June 30, 2009

LOWELL, MA (June 30, 2009) - Freshmen catcher T.J. Larivee (Salem, MA) and pitcher Garrett Cole (Manchester, NH) look to form a dynamic partnership as they highlight UMass Lowell's highly sought after 2009-2010 incoming class announced by head coach Ken Harring on Tuesday.

In addition to Larivee and Cole, five other freshmen will join the rising River Hawk Baseball program for the 2010 season.

UMass Lowell rode an infusion of young talent last season to a 25-20 record (15-15 in the Northeast-10 Conference, sixth), which included a dominating 12-3 campaign at home.

The River Hawks are expected to return 31 veterans for next year. Among those returning, UMass Lowell welcomes back seven starting positional players and 13 pitchers (four starters, nine relievers).

"This is an extremely talented class that addresses the needs of the program," said Harring, who joined the River Hawks in 2004 following four seasons at Saint Anselm. "They address our catching, middle infield, power on offense--and you always want pitching. They all have a chance to start their legacy this fall and we are anxious to see what they bring to this program."

Among the newcomers is Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-State selection Monte Marrocco Jr. (Winchester, MA). He will be joined Nick Bonifiglio (Worcester, MA) out of Holy Name H.S.

UMass Lowell will also welcome a trio of north shore standouts; Taylor Robinson (Newburyport, MA) of Haverhill H.S., Jordan Silva (Lawrence, MA) of Pentucket Regional H.S. and David Smith (Newburyport, MA) of Amesbury H.S.

A right-handed pitcher, Cole stood as a dominating force on the mound for Trinity H.S. Cole was a New Hampshire Class L First Team All-State selection and led Class L in wins, strikeouts and ERA.

On the receiving end of his throws will be the highly touted catcher Larivee. The Salem H.S. product was named the Northeastern Conference MVP, a three-time conference All-Star, Eastern Mass. All-Star and a two-time AAU All-American. With a commanding presence both behind the plate and in the batters box, Larivee is someone coach Harring considers among the top two or three catchers in the state.

A corner outfielder, Smith battled a knee injury that cut short his final season at Amesbury H.S. The right hander was named his team's offensive player of the year as a sophomore, while also claiming All-League and All-Star honors that same season. He projects as a middle of the lineup hitter in the long-term.

A shortstop, Silva displayed a great deal of leadership during his high school career. In addition to captaining the baseball team, Silva was the captain for his high school football and basketball team, where he played quarterback and point guard, respectively. He holds the Pentucket Regional H.S. record for career triples, ranks second in career total bases and third in career hits.

Robinson, a right-handed pitcher and corner infielder, was named a Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star. Standing at 6-2, 210 pounds, he will look to make a quick impact on the mound with his size aiding his development.

A middle infielder, Marrocco, earned Middlesex League MVP honors in addition to his All-League and Eastern Mass. All-Star achievements. Marrocco also captain the Bridgeton Academy football team, earning defensive player of the year honors.

Bonifiglio, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, is a tall athletic pitcher with a very good slider. He is slated to see time out of the pen, with a chance to pitch his way into a starting spot.