Rilwan Ameen, Sports Editor
#30 Justin Rivera
Position: Midfield
Class: Freshman
Major: Undeclared
Hometown: Bay Shore
High School: Bay Shore
Justin Rivera had two game-winning goals to help the men’s soccer team capture the SUNYAC title; it’s first since 1975 when the program was Division I. In the semifinal matchup with SUNY Plattsburgh, Rivera scored the third goal of the game, which ended up being the game winner. In the SUNYAC Championship game against Brockport, Rivera initiated a pass from teammate Alex Shkreli in the 61st minute to give the Red Dragons the lead and the victory making the team SUNYAC Champs! Rivera was also honored by being selected to the SUNYAC All-Tournament Team.
#9 Gary Laronde
Position: Forward
Class: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Wheatley Heights
High School: Half Hollow Hills
Gary Laronde played a critical role in helping the men’s soccer team capture it’s first SUNYAC title since 1975, when they were a Division I program. He had an assist in the semifinal matchup against Plattsburgh. In the semi-final game, Laronde set up teammate Dan Josepher for the game-tieing goal. In the championship game against Brockport on Saturday, Laronde created many scoring chances for the Red Dragons who went on to defeat the Brockport 1-0. For his play in the two tournament games, Garry Laronde was selected as the SUNYAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
#11 Erica Darpino
Position: Outside Hitter
Class: Sophomore
Major: Dietetics
Hometown: Endicott
High School: Union-Endicott
Erica Darpino helped the women’s volleyball team clinch a spot in the SUNYAC tournament with wins over Plattsburgh and Potsdam in the SUNYAC East Pool Play held at SUNY Plattsburgh. During the tournament, Darpino had a total of 35 kills and 20 blocks, which was good enough for 3 and 1 on the team for those individual categories. In the match against New Paltz, Darpino had her best performance with 14 kills and 7 blocks over five sets. Overall, for the season, Darpino is first on the team in service aces and blocks with 26 and 89 respectively. She is currently third on the team in kills with 192.
#7 Eric Fortier
Eric Fortier helped the men’s soccer team secure its first outright SUNYAC title the weekend before last with wins over Buffalo State and Fredonia on the road, 3-0 and 4-2 respectively. In the game versus Buffalo State, Fortier scored the game-winning goal with his only shot in the 31 minute. In addition, Fortier helped the Red Dragons defeat Fredonia 4-2 by scoring Oneonta’s second goal. Thus far, Fortier leads the team in goals this season with 10.
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