Ireton looks for another strong season on the diamond

Veteran Ireton skipper, Mike Gallagher, in his sixth season, looks to strong pitching and good defense as the key to success in the 2013 campaign.

The Bishop Ireton Cardinals return 9 players from the 2012 Virginia state semi-final team including 8 seniors and 7 starters. This year’s team will look to build on last year’s success with hope to compete for the WCAC Championship and win the VISAA State Tournament, according to head coach Mike Gallagher.

Ireton will be anchored by senior Corey Phillips (Marymount University) and Senior Andrew Selby (George Washington University). Both players are 4-year varsity starters and both WCAC and VISAA state All-League selections a year ago. Selby will command centerfield while Phillips “quarterback” the Cardinals behind the plate.

The ace of the pitching rotation this year should be senior Cody Hagenston (Randolph Macon College). Hagenston threw 40 innings last year for the Cardinals and Gallagher expects the lanky right hander will be the work horse again. His efforts will be complemented by seniors Nick Tangora, Ben Judd and John Todd (Guilford College). Also serving vital roles for the redbirds will be senior RF Scott Schwartz (Guilford College), junior shortstop Joe Bagnerise and freshman second baseman Robert Corallo.

In addition to the rigorous WCAC schedule, the Cardinals will compete in the 44th Annual HIT Tournament in Charleston, SC over Spring Break and play VISAA rivals St. Stephens St. Agnes, Potomac School, and Flint Hill. They will also take on public school opponent, Stonewall Jackson, as well as Alexandria city rival, the TC Williams Titans.

Regular Season Schedule: (HOME games in all caps)

M9 – ST STEPHENS/ST AGNES 6pm

M11 – TC Williams 6pm

M12 – Potomac School 4pm

M14 – STONEWALL JACKSON 6pm

M16 – DeMatha 12pm

M19 – PAUL VI 5:30pm

M23 – GOOD COUNSEL 12pm

M25 – St Johns 4:30pm

M27 – St Mary’s Ryken 4:30pm

A1-5 HIT Tournament @ Charleston, SC

A6 – GONZAGA 12pm