Lions Latest: Spring Sports Underway

The first week of April is an exciting time as any for a Shore Conference high school sports fan. With spring sports getting started, let's take a look at a few of the Lion teams competing this spring.

Baseball: Coach Jack Mahar returns to coach for his fourth season at Lacey looking to improve on the 9-13 record last year including going 5-5 in the 'B' South division.

Top priority for the Lions is finding a bat to replace the output of graduated Pat Jensen. Senior shortstop, pitcher, jack of all trades Ryan Reitmeyer returns after hitting .352 last season and is joined by outfielder and pitcher Victor Kochanowski who hit .339. Junior Donovan Waller made great strides last year pitching as a sophomore, another similar leap would make himself a top Shore Conference pitcher.

Right away, the Lions will be tested taking on both last year's co B South champs. After opening Monday against Manchester at home, the Lions will travel to Brick on Wednesday, at 3:45 p.m. to take on the defending Ocean County Tournament champions. A quick start could spring board the Lions to the top of the B South standings.

Softball: Kevin Donahue takes over as head coach for the Lady Lions for his first season in 2012, after the Lions went 6-10 last season. Lacey will look to improve on their divisional record after going 5-5.

Four returning seniors who made impacts last year, will lead the way for the Lions. Jenna Fleck and Katie Valiant will overlook the left side of the infield, playing shortstop and third base, respectively. The outfield will be patrolled by Jenna Apello and Rachel Bruckel.

Just like baseball, the Lions will open with a heavy dose of B South play. Home games against Manchester and Toms River South will open the year on Monday and Tuesday at 3:45. Lacey will jump right back into B South play on Wednesday, taking on Brick Township, on the road at 3:45 p.m. On Wednesday April 11, Lacey will battle against Pinelands Regional at home, at 10 a.m. as school will be closed for spring break.

Boys Lacrosse: Head coach Shane Allen will look to get his program headed in the right direction as the Lions will open up play against Southern Regional in the season opener Tuesday.

A young nucleus of last year’s squad is now a year older looking for bigger and better results in 2012. Junior goaltender Joe Elefante returns, as does a key group of fellow juniors. Brock Torre, Brandon Boos, and Tyler Copeland all return, as does Tyler Newton. Boos will be relied on heavily as a Middie and the top faceoff man.

With a light schedule early, Lacey will take on Toms River East, on the road Thursday at 5 p.m. and then have a home game against Toms River North Tuesday, April 10 at 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Aimiee Delvento will be back at the helm, coaching the Lady Lions again in 2012. Last year the Lions went 5-11 showing a modest improvement through, resulting in a win in their final game of the season, against Pinelands Regional.

The Lady Lions will begin 2012 on Monday with a home game against Howell at 3:45. Next up will be two road games against local opponents Manchester and Brick Memorial on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, with both games starting at 3:45 p.m. On Tuesday April 10, the Lions will host Brick Township at 1 p.m.