MANCHESTER, NH – With green grass now in sight throughout the Queen City, the Little Green of Manchester Central are joining others around the state in embracing the spring season as they look for success on and off their respective playing surfaces. Here’s a glance at a some of those teams and athletes:

Softball (co-op with Manchester Memorial/Manchester West)

Head coach:

• Jacob Denoncourt (3rd season)

Last season:

• 1-17 regular season

Top returning athletes:

• Eeman Barton (Senior captain)
• Elin Hill (Sophomore)
• Kianaly Gallego (Sophomore)

Promising newcomers:

• Lacey Browning (Freshman)
• Janiyah Lofton (Freshman)
• Cailin Maguire (Freshman)
• Avery Menswar (Freshman)
• Kali Donegan. (Freshman)

Biggest challenge:

“We have a good group of freshmen coming in … Hoping this young group of girl’s gel together well, in the early season.“ – Head coach Jacob Denoncourt

Expectations:

“I hope to be competitive in our highly contested games. .” – Head coach Jacob Denoncourt

Boys lacrosse (co-op with Manchester Memorial/Manchester West)

Head coach:

• Jordon D’Onofrio (5th season)

Last season:

• 5-10
• Finished 9th in Division I (missed playoffs by one game)

Top returning athletes:

• Senior captain Trevor Wong
• Senior captain Collin Beaulieu
• Senior captain Brandon Weaver
• Goalie – Cam Roberge, Jr
• Attackmen – Brady Harrison (Sr) & Cade Tripp (So)
• Midfielders – Jackson Ulbin-Morin (Jr)

Promising newcomer:

• Defense – Alex Sutherland (Jr) & Kamden Jackson (So)
• Midfielder – Kyle Pelletier (Sr)
• Attack – Matt Koenig (Sr)

Biggest challenge:

“Our biggest challenge this season will be competing for a playoff spot, Division 1 Boys Lacrosse is a deep and competitive league; every game is a challenging game, and we look forward to growing and competing throughout the season.” – Head coach Jordan D’Onofrio

Expectations:

“We are aiming to make the playoffs, we have a deep, experienced roster that has grown as a team the last two years in Division I.” – Head coach Jordon D’Onofrio

Girls tennis

Head coach:

• Karen Leclerc (5th season)

Last season:

• Reached D-I playoffs as No. 8 seed
• Fell to No. 9 Nashua South

Top returning athletes:

• Alisa Friedland (Captain)
• Grace Manning

Promising newcomer:

• Addie Cannon (Freshman, No. 1 on Central ladder)

Biggest challenge:

“We have serval newcomers in the line up after graduating five seniors last season. We will have to get them ready for match play quickly. – Head coach Karen Leclerc

Expectations:

“I hope to have a fun season and win some matches along the way.” – Head coach Karen Leclerc

Boys tennis

Head coach:

• Mike Deblasi (8th season)
• Mark Telge (48th season)

Last season:

“Though we showed promise, we struggled to win matches last season and did not qualify for the playoffs.” – Head coach Mike Deblasi

Top returning athletes:

• Nick Chiesa (Senior captain)
• Nate Bannister (Senior)
• Tri Vu (Senior)
• Liam Hannon (Sophomore)
• Bannon Harris-Foley (Sophomore)
• Joey McGuire (Sophomore)

Promising newcomers:

“Without any freshmen, we expect big things from our three sophomores, all of whom have shown improvement from last year.” – Head coach Mike Deblasi

Biggest challenge:

“Our kids don’t play year-round. For most of them, tennis is just a two-month sport that they fit into their busy schedules. We need to ensure that we are focused and committed to succeed in the short time we are together practicing and competing on the courts”. – Head coach Mike Deblasi

Expectations:

“We expect to compete in each match, continue to get better each week, and qualify for the playoffs.” – Head coach Mike Deblasi