Ursuline makes debut in Division II district against top seed

May 19, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

STRUTHERS

Standing in the way of the Poland’s hopes for a third straight trip to state is Ursuline, a team that has had district success in a lower division.

Today’s other Division II district semifinal game at Bob Cene Park pits second seed Niles (23-5) against third seed Marlington (18-9).

Poland (24-3) was state runner-up last year. The Irish (17-9), who went to state in Division III in 2013, are led by Matt Weymer, who guided Springfield to the Division IV state finals in 2011 and 2013.

“Ursuline will be a tough test right off the bat,” Poland coach Rich Murray said. “We feel as if our bats are better now than they were early in the season.”

The Bulldogs’ top hitters are Anthony Calcagni (.477 batting average), Pad O’Shaughnessy (.429), Eric White (.423), Nick Petrolla (.351), Tony Chiaro (.328), Jared Burkert (.328), Matt Baker (.362) and Dan Klase (.328).

The pitchers are Klase (6-1, 1.24 earned run average), Mike Maillis (3-0, 2.39, Burkert (3-0, 2.10), Baker (4-0, 3.23 earned-run average) and White (3-1).

The Irish won the past five Division III district crowns and have won 11 titles since 2000.

“We feel that we are up to the challenge,” Weymer said.

Vinny Lucente (6-2, 1.00, three complete games, 58 strikeouts in 46 innings) and Vito Petrillo (2-3, 0.87, 33 innings) anchor the mound staff for the Irish.

Drew Potesta (.343, 20 RBIs, 20 runs, 15 stolen bases) and Alex Schlosser (.300, 11 stolen bases, six doubles) are the offensive threats.

Niles and Marlington have not played each other this season.

“Marlington is a quality team, has excellent pitching and a balanced line-up,” Red Dragons coach Michael Guarnieri said.

Tyler Srbinvich (7-0, save, 2.05) and Jared Johnson (6-0, 0.98) are the Niles starting pitchers with Johnson (.395), Garrett Pitts (.405), Geno Barricella (.350) and Damion Coleman (.386) threats offensively.

The Dukes have won 10 of their last 12 games. Brock Begue (9-0, 0.63., 64 strikeouts, 14 walks, 55 innings) is the top pitcher.

The Dukes rely on reliever Austin Hershberger and Clay Danner, and hitters Tyler Tokos (.381), Jacob Begue (330, three home runs) and Zach Dezenzo (.320).