Bengals Blitz: Early Look at Spring Sports

Flowers blooming, grass growing and warmer temperatures can only mean one thing: spring is upon us! Even more exciting for the local sports fan, Barnegat Bengal high school sports are right around the corner.

Lets take a look at what lies ahead for the Bengals, who have been at work in March in preparation for games that are starting this week. March 31st would be quite the day to visit Barnegat High School as you could catch a baseball, softball and lacrosse game all at once.

Baseball: Head coach Dan McCoy's squad is led by senior jack of all trades, Mark McCoy. As you would figure from a three-sport athlete, McCoy, who also played quarterback for the football team and basketball, not only excels on the mound as an ace but is one of the most dangerous hitters in the Barnegat lineup. McCoy received a scholarship from Wake Forest last winter for pitching prowess.

To make noise in the B-South however, contributions from others are going to be needed. Junior Rob DeSanti is an effective #2 pitcher who will be leaned on at times. Speedster junior Pat Moran will inject plenty of energy into the lineup from a multitude of positions. Barnegat will look to improve on a 5-14 record last season starting this Saturday taking on Point Pleasant Boro at home, at 10 a.m.

Softball: All-Shore second team selection Stephanie Butler is back returning for her senior season and looking to lift Barnegat softball to new heights. Last season, the Bengals best year since having a program, Barnegat earned a five seed in the South Jersey Group II tournament before bowing out in the quarterfinals. In 2011, the Bengals clinched their first NJSIAA tournament win as well as their first Shore Conference Tournament win, knocking off favored Toms River North in the SCT. Butler will roam the infield as a key piece to the puzzle for Barnegat as they look to replicate and expand on the success of 2011 beginning at home against Point Pleasant Boro this Saturday at 10 AM. The Bengals are coached by Laura Miller.

Boys Lacrosse: Last year, with a young program, head coach Ryan Dalon went with a very youthful lineup. After winning just one game, the Bengals hope all the experience gained translates into more success in the standings. A trio of juniors will be leaned on to produce offense. Brandon Jecas is an offensive minded Middie who will be key in the transition game as is Zach Tanner. Nick Anderson has the ability to spark an offense from the attack position as Barnegat will look to average more than the little over four goals per game they scored last year. Playing in the competitive Shore Conference, the season kicks off on Satuday with a home game against the visiting Wall Knights at 10 AM.

Girls Lacrosse: Under the guidance of coach Jessica Cassamento the Lady Bengals went 12-6 last year, which included a 10 game winning streak. The Bengals average ten goals for last year while yielding just eight. Barnegat will be traveling to Ocean Township for their opener on Saturday, looking to avenge a 10-9 loss last year. The Bengals will have their hands full trying to replace the losses of Meghan Wilson and Brittany Iveson, two of the most potent scorers from last years squad.