Scoreboard

Celtic Slo-Pitch Team On Winning Streak

Bishop Ryan's Girls Slo-Pitch team improves record to 4-1.

By: Jenna Frank

On Tuesday, May 26, Bishop Ryan took on Brebeuf.

The entire team exhibited true teamwork and drive. Grade twelve player, Erica Brown, demonstrated homerun potential with her hitting. Brown also had great defense at 3rd base. She is one of several players that makes up BR's strong, mature infield.  

Korinn Daives went three for three with her middle line drives. Grade nine rookie, Heather MacLellan had fantastic defense at short stop.

Marleigh White (left field), Brittanie Smith (center field) and Lisa Mark (right field), BR's key outfield players, had great catches all game. Mark had the all so important game winning catch, out in right field.

With the regular season slowly coming to a close, the Celtics are at the top of the scoreboard with Cathedral. A win against STM this week, in the final game of the season, will secure the Celtics with a first place finish and a buy to the semi-finals.

To date, the team has scored 50 runs.

The final score was 12-8 for BR.

HWCDSB Senior Badminton Championships

Bishop Ryan ties Bishop Tonnos for 3rd place overall.

By: Jenna Frank

On Friday, April 3, 2009, the HWCDSB Senior Badminton Championships took place at Dofasco Recreation Center. All Catholic high schools, minus ACMT, took place in the tournament.

Bishop Ryan was well represented at the tournament with athletes in all 5events; men's singles, woman's singles, men's doubles, woman's doubles, and mixed doubles. In this tournament, each player was guaranteed 2 games. During the second round, elimination began.

Several singles, and pairs manage to avoid elimination after the second round of pool play. In woman's doubles, Olivia Jackson/Alicia Piedimonte  and Jacqueline/Felicia DeRubeis continued on. Jackson/Piedimonte were eliminated in quarter finals by Cathedral. On the plus side, the DeRubeis sisters were able to win the consolation finals, giving them a third place finish.

In woman's singles, Jenna Frank made her way to semi-finals, but lost to the last year's champion. Unfortunately, she lost in a three set match in the consolation finals, finishing 4th overall.

Lastly, in mixed doubles, Jason Rieger/Antoinette Clazzer and Jonathan Burshaw/Tiffany Gallant edge their way past elimination. With the luck of the draw however; the two BR pairs ended up facing each other in quarter finals. In a tough match, Burshaw/Gallant came out on top advancing to semi-finals, where they lost.

The pair then played in the consolation finals for third and fourth place. The pair played a great game, and were able to win third place.

The top two from each event (finalists), have advanced to GHAC.

Overall, Cathedral won the tournament undeniably, as many of the finals games were Cathedral vs. Cathedral. St. Thomas More took second place, while Bishop Ryan and Bishop Tonnos tied for third place.

BR Competes at 2009 Hamilton & District Badminton Championships

Bishop Ryan has successful weekend at tournament.

By: Jenna Frank

Last weekend, Bishop Ryan send their senior badminton team to compete at the 2009 Hamilton & District Badminton championships, which were held at McMaster University. Despite some tough competition at this all ages tournament, the entire team saw the weekend as a fantastic learning experience.

On Thursday night, Justin Taylor began pool play in men's singles. Taylor was eliminated in quarter final round. Friday night opened up with woman's singles, with three females from Bishop Ryan; Christine Mangubat, Antoinette Clazzer, and Jenna Frank.  

Mangubat faced off against some of the toughest in the tournament, but was able to win one of her three matches 27-25 and 21-18.

During opening round, Clazzer took on Margaret Myjak, one of the favourite to win Woman's A Division singles. Clazzer still put her best foot forward and gave 100% effort in this match. Afterwards, she began to make her mark in C Division, putting up numerous wins with astonishing scores.

Much later in the night, Bishop Ryan learned they didn't have luck on their side in terms on the draw. Clazzer and Frank had both beat out the competition, but would now meet in semi-final action.

Despite this, Bishop Ryan would be guaranteed one finalist in woman singles. Nine points into the first set of their match, Clazzer rolled her ankle. Clazzer was forced to retire the match, and Frank advanced to the finals.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, Bishop Ryan had majority of its team competing in the woman
and men's doubles events. Jacqueline and Felicia DeRubeis won their first match 21-15 and 21-14.
Unfortunately,the sister's struggled through their remaining two matches, resulting in their elimination. 

Clazzer, along with her partner Stephanie Coppolino also 
played woman's doubles, but were eliminated early on. Frank
and her partner Alexandra Hul, struggled in their first game, 
losing 7-21 and 11-21. After this early loss, the two continued
on strong, advancing to C Division semi-finals.  

In men's doubles, Cody Mazza-Anthony and Daniel vanVeen
played tough games all day, but were not able to advance to
playoff action. Daniel Cherubini and Jordan Earl were in the
same position.

Natasha Valconi and Jessica Krizmanic, grade 10 students,
were the success of the doubles pairs. The two may have lost
their first few games, but they pulled their socks up when it
mattered. The two played an intense semi-final game, which
went into three sets, and managed to come out on top: 22-24,
23-21 and 21-18. The pair advanced to D Division Woman's
Doubles Finals.


On Sunday, the last day of the tournament, many mixed doubles pair competed. Cassie McEachern and
Shawn MacLellan put forth good effort throughout the day win a few matches. Tiffany Gallant and
Jonathan Burshaw had a fantastic day, eliminating some tough teams.

Gallant and Burshaw even took on BR's other mixed double pair, composed of Jenna Frank and Coach
Raniero. Gallant/Burshaw won the match, bumping Frank/Raniero to D Division. Unfortunately, both pairs were eliminated in quarter final action in their divisions.  

Sunday afternoon, Valconi, Krizmanic and Frank were all ready for their championship matches to be
played. Just as the matches began the power went out. The championships have been put on hold, and
will be rescheduled sometime in late April/early May.

BR's Volleyball Triple Header

Bishop Ryan sends all its girls volleyball teams to semi-finals.

By: Jenna Frank

On Thursday night, Bishop Ryan's stands were full of fans. All three girls volleyball teams would be in quarter-final action, with home court advantage. The midget team was taking on 6th place STM, the juniors faced off against Brebeuf, as did the senior team.

The midget girls began the night with confidence. The entire team played an exceptional game, winning in three straight sets. Setter, Carly Antonucci, played a good game, making great sets, and smart plays. Libero Michelle Taraschi dug up some great hits, while serving specialist Sarah Polimeni was on top of her game at the line.

Kata Boric and Jessica Drag also showed off great hits, and passes. The team defeated STM 25-5, 25-11, 25- 19.

In junior action, BR took on Brebeuf. With BR standing in 4th, while Brebeuf was not far behind in 5th place, it would definitely be a thrilling game, that could go either way.

BR came out strong in the first set, especially in terms of serving. In fact, serving was the key to BR's success in this set. Jessica Krizmanic, Tori Gardiner, Tia Arcaro and Victoria Whalen served most of the set, each adding numerous serves in a row.

Brebeuf had difficulties returning BR's strong serves. As a result, BR took the set 25-18.

Starting line up continued their momentum in the second set, defeating SJB again, 25-17. Katie Deck played a fabulous set, one of her best this season. The third set was most definitely a rough patch for BR. The starting line up came off the court, and things began to fall a part.

Brebeuf took an easy lead, and never looked back. Bishop Ryan had dug a hole too deep for themselves. Even after substituting key players back on to the court, SJB had gained too much of a lead. Celtics lost the set, 25-11.

In the fourth set, Bishop Ryan and Brebeuf were neck in neck. It was back and fourth between the two teams, and no one could gain more than a 3 point lead on the other. Both teams put up good efforts, resulting in some very long, and exciting rallies. Unfortunately, BR came up just short, 25-22.

Brebeuf managed to come back after having a slow start in the first two sets of the game. With a tie score of 2-2, this quarter final game would be decided in a final fifth set. With Brebeuf's strongest server starting off, BR knew they would have to break this serve immediately, or they would fall behind right from the start.

Luckily for BR, it was a short serve to the net, and BR took the first point of the game. From here, the team took off with strong serves, gaining a much needed lead. At the half way mark, the Celtics were ahead comfortably. As the set continued, the Celtics reached the 13 point mark, and were only two points away from victory. SJB began to add pressure and stepped up their game.

The Braves inched their way closer, coming back point by point. One point away from victory, the Celtics had difficulties closing the set. Then, Brebeuf's star serving came up to the line. Her serve could be the difference between winning and losing.

Thankfully, Gardiner was able to get up her serve. Brebeuf set up for a big hit, but a minor setting mistake for Brebeuf, set up middle hitter, Alex Botelho perfectly, to win the game with a fantastic spike block. Bishop Ryan won the set, and the game 15-12.

To close the night, the senior girls, currently in third place, took on Brebeuf also. The girls won the game with ease, in three straight sets; 25-8, 25-22 and 25-9.

Jessica Szkup, grade 11 power hitter, played great at the net. Kristie Crnic and Tiffany Gallant also played great games. Raffaella Nocita played a great game, serving up a storm for Brebeuf. Along with this Nocita added in several back court
attacks. Erica Brown, libero, also had an exceptional game.

On Monday, the midget girls will take on the second place Brebeuf Braves, in what promises to be an exciting game. Last time the girls played Brebeuf, the team managed to win in a fifth set, while earlier in the season they suffered a lose to SJB. The game will take place at Brebeuf, at 4pm.  

The senior girls will take on STM, in what should be a thrilling game. BR has both won and lost against STM this season. The game will take place at St. Thomas More at 3:30pm.

Finally, the junior girls will have home court advantage with a roaring crowd on Monday. They take on ACMT at 4pm.

             

Bishop Ryan closes Regular Season with Two Final Wins

BR's midget and junior teams come home victorious over Cathedral.

By: Jenna Frank

Friday the 13th turned out to be a good day for the Bishop Ryan volleyball teams, as both the junior and midget girls teams took home wins in their last regular season games.

The Midget team started off their game strong, winning their first two sets more than comfortably. Jessica Drag played a great game in the back court, as did libero Michelle Taraschi. Setter Carly Antonucci also played a great game, setting high passes out to power position.

Unfortunately, the third and fourth set were rough patches for the team, as they lost two close sets. Kata Boric played strong at the net, but unfortunately missed the fourth set, where she could have helped out the Celtic team. Sarah Polimeni, serving specialist, also served up a storm for Cathedral. She was also missing in action during the fourth set.

Despite this, the team pulled their act together for the final set, and won 15- 9. The team heads into the playoffs in third place.

On the other side of the gym, the junior girls were playing their hearts out in their final game of the season. The entire team played a fantastic first set, keeping the Gaels in single digits, 25-9.

Victoria Whalen looked particularly strong as setter during this set. Jessica Krizmanic's jump serve totally threw off the Gaels in this set too, when she served seven straight.

The second and third sets of the game were much closer however. Setter Tia Arcaro managed to contribute 10 straight serves to the Gaels. Numerous were aces, but the Gales were able to return majority of them.

Bianca Posteraro also played a smart game as setter, taking advantage of Cathedral's many holes in the court. Bishop Ryan won this tight set 25-22.  

In the third set, Victoria Whalen added seven powerful serves to some points to the Celtic scoreboard. Unfortunately, it was not enough. The Gaels fought back hard and managed to edge the Celtic team out in the third set 25-22.

In the fourth set, the Celtic team started off a bit slow. Eventually, they picked up their game, and came back from behind to win the set 25-20. The team enters playoffs in fourth position next week.

Quarter finals begin next Thursday. 

           

Senior Girls Volleyball: Bishop Ryan 3, Brebeuf 0

BR sweeps Brebeuf in three straight sets.

By: Jenna Frank

The senior girls volleyball team took on Brebeuf in hopes of improving their already impressive record.

Bishop Ryan's strong starting line up began the game at the serving line on a strong note. Kristie Crnic and Tiffany Gallant served rockets to Brebeuf, who were not able to return the tough serves successfully.

Natasha Valconi also contributed strong hits from power, while Crnic did the same from middle. The girls won the set 25-19.

In the second set, the girls continued their powerful game from the first set. Libero Erica Brown played phenomenally, passing perfect up to setter Gallant.

Raffaella Nocita added numerous back court attacks in this set, along with hits from power position. Celtics won the set
25-15.

In what would be the last set of the game, Brebeuf made good attempt to hold on to the game. Valconi, Crnic and Nocita's hit were too powerful though.

Felicia DeRubeis also played great at the net in middle position. DeRubeis contributed several hard hits, and a few aces at serve throughout the night.

On the other hand, Brebeuf did manage to catch up on the scoreboard due to some costly Celtic mistakes. BR had difficulties closing the set, after an early lead. Despite this, Bishop Ryan was victorious 25- 21.

                 

Bishop Ryan edges out Brebeuf

Midget girls finally defeat Brebeuf for first time this season.

By: Jenna Frank

Throughout the entire season, Bishop Ryan midget girls volleyball team as exhibited much potential. But one thing they have yet to do is beat Brebeuf, one of the top teams in the midget league. It was surely an exciting game, one both the players and coaches had been looking forward to.

In the opening set, Bishop Ryan came out strong, playing a solid game. Sarah Polimeni, serving specialist, opened the game with steller serves, that were too much for Brebeuf to handle. Vanessa DeRubeis was also powerful from middle position and at the serving line. BR took the set 25-18.


The next two sets were very close sets. Setter Carly Antonnuci make great sets and even added in a few smart tips, throwing off Brebeuf's middle block. Michelle Taraschi, libero dug up some of Brebeuf's hardest hits to Antonnuci.

Kata Boric also contributed several huge hits from power position, while Christina Hyrc was a force to be reckoned with at middle.  Despite these efforts, the girls lost both the second and third set 25-22, and 25-23.

Small mistakes proved to be costly in these sets. With the entire game on the line, the Celtic team needed to come together to win the fourth set, in order to hold on to any chance of winning in a fifth set.

Boric and Taraschi continued their excellent play, while Rebecca Renyolds laid down hard hits from offside position. Sure enough, the team managed to come together to edge out Brebeuf in a close set 25-21.

It was not a surprise that this game went into five sets. In fact, many spectators were expecting this. At first the scoreboard was relatively close until the half way point. Finally, the Celtic team got back the serve, and never looked back. Antonucci served the remaining four points, bringing home the Celtic victory. The girls won 15-11.  

Junior Girls Continue Winning Streak

BR defeats St. Jean de Brebeuf in four sets.

By: Jenna Frank

With only two games remaining in regular season, BR's junior girls volleyball team stepped up their game, to improve their standings before playoffs.

The girls may have come out a little too strong in the opening set though. They took a huge lead early on, but then slowly died off as Brebeuf caught up point by point. Eventually, SJB won the set 25-22.

The second set was well played by BR, hungry to win after a close first set. Tia Arcaro, Alex Botelho, Victoria Whalen and Jessica Krizmanic were all powerful from the serving line. Strong serves were the clear difference between winning and losing in this set, as Brebeuf struggled from the serving line. Bishop Ryan took the set comfortably 25-18.

The third set was definitely the most exciting of the game. Straight from the start, both teams were neck and neck. The entire set was literally point for point. Bianca Posteraro and Tori Gardiner contributed six straight serves each.

The game continued to stay tight into the last few points. Finally, both teams reached 25, but in order to win a set, a team must win by 2 points. This tense game continued on, as both sides of the court faced anxiety.

Katie Deck played a great game at the net, both from power and middle positions. She even stepped it up at the serving line, when the pressure was on. Deck served the last three serves of the game, including an ace. Bishop Ryan came out on top 31-29.

After a close set, Bishop Ryan aimed to keep a comfortable lead, in what would hopefully be the last set of the game.

This proved to be true, when Gardiner came out strong at the serving line with eight straight serves, adding a solid lead for BR. Botelho also had some tricks up her sleeve, playing smart at the net during the set. Setter, Whalen contributed with strong, high sets across the entire court.

Bishop Ryan was victorious, winning the set 25-20.

With another win under their belt, the girls hope to improve their standings before playoffs.

Bishop Ryan 3, ACMT 0 in Volleyball Action

Hard times for BR's junior volleyball team ends.

By: Jenna Frank

Bishop Ryan's junior girls volleyball team as been a bit off their game in the last few weeks. Although the girls can keep up in a good rally, its been several games since their last win. But tonight, the girls were able to celebrate, pulling off a win against ACMT.

Serving was key in this game, and most definitely the key factor in winning. BR's entire starting line up served up major game for ACMT. Times were tough on the other side of the net, as ACMT struggled to get up many of the Celtic serves. Tia Arcaro, Alex Botelho, and Jessica Krizmanic all chipped in four straight serves each. Bianca Posteraro also contributed from the serving line during this set.

Botelho and Krizmanic also played great at the net, blocking ACMT's powerful middle hitters. BR won the first set 25-18.

At this point in the game, Coach Chmura looked quite satisfied, and even optimistic with one win under her belt. With this, she decided to try out some new strategies with the team.

The second set of the game came with many exciting rallies between the teams. Tori Gardiner, returned to the game after injury last week. Gardiner dug up some great hits to the setters and served five strong over the net.

Krizmanic contributed some smart tips, and hard hits during this set, while Botelho added several spike blocks.  The team yet again won the set, this time 25-20.

The final set was the most exciting for the Celtic fans. Those in the stands watched the team come together like a team should, as they climbed higher and higher on the scoreboard. The girls managed to have more than a 10 point lead on ACMT for majority of the game.

Victoria Whalen played a fantastic set, both as a setter and server. As a setter, Whalen showed great sets out to power, and good sets to Botelho in middle position. More significantly, Whalen served 12 straight from the serving line. Several of them were aces.

BR defeated ACMT 25-10 in this final set, taking home their first win in several weeks.

BR had recently fell to 7th place in the junior girls standings, after being in a four-way tie for fifth last week. Today's game should help their standings.

Coach Chmura was happy with her team's performance. She even cracked a smile today, something she 's known for rarely doing on the court.

The final week of regular season continues tomorrow when the team takes on St. Jean de Brebeuf @ 4pm.

Senior Girls Successful in Four Sets

BR's Senior Girls volleyball team bring home victory.

By: Jenna Frank

Last night, the Bishop Ryan's senior girls volleyball team took on St. Mary's in their home gym. The girls defeated Mary's 3-1.

Libero Erica Brown was on top of her game, digging up some of St. Mary's trickiest, and strongest hits. Setter Tiffany Gallant couldn't have made her accurate sets without Brown's great passing throughout the night.

Raffaella Nocita showed off her powerful serves throughout the game, and also added in some great hits up at the net, while Antoinette Clazzer offside hitter nailed numerous cross court hits that were clearly too much for St. Mary's to handle.

The third set was rough for the Celtic team, as St. Mary's finally got into the swing of things. They took a slight lead early on, and kept it for majority of the set.

The Celtic team fought back hard to stay in the game.

But when things became intense during the end of this set, minor details cost BR . The winning point of the set was from one of St. Mary's middle blockers, which was a strong kill to an empty back row on the Celtic side.

Because of this, the game moved into a fourth set, which the Celtic team made the final set of the game.

Kristie Crnic played a fantastic set at the net, hitting around Mary's tough blockers at the net. She also made some key saves in the third and fourth sets.

The Senior Girls team will be in Barrie until Friday for the All-Catholics Tournament.