Anna Varland carries the ball 60 yards on the opening drive. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Two undefeated Flag Football teams battled it out Wednesday evening for the top spot in Section V Girls Flag Football, and Batavia defeated Monroe by a score of 26-0 at VanDetta Stadium.
On the opening drive, Anna Varland turned a quarterback sneak into a 60-yard TD.
With 3:07 left in the first half, Varland connected with Isabella Walsh for a touchdown. The extra point was good and Batavia was up 14-0.
A couple of possessions later, with 23 seconds left in the half, Nicole Doeringer snags an interception and Walsh scores again for Batavia making it 20-0.
Varland scored Batavia's final TD with 13 minutes left in the game.
Stats:
Anna Varland, 114 yards passing, two TDs, three interceptions, 74 yards rushing, two rushing TDs
Isabella Walsh, 4 carries, 91 Yards two TDs
Jaimin Mcdonald, 8 flag pulls
Aleeza idrees, 4 flag pulls
Kylee Brennan, 11 flag pulls
Grace Parker, 2 interceptions
Nicole Doeringer, 3 interceptions
"Monroe is an extremely tough team, and our girls were up for the task tonight," Coach Ben Bucholtz said. "Defensively, we had Kylee Brennan and Jaimin Macdonald play really well, and then our secondary Nicole Doeringer, Grace Parker and Anna Stevens combined for six interceptions."
Batavia, at 7-0, next plays on Monday at home against Greece Olympia-Odyssey. Game time is 7 p.m.
Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen in softball on Wednesday, 23-2.
The Irish scored 22 runs in the first inning. ND had 25 hits, and eight starters had multi-hit games.
Emma Sisson and Sofia Falleti collected four hits each. They also each drove in three runs and scored three.
Loretta Sorochty, Katie Landers and Mia Treleaven each had three hits. Landers scored three runs and had two RBIs. Sorochty had three runs and four RBIs. Treleaven scored three runs and had three RBIs.
Sorochty was the starter, going five innings and giving up three hits, two runs and recording all 15 outs on strikeouts.
Captain Bing Zuber went 2-3 with RBIS and four stolen bases. Fletcher Norton went 2-2 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Eliseo Lagunas was 3-3 an RBI, two runs scored and three stolen bases.
Sophomore Nick Scott and freshman Mason Vigiano combined for the no-hitter. Scott got the win, going four innings and fanning eight hitters.
Both of Holley's runs were unearned.
"I'm super happy and proud for our boys to get one in the win column," said Coach Andrew Boyce. "We've played some really good teams early in the season. Because of this, our record may be a little lopsided, but our boys have no quit, and I'm excited to see where this first win takes us as a group. Anytime you get outings like that from your pitchers, you're set up for success."
The Batavia Muckdogs have officially released their 2024 promotional night schedule. This season the Muckdogs will have four fireworks shows -- June 1, 15, July 3 & 20, $1 Hotdog & $2 Beer Night return, four brand new theme nights, & a blast from the past!
This season, fireworks shows will be sponsored by Graham Corporation & Batavia Downs (Sat. June 1), Oak Orchard Health, HP Hood, & Rochester Regional Health (Sat. June 15), Tompkins Bank & Turnbull Heating & Air (Wed. July 3), and O-AT-KA Milk Products (Sat. July 20). The Helicopter Candy Drop will make a return on Saturday, July 27, vs Jamestown. Dwyer Stadium will also feature some new things, as Dave’s Ice Cream will host a giveaway night, Bark in the Park (bring your dogs to the game!), Kids Free Night (July 5), and Bills Mafia Night. The Muckdogs will also have something old but new in 2024 as well. On Friday, June 28, Batavia Clippers Night will be at Dwyer Stadium for fans of baseball in Batavia from decades past. The Muckdogs will have lots of other fun and giveaways this summer. The Muckdogs will also have a free T-shirt giveaway on Sunday, June 30 & the Helicopter Candy drop courtesy of Pete Zeliff returns on Saturday, July 27. The full schedule is available at www.canusamuckdogs.com.
The Muckdog's opening weekend is set for Saturday, June 1, at 6:30 vs. the Elmira Pioneers with post-game fireworks and then back Sunday, June 2nd 4:05 vs. the Niagara Falls Americans with meet the team night.
Season tickets are on sale starting at just $99. 585-524-2260 or visit www.canusamuckdogs.com for special promotions, season tickets, or group information. See you at Dwyer Stadium this summer.
LE ROY LEGION LANES American Legion Thursday Men High Series Shayne Herold 224-204-300--728 (His second 300 of the season) Josh Cummings 243--661 John Lowe 233--656 Tom Rohl 235--647 Kevin Donaghue 245--643 Sam Miller 235--640 Rob Panepento 231--639 Mickey Hyde 234--633 Mike Hackett 632 Rick Rauscher 241--613 Greg Miller 603 High Games Ron Rauscher 235
Carley Shepard drove in five runs on three hits to lead Alexander past Alden 16-13 on Saturday at Alden.
Shepard’s biggest hit was a bases-clearing double to the left field gap in the fourth inning.
The rest of Alexander's offense was also strong, as the team landed 22 hits on the day.
Madison Boyce, Melanie Bump and Faith Goodenbury had three hits each during the contest. Meanwhile, Emily Pietrzykowski, Melissa Sawyer, Claudia Ripstein and Lillian Szymkowiak notched two hits each on the day.
On the bump for Alexander, Emily Pietrzykowski pitched five solid innings, only allowing one earned run and striking out two Bulldogs. Madison Boyce earned the win as she hurled four two-hit innings while striking out 6 Bulldogs.
"We needed this one," said Coach John Goodenbury. "We knew that we haven’t been playing our best ball lately. We needed to put our feet down and turn things around. They did just that today, and I am proud of these girls. It was a very cold day as it was snowing off and on throughout the game, and we were missing our starting third baseman, but our girls battled through it and beat a very good and well-coached team on their home field. Our team had at least one hit today, which was nice to see. It felt like the ball had been going straight to fielders for putouts in our last three games, but not today. We are looking forward to our showdown with Oakfield on Monday."
Sofia Falleti touched them all in the sixth inning, driving in three runs with a blast over the centerfield fence. Submitted photo.
Batavia Norte Dame smacked around 21 hits on Friday afternoon, leading to a 14-5 win over Lyndonville in Girls Softball.
Hannah Tenney and Mia Treleaven each had four hits. Tenney had three RBIs and scored a run. Treleaven had an RBI. Sofia Falleti had a single, double and three-run blast over the center field fence. Falleti finished with three runs scored and six RBIs. Gianna Falleti contributed three hits, two RBIs and scored twice. Loretta Sorochty, Katie Landers and Cayleigh Havens each had two hits, with Landers scoring three runs and Havens scoring once.
On the mound, Loretta Sorochty went the distance, giving up four hits, one earned run and striking out 14 Lyndonville batters.
"Loretta kept us in the game once again until our bats came alive in the fifth inning," said Coach Otis Thomas. "Lyndonville is always one of the top teams in the league with a strong defense and good hitters. I'm proud of how the ladies overcame the slow start and finished strong. I'm especially happy to see the middle and bottom part of the batting order step up tonight and make significant contributions."
Elba beat CG Finney 16-1 on Tuesday in Girls Softball.
Stats:
Maddie Thompson was 3-4 and scored twice
Maddie Hall was 2-5, 2 RBIs and scored 3 times
Madison Marks and Madilyn Marks each had 2 RBIs
Adi Norton was 2-4 and 2 RBIs
"Offensively our team had 19 hits and ran the bases well," said Coach Dean Gottler. "Defensively, our fielding was outstanding to back up another great outing from winning pitcher Brea Smith, who struck out four and walked only one."
Countless awards, plaques, trophies, jerseys, and team photos lined the stage during this year’s annual hockey banquet at the Batavia High School auditorium on April 14.
The 2023-2024 BND United hockey season brought much to celebrate and while the many accolades are not surprising for a team led by accomplished coaches and comprised of highly talented players, the true force behind their achievement is not found within every team.
This year’s team was special, and their unity resulted in an extraordinary season. The appreciation of the sport along with the love between coaches and teammates filled the auditorium and was expressed in the numerous tear-filled and humorous stories shared on the stage.
The overwhelming feeling of comradery and family appears to be the true force behind their Championship season, and, together, they have created memories and a devotion that will forever connect them. This season’s story is one of hard work, talent, support, encouragement, respect, and selflessness.
BND United junior, Ivan Milovidov, described as a top-ranked hockey player and a fantastic young man, played a significant role in the team’s unification, strength, and overall success.
If you had the opportunity to watch Ivan on the ice, you witnessed something special. Ivan is an extremely gifted hockey player with character and leadership qualities that are equally impressive.
Among the many honors presented during the banquet was the WDF (Wisdom, Determination, Fortitude) Award, granted annually to a deserving BND United hockey player in remembrance of Wayne D. Foster.
The Wayne D. Foster Foundation Inc. carefully selects a young player who best displays Wayne’s goodwill, courage, and integrity. The honoree is considered based on their work ethic, wisdom, determination, courage, how they interact and care for others, and their unselfish play.
Through observations and in speaking with coaches, parents, and players, it was clear that Ivan was the perfect choice, making it a great privilege for the foundation, represented by Wayne’s grandson, Chase Pangrazio, to present Ivan with this year’s WDF scholarship and trophy.
The Wayne D. Foster Foundation is proud to recognize Ivan and the BND United hockey program. We wish to extend our congratulations to Ivan and the 2023-2024 BND United coaching staff and team for an outstanding season.
Supported by a newly formed board of directors that is committed to establishing a sense of pride in the organization, the Genesee County Spartans are back for a second season of competition in the Northeastern Football Alliance.
Harry Rascoe, (photo at right), vice president/head of football operations and head coach, said all members of the semipro team – players, coaches, directors and game-day volunteers – will be held to a higher standard for the 2024 campaign, which gets underway on June 1 against the visiting Lockport Wildcats.
The Spartans will be playing their home games at the Town of Pembroke football field, just down the road from Pembroke High School on Route 77. All home games will be on Saturdays, starting at 3:30 p.m.
In an interview with The Batavian on Tuesday, Rascoe acknowledged the disciplinary and behavior issues that surfaced toward the end of last season. He said all those associated with the club will be required to abide by two codes of conduct – one instituted by the Spartans and the other developed by the NFA.
“It’s not just a question of talent – and we definitely have some talented players, it’s much more than that,” Rascoe said. “We need a good core of coaches and men; people of character as we look to emulate the (Batavia) Muckdogs (baseball team) as a respected, staple of the community.”
Rascoe said 39 players are under contract for the season, many of them from Batavia High, Notre Dame and other local schools. The team’s kicker is Julie Petry, who made her mark as the Blue Devils’ placekicker during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“We’re glad to have Julie on the team, considering the job she did while at Batavia,” Rascoe said.
Jed Reese
Key skill players on offense include running backs Jzhon Henderson, whose father, Jermaine, will be serving on the board and also assisting with the defense, and Jed Reese (photo at left), a Notre Dame grad who played at Mansfield University last season.
Currently, Alex Rood (Batavia) and Corey Turpin from Buffalo are battling for the starting quarterback position.
“We also have signed 6-3 and 6-4 receivers in Deyonci Farley of Albion and Julio Gambino of Buffalo,” Rascoe noted. “Last year, we lacked possession receivers who could run.”
Rob Thurston Jr., another Batavia graduate, is the tight end.
Rascoe said the club has put in a new offense, similar to Batavia High’s system that features a short-to-intermediate passing game.
Gunner Rapone
On defense, Gunner Rapone (Batavia) returns after capturing NFA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023.
Kaden Marucci
Kaden Marucci, another former Blue Devil, is a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball.
Rapone (photo at right), Rood, offensive tackle Jordan Chambers (Gouverneur) and lineman Baylee Vercruysee (Medina) have been named co-captains.
Jermaine Henderson, who was a Division I running back at the University of Maine after a fine career at Batavia High, said he’s witnessed the team coming together as a unit during practice.
The Spartans host a scrimmage game against the Auburn Pride at 3:30 p.m. on May 11.
“The team’s morale is great and the environment, overall, has really improved,” he said.
Board President Tammy Hathaway said she’s confident that county businesses will rally around the Spartans. She said the team’s sponsors include House of Bounce, Iron Reps Gym, Get Sealed, Ridans Sports Bar and Ken Mistler, and more will be announced over the next few weeks.
Board President Tammy Hathaway and Director/Defensive Assistant Jermaine Henderson. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
“We are building on the best of what we learned last year and will be adding on to make this a team that the community can be proud of,” she said.
Rounding out the coaching staff are Craig Tiberio, defensive coordinator; Jon Grand, defensive assistant, and Burton Howell, offensive coordinator. Lauren Donovan is the board secretary and marketing/media coordinator.
Also on the board of directors are Marc Anthony Bucci, treasurer; Terry Smith, player accountability; Otis Thomas and Victor Thomas.
The Spartans’ final fundraiser is scheduled for May 25 – a golf tournament at Davis Country Meadows in Pavilion.
Genesee County Spartans’ schedule:
May 11, scrimmage, Auburn Pride
June 1 Lockport Wildcats
June 8 at Rochester Chargers
June 15 at East Coast Blue Devils
June 22 at Watertown Red & Black
June 29 Rochester Chargers
July 13 at Lockport Wildcats
July 20 Ithaca Warriors
July 27 East Coast Blue Devils
Genesee County Spartans’ roster:
No. Name Position (If determined) 0 Jedidiah Reese RB 1 Tai Reffell-Pugh 2 Alex Rood QB 3 Deyonci Farley WR 5 Rayshawn Huitt 6 Patrick Krantz DB 7 Gunner Rapone DT 8 Ryley Elliott DL 9 Marley English LB 10 Eric Snell OLB 11 Max Rapone LB 12 Corey Turpin QB 13 Kaden Marucci LB 14 Jzhon Henderson RB 15 Devan Flanagan 17 Nick Santos 19 Jalen White 20 Jzon Richardson WR 21 Delonta Curry LB 22 Cody Wenner WR 23 Kristopher Geising C 24 Michael Jamar Floyd DT 25 Dontre Woods LB 28 Keith Neureuter DE 29 Marcos Velazquez 33 Robert Thurston Jr. TE 40 Matthew Dillon LB 41 Nick Figlow 44 Brian Calderon 45 Amir Cleveland S 52 Jordan Chambers OL 54 Nick Mitchell 56 Steve Kowalczyk OL 60 Thomas Richmond 70 Timothy King OL 71 Anthony Natrigo OL 75 Austyn Fernandez OL 78 Baylee Vercruysse LB 93 Randy Reiner DL
Cole Grazioplene hits a three-run RBI double. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia piled on the runs against Pittsford-Sutherland on Monday behind a strong outing by pitcher Bronx Bucholz for a 10-4 win.
Bucholz notched a complete-game victory, going evening innings, giving up only four hits and whiffing five batters.
The Blue Devils were two 2-0 after two winnings. In the third, Evan Alexander doubled, followed by walk to Maggio Bucholze. Carter Mullen laid down a bunt and beat out the throw to load the bases. Col Grazioplene cleared the bases with a double. Dane Dombrowski followed with an RBI single, giving Batavia a 4-2 lead.
Pittsford-Sutherland tied the game in the fourth inning.
In the seventh, Grazioplene reached on a single. Ryan Fazio singled. Then Dombrowski singles to load the bases. Mekhi Fortes, in the clean-up spot, did just that with a grand slam over the leftfield fence.
Jameson Motkyka also hit a bomb on the next pitch.
Stats:
Mekhi Fortes 2-3, RBI Single, grand slam, five RBIs
Cole Grazioplene 3-4 ,double, two RBIs two Runs scored
Dane Dombrowski 3-4, RBI, run scored
Evan Alexander 2-4, two doubles
Jameson Motyka 1-4, HR
The Blue Devils are now 2-4 (2-1 in league play). They play Sutherland again at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Dwyer Stadium.
Notre Dame pulled out the close league matchup over Alexander behind the pitching of senior Loretta Sorochty.
Sorochty pitched a complete game, giving up just 3 hits, no earned runs and striking out 18 batters.
Emily Pietrzykowski pitched a strong game for Alexander as well, going the distance and only giving up 4 runs on 7 hits, striking out 3 batters.
Offensively for ND, Sorochty helped her cause with two hits and two RBIs. Katie Landers added two hits and a run scored. Mia Treleaven (double), Anna Panepento and Amelia Sorochty each contributed a hit, with Treleaven and A. Sorochty each adding a run scored. Sofia Falleti added a sac fly RBI, while Clairissa Milliman added a run scored.
"Tonight was a good test against a very strong Alexander squad," said Coach Otis Thomas. "I'm proud of the way the girls battled the entire game and can't say enough about our ace Loretta. Our bats were a little cold, but Loretta kept us in the game until we could score a few insurance runs. We have to put this one behind us and prepare for a tough league game vs Lyndonville on Friday."
The Pembroke Dragons triumphed over the Byron-Bergen squad 9-2 on Monday.
Hayden Williams led the way from the pitcher's mound, dominating with 13 strikeouts.
Jayden Bridge emerged as a standout player at the plate, going 3-4 with two doubles, driving in crucial runs and keeping the pressure on the Bee's defense.
Anthony Abbatiello also went 3-4.
Speed also proved to be a weapon for the Dragons, with the team racking up 6 stolen bases. Landon Santini swiped three himself.
In his first victory as the head Varsity Coach for the Dragons, Coach Lang expressed immense pride in his team's effort and dedication. The win not only highlights the talent of the players but also speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of the entire team, he said.
The Genesee Region USBC will be conducting its Annual Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, May 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming’s Genesee Banquet Room.
The event will get underway at 6 p.m. with a memorial service in honor of members of the bowling community who passed away over the last year.
Highlights of the evening include the induction of brothers Tim and Tom Rohl into the association’s Hall of Fame in the Bowling Achievement category, presentation of the Barbara J. Kreiley Memorial Scholarship and recognition of tournament and regular season league champions.
Election of officers and directors also will take place, along with voting to raise the annual Standard and Local Only Adult membership dues by $1.
The cost of the buffet dinner is $35, with the following exceptions:
NO CHARGE – GRUSBC directors, Adult Tournament Champions (limit one tournament only), Youth Tournament Champions and one guest (limit one tournament only), guest speaker and one guest, Hall of Fame inductees and one guest.
$20 PER PERSON – Past GRUSBC Hall of Famers, league secretary or representative (limit one per league).
The reservation deadline is May 4. The banquet is open to all GRUSBC members, with a reservation deadline of May 4.
Please RSVP by sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or by calling 585-343-3736.
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT CONCLUDES
The 17th Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament concluded on Sunday at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
Unofficial winners of the various divisions are as follows:
Open Team -- Christ Recycling, Albion, 2,860. Robbie Hanks' 300 game and 805 series on the tournament's opening squad sparked the team to the big score and it held on for first place. Other team members were Albert Burch (631), Larry Boyce (523) and Marvin Christ (483). The team received 418 pins handicap.
Women's Team -- Splitz & Giggles, Albion, 2,501. Barbara Casavant posted 604 scratch to lead the way. Other members were Sharon Stefanini (306), Tiffany Crawford (522) and Breanna Seever (502). The team received 590 pins handicap.
Open Doubles -- Daryl Dillon & Greg Gilman, Albion, 1,524. Bowling on the final squad on Sunday, Dillon registered 682 and Gilman rolled 651 for 1,333 scratch plus 191 pins handicap.
Women's Doubles -- Karen Allis & Jane Chaddock, Batavia, 1,284. Chaddock posted 566 and Allis had 532 on the second to last squad of the tournament. They received 186 pins handicap.
Open Singles -- Jeremy Yasses, Oakfield, 781. Yasses recorded games of 246-211-235 for 692 scratch. With his 89 pins handicap (based on 192 average), he took the lead on the Sunday morning squad.
Women's Singles -- Breanna Seever, Albion, 654. Seever started with a 211 game and went on to roll 522 scratch. Her 132 pins handicap enabled her to top the leaderboard, and she went on to place first in Women's All-Events as well.
Open All-Events -- Scott Culp, Honeoye Falls-Lima, 2,262. Culp put up the winning score without the benefit of handicap. His three series were 747 (Team), 773 (Doubles) and 742 (Singles).
Kyle Beaver, a Grappling World Champion and Canadian National Pro Champion, won the NYS Absolute Grappling Championship representing Lumber City Combat Sports.
His son Jojo Schafer-Beaver, from Pembroke, made his grappling tournament debut and took 2nd place!
Curtis Foss of Medina added to his lengthy list of honor scores last week, posting a perfect game and 800 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The 36-year-old right-hander, who operates the pro shop at Oak Orchard Bowl, posted games of 300, 257 and 245 for an 802 total using a Storm Summit Peak ball.
Brandon Gurnsey of Albion wasn't far behind, registering a 276 game and 770 series.
At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Bill Neubert of Batavia came within a pin of perfection for the second time this season in the Thursday Owls League.
The 73-year-old righty rolled 11 strikes before leaving the 7-pin for a 299 middle game. He finished with a 759 series.
For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.