Soaring Eagles By Adam Martini  PSAL Sports Reporter

It was the perfect ending to a prestigious tournament for the James Monroe Eagles. Not only did the Eagles defend their tournament title, but Mike Turo reached a coaching milestone. And it all happened with senior Danny Almonte on the mound against the defending PSAL champions. http://www.monroeeagles.com/2006/tournament1.html

Behind Almonte, who pitched a complete game shutout, Monroe defeated Tottenville to capture the 37th annual James Monroe Holiday Baseball Tournament and give coach Mike Turo his 800th career win. Almonte used pinpoint control to strike out seven batters and junior Luigi Vinas blasted a two-run homerun to highlight a 7-0 win. It was the fourth straight year Monroe has won its tournament and seventh time overall, since 1978.

Almonte was named Tournament Most Valuable Player, while Vinas took home the Batting Champion award. Said Turo, “Danny's very savvy on the mound. He throws harder than people think and he knows how to pitch. Added Turo, “Vinas started out slowly, but he's been unreal. He put on a show [in the tournament] and has been an inspiration to his teammates.”