Skip to main content

Batavia HS

Batavia girls beat Le Roy in nightcap of Soccer Saturday at Van Detta

By Howard B. Owens
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Batavia Blue Devils and Le Roy Oatkan Knights capped Soccer Saturday with a Girls Soccer game that ended with a 3-2 OT win for Batavia.

The boys lost their OT game to Wilson/Early College 3-2.

"It was a wonderful night for our boys and girls senior soccer players," said Roger Hume, head coach for Batavia. "Le Roy didn’t make it an easy win."

In the nightcap, Batavia started the scoring early in the first half with a breakaway run and finish by Ella Shamp, with an assist from Jaimin MacDonals.  

Le Roy scored the next two goals, leaving it senior Ella Radley to tie up the game with two minutes left.  

Batavia came out strong in OT, and senior Anna Varland finished the game with a goal five minutes into the first OT.  

"Batavia did a fantastic job coming back from two goals to one to make this its 12th win of the season," Hume said.  

The Blue Devils remain undefeated.

The Batavian did not receive scoring stats from Le Roy.  Le Roy is  9-4-1 on the year.

The girls' next game is Monday away at Livonia.

In the boys' game, goals were scored by Quintin Cummings, assisted by Troy Hawley, and Troy Hawley, assisted by Rylan Bohn.

 Batavia’s record is now 8 wins and 5 losses on the season.

To view more photos or purchase prints, click here.

batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.
batavia le roy girls soccer
Photo by Howard Owens.

Football Roundup: Batavia beats Geneva 36-0

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Blue Devils improved to 4-2 on the season with a 36-0 win on Friday over Geneva at Geneva.

Stats: 

  • Bronx Buchholz: 8-18 passing for 136 yards, two TDs, one interception, and he rushed for 76 yards on 12 carries
  • Mekhi Fortes: five carries, 111 yards, one TD
  • Zailen Griffin: five carries, 64 yards, one TD
  • Lakoda Mruczek: six carries, 36 yards, one TD
  • Brock Warren: two carries, 11 yards, one TD
  • Maggio Buchholz: 6.5 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one TD reception
  • Joey Marranco: six tackles
  • Justin Smith: three tackles, two interceptions
  • Tym Murrell: three tackles, one interception
  • Greyson Fix: one interception
  • Will Stevens: one interception

In other football action:

Blue Devils beat Eastridge 2-0 in Boys Soccer

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils improved to 8-4 with a 2-0 win over Eastridge on Friday in Boys Soccer.

Head Coach Graham Halpin said it was a physical and spirited performance by Batavia.

Quintin Cummings, assisted by Owen Halpin, scored a first-half goal. The second goal for Batavia came in the second half when Ryan Bohn scored with a header off a corner kick by Finn Halpin.

Halpin highlighted The defensive line of Trevor Tryon, Will Fulton, Brandon Currier, Trey Tryon, and Darius Wahl, as well as goalkeeper Ben Stone for the shutout of Eastridge.

Batavia volleyball teams raise $2,200 for Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Howard B. Owens
volleyball pink game batavia high school

For the  second year on Tuesday, Batavia High School's volleyball teams, varsity and JV, hosted a "pink game" to raise money in support of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The teams raised $2,200.

Statement provided by Sarah Gahagan:

Nick Grasso graciously accepted this donation on behalf of Genesee Cancer Assistance.  He reminded all spectators of how important it is to help out locally whenever possible. He reminded the spectators how expensive travel, treatment and other things people battling this disease need on a daily basis and how grateful our local recipients are to have events like this in their honor.

We would like to thank all of our local sponsors for donating baskets to support our team. 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

batavia hs pink game volleyball
batavia hs pink game volleyball
batavia hs pink game volleyball
batavia hs pink game volleyball
batavia hs pink game volleyball
batavia hs pink game volleyball


 

Batavia beats Attica in boys soccer 2-1

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia boys soccer team picked up its sixth win of the season, against four losses, by beating Attica 2-1 on Saturday.

"It was a contentious game in which Attica gained a 1-0 lead early on before Troy Hawley eventually equalized on an assist by Owen Halpin," said Head Coach Graham Halpin. 

Hunter Mileham's game-winning goal in the second half was assisted by Owen Halpin..

The defensive line and goalkeeper Ben Stone were instrumental in containing Attica's offense, along with notable contributions from Noah Whitcombe, Finn Halpin, Patrick Suozzi, and Eli Michalak, said Coach Halpin.

Swarming defense helps Batavia hold down Vertus for 37-16 win

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
After a long reception early in the third quarter, Vertus Charter was threatening to score near the goal line when Batavia's Mekhi Fortes grabbed QB Malachi Jones, knocking the ball loose, allowing Maggio Buchholz to recover the fumble.
Photo by Howard Owens.

With an aggressive Blue Devils defense harassing Vertus QB Malachi Jones all night, forcing turnovers and lost yardage, Batavia was able to securing a convincing win over Vertus Charter 37-16.

Bronx Bucholz was 11-16 passing for 139 yards and two touchdowns. 

Cole Grazioplene had two receptions for 18 yards, and 22 yards on one carry, with two TDs and a defensive interception.

Zailen Griffin had 10 carries for 89 yards.

Carter Mullen had four receptions for 44 yards and touchdown.

Mekhi Fortes, who was also a dominant presence on defense, had three receptions for 43 yards and ran for a touchdown.

The Blue Devils are now 2-2 on the season.

This is exclusive game coverage by The Batavian. You can help support The Batavian's coverage of the community by joining Early Access Pass.

To view more photos for purchase prints, click here.

Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Flushed from the pocket, QB Malachi Jones spikes the ball to prevent a sack by Mekhi Fortes in the first quarter.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Zailen Griffin sprints away from a defender in the second quarter.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Mekhi Fortes with the ball over the endzone in the second quarter.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Zailen Griffin 
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Mekhi Fortes with the stiff arm in the second-quarter.
Photo by Howard Owens 
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
A defensive stop in the second quarter left Vertus inside the one-yard line.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Leading to a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Photo Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
DaShaun Wright and teammates celebrate his fumble recovery in the endzone for a touchdown.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Maggio Buchholz with the reception on the PAT.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Cole Grazioplene with a third-quarter interception.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Blue Devils vs. Vertus Charter Football 2023
Offensive lineman Karvel Martino with a block.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia boys soccer beats Geneva 3-1

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils boys soccer team improved to 5-4 on the season with a 3-1 win over Geneva on Thursday. 

Head coach  Graham Halpin described the game as "a technical and creative performance by Batavia."

Owen Halpin scored two goals, assisted by Finn Halpin and Andrew Childs. Gavynn, assisted by Owen Halpin, also scored.

The defensive line of Trevor Tryon, Will Fulton, Brandon Currier, and Trey Tryon helped to limit Geneva to one goal, Coach Halpin said.

Monroe handed Batavia it's biggest loss in more than a decade, 40-0

By Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Monroe handed Batavia a second straight loss on Friday night at Van Detta Stadium, and at 40-0, it's the largest deficit suffered by the Blue Devils in more than a decade.

No stats are available for the game.

Batavia will play charter school Vertus next Friday at home at 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia boys soccer team picks up third win over Attica, 3-0

By Staff Writer

The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Attica 3-0 on Saturday afternoon. 

An all-around strong performance by Batavia was highlighted with goals by Rylan Bohn, assisted by Finn Halpin, and a penalty kick converted by Hunter Mileham, as well as an own goal by Attica. 

The relentless defensive line and goalkeeper Ben Stone all contributed to the shutout. 

Batavia’s record improved to 3 wins and one loss on the season.

Blue Devils soccer opens season with back-to-back wins

By Staff Writer
boys soccer team batavia high school

Submitted information and photo.

The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team won its second game of the season on Tuesday evening against Greece Odyssey, 6-3.  

It was an outstanding effort by all players in a contentious game, said Head Coach Graham Halpin.

Rylan Bohn (#9) had four goals, and Owen Halpin (#11) had two goals and oneassist. Finn Halpin (#2) recorded two assists. There were also assists by Patrick Suozzi (#5), Will Fulton (#24), and Devin Hughes (#20). 

Ben Stone (#19) made many excellent saves in goal while the defensive line worked tirelessly to contain Odyssey's attack. 

Batavia's strong second half team effort gives them first home opener win 33-14 over Wayne

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia takes the lead with 3.8 seconds at haltime 20-14.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia takes the lead with 3.8 seconds left in the second quarter, making 20-14 at halftime
Photo by Steve Ognibene

In the closing seconds of the first half, the Batavia Blue Devils scored a go-ahead TD over Wayne Central to regain a lead the team wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way, leading to a 33-14 win. 

It was the team's home opener and made the Blue Devils 2-0 under new head coach Alex Veltz.

Bronx Buchholz was 7-11 passing for 59 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also gained 130 yards on the ground on 15 carries, scoring twice.

Cole Graz snagged our receptions for 18 yards and a TD. He also had an inception on defense.

Carter Mullen had one reception for an 8-yard TD.

Mekhi Fortes, 14 carries, 85 yards, 5.5.

Zailen Griffin, nine rushes for 82 yards and a TD.

The Blue Devils take on Honeoye Falls-Lima this Friday in HFL. Game time is 7 p.m. 

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene scores first touchdown for Batavia in first quarter.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene scores the first touchdown for Batavia in the first quarter.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Bulldawgs claim 34-30 win over Blue Devils in annual scrimmage

By Steve Ognibene
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

The 11th annual scrimmage between the Batavia Blue Devils vs. the Batavia Bulldawgs was another win for the mini-squad on Wednesday evening at VanDetta stadium.  

The Bulldawgs opened the first drive with a 60-yard TD run by Logan Brooks.  They led at the half 20-16.

Bluedevils took a brief lead after halftime, 24-20, then on its next possession, the Bulldawgs scored Parker Davis on a 60-yard TD run, regaining the lead 26-24.   

With 3:44 left in the game, the Blue Devils scored and led by four, 30-26.

Then with 4.7 seconds left, Max Monroe scored to secure the Bulldawg's win, 34-30,

The Blue Devils, who over the past 11 years have won sectional titles and vied for a state championship, has yet to manage a victory against the much younger team.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

City Schools names experienced educator new BHS principal

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

jennifer-wesp-liestman
Jennifer Wesp-Liestman

On Monday, July 10, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Jennifer Wesp-Liestman as Principal of Batavia High School, effective August 1, 2023.

Wesp-Liestman has served as assistant principal at both Spencerport High School and Greece Odyssey Academy. She also served as a special education teacher in the Churchville-Chili and Greece Central School Districts. She received both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Science Degree in Inclusive Education from Nazareth College. She has a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Wesp-Liestman also serves as an adjunct professor at Roberts Wesleyan College in the Pathways to Teaching Program.

“I am excited to welcome Jennifer Wesp-Liestman to Batavia High School and our BCSD community,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Jennifer comes to us with an exceptional administrative background and an impressive foundation in education. I look forward to watching her execute her vision for Batavia High School, and she’ll be a welcomed addition to our leadership team. I want to also thank our faculty, staff, students, and parent representatives who participated in our interview process—it truly was a collaborative experience.”   

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Batavia City School District as the new principal of Batavia High School. From the moment I set foot on campus, it immediately felt like a family,” said Wesp-Liestman. “I have a special place in my heart for BCSD as my father proudly attended John Kennedy School when he was a young boy. As we look ahead to the new school year, I am eagerly anticipating working with our exceptional students, dedicated staff, and inspiring teachers. Together, we will make this year a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and success for all.”

Omar Hussain and Jessica Korzelius will return as assistant principals, joining Jennifer Wesp-Liestman to complete the BHS leadership team for the 2023-24 school year.

For family and health reasons, Fazio stepping down as BHS softball coach after championship season

By Howard B. Owens
jim fazio at dwyer
Jim Fazio at Dwyer Stadium on Monday evening.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Health issues and a desire to see his son play more baseball in his final season with the Batavia Blue Devils have led Jim Fazio to step down as head coach of the Batavia High School softball team.

He leaves after achieving an important personal goal: Helping the girl's team win a sectional title.

"The team means the world to me," Fazio told The Batavian at Dwyer Stadium during the Batavia Muckdogs game on Monday evening. "Ever since I started coaching, it was a dream to win a sectional title. To finally get it this year, it's just something that, you know, you just dream about."

Fazio has been coaching since 2000 and became varsity softball coach in 2018.

Under the circumstances, coaching in 2024 isn't possible, he said. He's been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and is on two waiting lists for a kidney transplant.

"That's the main reason why I'm stepping down," Fazio said. "I think I should be able to coach tennis, but things right now are up in the air."

His son is also entering his senior year, and in the spring, Fazio wants to take the time to see more of his son's baseball games.

"I miss a lot of his games because their schedule almost mimics ours," Fazio said.

jim and nikki fazio
Jim and Nikki Fazio enjoying the moment after Batavia won a Girls Softball Section V title on May 27.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia falls to Canisteo in attempt to win first-ever Section Flag Football title

By Howard B. Owens
batavia girls flag football

Batavia lost its bid on Saturday to become the first Flag Football champions in Section V history at Monroe Community College with a 20-0 loss to Canisteo-Greenwood.

Batavia entered the game undefeated at 8-0 and as the #1 seed.  Canisteo was 7-1 at the start of the game.

It would be tempting to blame the loss on turnover -- there were a couple but were mostly inconsequential -- and penalties -- there were a few.

But more, Canisteo-Greenwood outplayed the Blue Devils.

After stopping Batavia on its first possession, Canisteo scored on its first drive. And on its second.

Batavia advanced the ball to the opposing goal line at least three times, but Canisteo-Greenwood keep the Blue Devils out of the end zone each time. 

There are no stats available for the game.

Photos by Howard Owens.  For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football
batavia girls flag football

Batavia dominates first half in Flag Football for Class B sectional semifinal win

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia's Jaimin Macdonald gets another incerception, Photo Steve Ognibene
Batavia's Jaimin Macdonald catches another interception to power Batavia's strong defense

Eastridge got on the board first, but it was all Batavia after that, as the Blue Devils went on to win a smoke-delayed, and then rain-delayed, Flag Football sectional semifinal playoff game on Friday at Van Detta Stadium.

The final: 27-6. 

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was canceled because of poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada.

On Friday, Batavia scored 27 unanswered points in the first half on scores by Julia Clark (twice), and Isabella Walsh and a TD keyed off an interception by Jaimin McDonald. Then the rain came, causing another delay.

There was no scoring in the second half.

Batavia plays in the first-ever Section V Flag Football final at 11 a.m. today (Saturday) at Monroe County Community College.  Batavia, the #1 seed, will take on #2 seed Canisteo-Greenwood (7-1) for the Class B title.

"We found ways to win," Coach Ben Buchholz told he team. "We found ways to make big plays, and that’s exactly what good teams do.   We finally started to click; big players made big plays.  

Of the defense, he told them, "We had girls in some spots that did not play there all year. You stepped up, made plays for us, and that’s exactly what we needed, and I’m super proud of you.  We have a lot of unfinished business. Tomorrow let’s go win a block, let’s win this.  Let’s come in with the best version of us that we have had all year and let’s win this thing."

Game Highlights:

  • Isabella Walsh - four receptions, 87 yards, a TD and a two-point conversion.
  • Anna Varland -18 carries, 112 yards
  • Julia Preston - two receptions, 39 yards
  • Julia Clark - 127 yards passing. one passing TD, two rushing TDs.
  • Jaimin Mcdonald - four Interceptions and nine flag pulls
  • Alyssa Talone - six Flag Pulls
  • Hannah Carney – Interception

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Anna Varland on the move
Anna Varland on the move
Quarterback Julia Clark making a pass to her teammate
Quarterback Julia Clark making a pass to her teammate
Batavia's defense held strong through Eastridge's passing attempts
Batavia's defense held strong through Eastridge's passing attempts
Batavia defenders disturbing the Eastridge offensive pass.
Batavia defenders disturbing the Eastridge offensive pass.
Senior Alyssa Tallone gets an Eastrige flag pull behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yards
Senior Alyssa Tallone gets an Eastrige flag to pull behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yards
Senior Cesia Isamay catches a Eastridge flag pull to stop yard advancement on the play
Senior Cesia Isamay catches anremains Eastridge flag pull to stop yard advancement on the play
Batavia celebrates semi-final win but reamin focused to get it's first block in the inaugural flag-football season
Batavia celebrates semi-final win but remain focused to get itsEastridge first block in the inaugural flag-football season

Ten 2023 BHS student-athletes make college commitments

By Press Release
bcsd-2023-athletes_all.jpg
Back: Batavia Blue Devil, Julia Petry, Shawn Kimball, Aidan Anderson, Nathan Canale, Cody Harloff, Casey TatarkaFront: Noah Pickard, Abby Moore, Jakalya Rivera, Garrett Schmidt

Press Release:

On Monday, June 5, 10 Batavia High School students signed with their perspective colleges for the fall. 

bcsd-2023-athletes_julia-petry.jpg
JULIA PETRY: Daemen University / Track and Field. Back: Nick Burk, Rich Boyce, Bill Buckenmeyer. Front: LJ Petry, Julia Petry, John Petry
bcsd-2023-athletes_shawn-kimball.jpg
SHAWN KIMBALL: Genesee Community College / Baseball
Front: Patrick Kimball, Shawn Kimball, Evan Kimball
bcsd-2023-athletes_aidan-anderson.jpg
AIDAN ANDERSON: USMA at West Point / Sprint Football. Back: Ava Anderson, Korinne Anderson, Mike Anderson, Brennan Briggs. Front: Aidan Anderson
bcsd-2023-athletes_nathan-canale.jpg
NATHAN CANALE: St. John Fisher University / Cross Country, Track. Back: Rich Boyce, Nick Burk, Bill Buckenmeyer. Front: John Canale, Nathan Canale, Cindy Canale
bcsd-2023-athletes_cody-harloff.jpg
CODY HARLOFF: SUNY Brockport / Cross Country, Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field. Back: Rich Boyce, Nick Burk, Bill Buckenmeyer. Front: Della Martinez, Cody Harloff, Shabi Gard, Rosella Williams
bcsd-2023-athletes_casey-tatarka.jpg
CASEY TATARKA: SUNY Oswego / Tennis. Back: Kylie Tatarka, Alayna Tatarka. Front: Casey Tatarka, Rachel Tatarka
bcsd-2023-athletes_noah-pickard.jpg
NOAH PICKARD: SUNY Oneonta / Cross Country, Track and Field. Back: Andrew Pickard, Rich Boyce, Nick Burk, Bill Buckenmeyer. Front: Jack Pickard, Noah Pickard, Karen Pickard, Bill Pickard
bcsd-2023-athletes_abby-moore.jpg
ABBY MOORE: SUNY Geneseo / Track and Field. Back: Rich Boyce, Nick Burk, Bill Buckenmeyer. Front: Abby Moore, Cassandra Moore
bcsd-2023-athletes_jakayla-rivera.jpg
JAKALYA RIVERA: University at Buffalo / Competitive Cheer. Front: Kanaya Rivera, Jakalya Rivera, Essence Rivera
bcsd-2023-athletes_garrett-schmidt-1.jpg
GARRETT SCHMIDT: Grove City College / Football. Back: Dan Schmidt, Shannon Schmidt, Brennan Briggs. Front: Garrett Schmidt

Photos submitted by Emily Benedict

Batavia Track girls capture outdoor sectional title, Boys finished a close second place.

By Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls Capture Class B1 Sectional title

On Friday evening, in a less than 24-hour change of locations for the Class B1 outdoor track sectional competition, the Batavia Girls finished first place by a large margin, with 172 points.  

Batavia Boys were edged by U-Prep by 2.5 points in the last race to take second place. 

The event was moved at the last minute to Van Detta Stadium because of a fire at the Newark High School facility, the originally scheduled host of the event. There was an electrical fire late Thursday afternoon in Newark.

Girls head coach Rich Boyce said, "I am extremely proud of this accomplishment tonight. The girls worked really hard all season. We knew we would have to have the best meet of our lives to beat HFL, and they came here today, and every single girl on this team got a PR in every event they did."

"We knew it would come down to us and HFL," Boyce said. "172 points today was just amazing by our team, which to my recollection, is the most points Batavia girls outdoor track team have scored in a sectional meet.  We will celebrate this one tonight and be back to work for state qualifiers next week."

Assistant Coach Bill Buckenmeyer said, "It was an outstanding effort to a change in scenery in one day and come out on their home track and put out the performance that they did. I thought it was amazing. The boys had a great meet, too. It just shows the true meaning of being a Blue Devil to go out there, up against tough competition and perform at the highest level."

Winners for Batavia include Nate Canale in the 1600m (4:29.44) and in the 800m (1:59.41). Cody Harloff won the 3000 Steeple (10:21.67), and the boy's 4x800 Relay squad won (9:06.29).  

Relay runners for the winning 4x8 were Noah Pickard, Gavin Fowler, Donavin Solis, and Ryan Dillon.  

Sheldon Siverling continued his impressive spring with a victory in the Shot Put (54-3) and a 2nd place finish in Discus (136-3).  Lucas Crater won the individual sectional championship in the Pentathlon (2578 points) as well.  

The team finished with 142.5 points, while Uprep scored 145.  

"This meet was a very gutsy performance from many of our athletes, and the Blue Devils competed hard all meet long," said Boys Coach Nick Burk. "The meet was hosted by Batavia, so all of our seniors got to have one more chance to run on the home track against the top competition.  We also had a very balanced meet, getting contributions in many events throughout the course of the day.  Despite the bittersweet ending to sectionals, our athletes left it all on the track and competed until the end."

Full results can be found at: https://live.yentiming.com/meets/781/events

Batavia will host the State Qualifier meet this Friday at Vandetta Stadium at 4:45 p.m.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Celebration run after winning sectional crown
Girls 4x800m relay team
Gilrs track team with coaches celebration section V team photo

Blue Devils crowned Section V softball champs in Class B1

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia softball
Batavia already had a 4-2 lead when Giana Mruczek scored the second run on a two runs that scored on a Sophia Minuto base hit in the fifth inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.

For the first time in a decade and the second time in program history, Batavia's softball players lifted a Section V trophy over their heads after beating Waterloo for the Class B1 crown, 7-2.

Giana Mruczek tossed a complete game three-hitter, fanning seven and going 1-3 at the plate and driving in a run.  She was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Libby Grazioplene went 4-4. Julia Clark had two stolen bases and scored two runs.  

This was the third year straight that Batavia and Waterloo have clashed in sectional finals and the first time in those three contests that Batavia came out on top.

"To beat Waterloo is a big accomplishment," said Coach James Fazio. "I had a feeling that if we made it this far, it was going to be Waterloo again. And it was, thankfully, we're able to get the job done today."

A key difference this year, Fazio said, is Batavia took an early lead.

"They're such a strong hitting team from top to bottom that no lead to safe against them," Fazio said. "For once, we were able to get the lead on them, and that's been our struggle the last couple of years -- we always play from behind. But this time, we put them on their heels, and we were just able to hold on.  They're a tough team, and we were fortunate enough to beat him."

Mruczek said the win felt really special because she and her teammates have worked hard and grown close.

"I think it's very heartfelt," Mruczek said. "This team has worked so hard for these past two years, and this team (Waterloo), they've always come for us. This was the third year playing them, and I think that we really wanted it so bad. This one is just what everyone deserved. I think it's great."

Clark said there was something special about beating Waterloo, given the history between the two teams.

"This means everything," Clark said. "We've fallen so many times to this team, and we don't see him in the regular season. So it's really this game or nothing. So we always have to put our all in."

The win was also special, Clark said, because of the decade between championship trophies for the softball team.

"We haven't won it all in a very long time," Clark said. "We're always division champs and stuff like that. But to finally win a sectional title for our school means a lot."

Other performance highlights:

  • Sophia Minuto, 1-3, two RBIs
  • Drew Stevens, 1-3, one RBI
  • Arianna Almekinder, 1-3, one RBI
  • Lyndsey Grazioplene, 1-3

Next up for Batavia: The Class B consolidation game against either Wellsville or Haverling on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Honeoye Falls-Lima HS.

Photos by Howard Owens. To view more photos, click here. 

Batavia softball
Arianna Almekinder popped up a bunt in the 7th inning that landed fair just out of reach of ....
Batavia softball
... Waterloo catcher Logan Amidon.
Batavia softball
Giana Mruczek tossed a complete game three-hitter, fanning seven.
Batavia softball
Giana Mruczek
Batavia softball
Sofia Branche scores.
Batavia softball
Third baseman Hannah Carney charges toward the plate on a chop swing by Waterloo's Emily Plate.
Batavia softball
Giana Mruczek takes a pitch.
Batavia softball
Sophia Minuto fouls one off.
Batavia softball
Hannah Carney throwing to first.
Batavia softball
Kennedy Beniamino is out at first. Batavia's first baseman is Sophia Minuto
Batavia softball
Batavia softball
Batavia softball

Batavia advances to finals in Girls Softball

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia Girls Softball

Batavia, the #2 seed in the Section V Class B Girls Softball tournament, beat Midlakes on Thursday to advance to the finals, where they will face #1 seed Waterloo on Saturday.

The final score was 5-4.

Libby Grazioplene was 2-4 with three RBIs, including driving in the winning run with a  two-run single.

Julia Clark was 2-3. 

Lila Fortes had an RBi while going 1-4.

Giana Mruzcek tossed a complete game for the win, striking out nine.

Saturday's game is at 11 a.m. at Webster Thomas High School.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Batavia Girls Softball
Batavia Girls Softball
Batavia Girls Softball
Batavia Girls Softball
Batavia Girls Softball

Authentically Local