With the first half of the season in the rearview window, it’s fair to say the teams were looking to finish 2025 strong. But, in the heart of winter, many teams are fighting through illness to compete.
And, at the CHSAA Nassau Regional, Staten Island’s three competing teams had to fight through everything from sickness to a last-minute injury to show up on the mat.
For their efforts, Moore Catholic and St. Joseph Hill earned first place in Divisions III and II respectively while St. Joseph-by-the-Sea got fourth in Division I.
Now, for the last time in 2025, the Staten Island Advance/SILIVE.com will highlight team members who worked especially hard throughout the week.
Whether it be for their performance on or off the mat, this section looks to acknowledge the student-athletes who are standing out for all of the right reasons.
Think you know who your favorite team’s top cheerleaders of the week are? Check it out below!
Carly Oliva is a Top Performer for Moore Catholic this week. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)
Moore Catholic: Carly Oliva
Injuring her nose early in the morning, the sophomore stayed the course and helped her team perform its best routine of the season. For that reason, head coach Julia Scarola named her a Top Performer.
“Her flyer fell on her nose [while warming up], but she overcame that and absolutely did her best,” said Scarola of the backspot. “She still went out there and gave it her all, and we are so incredibly proud of her.”
St. Joseph by-the-Sea: Mackenzie Keane and Gianna Pillarella
In the same stunt group for the Vikings, Keane and Pillarella earned their spots for their work ethic and positivity on and off the mat.
“Mackenzie is a natural leader and an amazing backspot who we can always count on, no matter what group she’s in,” said head coach Kim Kukal of the junior. “She’s strong both physically and mentally and, through hard practices, she always has a positive attitude and motivates her teammates to be their very best.”
“Gianna, a sophomore main base, is so hardworking and never gives up – she will fight for her stunts no matter what and always does it with a smile on her face,” continued Kukal. “She’s also who everyone turns to when they need a laugh through an exhausting practice or rough moment.
“She always thinks about what would be best for the team as a whole.”
Nicolette Pimpinella is a Top Performer for the Hilltoppers this week. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)
St. Joseph Hill: Nicolette Pimpinella and Ella Tabacco
Also in the same stunt group, this flyer/backspot duo earned top honors for the Hilltoppers because of their versatility and growth in competition.
“Nicolette is a joy to watch in the air, [hitting] her skills with grace and making her a point person to watch on the mat. [She’s] always willing to try new skills that will elevate our routine,” said Hill coach Kai Bingham of the junior. “We’re very proud of her growth as a flyer this year and look forward to watching her put out great routines this season.”
[For Ella], we threw new changes at her that she picked up with ease, becoming a sign girl in our cheer and proudly setting the tone [for our routine] with a boisterous ‘Ready!’” added the coach of the sophomore. “[She] knows how to fight hard on the mat and gives 110% on the mat.”
Ella Tabacco is a Top Performer for the Hilltoppers this week. (Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)(Annie DeBiase for the Advance/SILive.com)