The 2024-25 unified bocce season resembled a roller coaster ride – a bunch of highs, some lows, and a lot of fun along the way.
The team started the season by winning five of the six regular season games, defeating the likes of North Allegheny, North Hills, Hampton, Pine Richland, and Northgate. The momentum and success was preached throughout the season by head coach Christin Pintar.
“We had great success winning the Golden Frame in five out of six matches. Our team thrived on the intensity in that moment and their ability to focus when the stakes were high helped them to make it to the divisional playoff,” she said.
Throughout the five game streak, the team was led by top rollers Zenon Cieslak, Jack Clark, Elliott Inscho. When asked about the success of the team, many looked at the experience of the team, the players, and coaches.
“We had three new members of the team and 13 returning. The consistency of being able to have so many returning team members benefited us overall. Each one made significant contributions, demonstrated strong leadership, and showed dedication to practice and competition,” Pintar said.
Despite the team going 5-1 in the regular season, their momentum was halted when they suffered their second defeat of the season in the first round of the playoffs against the North Allegheny Tigers. Roller and teammate Zenon Cieslak was disappointed when the season came to an end, but said winning wasn’t the team’s only goal.
“We still just kept lifting everyone up and reminding each other that we play this sport for fun,” he said.
That fun included the bus rides, team pictures, videos, and the variety of music played. Fellow teammate Elliott Inscho also referenced the unity amongst the team.
“The camaraderie amongst the players and coaches definitely made the season that much better. The 90’s country music being played, the pictures that were taken, and the overall fun and joy we had throughout the year was a blast. Even though it came to an end, it was still an amazing time,” he said.
With the 2024-25 season ending, the future is still bright – the team will have seven returning players, including Kevin Jansen, Leah Kattan, Sam Kattan, and Jimmy Spagnolo. Coach Pintar is excited for the future of the team, but also appreciative of those who won’t be back.
“We are incredibly grateful for our seniors: Kasandra Canonico, Jack Clark, Zenon Cieslak, Angelina Gizzi, Katelyn Heinauer, Elliott Inscho, Connor Root, Jenna Vitale, and Brody Wohlgemuth. Their presence will be deeply missed, and it’s hard to imagine the team without them. However, we are confident that the next generation of leaders will step up and continue their legacy. With this dedicated group leading the way, the future of our unified bocce team looks bright!”
The Titans will look to build on their success and go even further next year, something that Cieslak would like to see.
“Despite us not winning it all, I feel this experience this year will only benefit the returning players, and hopefully result in not only making the playoffs, but also winning the whole thing. That would be special to see.”
