John Jay Spring Previews

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Girls Lacrosse and Softball Preseason Slideshows

Boys Lacrosse Slideshow

John Jay Ready to Beat the Clock Again

Two years ago, John Jay defeated Rye in the Wolves' run to the State finals. So the Garnets returned the favor last season in their long run. But the playing field has changed, and both teams have to be ready.

A 90 second shot clock has been added, explained Coach Jess McDonough, “It adds a little bit of healthy pressure and will help with decision making.”

Conversely, the chase won’t seem so futile from the other side. “You really reward the defense for playing good defense,” she clarified.

Either way, Molly Gallagher will remain a step ahead in her third year as goalie. “The quarterback,” boasted McDonough, “she brings communication, experience and an understanding of defense.”

Emma Martin, Jane Brennan, Sela Halaifonua, Kaitlyn Condon and Audrey Oestreicher are pretty educated too, and McDonough is confident they can keep up with the X’s and O’s. “We have fun with our defense and play a lot of different sets,” she said.

The defense will then transition to more standbys. Jojo and Finja Degl and Jordan Kauftheil are all returning as middies and are ready to go up a notch with the new tick of the clock.

Full stop, Jojo Degl will mostly take the face-off and will maintain a standard she has established for the last three years. “She’s always the same Jojo,” beamed McDonough. “She brings the positive energy, always works hard and is fully committed. All the things you love and respect.”

Off to the races, the offense has a mix of old and new. Amelia Inglis, Logan Bueti, Caitlin Brennan and Olivia Cervantes are the vets and Coco Inglis and Dylan Kauftheil round out the sisterhood. “They’re a composed offense,” said McDonough.

The status quo unchanged, McDonough remains day by day with her team. “We’re just excited to see how the season unfolds,” concluded the coach.

Softball Team Looks to Go Far this Year

By Rich Monetti

Last Season, John Jay went 11-8 and won a round at the sectionals. Unfortunately, the Wolves were unable to match up with second seeded Pearl River. But a new season has Riley Foote confident, and she starts by identifying who will be the big bats that section one must fear.

“All of us,” she assured.

Even so, the season will start at home in the circle, and if Foote get the nod over Maria DeGataeno on Friday 28 versus Somers, she’s not going in cold.”I’ve been working over the winter, getting all my pitching in and working on my spins,” said the sophomore.

Her catcher has noticed the difference already. “She’s really throwing well,” said Carys Cooper.

But Foote isn’t the only one who’s put in extra reps this winter. Working with the Nighthawks, said Carys Cooper of Maria DeGataeno, “It’s given her time to develop her pitching skills and increase focus.”

A difference the catcher feels in the palm of her hands. “She’s definitely throwing harder this year,” revealed the signal caller

DeGataeno simply intends to go about her business, though. “I’m going to try to stay the same as last year,” said the sophomore.

Confident in her defense, strong up the middle starts with Laney Daly at short. “That’s her spot,” said Erin Samuelson. “She gets to the balls up the middle and can make the backhand plays by laying out.”

On the turn at second, Foote will be quick on the double up. “She’s really fast,” said Samuelson

Velocity also on the agenda at the third, Cooper has the hot handle. “She’s really quick with her hands,” said Samuelson

On the receiving end, Samuelson is hoping to leave a mark at first. “Erin loves her picks and getting low,” said Daley

Clare Doherty will get a share at first too and also give the infield room for error. “I love her stretch," said the shortstop, “she can go into a little split.”

The same goes for the catching duties. First Cooper enters year three. “I like to be in every play and have control of the game,” said the sophomore.

That leaves Templeton behind the plate when she’s not spelling Foote at second. “She’s really good at framing and blocking balls, has a quick snap and is solid back there,” said Samuelson.

Finally, Bella Barry will lock it down again in centerfield. “You have to be aggressive, always be aware of where the ball is and track it,” said the junior.

As for the team’s long view, Cooper offers the vision. “All around, we’re looking to go pretty far in section one,” concluded the catcher.

After Last Season’s Post Season Disappointment, Lacrosse Team is Pointed Forward

Last season the boys lacrosse met an abrupt end to their season in the semifinals of the sectionals, and the disappointment is not forgotten. “Any time your season ends short there’s a motivation factor,” said head coach Jordan Hirsch. But the difference for the Tusker is the direction.

“They’re looking at it from a point forward perspective,” said Hirsch.

A new team with a new edge, the coach added, he started in goal - even though the position is still up in the air. “We got a really good competition going,” said Hirsch, “they’re all making our decision difficult.”

A good problem to have, according to Hirsch, the defense is in good hands. “Coach Spillane has them really dialed in,” he said.

They include Bret Kennedy, Brendan Lyle, Tristan Wachtel and Logan Ruby. “Our returning defenders got significant playing time last year,” said Hirsch.

The defense has depth too. “Some of our younger guys are putting pressure on the older guys, so all the defensemen are looking good,” said Hirsch.

In transition, Dean Palazzolo and Holden Brelesky are back at midfield. “We got a great rope unit with our defensive midfield,” said Hirsch.

Up the field, Miguel and Tristan Iglesias return to join forces on the attack with Ryan Brush and Cam Violante. “They are all very hungry,” said the coach.

Scooping up the crumbs, Matt Mayfield is back on the draw, and all together, the end point is the same. “The goal is to get better every day and be in a position where at the end we’re playing well when it’s most important,” asserted Hirsch.

That helps when the roster is littered with a number of state champions. “The crossover between football and lacrosse is really strong,” said Hirsch.

An undeniable pedigree, the translation to the spring comes down to the daily nitty gritty. A strong work ethic leading the way, he concluded, “they know what it takes."