A Look at this year’s team     

            The 2009 Panthers are looking forward to rebounding after a rough 2008.  The Panthers will be young this year with only four seniors on the roster.  Pitching and defense will be looked upon to be the strength for the young Panthers.  Sophomore right hander Shane Melfe will look to lead the Panthers on the mound.  As a freshman last year Shane lead the J.V. pitching staff in innings pitched (29.33), ERA (2.63), strikeouts (27), complete games (1), batting avg. against (.218), and wins (3). Also returning will be senior Mark Ruggeri (4.80 era), junior Dave Dorado (6.00 era) and junior Dusty Scheibling (5.89 era).  Rounding out the staff will be senior T.J. Drouin, juniors Jeff Snyder and Brandon Torres, Sophomore Ryan Atkins, and Freshmans Shane Sarra and Andrew Conover.

            Defensively the Panthers will have plenty of speed in the outfield.  Ryan Atkins will be in center supported by Andrew Harcher, T.J. Drouin, and newcomer Sean Barton.  In the infield  Justin Zola will tandem with Dave Dorado.  Mark Ruggeri will work at the hot corner; Joe Cappuccilli and Shane Sarra will work at first.  Jeff Snyder, Brandon Torres, Shane Melfe, and Andrew Conover can contribute anywhere in the infield.  Juniors Dusty Scheibling and Josh Woodke will be behind the plate anchoring the pitching staff.

            Offensively the Panthers will look to utilize their speed at the top of the order with Justin Zola (.326 avg. .492 ob%) and Andrew Harcher (.311) leading things off.  Mark Ruggeri (.302), Dusty Scheibling, and Joe Cappuccilli will follow in the middle of the order.  Dave Dorado, Josh Woodke, T.J. Drouin, Ryan Atkins and the rest of the Panthers will be looked on to help the offense stay aggressive and keep the pressure on the defense.