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Temple University junior Brandon Matthews has captured seven individual titles, including three this spring, but none was better than his victory at the Furman Intercollegiate late last month in Greenville, SC.
The former Pittston Area standout posted a 10-under-par 206 to capture medalist honors by three strokes. He started with an even par 72 and stood third after a blistering six-under 66 the second day. On the final day, he moved ahead of the field with a four-under 68.
“That was one of the biggest individual wins in Temple golf history,” coach Brian Quinn, a former Owl standout, said. “It is an absolute privilege to watch him play golf.”
Quinn feels that Matthews’ performance at Furman really showed off his talent.
“Brandon played so well at Furman and has truly developed into a complete player,” the coach said. “He works incredibly hard at his game and each year has been a stepping stone in terms of getting sharper. He has a phenomenal swing and all aspects of his game have come together.”
Matthews followed up that performance with six-over 147 for a three-stroke victory at the Met Intercollegiate in Purchase, N.Y. It was a one-day, two-round affair under tough conditions – cold with winds gusting up 40 miles per hour.
“It was a survival of the fittest kind of day and it was an amazing two rounds for Brendon,” Quinn said. “I feel he’s the best college player in the country.”
D’Elisio improving
Ronald D’Eliseo had a solid freshman season with the East Stroudsburg men’s outdoor track team, but the sophomore has really come to the fore this spring.
The Pittston Area graduate was named PSAC Track Athlete of the Week after he captured the 400-meter hurdles (54.24) and tied for first in the 110 hurdles (15.46) at the Lafayette 7-Way meet in Easton. His 400 time is tops on the PSAC list. His 110 time ranks fourth.
“Ronnie is ahead of last year with similar weather for his first two meets,” coach Chris Merli said. “He understands what our training is about and is much stronger. More importantly, for the long run, he is smarter about taking care of himself outside of track – diet and rest. We are excited about this year for him, especially in the 400 hurdles.”
D’Eliseo came back last weekend to win the 400 hurdles, finish second with the 4×400 relay and fourth in the 110 hurdles at the Bloomsburg Three-way meet.
Honor for Alguire
Susquehanna sophomore Gabrielle “Gabby” Alguire was named Landmark Conference Female Athlete of the Week in women’s track after a big performance in Susquehanna’s Jim Taylor Invitational in Selinsgrove.
The Tunkhannock grad extended her own school and Landmark records winning the javelin with a toss of 255-08, which is second best in NCAA Division III this season. It was her first outdoor meet of the season.
“Gabby had a strong indoor season improving her times in the short sprints from last year,” coach Marty Owens said. “I think this speed is paying off for her down the runway. She has also been on a pretty strenuous weight training regimen and you will find her in the weight room all the time.”
With such a solid opening effort, Owens feels Alguire will have more time to train and start to focus on the NCAA Championship which takes place May 21-23 in Canton, N.Y.
“We will obviously look for some big meets for her to compete in leading up to the NCAAs, including the Penn Relays,” Owens said. “She is one of our hardest workers and most dedicated athletes and I feel that the sky is the limit for Gabby with her work ethic and desire.”
Van Horn does it all
Not only is Candice Van Horn the top hitter and a standout shortstop with the Coppin State softball team, but senior is also the team’s top pitcher this season.
The Hazleton Area product is hitting .438 (21 for 48) with four doubles, two triples, three home runs, 16 runs scored and 15 RBI. She also has stolen seven bases in eight attempts.
On the mound, she’s 2-3 for the Eagles, who are 3-17 overall but 3-3 in the Mid-East Athletic Conference. She has four complete games in her five starts and was the winning pitcher in two league games against Maryland-Eastern Shore – 7-6 and 12-4.
“Candice is an amazing player and person,” coach Tyrone Robinson said. “She could start at any program in the nation as far as I’m concerned. She’s getting better every time out on the mound. She’s a coach’s dream.”
Staskiel pitching in
Junior Abby Staskiel, a Holy Redeemer product, is one of three pitchers on the PSU-Berks softball team, which is 6-6 overall and 5-1 in the North Eastern Athletic Conference. She’s pitched in six games with three starts and two complete games. She has a 0-2 record with a 2.55 earned run average. In 22.0 innings, she’s given up 28 hits and 11 runs, eight earned, with four walks and eight strikeouts.
“Abby has worked on increasing her pitching speed and movement on her pitches,” coach Donna Ference said. “She really came through and contributed a great deal during our spring trip, pitching 19 innings very effectively. She is a hard worker and I’m sure she will continue to help the team on the mound and in the outfield.”
Bone’s a leader
Senior Jordan Bone is a veteran left-handed pitcher for the Maryland-Eastern Shore baseball team. The Pittston Area grad is 0-3 in nine games with six starts and has a 3.48 earned run average. But according to coach John O’Neil, Bone means more to the team than just being a pitcher.
“There are not enough positive words to describe a person like Jordan Bone,” O’Neil said. “He is one of our team leaders in the class room, in the community and on the baseball diamond. He has battled through injuries during his career, but through his hard work and determination, he has been able to overcome the adversity.”
Freshman Scott Bean is also a pitcher with the Hawks. He’s 1-2 with a 6.41 earned run average. The Lake-Lehman product picked up his victory in relief against George Washington.
“Scott has developed into one of our mid-week starters,” O’Neil said. “He continues to improve every outing and is a valuable asset to our pitching staff.”
Good start for Harter
Dickinson sophomore Gavin Harter kicked off the outdoor track season by finishing third in the shot put and fourth in the discus at the Little Three Meet in Carlisle. The Berwick graduate finished second in the shot put at the Centennial Conference Indoor Championships.
“Gavin completed a very successful indoor season and in our outdoor opener he continued to demonstrate his prominence in the shot put,” coach Don Nichter said. “Gavin’s work ethic and his past performances all indicate a very bright future for him. He’s an outstanding young man and a joy to coach.”