Prep Sports: Cougars Are Out On the Prowl in Essex

enters the spring season with hopes of building on a playoff appearance in baseball, contending for titles in golf and boys lacrosse while improving on last year's record in girls lacrosse and softball.

Here is a complete team-by-team preview for all of Mount Carmel's spring teams:

BASEBALL

Coach: Mike Naunton

Last Year’s Record: 15-7

Top Returnees: Bobby Sanzone (Sr, P/SS), Ian Arciagav (Sr., P/1B), Mike Krannebitter (Sr., C)

Outlook: The Cougars look to build off of last season's MIAA B conference playoff appearance. They return all nine starters, including All-Conference players Sanzone, who is committed to Salisbury; Arciagav, who is committed to Coppin State; and Krannebitter, who is undecided. The team is deep in both hitting and pitching and hopes to contend for the MIAA B championship.

GOLF

Coach: Jon Cupp

Last Year’s Record: 5-5

Top Returnees: Robbie Jefferson (Sr., 3-4 last season), Brett Moore (S0., 2-2 last season), Mary Bohn (Sr., 1-2 last season)

Top Newcomers: Ryan Schleicher, Anthony Wood, Kyle Dauses, Austin Jordan and Cody Gizara

Outlook: The Cougars consider this a reloading, not rebuilding season. Last year's semifinal team graduated five starters, so this year's squad is very young and will have this year as a learning experience against the MIAA C conference. The conference realignment will give the Cougars both home and away matches for a more complete schedule than last year. The top four teams in the league make the playoffs, and with only six teams this year, the squad is well positioned to make a jump and grab a slot for the postseason.

SOFTBALL

Coach: Harris Jessop

Last Year’s Record: 5-11

Top Returnees: Ashley King (Sr., P), Caroline Whalen (Sr., OF/3B), Amanda Simms (So. 1B/P), Amanda Simms (So. 1B/P)

Top Newcomers: MacKenzie Bower (So., C), Lynnsey Fullano (Fr., SS), Jess Magdaleno (Fr., 3B/OF), Tessa Wood (Fr., OF/2B)

Outlook: This will be a rebuilding season for the Cougars. Pitcher King (.419, 12 RBI, 13 SB in 2010) will be in her second season as a starter. Whalen (.476, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 14 SB) will provide leadership in the outfield and 2010 IAAM All Conference Selection first basemen Simms (.325, 1 HR, 13 RBI) will provide leadership for the infield. Sophomore MacKenzie Bower as well as freshmen Lynnsey Fullano, Jess Magdaleno and Tessa Wood also will get a lot of playing time this season.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Coach: Stacey Shiflett

Last Year’s Record: 4-11

Top Returnees: Caitlin Campbell (Sr., M), Ally Emerson (Sr. M), Sam Tabeling (Sr., M), Emily Ferrigno (Sr., D), Linisa Freeman (Sr. D)

Top Newcomer: Erica Wheeler

Outlook: The Cougars look to improve on last year's 4-11 record, returning most of last season's squad, including their top three scorers Campbell, Emerson and Tabeling.

BOYS LACROSSE

Coach: Greg Schnitzker

Last Year’s Record: 5-5

Top Returnees: Grant Stefanowicz (Sr., M), EJ Jackson (Sr., D), Wilson O'Neil (Sr.), Vince Shiavone (Sr.)

Top Newcomer: Alex Wildberger (G)

Outlook: The senior-laden Cougar lax team looks to improve on its 5-5 record from last season. Schnitzker believes he has the makings of a championship caliber team in the MIAA C Conference. They are looking at newcomer Wildberger to shore-up the goalie spot.