2011 Archive
Subscribe to our NewsletterSenior Lansing Veeder had 5 RBI in the State Tournament |
Postseason journeys are nothing new to the PVI baseball program . Over the previous seven seasons, the Panthers had reached the WCAC and VISAA State Championship games four times each, winning two WCAC titles and three State crowns. 2011 proved to be no different as the Panthers reached a conference or state championship game for the ninth time since 2004, before falling in the VISAA Division I State Championship to St. Anne's Belfield (STAB) in 8 innings on Saturday.
On Wednesday, PVI upset #3 seeded St. Christopher's (21-6) on the road, 4-2 in the VISAA Quarterfinals behind the bat of Lansing Veeder (3 RBI), a complete game from pitcher Jonathan Bitto (10 K's) and a 2-run saving defensive play by Alex Bryant.
In the State Semifinals, the Panthers upset #2 seeded Benedictine(24-6) in front of a raucous Friday night crowd in Richmond. Brian Robbett drove in what proved to be the game-winning run, Matt Kianka and Lansing Veeder both homered, while pitchers Robbie Kidd (win) and Ben Garner (save) held Benedictine's bats in check for the 6-3 win. Richmond Times-Dispatch Coverage.
In Saturday's State Championship Game, Colin May's second inning RBI single gave PVI an early 1-0 lead against #1 seeded STAB (27-3) but the Panthers found themselves behind 2-1 after 6 innings of play. PVI rallied in the top of the 7th as Richard Mancari singled and eventually scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2. Ben Garner (in relief of starting pitcher Lansing Veeder) shut down the STAB bats in the bottom of the 7th to send the game into extra innings. The bottom of the 8th however, ended all title hopes for the Panthers, as a bloop single against a drawn-in infield brought home the game-winner for STAB. NBC Charlottesville Coverage
This was a heartbreaking end for a team that battled through a tough season and put together a valiant post-season performance. At season's end, the Panthers (17-12) had the #4 rated toughest schedule in the entire State of Virginia by MaxPreps.com and the #1 toughest schedule of all VISAA Division I schools. The 2011 Panthers overcame obstacles and adversity, finishing the season the right way... fighting to the end and earning respect. 2011's unfinished business will be handled in 2012.
STAB Outlasts PVI in State Final, 3-2 (8)
Daily Progress Coverage
NBC Charlottesville Coverage
Washington Post Coverage
DC Sportsfan Coverage
Friday 5/20...
Panthers Top Benedictine 6-3 in State Semifinal!
Richmond Times-Dispatch Coverage
PVI HEADED TO STATE FINAL FOR THE 4th TIME IN 6 YEARS!
State Championship Game: Saturday at 5:00 vs. St. Anne's Belfield
Shepherd Stadium 901 Meridian Ave Colonial Heights, VA. 23805 |
VISAA Division I State Tourney Quarterfinal Results
VARSITY RECORD: 17-12 (8-9 WCAC) Season Complete. 2011 VISAA Division I State Runner-Up
Rankings: DCSportsfan: #8 (April 29), VISAA: #6 (May 14), ESPN RISE Greater DC: #2 (Pre-Season)
JV RECORD: 13-7 (11-6 WCAC) Season Complete
2011 ALL AMERICANS!
Here is the link to the Atlantic Coast Region All Americans: http://www.perfectgame.org/all_americans/2011/atlantic.aspx
Article: http://catholicherald.com/detail.html?sub_id=14470