Young Warriors team is improving every day
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

PLUMSTED - Fielding a team with five freshmen and just one senior in the starting lineup, the New Egypt High School boys soccer team is showing its mettle despite a 2-4 start to the 2006 season.

"For such a young team, we're playing pretty well," Warriors coach Sam Palumbo said. "You have to expect that there is going to be an adjustment period for the younger guys. It takes a while for them to begin to feel comfortable at this level. Plus, we're physically not as strong as some of the other schools."

New Egypt has registered victories over Morrisville High School (Pa.) and The Ranney School. Two of the Warriors' losses were by one goal.

"Those games could have gone either way," Palumbo said.

Last Friday, Palmyra escaped with a 2-1 win over New Egypt. Sophomore Andrew Konop scored New Egypt's lone goal. Senior Ricky Mackesy assisted on the score.

"We played extremely well in that game," Palumbo said. "We hung in there and played them tough. Konop's goal tied the score. We were right there with them. If we get a break, maybe we come away with the victory."

Konop leads the team in scoring with six goals. Mackesy is second with four, and freshman Rob Brown has three.

"Those are the guys we look to for offense," Palumbo said. "We need to get the ball to them at the offensive end. We're doing a nice job of scoring goals."

Junior goalie Mark Delannoy and freshman defenders Ron Valvner, Chris Bette and Ricky Meleta are gaining plenty of experience.

"This is a whole different level of play for these guys," Palumbo said. "They are only going to get better and better as the season goes along."

Girls looking for first win

of season

The Lady Warriors are off to an auspicious 0-5 start, but spirits remain high, according to New Egypt coach Sandra Montoya.

"They're playing very hard every day," Montoya said. "Everything seems to be improving."

Key returnees for New Egypt include seniors Nicole Dey, Cindy Murray, Jessica Laning and Michelle Malloy, along with juniors Melissa Lambert, Mary Ottens and Sarah Tegzes.

"We have a number of players back from last year," Montoya said. "That should provide us with some leadership."

Newcomers junior Stephanie Holquin, sophomore Jamie Riordan and freshman twins Erica and Michelle Dey along with Melissa Galaz are all vying for minutes.

Murray leads the team in scoring, registering two of New Egypt's three goals. With games against Pemberton and Trenton Catholic this week, Montoya is optimistic the Lady Warriors can get a win.

"I think we have a good shot against these two teams," Montoya said.