University School Wins First-Ever Regional Game

University School came into the 2023 season, with many people expecting them to be better than last year, but maybe a year away from competing for a state title. Manager Dan Rovetto and his squad of mostly underclassmen, had different ideas.

The Sharks, who have only four seniors, continued their run as one of the top teams in Broward this season on Wednesday night, defeating Palmer Trinity 12-3, in a 3A regional quarterfinal. It was the first-ever regional win for the up-and-coming Sharks.

“Great night for us tonight,” said Rovetto. “being able to host regionals for the first time ever, and then to win the game, it says just how far this team as come this year. 24 wins on the season now, I don’t think anyone expected that from us. It’s a great way to start the regional tournament.”

On the other side of the field Wednesday was a team similar to University. Howard Cuervo took over the Palm Trinity program a couple seasons ago, and they exceeded all expectations, winning 20 games in Cuervo’s second season. Despite the lopsided score, Rovetto took time to praise the Sharks’ opponent.

“Howard Cuervo has done an amazing job with that program, in really rebuilding and bringing them back,” said Rovetto. “Very similar to us, it is a small school, and they have a lot of two-sport players that don’t play baseball year-round. can’t say enough about the job they have done to get this far.”

As for his own squad, Rovetto did not have to look far for players that have helped the Sharks turn around their fortunes over the past few years. His son, Rocco, hist in the middle of the University order, and all he did in the regional game was reach base five times, including picking up his 100th career hit for the program.

Rovetto was joined by Mark Manuel, who went 3-for-4, with two RBIs. Combined, the pair went 5-for-6 on the night. University also had two hits from Bradyn Potter, Dylan Rex, and Christian MacGillivray.

On the mound for the Sharks was Landon Petty. The junior, who came into the game with an ERA under two, went five innings, and allowed only two earned runs, while striking out four.

“Landon did a great job for us tonight of going right after their hitters, and getting ahead in the count,” said Rovetto. “Our offense also did a great job of getting on base and coming up with big hits.”

The Sharks run through the regionals will now get significantly more challenging, as they head on the road to face district rival Calvary Christian, a team they have lost the last two district championships to. In their most recent game, the Sharks dropped a 6-2 game.

“We are excited about the opportunity we have ahead of us on Saturday, and we just have to get back to work tomorrow and prepare for what we know will be a tough game against Calvary.”

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