Bronco baseball player, Spencer Dessert

By S.Q DeJoy and J. Murrer

May 26, 2021: The Bronxville baseball team has been outplaying almost every team this season, but the one team that has challenged them is long-time rival Tuckahoe. In early May, the Broncos defeated the Tigers 1-0 in a seventh inning walk-off, and the rematch this week was even more exciting.

Seniors on the baseball team and their families.  Photo by R. Coquillette.

In the game on Monday, both teams were led by strong pitching performances.  Bronxville sophomore Ted Heraty went three innings with no earned runs until he was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Senior Charlie Vail came on in relief and pitched three strong innings allowing only one earned run in the 4th.  

The Tigers threatened to score once again in the bottom of the 6th. With runners on first and second, it looked like a base hit to right field would give Tuckahoe another run, but Bronxville eighth-grader Jack Gangemi relayed the ball to first baseman Chris Lockwood who threw to catcher Connor Kenny for the out at home. 

“We trailed 1-0 going into the top of the 7th inning,” noted Coach Vaglica. “I have to say that no matter the spot, the situation, or the stage, the team always remains together. There has not been one game where we felt we could not win, no matter the score, inning, or situation. It seems the bigger the stage, the more focused we become, and this game was no different.”

The Broncos came to bat in the top of the 7th. Peter Coquillette singled to center, and Andy Holub followed with a single up the middle. With two runners on, Spencer Dessart tripled to right field driving in two runs to give the Broncos the lead.  Chris Lockwood added an insurance run making it 3-1 as they headed into the bottom of the 7th inning.

It was a hard-fought game on both sides. Tuckahoe put two men on in the bottom of the 7th threatening to score, but Coquillette came on in relief to get the final two outs. Charlie Vail, who pitched 3.1 innings, was credited with the win for the Broncos.

“I want to start by saying that I have the utmost respect for Coach Jerry DeFabbia and the winning culture he has built at Tuckahoe,” said Coach Vaglica. “In my honest opinion, he is one of, if not the best, baseball coaches I have met. It was a strong pitching performance from Tuckahoe's junior ace Mike Meyers. He was nothing short of exceptional against us once again.”

The Bronxville baseball team won the League Championship this past week with back-to-back wins over Dobbs Ferry.  With 12 wins and only one loss so far this season, the Broncos have an amazing streak going. The team offense is led by senior Spencer Dessart (.529 AVG, 18 Hits, 9 RBI, 17 Runs), juniors Andrew Holub (.563 AVG, 20 Hits, 13 RBI, 18 Runs) and Peter Coquillette (.500 AVG, 20 Hits, 13 RBI, 14 Runs), and sophomores Ted Heraty (.395 AVG, 15 Hits, 16 Runs ) and Chris Lockwood (.389 AVG 14 Hits, 13 RBI, 8 Runs).

“This season we have seen tremendous contributions from seniors all of the way down to our three eighth graders,” commented Vaglica. “The best player on this team is the team! I have been very impressed with how we have played, and it seems that each day, someone different steps up for the team.” 

The Broncos will play five games in the next week before heading to playoffs.

Boys’ Lacrosse

The boys’ lacrosse team had two wins last week against Pleasantville (12-6) and Fordham Prep (20-7).

Scoring in the Pleasantville game were Tommy Garfalo (5G/1A), Connor Randall (2G/1A), Henry Sheehan (2G), and Chris Patterson (2G). Henry Donohue was 17/21 at the X, and Luke Arrighi had 15 saves.

Prior to the Fordham game, the Broncos recognized the seniors on the team. Scoring in that game were Garofalo (6G/5A), Sheehan (6G/1A), and Patterson (2G/4A).

Seniors and their families celebrate Senior Day before the Fordham game. Photo submitted by C. Donohue.

Boys’ Tennis Summary

The tennis team has had a good season so far. Led by captains Nate Kim and Manu Monogenis, the Broncos are 3-2 in the league, having beaten Rye Neck, Hastings and Blind Brook and losing twice to Edgemont, the powerhouse in the league. Last week the team recognized seniors Nate Kim, Declan Broderick, Liam Angelone, Macklin Pettee, Amir Yaghoobi, and James Rhee during a Senior Day Celebration.

Tennis seniors and their parents on Senior Day. Photo by Manu Monogenis.

Go Broncos.