save.

Centenary returns to action with a double-header against Marywood on Saturday at noon at Skylands Park.

Boxscore

AUGUSTA, N.J. (April 16, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (10-16, 5-7 CSAC) gave up two runs in the ninth inning and fell to Gwynedd-Mercy (17-9, 8-1 CSAC), 8-6, Thursday at Skylands Park in Augusta, N.J. Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) reached base all four times he came to the plate, going 3-for-3 with a walk, while also scoring two runs.

Three other juniors came up big for the Cyclones. Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph's Regional) finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI and Mark Devenny (Middletown, N.J./Middletown North) threw 129 pitches over 8.2 innings, picking up his second loss of the season.

“It’s a shame because Devenny pitches purely on guts, and man did he have them today,” said head coach Scott Kushner. “We didn’t make a couple plays for him that should have been made and that put us in a position where we had to try and come back in the ninth. Our team is still trying to find an identity, I think we are getting closer and closer to where we want to be, now it’s just a matter of making that one last play, getting that one last hit. It’s the difference between winning and losing.”

Gwynedd-Mercy put three quick runs on the board in the first inning, but Centenary responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the first. Fasano doubled to score freshman Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) and Granozio. The Cyclones then loaded the bases and Fasano came home on a sacrifice fly by freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) to tie the game.

The two teams continued to go back-and-forth. GMC scored in the top of the second, but in the bottom of the inning DeMaio singled, stole second and scored on Granozio’s double. After Fasano walked, sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) singled to score Granozio, giving the home team a 5-4 lead.

But the Griffins regained the advantage, scratching out runs in the third and fifth inning to take a 6-5 edge. DeMaio stopped GMC from scoring in the sixth inning with a throw from left field to gun down catcher Todd Budweg at the plate. In the eighth inning, DeMaio came through again, leading off with a single. He advanced to third on a groundout by Smith and scored on an error by GMC first baseman Tim McMenamin to tie the game at six.

But the Griffins scored two runs in the top of the ninth, thanks to two errors by the Cyclones, and shut down Centenary in the bottom of the inning to win, 8-6.

“There are a lot of good things to take out of today’s game, there are a lot of moral victories,” said Kushner. “GMC is second in the conference and defending champion, they beat us five times last year and were really kind of the monkey on our backs. To beat them on Monday was a huge step forward for this team to prove to ourselves and to GMC that we could beat them. Even though we didn’t win today, I think GMC is thanking their lucky stars that they got the win because I think they knew we were taking them right to the limit. I just wish we had taken them beyond the limit.”

Centenary returns to action tomorrow with a single game at Marywood at 3:00 p.m., before returning home for a double-header against the Pacers on Saturday, starting at noon.

Boxscore

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. (April 15, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team battled but eventually was swept at Old Westbury, losing 3-1 and 9-8. The Cyclones fell to 10-15 on the season, while Old Westbury improved to 15-10.

Freshman Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) finished 3-for-5 with one walk, two runs and two RBI, while fellow classmate Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) went 2-for-5 with two walks and one run in the two games. Sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) batted 2-for-5 with one walk and two runs.

Freshman Mark Delannoy (New Egypt, N.J./New Egypt) pitched a complete game in the first contest, giving up one run in the second and two in the fourth as the Cyclones fell, 3-1. Junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) scored the lone run for Centenary in the fourth inning.

In the second game, the Cyclones’ bats came alive. Wright went 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI, sophomore Jose Cordova (Brentwood, N.Y./Brentwood) hit 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI and freshman Matt Andrews (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk. Freshman pitcher Mark Tanis (Pequannock, N.J./DePaul Catholic) came off the bench to throw 3.2 innings but an error in the bottom of the seventh allowed Old Westbury to score the winning run.

Centenary returns to action on Thursday with a home game against CSAC foe Gwynedd-Mercy, starting at 3:00 p.m. The two teams split their double-header on Monday. 

Game 1                                                Game 2

GWYNEDD VALLEY, Pa. (April 13, 2009) – The Centenary baseball team (10-13, 5-6 CSAC) split a double-header at Gwynedd-Mercy (16-9, 7-1 CSAC), winning the first game, 6-3, before falling in the nightcap, 8-2. The loss for the Griffins was their first in conference action. Sophomore Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) finished the two-game set 4-for-5 with three runs and two RBI.

Junior Mark DeMaio (Morris Plains, N.J./Parsippany Hills) went 2-for-6 from the plate with one run and one walk, while freshman Chris Smith (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills Regional) batted 3-for-5 with three RBI and a walk. Junior Mark Cerrachio (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) continued his return from injury, going 1-for-4 with one run and two walks.

In the opening game, senior pitcher Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) limited the Griffins to three hits and three runs, none earned. He struck out eight while recording his team-leading third complete game of the season. Centenary put five runs on the board in the third and fourth inning to take control. In the third, junior Andrew Granozio (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) grounded out to score Penna.

In the fourth, the Cyclones loaded the bases. Loder scored on an error and DeMaio singled home a run before Smith struck the big blow, a double to center field that scored two. That gave the road team a 5-0 lead and Centenary held on to win, 6-3. In the second contest, GMC scored in the first, second, fifth and sixth to win, 8-2.

Centenary returns to action on Wednesday, April 15, with a double-header against non-conference foe Old Westbury. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Game 1                                           Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 13, 2009) – Five Cyclones received Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly awards for four different sports, the league announced Monday. Men’s lacrosse player Jason Rieg (Chester, N.J./West Morris Central) earned Player of the Week recognition, while baseball’s Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East), golf’s Sean Kelley (Roxbury, N.J./Roxbury) and softball’s Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) and Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) all were named to their sports’ Honor Roll.

Wright, a freshman, went 2-for-3 with two key RBI in the Cyclones’ 9-6 victory over Drew on April 8 at Skylands Park. The Harrisburg, PA native singled home a run in the eighth inning to give Centenary a three-run lead as the home squad held on to win.

Centenary returns to action on Monday, April 13, with a double-header at Gwynedd-Mercy, starting at 1:00 pm.

April 13 CSAC Awards