The Newburgh Free Academy boys’ bowling team is looking for two bowlers to step into two large holes in the team’s starting lineup.

The Goldbacks, who finished second in Section 9 last year, lost multi-year state qualifier Kevin Novella and previous state qualifier Dylan Hannigan from last year’s starting lineup.
The Goldbacks also lost Donovan Morin.

Last year’s state qualifier Gage Szymanowicz will lead the returning starters, which also include Jordan Dewitt and Andre Alexander. The Goldbacks will also return Steven Barnes.

“If we get solid contributions from those two spots, the team should be in contention for a strong season and a quality sectional performance,” Newburgh boys’ coach Matt Iorlano said.
Joining the varsity team for the first time this year will be Richard Chen, Keith Agulto, Carter Babbage, Matt Barnes and Darius Hess.

“Hopefully we will improve every day throughout the season and contend for the sectional championship,” Iorlano said.

Girls
The girls’ team also placed second in Section 9 last year but doesn’t have the same hole in the lineup as the boys’ team, as the only departed athlete is Paige Kubin.

The Goldbacks return two state qualifiers – Katie Bell and Gianna Alisandrella – from the team that went 6-5 during the regular season last year. Tatum Connolly also is returning to the Goldbacks’ starting lineup.

Kaita Mucci is new to the team this year.

Newburgh girls’ coach Jim Horton said the Goldbacks are looking to improve on last year’s accomplishments and send Bell and Alisandrella back to the state tournament.

“This year, we will have a senior-heavy team,” Horton said. “We’ll be looking to the older athletes to lead by example and help pave the way for our younger athletes.”