Nov. 10, 2004

Garden City, N.Y. - The Panthers have concluded their fall baseball schedule with a record of 7-0-1. They have exceeded the expectations of second year coach Dom Scala.

"I expected us to be better than last year, but I didn't think we would be so dominant in all aspects of the game," Scala said. "We played three conference teams and I was very happy with the intensity that we displayed." Although this is fall ball, Scala feels that winning becomes a habit and the winning attitude demonstrated by the Panthers will give the team confidence going into the spring.

The Panthers averaged 12 runs per game, played outstanding defense and overall the pitching was improved from the previous year. "We needed to get stronger defensively from last season, so we brought in shortstop Ralph Tropiano (Briarcliff JC) and transfer third baseman Brian Rath (All-Northeast Region) along with freshman backup third baseman Joe Marinino," Scala said. "Our additions coupled with returnees Doug Anderson, Matt DeWitt and Adam Kipling should give the pitchers confidence to throw strikes and use their fielders"

"When I pitched my first game behind this defense they made some outstanding plays from the get go. I looked at coach, smiled and said thank you," senior captain Chris Zinkewicz said when asked about Adelphi's improved infield.

Sophomore Mike Myers, who is slated to be the #2 starter behind Zinkewicz, also noticed the difference. "I don't feel like I have to strike everyone out like last year," Myers said. "I am starting to understand what Coach Dan Krines has been telling me all along. To be effective you must learn to be a pitcher and use your defense," Myers added.

"Defense is the key to this year, it will alleviate pressure from our staff and they will be confident that they will not need to be so fine that they end up walking people in big situations," pitching coach Krines said.

"If we continue to work hard, stay together as a team and understand that in order to be successful we must all do our part we will accomplish our goal and win a championship for Adelphi University." -Head Coach Dom Scala

Coach Scala also has a plan that will keep the Panthers fresh for the long season ahead, a 34-man roster. Last season Adelphi had 32 man roster and was not afraid to use anyone. "We had four games last year that I used 18 position players and six to eight pitchers and we won all four games," Scala said. "I go with my gut and I am not afraid to pinch hit for anyone I feel is not swinging the bat."

Assistant Coach Bob Malvagna also feels depth is key to success during the long season. "We are not afraid to play any of our position players. Against Molloy this fall we played four non-starters and scored 12 runs in six innings. One of those players hit a grand slam," Malvagna said. "The key to winning baseball is to have someone behind your starter that will not hurt you if he needs to play in a tight situation." Coach Scala is very happy with his lineup. Most of them are returnees from last year with a mixture of new players.

Offensively Adelphi was led by captain Frank Alesia (2nd team All-Conference) Tom Cali, Ricky Nicholson, Bryan Horrmann, Nick Testani and Roger Mischel. Adelphi's catching was solid with hard working junior college transfer Henry Daverin and a much improved sophomore Pat O'Neill playing well. James Conklin was also a big part of the defensive equation.

The bullpen has become much more consistent over the fall and was led by Mike Thompson, Chris Widmer, Jim Agate, Frank Valariano, and Adam Kipling. The Panthers also have a deep starting rotation with Nassau transfer Chris Palidino and NYIT transfer Rinaldo Fable. Scala is very happy with the way his team played in the fall and feels that they will contend for the NYCAC title.

"If we continue to work hard, stay together as a team and understand that in order to be successful we must all do our part we will accomplish our goal and win a championship for Adelphi University," Scala said.

The Panthers will be kick off the spring season on a southern swing which will include games against Lynn University (Fla.), Mercyhurst (PA), Lewis (Chicago), Nova (Fla.) and West Georgia University.