North Salem Spring Sports Preview

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - After a long, cold winter, the action is set to heat up in Tiger town! The spring season will see the return of varsity baseball in North Salem, the golf team looking to build off last year’s league title win, and all of our athletes hungry for wins and a spot on the highlight reel.

BOYS LACROSSE

With a mix of veteran leadership and rising young talent, North Salem enters the season with optimism and clear direction in their second season under Coach Vin Savastano.

Leading the way is a diverse group of captains: seniors Max Cotrone and Orlando Mulaj, junior Andrew DeLarco, and sophomore Drew Karam. Cotrone brings elite competitiveness and leadership after standout seasons in soccer and basketball, and will continue his career at SUNY Cortland. DeLarco is a versatile, high-level athlete who impacts the game in multiple ways, while Mulaj anchors the defense with consistency and strong one-on-one play. Karam, a dynamic all-around midfielder, sets the tone with his relentless motor and ability to contribute in every phase.

Sophomore Nico Rouse is expected to take on a larger offensive role after gaining valuable experience last season, while a trio of freshmen—Brady Armstrong, Liam Coughlan, and Owen Killeen—will be counted on early to develop chemistry and provide a spark on attack.

Defensively, Mulaj is joined by sophomores Connor Dibart and Gabe Delalain as they work to solidify the unit in front of freshman goalie Tyler Bynes, an athletic newcomer with strong upside. Additional depth and competition will come from a group that includes Dean Elliott, Mark Atalla, Keller Grasinger, Vilem Gnip, Joseph Vorfi, and eighth grader Nick Gamiello.

While North Salem is young in key spots, the Tigers are focused on steady improvement and building cohesion as the season progresses. With a strong culture already in place and a committed group of players buying in, the pieces are there for a competitive season.

Savastano will also lean on longtime assistant coach Scott Berniker, his offensive coordinator and trusted right-hand man. The two have coached together for decades, dating back to Savastano’s first team at Hendrick Hudson in 1990, and their shared experience continues to be a driving force behind the program’s identity.

North Salem will open their season on the road against Valhalla on Thursday, March 26, at 5 p.m.

GIRLS LACROSSE

After one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, North Salem enters the spring with both confidence and high expectations. Coach Don Merriman’s squad went 11-7 a year ago, earning a sectional win over Dobbs Ferry before falling to Irvington in the second round. With 15 varsity players returning and the bulk of last year’s production back in the fold, the foundation is firmly in place to build on that momentum.

“Our goal is always to be competitive in our league, secure a home playoff game, and go as far as we can in sectionals,” Merriman said. “We’ve also put together a strong non-league schedule to help prepare us for that.”

The Tigers return a core group responsible for 215 of the team’s 235 goals last season, led by senior standouts Ashley Cindrich and Noemi Torres. Cindrich, an All-League and All-Section Second Team selection, powered the offense with 75 goals and 90 total points en route to Offensive MVP honors, while Torres, also All-League and All-Section Second Team, controlled play all over the field with 59 points, 51 draw controls, and a team-best defensive presence that earned her Defensive MVP.

Seniors Abby Cassidy and Kylie Dell, along with juniors Alana Cerasoli, Emma Greenberg, and Kylie Robinson, and sophomores Sienna Paldin and Sydney Merriman, give the Tigers a deep and experienced nucleus. Paldin and Merriman were both All-League contributors a year ago, with Merriman also earning Most Improved Player honors.

Offensively, North Salem will look for Robinson, Greenberg, sophomore Jaella Henry, and freshmen Ella Santis and Kerri Nemeth to take on expanded roles, while the defense will lean on Cerasoli and senior Zoe Elias, with Grace Schaeffer and Jackie Moore stepping into starting positions. In goal, Dell returns with experience, and eighth-grader Emma Hickey is expected to factor into the future at the position.

The Tigers are scheduled to open their season against John Jay East Fishkill/RCK on Monday, March 23.

GOLF

The squad is looking to follow up on last season's success which saw the Tigers go 5-1 and capture the first league title since 2018. Once again led by All-Section standout James Nemeth, the strong roster also includes Lucas Salvatore, Lucas Virzi, Connor Meehan, and Sean Randall.

Coming into his junior season, Nemeth will look to build on last year's performance which saw him miss a spot on the state team by one stroke. Coach Chris Brandt will also look to Virzi, Meehan, and Salvatore to play more central roles on the links.

North Salem starts the season on Thursday, April 9, with a matchup against Lakeland and Arlington at Hollow Brook Golf Club.

BASEBALL

After last year’s merger with Somers, baseball returns to North Salem with a stacked lineup for the Tigers. Seniors Alex Hoffman and Ryan Denneen will provide a veteran presence, with juniors William Trickel, Jack Braz, and Jack Lukse, sophomores Dean Mierzwa, Ryan Bynes, and Roberto Sierra, and freshmen Colby Baer, Brayden Kennedy, Ben Currie, Adrian Ortiz, Ryan Caglione, Evan Cuascuat, Aidan Alves, and Beckett Keenan rounding out the roster.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting season,” said Coach Rob Gilchrist.

The Tigers will open their season at home against Leffell on Thursday, March 26, at 4:45 p.m.

SOFTBALL

Coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw them finish as Class C runner-up, North Salem enters the new season with experience, leadership, and plenty of motivation under Coach Tim Collins.

The Tigers will lean heavily on a talented senior core, led by Carnegie Mellon-bound Sophia Aqeel and Trinity College-bound Cora Kennedy. Fellow senior Marissa Ferrara returns to spark the offense at the top of the lineup, while Brianna Rodriguez and Cianna Cioce add veteran presence and versatility across the field.

On the mound, junior Erika Saez — a two-time All-State bowler — will take on a key role, while freshman Kathryn Ocdenaria looks to build on an impressive debut season that already saw her contribute at the varsity level.

The squad also welcomes a promising newcomer in freshman Riley Sullivan, whose bat and energy could provide an immediate boost. With additional contributions expected from Brianna Mulero, Sarah Laino, Ava Jerez and Bella Soria, the Tigers have the depth to compete.

The Tigers are set to begin the season against Haldane on Monday, March 23.

TRACK

With a roster of 30 student-athletes — half boys, half girls — North Salem enters the spring track season with a strong mix of youth and experience. Most of the squad, 24 athletes, are freshmen and sophomores, giving the coaches plenty of opportunities to see where emerging talent will make the biggest impact.

Leading the boys team are captains Jonathan Alves and Skyler Smith, both state qualifiers last spring, tasked with mentoring a young roster on training with purpose and consistency. On the girls side, captains Emma Gautier and Freyja Smith — also state qualifiers — will be joined by veterans Jennifer Kileen, Grace Barbarossa, and Shailey Ray to guide the next wave of athletes in the pursuit of personal and team growth.

With a balanced mix of track and field talent on both squads, North Salem aims to compete strongly at league championships and beyond. The squad is set to kick off their season at Somers Tusker Twilight on Friday, March 27.