Delayed Start To Suffolk County's Spring Season

All Suffolk County high school spring sport scrimmages and games have been suspended until April 3 due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, Section XI officials announced March 13.

The news quickly followed the indefinite postponement of the winter state and regional playoffs.

“As the coronavirus progresses, in an effort to be prudent, Section XI will suspend all games and scrimmages until April 3,” the governing body of Suffolk County athletics said in a statement. “As that date approaches, we will reassess the situation utilizing updated information. Each individual district can still make its own decision if it wishes to conduct practices.”

And practice is still on for some East End teams, like Westhampton Beach’s girls lacrosse team, which made it to the Suffolk County championship last year. The squad is led by senior six-year starter Belle Smith, who committed to Boston College as an eighth grader. The midfielder was a major contributor and record-breaker on the Hurricanes’ basketball team that just had its playoff run cut short due to the spread of COVID-19.

“As of now, we will practice,” Smith said. “But I’m not too sure how this will work out. We’re all praying. The coaches from multiple schools are talking so that everyone is on the same page.”

Boys on Pierson’s baseball team are also coming together. The Whalers, led by senior right-handed pitcher Matt Hall, are looking to find ways to replace the four seniors lost from last year’s state semifinal team.

“We aren’t allowed to have official practices until school reopens on March 23, but all the players plan on getting together to get some swings in,” Hall said. “We’re going to do whatever we can to get ready for the season.”

desiree@indyeastend.com