Orleans quintet on GCC diamond squad

Contributed Photo – The Orleans County players on the Genesee Community College baseball team include, from left, Joe DeFelice and Josh Porter from Holley along with John Warne, Connor Barleben and Dominic DiCureia from Albion.

Academically Genesee Community College has become much more actively involved in the Orleans community since the development of satellite campuses at Albion and Medina.

The GCC athletics program is now likewise becoming more popular locally as this spring five Orleans players are members of the Cougars baseball team.

The sophomore battery of pitcher Connor Barleben and catcher John Warne, both Albion High graduates, head that quintet which also includes freshmen shortstop/pitcher Joe DeFelice and pitcher Josh Porter, both Holley graduates, and infielder Dominic DiCureia, an Albion grad.

“They are contributing quite a bit,” said GCC assistant coach and long-time former Albion Coach Gary Mannella. “It’s nice to get the local talent to stay close to home and hopefully have success here and then move on to four-year schools to continue their education and playing careers.”

Barleben, who has started 4 games on the mound is 1-1. An outfielder when not pitching, he is hitting .317 with 4 doubles, 1 triple 4 home runs and 15 RBIs.

Warne is hitting .256 with 2 doubles and 7 RBIs and defensively has a fielding average of .966.

DeFelice, who has seen considerable action at shortstop, is hitting .379 with 6 RBIs.

Porter has pitched in five games both as a reliever and spot starter while DiCureia has seen some action at second base and has hit a home run.

The Cougars are set to begin the conference portion of their schedule and weather permitting will host Niagara County Community College in a doubleheader Saturday and then visit NCCC for a twin bill on Sunday, at 1 and 3:30 p.m. both days.