Canisius is right choice for South's Falzone
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South's Lauren Falzone, front row, middle, signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Canisius College next year last Thursday in the South career center. Also pictured in the front row is her mother, Molly, far left, and South coach Gerry Gentner. Pictured in the back row is her father, Larry, her brother, Luke, and coach Al Monaco. Photo by Joe Eberle

Lauren Falzone had many official visits for colleges but it was her first visit that she stuck with to continue her softball career.

The Williamsville South senior second basemen signed a Division I National Letter of Intent with Canisius College last Thursday in the South career center.

"When I went there (on my official visit), it felt so right," said Falzone, who was also looking at Niagara University, University at Buffalo, Geneseo State College, St. John Fisher College and Cortland State College. "It was hard to go to other schools because I had to compare things to Canisius. I loved it."

Falzone certainly has the credentials to play in college. She's twice been named to the All-ECIC team and once as a first-team division all-star.

A left-handed slap hitter, Falzone hit .294 as a freshman, .327 as a sophomore and .351 as a junior.

"Her advantage is that she is a left-handed slap hitter that can also hit for power," said South coach Gerry Enter. "She also has above average speed."

Canisius' motto is "where leaders are made" and according to Gentner, Falzone is a great leader.

"In my mind, I almost don't have to come to practice because Lauren is out there doing whatever is needed," said Gentner. "If I told her the run practice for the next three days, I think she and the other two captains (K.K. Schaus and Sam Strapason) would be terrific."

Canisius coach Mike Rappl had nothing but positive comments about Falzone.

"Firstly, she has a lot of good experience from playing quality competition in travel leagues," said Rappl. "Secondly, she's athletic with a lot of speed. She's also a hard working kid who you know is going to get better. Finally, she's a good student."

Rappl said Falzone could play at second base or in the outfield.

"She'll help us all around whether it is putting a bunt down, running bases or playing defense," he said.

Falzone also chose Canisius for a good education. Falzone wants to major in pre-law and political science and minor in Spanish with the hopes of becoming a lawyer.

"I can't wait," said Falzone. "It's like a dream come true."

Falzone will be attending Canisius on a partial athletic and academic scholarship. Falzone is one of several Western New York seniors to be playing for Canisius. She's rooming with Sweet Home senior Amanda Cannizzo and Clarence senior Katie Lancellotti is in their dorm suite. Hamburg senior Katie Medina will also be playing for Canisius.

Falzone will also be reunited with 2006 South grad Michelle Fridey, who transferred this year to Canisius from Liberty University. 2007 Williamsville North graduate Kerry Ulmer is also on the Canisius roster.

Canisius is 21-10 overall and 8-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this spring.