Blast signs former Silver Knights defender Santana
The Blast has signed former Syracuse Silver Knights defender Nelson Santana. Santana played four seasons with the Silver Knights, earning all-league honors in each, before spending last season with the Ontario Fury. In13 games with the Fury, he had three goals and 11 assists and blocked 10 shots. “We’re excited to see what Nelson can bring. We’re very familiar with his ability on the ball, his competitiveness, and his overall game as he was a rival with Syracuse for some time. Bottom line is Nelson is a quality, experienced player who we feel can step right in and help us compete for a championship again this season,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said in a news release. The Blast opens its 2016-17 Major Arena Soccer League season on the road against the Harrisburg Heat on Nov. 5 before taking on the Milwaukee Wave in its home opener Nov. 11. Kelly McQuilkin (Atholton) and Alyssa Ferro were named captains for the 2017 season. WOMEN’SCOLLEGE SOCCER: McDaniel junior Sarah McDonald was selected Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week. WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL: Maryland Eastern Shore sophomore Koya Sowells was picked MEAC Defensive Specialist of the Week. MEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER: Johns Hopkins senior Samy Ramadane has been named the Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week. MINOR LEAGUE BASKETBALL: The Baltimore Shuckers will hold their first off-season minicamp Saturday as they prepare for the 2017 Central Basketball Association season. The minicamp will be held at Leadership through Athletics located at 2900 Hammonds Ferry Road, Halethorpe, 21227 and is by invitation only. Interested players may contact shuckers@playcba.com for more information. JUNIOR TENNIS: A team from Baltimore will compete in the USTA Junior Team Tennis 14U National Championships on Thursday to Sunday in Cayce, S.C. The team is coached by Anne Askew and comprises Hadley Middleton (Ruxton), Jane Askew (Baltimore), Audrey Askew (Baltimore), Jordan Aparece (Baltimore), Logan Sampath (Baltimore), Nick Penniman (Baltimore) and Paige Sawyer (Towson). HONORS: The Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame Foundation will hold its 2016 induction banquet Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., at Michael’s Eighth Avenue at 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie. Tickets are $75 a person and $750 for a table of 10, and can be purchased at mdsahof.com or by check. Please make checks payable to the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame and mail to MDSAHOF, P.O. Box 664, Arnold, MD21012. Inductees will be former Orioles outfielder Brady Anderson, who was born in Silver Spring; Chester-born powerboater Wheeler Baker; former Maryland running back Louis Carter (Arundel); National Sailing Hall of Famer and announcer Gary Jobson, who is based in Annapolis; former soccer-player and four-sport athlete Laurie Schwoy (McDonogh); and former Johns Hopkins and Towson High lacrosse player Jack Thomas. Reporter Jim Henneman will receive the John F. Steadman Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m., dinner at 7, and awards from 8 to 10. —