THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603300083
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jami Frankenberry
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Nansemond River and Lakeland will get a glimpse of the future when several teams participate in tournaments that feature Group AAA schools this week.
The Cavaliers and Warriors will move from Group AA into the Southeastern District next year.
Nansemond River's baseball team begins play Monday in the Papa John's Invitational at Greenbrier Christian in Chesapeake when the Warriors (2-0), ranked fifth in South Hampton Roads, face No. 7 Lake Taylor at 4 p.m. The Warriors play Tuesday against Catholic at 4:45 p.m.; Thursday vs. Kempsville at 1 p.m.; and Friday's opponent and time will be determined according to results of the first three games.
``That's different competition, and in most cases, it's good competition,'' said Nansemond River coach Phil Braswell, whose team is appearing in the tournament for the fourth year. ``And instead of practicing over spring break, I'd rather play. It forces me to use a lot of pitching and see what we've got.''
The Nansemond River softball team will play in the Papa John's Invitational softball tournament, also at Greenbrier Christian, for the first time. The Warriors (1-1) face Catholic at 4 p.m. Monday; Norview at 4 p.m. Wednesday; Churchland at 1:30 p.m. Thursday; and a team to be determined Friday.
``That introduces us to some teams at that level,'' Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo said. ``It looks like real good softball and a good tournament.''
Lakeland's baseball team opens play in the Pizza Hut Invitational at Indian River High School when it faces Kellam at 1 p.m. and Salem at 4 p.m. on Monday. The Cavaliers will also play Wednesday and Friday, the times depending upon results of first-round games. by CNB