By Chris Grant
Staff Reporter

Unable to hold on to a one run lead in the seventh inning of a must-win game against Great Valley, the boys baseball team fell short of its goal of advancing to the state tournament, with a final score of 5-4.

The team had a roller coaster ride in the district tournament, mounting an impressive comeback in its first game against Truman. Unfortunately, the Pioneers lost their second round game against Pennridge, with a final score of 7-5, which put them in a must win situation on Wednesday.

After finishing 15-5 in the Central League, the players were fairly optimistic about their chances of making a deep post-season run, much like last year’s squad, which advanced all the way to the state quarter finals. Seven of last year’s starters were back this year, a great advantage going into the playoffs.

However, there are still several key differences between the two squads.

As anticipated, the team did stay in contention in all three games; the team displayed the ability to comeback in the game against Truman High School, which finally ended when senior Chris Konolige drove in pinch runner Crosby Moresco to cap off an incredible comeback. Junior Sean Connors said he knew that his team had the ability to keep a game close and surge ahead in the waning moments even before they playoffs began.

Unfortunately, it was a comeback by Conestoga’s opponent that ended the Pioneer’s season prematurely. The Pioneers took a 4-3 lead into the seventh inning, before Great Valley came from behind and snatched away ’Stoga’s bid for a spot in the state tournament.

Although the season did not end on the high note that many had hoped for, the future remains bright for Conestoga. 

Almost the entire pitching staff is returning, as well as the key hitters in the middle of the lineup Slater McCue and Connors, who were both named to the First Team All Central League. Both of this year’s catchers, Scott Williams and Joe Paczesniak are returning as well.

“[We have] some great talent coming up from the JV squad,” sophomore Brian Cizek said. “I think we will definitely be the team to beat in the Central League next year.”

Having said that, Conestoga will still have to work hard and play its best to be successful. They lost many senior team leaders, but Cizek is sure that next year’s senior class will have no problem filling that role.

Chris Grant can be reached at cgrant@stoganews.com.

By Rachel Weber
Staff Reporter

Last year, the baseball team ended with a record of 20-6, working its way to the state quarterfinals. The boys lost a heartbreaker in the bottom of the seventh, but they hope the skill and high amounts of effort the team put in will be carried through to this year.
Coach John Vogan, the winner of the Daily Local News Baseball Coach of the Year, feels that the way the players carry themselves is just as important as playing ability when filling positions.

“Quality of character is very important to our program,” Vogan said. He thinks attitude and work ethic last year were why the team did so well last season.

Although any coach hopes for a winning season, Vogan believes in taking each game at a time, focusing only on the situation at hand.

“It’s similar to running up a flight of steps. If you run so fast and you’re looking at the step five rows up, you’re going to trip on the one you’re on,” Vogan said.

As defending Central League champions, players like senior Kyle Birmingham find the biggest challenge will be proving themselves.

“Every team is gunning for us and we will face every team’s ace,” Birmingham said.
Birmingham plays third base and has assumed a leadership role on the team. He is confident in the team’s chemistry and expects the talented group of young players to be the basis for this year’s success.

“Our lineup will be solid, top to bottom,” Birmingham said. “We have to go out every game and earn respect.”

Rachel Weber can be reached at rweber@stoganews.com.

Printed originally on p. 20 of the March 27, 2009 issue of The Spoke.