By Michael Malaszczyk
Suffolk captures the Region XV Championship! pic.twitter.com/rN5C3PwnpV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 22, 2021
Coach Jason Galbraith of Suffolk Community College is full of optimism ahead of opening day. There’s no reason not to be, as his team played tremendously in 2021.
“We’re coming off another Region 8 championship,” said Coach Galbraith, in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “It was our 5th consecutive time winning our region.”
The pandemic is what stopped his team from going beyond the regional championship, according to Galbraith. “Unfortunately, due to COVID travel restrictions placed on our team, we were not able to compete for the [NJCAA] World Series,” he said.
Coach Galbraith’s confidence comes from the fact that his team will be largely composed of returning players this year. He specifically named outfielder Pete Montana, who batted .450 in 2021, and Nick Lomanaco, who batted .353 in 2021 and stole a remarkable 24 bases.
These two are high impact players,” said Galbraith. “They can both take bags at will!”
Coach Galbraith also gave mention to second baseman Anthony Amato, who batted .383 in 2021 and also had double digit stolen bases.
Suffolk Community College will also see some transfers this year. These include Dan Deutsch (transferring from Queens College) and Craig Pihlkar (transferring from University of Connecticut). Coach Galbraith said that “both of these players will have a huge impact”.
Coach Galbraith also took note of freshman catcher Steve Murtsef, saying that he will “anchor defense from behind the dish”.
Galbraith feels that his team’s defense will be the key to victory in 2021. They will have four pitchers in 2022: Craig Pihlkar (who is, as mentioned, a transfer), and returning players Ray Hoffman, Derek Perez, and Jordan Ford.
“Hoffman was exceptional last year,” said Coach Galbraith. “He led our staff in wins and ERA. Jordan Ford will be our fourth starter – he had a strong fall as a freshman, throwing fastballs topping 90 mph.”
Coach Galbraith feels strongly that his roster will lead his team to success this season, calling it “small but strong”.
“This team has it all,” said Galbraith. “We have speed, we have power, and we have shut down pitching! We will look for the key, as region champs, and head to a World Series – that is our goal this year and that is our goal every year!”
Given how Suffolk’s team is largely made up of players from its stellar 2021 season which was restricted due to COVID, it’s difficult not to see Suffolk going far this year in the NJCAA.
Suffolk Community College opens this Saturday, February 26th. They will be playing at Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland.
