Hawks Take First Place in Region XV

With an overall record of 24-7, the RCC baseball Hawks took first place in the Region XV Mid-Hudson Conference, with their Conference record being an equally impressive 18-1-1. They came just shy of an undefeated Conference season.

Rockland is hosting the Region XV Division II Conference Tournament this year. Hopes are high that the home field advantage will give them enough edge to come out on top. They will have a bye in the first week of the tournament.

Over the last few weeks the team has been racking up wins. They swept four games in Ulster and another game in Bergen,  finally meeting their first defeat in the Conference at Duchess with a one game split.

With the close of the year, Rockland players took home some accolades such as Pitcher of the Year, which went to Ryan Fasano. 

The players are more than satisfied about the conclusion of their season. Last year many of the veteran players were disappointed in the season's outcome.

"It's nice to go out on top," said sophomore player Chris Landry, during a team practice before the tournament. "It was my goal since the beginning of the season."

Many of the graduating players are confident that they deserve a victory. Now that the tournament is at Rockland, some say that it's theirs for the taking.

Second Team All-Conference player Louie Guglielmetti said about the Conference that he was "excited that it's here," and because it was at Duchess Stadium last year, and Duchess won, he feels that it was their turn to win.

The players are keen on leaving a legacy for the freshman team members to follow. The older players feel that they "showed the way" to the first-year players.

Jordan Kolinsky, one of those first-year players, was responsible for a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth  during a double header against Orange Community College.

"I'm not usually a big hitter, so this was a good surprise," he said after the game. Kolinsky is the first baseman and was First Team All-Conference this season. Next season others may look to players like him to "show the way."

Andrew Wanamaker, another sophomore, was the starting pitcher for one of the double-header games. He said that it was "the best start [he's] had."

When asked how to explain the team's success Coach Zeccardi replied, "this team is special."

The players, some from as far away as Staten Island, were drawn to Rockland for a variety of reasons. It's their combined efforts that have gotten them this far, they say.

 "Everything takes place between the lines, and they know that," Coach Zeccardi said.

Eric Kamp, another sophomore player, credited the team's performance on "team chemistry."

Vincent Magliano added, "Everyone's pulling for one goal."

Chris Lupardo, another First Team All-Conference player, said the team has success "because we are great together both on and off the field."

"We're all like family," added Mark Dilarenzo.

Almost unanimously, they regarded this season and this team as the best they've ever had.

"This year we didn't give up," said Josue Citron. Of Rockland's 25-man roster Coach Joe Zeccardi said that  "all should go to play college ball." Most would like to continue their careers in baseball, but for some this season may be their last.

Chrisandry, who has suffered injuries, is skeptical about continuing next year.

While the whole team will work hard for these last few victories, some, like Landry, may be pushing the team even harder.