2008 Fall Sports Update
11.17.2008
Bay Path College student-athletes arrived August 24 to begin the Fall 2008 season with various practice sessions and workshops. Faculty Athletics Representative Dave Wallace presented information to student-athletes on study-skills, time management, and working with faculty when participating in Bay Path sports. The teams received new t-shirts, uniforms, and equipment, and social activities allowed 65 eager student-athletes to bond.
The Athletics Department established new full-time, athletic-training hours, which allow students to have additional access to services, such as heat treatments, ultrasound, and taping services. Danielle Brunelle, head athletic trainer, has also been certified to bring student-trainers on campus, and Dr. Mark Kenton, head of the Emergency Room at Mercy Medical Center, has been hired as the Bay Path Wildcats’ team physician, a newly created position.
The Wildcats also welcomed two new coaches this season. Kerry Verdecchia ’03 returned to her alma mater to coach soccer, and Alison Rosenblat led 18 varsity field hockey student-athletes into the season.
The Fall 2008 season was also the inaugural season of the Wildcats’ participation in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). The teams, coaches, and fans were treated to a wide variety of highly competitive contests this season, and all of our sports teams received either NECC team or individual awards this fall.
Another bit of Wildcats history to mention—On October 16, 2008, all seven varsity teams were either practicing or playing on that one day.
Other programs and activities this fall:
- During the NECC meeting on October 26, 2008, two Wildcats—senior Sarah Palmer (Topsham, ME) and junior Sarah Gates (Crown Point, IN)—joined 15 others on a NECC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) conference call to discuss the formation of a new SAAC program for the conference. They will be meeting on November 16 to discuss this program. It was proposed that Bay Path College and Elms College co-sponsor the March 2008 NECC student-athlete retreat.
- The Bay Path Student-Athlete Council (SAC) also held its annual Wreath & Greenery sale. The SAC raised more than $1,100, which will be used for the sports teams’ equipment, uniforms and accessories.
SOCCER
The Wildcats ended their soccer season (3-11-2 / 3-4-1 NECC), and finished in fifth place, making them eligible for the playoffs. The Wildcats lost to the third seed team Daniel Webster College, 2-0.
Junior Samantha Gunseth (Swanzey, NH) was recognized as the NECC Goalie of the Year by the NECC coaches, and she was selected as a member of the First All-NECC Team.
Senior Victoria Malanowski (Windsor, CT) earned a spot on the Second All-NECC Team.
Junior Jacqui Siddle (Palmer, MA) received a place on the All-NECC Honorable Mention Team, and the NECC named her as a Player of the Week.
During the October 25, 2008 match, Bay Path College vs. Mitchell College, Malanowski and seniors Michelle Deyorio (Charlestown, RI) and Wendy Rathe (Beverly, MA) were recognized during the half-time ceremonies for their play and service to the program.
VOLLEYBALL
The Bay Path Volleyball Team had its largest roster ever with 13 players competing during the season. The Wildcats finished the season (5-14/1-6 NECC), and placed seventh during the regular season.
Freshman Nadine Harkless (Westfield, MA) was selected as a member of the All-NECC Honorable Mention Team, and she was an NECC Rookie-of-the-Week during the season.
CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross Country Wildcats competed and qualified in five meets this season. They ran at Castleton State College in Vermont, Saint Joseph College in Connecticut, the James Early Invitational at Westfield State College, the Western New England College Invitational and the Elms College Invitational. On October 26, 2008, they competed in the NECC Championships held at Franklin Park in Boston, MA, and hosted by Newbury College.
Freshman Caitlin Ferland (Vergennes, VT) finished in seventh place at the NECC Championships, which earned her a spot on the All-NECC Cross Country Team. She was named NECC Rookie Runner of the Week on three occasions as well as Runner of the Week after a successful meet.
Senior Sarah Wright (Canterbury, NH) completed her third and final year on the Wildcats Cross Country Team.
TENNIS
The Bay Path Tennis Team won the NECC Championship (13-2/6-0 NECC), and set several team records this season, including most wins in a season (13) and most NECC conference wins (6). They placed first by going 6-0 during the regular season.
Senior Raquel Babeu (North Adams, MA) garnered many awards this season, and was recognized as the 2008 NECC Player of the Year by NECC coaches. An NECC Player of the Week, Babeu was named to the First All-NECC Team.
Junior Julia Bendzin (Poestenkill, NY) was named the NECC Tournament Champion at second flight singles, and she earned spots on both the First All-NECC Team at #2 singles and the First All-NECC Team Doubles at #2 doubles with partner and Bay Path junior Kara Fox (Biddeford, ME). During the season, Bendzin was selected as an NECC Player of the Week.
Junior Sarah Costa (Tiverton, RI) was recognized by the NECC as Tournament Champion at fourth flight singles, and was named to the First All-NECC Team at #4 singles, and the First All-NECC Team Doubles at #3 doubles with partner and Bay Path junior Cristina Ruiz (Waterbury, CT). The NECC selected Costa as a Rookie of the Week during the tennis season.
Junior Kara Fox (Biddeford, ME) was selected for the First All-NECC Team Doubles at #2 doubles with partner and Bay Path junior Julia Bendzin (Poestenkill, NY).
Junior Cristina Ruiz (Waterbury, CT) was named NECC Tournament Champion at sixth flight singles, and she was selected for the First All-NECC Team at #6 singles as well as the First All-NECC Team Doubles at #3 doubles with partner and Bay Path junior Sarah Costa (Tiverton, RI). The NECC also recognized Ruiz as a Player of the Week.
Sophomore Carolina Ynguanzo (Springfield, MA) was the NECC Tournament Champion at fifth flight singles and was named an NECC Player of the Week
FIELD HOCKEY
Fall 2008 marked the inaugural varsity season for field hockey at Bay Path, and the Wildcats celebrated their first match, home game, and goal. This season’s team featured 18 extremely dedicated players who played hard and competed against more established programs. The NECC recognized the Wildcats’ efforts, and bestowed upon them the 2008 NECC Field Hockey Sportsmanship Award.
Junior Sarah Gates (Crown Point, IN) was honored during the season as an NECC Player of the Week.
Freshman Maeghan Whitcomb (St. Johnsbury, VT) was named to the Second All-NECC Team.
