Sports

HOCKEY TEAM WINS OPENER: On Friday, December 8, the Livingston High School varsity hockey team defeated West Essex- Caldwell, 4-1, at the Codey Arena. The Lancer victory was highlighted by a “hat trick,” three goals scored by senior Zach Silva. The first goal of the season was scored by Dylan Gibbs. Lancer goalie Brody Teitelbaum made 16 saves during the game. Above, Lancer Matthew Zocks, #10, hits a slapshot against West Essex-Caldwell. Below, the Lancers celebrate and congratulate Dylan Gibbs on scoring the first goal of the season. Don Schwartz Photos

Six Livingston High School varsity girls ’ soccer players were named to the Super Essex All-Conference teams, including four on the First Team.

First Team Honorees

Senior Riley Chisarick, captain and centerback for the Lancers, was named to the First Team All-Conference in the American Division. Coach Brian Carr noted that she was part of 11 shutouts, and only five teams scored on the Lancers while she was on the field.

Senior striker Bella Dilanni was also named to the first team. She led the team in goals for the second consecutive season, recording 13 goals and ten assists. Her “biggest moment,” said coach Carr, was “scoring our first goal against Montclair.”

HOCKEY TEAM READIES FOR SEASON: The Livingston High School Lancer ice hockey team gets ready for the season opener on Friday, December 8, at the Codey Arena against West Essex. Shown here, Livingston skaters take off during the speed drill. Don Schwartz Photo

On Sunday, December 3, the Livingston Junior Lancer wrestling team participated in the Roxbury Rumble tournament at Roxbury High School.

“Their remarkable achievements in this event are a testament to the program’s thriving spirit and commitment to excellence,” said coach John Kane.

Beau Scheier and Jackson Saidel won first place in their respective categories, while Adam Burroughs clinched fourth place during the tournament.

Donovan Ferry earned second place. Michael Chaiklin achieved his first pin and win during the tournament, and took third place.

Giorgio Decorso competed in the experienced division of the competition, displaying “resilience and tenacity,” as stated by Kane.

“Their dominant performances were not just victories, but also powerful statements of their rapid development in the sport,” said Kane.

PREPARING FOR THE SEASON: The Livingston High School girls’ basketball team continues to get ready for season openers on varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen levels. Above, Lancer Emma Tovitz drives the ball against Lancer Marissa Kay during the offensedefense drill. Don Schwartz Photo

WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS START: Tryouts for the Livingston High School winter sports teams are underway at the Fitness and Wellness Center and track field at LHS. Above, Lancer shot put candidates work on their technique during tryouts on the track. Below, long-distance runners set the pace during tryouts. Photos for tryouts for other winter sports can be seen throughout this issue. Don Schwartz Photos

The Livingston Green Knights 10U travel baseball team participated in – and ultimately won – the Montclair Invitational Tournament on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, in Montclair.

On Saturday, the Knights split their preliminary round games, losing, 7-6, in the first game and winning the second game, 6-5, behind pitchers Leo Krantz and Dax Wendolowski, with Spencer Friedman getting the save.

In the semi-final game on Sunday, Spencer Friedman pitched a complete game and struck out six batters as the Knights defeated the Montclair 11U Bulldogs, 6-4, to advance to the finals.

In the finals, Leo Woodsmall pitched a complete game and the Knights won in walk-off fashion when Leo Krantz stole home on a passed ball for the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

TRIAL BLAZERS TURKEY BOWL: On Saturday, November 18, the Trial Blazers for Kids Club at Livingston High School held its inaugural flag football Turkey Bowl event. The club was started by Lily Kestler to honor the life and memory of her brother, Jake Kestler. Club advisors and teachers Maggie Lafferty and Mickey Ennis worked together with the Club’s executive board, Lily Kestler, Sarah Blatt, Marlie Goldstein, Andrew Rubinstein, Dylan Hochberg, and Madelyn Rothfeld, to put together this event. Within a week, 12 teams had signed up for the event and raised over $1,000 for Trial Blazers for Kids, which works to improve treatment options and find cures for pediatric cancers. Ultimately, Team Yellow and Team Green (the teachers’ team) took home the trophies

Rice University has announced the signing of Joshua Mandelbaum of Livingston to play men’s tennis at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He will be on the team’s 2024 roster, announced head coach Efe Ustundag.

Mandelbaum joins the Owls from NewarkAcademy in Livingston. He was ranked as the 44th recruit in the nation and also achieved a #1 national doubles ranking in 2021. He was named to the 2022-23 USA Today HSSA Boys’Tennis Player of the Year watch list.

Mandelbaum was named firstteam all-state in 2022, and has compiled a record of 44-1 during his high school career. He won one silver ball and two bronze balls at the L1 National Indoors Doubles Championships in his career.

Mandelbaum also started the Rally For Tennis fundraiser, this year raising over $80,000 in support of the Greater Newark Tennis and Education Foundation.