Husky Sports Programs Ready for 2011 Season

Girls Volleyball:

The 2010 Husky volleyball team was the first girls team in school history to win a Section I crown. With the entire starting lineup back in 2011, it could be and exciting year for Harrison.

Last year’s team was comprised entirely of juniors, which means the girls are setup for one more run at the section title.

This year the Huskies added four juniors to the varsity program and it looks like the squad is coming together. Key players include last year’s captain and all-conference player Jessica Segal, Betsy Sanchez and Lily Stokoe. 

The three seniors were named in the Super 70 list. Sanchez, Stokoe, and Segal along with Elisa Santelia and Jenna Webb were named all-league while Jennifer Volponi was honorable mention.

The starters should be the same as last year, especially early in the season, but thanks to a deeper team this season we could see more substitutions. Like every year Harrison’s goal is to win the league, but based on last year’s successes, and the talent level on this year's team, loftier goals aren't out of the question.

Football:

The football team was the most successful team sport at Harrison last year, making it all the way to the state championship game.

The Huskies lost several key players from last season, including all three starting running backs. Seniors Will Hillard and Steven Deleo are expected to get the majority of the carries early in the season and returning quarterback Vinnie Nicita Jr. could have the freedom to pass the ball more this year. If so, look for senior Charlie Drago to become his favorite target.

The majority of the offensive line from last season has graduated. But with a healthy Charlie Credendino back in the lineup and the experience of Alex Beckett up front, Harrison hopes to dominate the trenches once again.

Oct. 15 is already circled on the team's calendar, as Harrison is getting ready to host Rye for the first time at McGillicuddy Stadium.

Cross Country:

Coach Mike Simon continues to build the Harrison cross country program, and judging by the increase in participation this season he seems to be doing a good job.

Last year’s team had only 25 athletes, while 40 have come out so far this year.

Gone from last year’s squad is team-leader Chris Repecki. While the Huskies will miss him, it looks like they will have several runners ready to step up to compete.

Chris D’Antona and Sara Purinton took control of the lion’s share of the work this summer and the Huskies are hoping that the early dedication can help them to a better finish this year.

The goal for both the male and female teams is to win the league and do very well in the section tournament, players say. If everything goes according to plan, expect for Harrison to send a few runners to the state championships as well.

Field Hockey:

The Husky field hockey team will need to rebuild quickly if they want to be competitive in 2011. Harrison only has four returning starters from last season, which leaves the Huskies with a very inexperienced group.

Junior Ali Menniti will be the key to the Harrison defense, as she will play goalie for the Huskies this season. In 2010 she was an honorable mention selection for the all-elite team. Her skills and agility will help Harrison’s defense immensely.

The Husky attack is expected to be led by junior Michelle Loguidice, who has developed a dangerous shot in the off season. Harrison will rely on the athleticism of midfielders like Kaitlyn Gotte and Michelle Deleo throughout this season. Both girls will be looked at to control the midfield and offer strong defense while still being a threat offensively.

With two scrimmages remaining, the team is wrapping up preseason and making last-minute adjustments.

Boys Soccer:

Last year the Huskies battled through a very tough league where on any given day anyone could beat anyone. In 2010, Harrison beat Byram Hills, who went on to win Section I, but the Huskies fell in the second round of the tournament. This season Harrison is flooded with upper-classmen and the team will look to rely on that experience throughout the season.

The team will be using a new goaltender as junior Bobby Medori hops in the net full-time this season. Seniors Brandon Ellis, Robby Tiburzi and Julio Espinola look to form a impenetrable defense, while Frankie Antolino looks to be a key player in the Husky midfield. Sebastian Cortes and Erik Johansen will lead the way up front.

If this Husky team can gel quickly, there is no reason the team can't compete with the top programs in the area once again.

Girls Soccer:

In 2010 the Huskies played in a tough league and had a successful year, enjoying a long run in the playoffs. Harrison graduated several solid players and great leaders, but that’s not to say the Huskies are lacking talent or leadership for the 2011 campaign. 

The Huskies find themselves in a power league again in 2011, and Harrison Coach Jon-Erik Zappala is looking for more experienced players such as Izzy Scheck, Nina Sarmiento, Alexandra Misisco, Kate Faxon and Jackie Fonseca to mentor the younger players and lead the team this season. Back from serious knee injuries are Cassidy Cohen and Sara Berman, and the team is hoping they can come back strong this season.

Harrison has a good mix of youth and experience, which should get them into the post season again this year. The Huskies are working on a new formation for the year, and if they can master it quickly then the team should be able to catch some teams off guard early.

Girls Swimming:

Following a year in which Olivia Caparelli became the first girl from Harrison’s swim program to make to the state finals since 1991, expectations are high for the Huskies in 2011. The team graduated only two swimmers and with younger athletes getting an opportunity to get their feet wet last year, the Huskies could have a very good season.

The team has six seniors returning this year including last year's captains, Alyx Scapperotti and Shawn and Olivia Caparelli. With the addition of younger players like Sarah Hodes and Imogen Carid ready to take on bigger roles this year, it could be a fun season for the Huskies in the water.

Girls Tennis:

The girls tennis team had a successful season in 2010 as three teams made it to sections, but this year the Huskies are looking to go even farther.

The team will be led by their three captains Chloe Williams, Cayla Pettinato and Abby Burack. The girls are relatively experienced and dominated by seniors, so Harrison is hoping their age can benefit them during the long season.

Cheerleading:

After a fantastic 2010-11 season during which the cheerleading team qualified for the Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championships in Disney World, the Husky girls are hoping for another highlight year.

But with several talented athletes graduating, the Huskies have their work cut out for them.

This year the team will rely on senior captains Allie Fuller and Christie Suozzo to lead them. The girls have a lot of young talent and are expecting to do well this season. The team came home from a pre-season camp with several awards, and they are hoping that success will translate into the regular season.