softball

Submitted photos and game report.

A three-run sixth for Alexander broke a 3-3 tie and propelled the Trojans to a 10-4 win over Notre Dame in Girls Softball on Saturday at GCC.

With a runner on, Madison Boyce tripled to make it 4-3.  Makenna Boyce and Carley Shepard knocked in two more runs, and Alexander lead 6-3 going into the bottom of the sixth inning.  

Notre Dame’s Kaydence Stehlar hit her second home run of the day over the centerfield fence to get the Irish back within two runs.  

In the top of the seventh, a walk issued to Alexander’s Boyce loaded the bases for Emily Pietrzykowski.  Pietrzykowski didn’t miss the second pitch of the at-bat. She blasted it deep over the centerfield fence for a grand slam making it 10-4.  

It was Alexander's 100th team hit of the season.

Pietrzykowski (top photo) earned the win for Alexander, allowing four earned runs on seven hits over seven innings, walking three and striking out a trio of Irish.

Madison Boyce was 3-4 on the day with a triple, a double and two RBIs.  Carley Shepard, Olivia Delelys, and Ava Yax had multiple hits in the contest.  

As a team, Alexander collected 14 hits on the day.

 For Notre Dame: Sonji Warner had a homerun to center and Kaydence Stehlar had two homeruns to center.

"We went into this game knowing that Notre Dame is a well-coached and talented team, so we had to play sound ball to win," said Alexander's head coach, John Goodenbury. "Pietrzykowski pitched well and kept us in the game on the rubber with excellent defensive support from all positions.  Our team never got down on themselves despite losing the early lead.  We have a very young team, but they showed today they are scrappy and won’t go down without a fight.  Our motto this year is 'Go ahead, doubt us' because we like to feel like we are the underdog in every game.  This keeps the girls humble and hungry.  They play for each other instead of themselves, and I  couldn’t be more proud of them.”

 Next up for Alexander is a 5 p.m. dual with Kendall at home on Monday. 

Submitted game story and photos.

Emily Pietrzykowski was in control on the rubber against Pembroke, leading Alexander to the win allowing just one hit while walking three and striking out nine over seven innings. 

Pietrzykowski also led Alexander at the plate, going 2-4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs.

For Alexander, Madison Boyce went 2-3 with a double and three runs scored. 

Olivia Delelys and Lillian Szymkowiak each knocked a double, and Faith Goodenbury hit a triple with two RBIs for the Trojans.

Pembroke's Reagan Schneider broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the fourth with a single to center, and Aleena Maynard took the loss pitching while collecting seven strikeouts on the day.

Alexander played solid defense and did not commit an error in the field in support of the shutout. 

Alexander's next game is Friday, when they host Oakfield-Alabama at 5 p.m.

Notre Dame snagged a come-from-behind victory with a six-run seventh inning to beat Lyndonville on Monday in Girls Softball, 9-8.

Loretta Sorochty, Kaydence Stehlar, Mia Treleaven, and Emma Sisson all had multiple hits in the game.  Starting pitcher Mia Treleaven struck out seven batters, and Loretta Sorochty struck out 3 in relief.  

Photos by Pete Welker.

Alexander Varsity Softball fought back to earn the win after an early push by rival Attica Central in the second inning, where Alexander coughed up 4 runs. 

The early offensive assault by Attica was led by Grace Snyder and Elise Dresesel, who drove in runs in the second. Snyder hit a long ball over the right-field fence.

Alexander carved out 4 runs in the fifth inning to take the lead and didn’t look back behind the strong outing by Madison Boyce (top photo). 

Boyce earned the win for Alexander, allowing only five runs on five hits over seven innings, striking out 12.  Boyce also led Alexander with 2 hits.

“We needed this game bad after an upsetting underperformance yesterday against Lyndonville," said first-year Head Coach John Goodenbury. "Our team is young but talented, so we needed to regroup and redeem ourselves today.  We love to compete against our Attica neighbors, and that will never change. I am extremely proud of the heart and determination of this team.  Now, we focus on Alden at home this Saturday as they have always been a well-coached and strong team.”

Submitted photos and information.

It's more than just fun in the sun each of the last five summers when James Fazio has hosted his annual softball summer skills camp at Batavia High School.

It's about putting in the reps to learn the skills that leads to winning games.

The camp is open to softball players from throughout the region, not just Batavia students, and the girls work on the fundamentals of the game including hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and pitching.

Fazio was assisted at this year's camp by Athletes Edge Coach Brian Mruczek, Batavia Varsity Assistant Coach Mike Almekinder, Batavia JV Coach Jamie Masters and Batavia Stingers Coach Stan Kaus.

"I like to open the camp up to girls from the whole area, not just Batavia girls, just so we promote the game," Fazio said. "If I can help them with their skills in any way possible, that's my main objective. Obviously, I'd like to have a lot of my Batavia girls attend, which we do have a good amount this year, and I have my varsity girls who are helping and they've done a tremendous job all week long. I'm just trying to promote the game in our area, which is very popular anyways."

Photos by Howard Owens.

Before Le Roy's U-16 softball game against Batavia on Monday evening, Lily Uberty received the first-ever Madison Grace Masters Peacemaker Award.

The purpose of the award is to honor Madison Master, who passed away in 2020. The Le Roy Youth Softball board created the award to secure the legacy of Master in the Le Roy athletic community. 

The MGM Peacemaker Award is given to a deserving player, as chosen by their coaches, who exemplifies:

• Commitment to the sport of softball and team.
• Model of sportsmanship in treating teammates, coaches, opposing teams, umpires and parents with the utmost respect.
• Acts as a mentor and example, embracing inclusivity and supporting teammates who may be struggling.
• Maintains a positive attitude in all aspects of practice and competition, especially in difficult situations.
• Displays the qualities of a leader where respect has been earned from teammates and coaches alike.

Uberty received a $100 gift certificate donated by Dick's Sporting Goods as well as a custom-crafted softball adorned with MGM and a red butterfly and #12, Maddie's number when she played softball.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

The 2022 summer camp will be held at the Batavia High School Varsity softball field on July 5 through 7 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The 8th and 9th will be used as rain dates.

The camp is open to girls ages 8-17 (age 8 to upcoming seniors in HS) from any town.

The camp will feature Batavia Varsity Softball Coach Jim Fazio, Batavia Varsity Assistant Coach, and Athletes Edge Coach Brian Mruczek, Batavia Varsity Assistant Coach Mike Almekinder, Batavia JV Coach Jamie Masters, Batavia Stingers Coach Stan Kaus, and current Batavia Varsity players.

The camp will focus on the fundamentals of the game including hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and pitching. A catcher (can be a friend, parent, etc.) must be provided for those taking part in the pitching lessons, which are from 9:15 to 10 a.m. The pitching lessons will be taught by Pembroke 2022 graduating senior Allie Schwerthoffer, a perennial Genesee Region League all-star. All players will be grouped according to age, ability, or both.

The cost of the camp is $75 and includes a camp t-shirt. Multiple kids from same the family will cost $65 per player. Make checks payable to Batavia Softball Boosters and mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road,  Batavia, NY 14020 Contact info: 585-356-0901 jfazio@gvboces.org 

To download the sign-up form (PDF), click here.

Bryar Biracree pitched a complete game no-hitter for the Le Roy 12U Black Team on Thursday against Geneseo.  She gave up four unearned runs in Le Roy's 8-4 victory. She struck out 14.

LeRoy’s offense was led by Biracree and Abby Valdes scoring two runs each. Kallia Shannon and Annora Karcher both had RBIs.

The girls play Cal-Mum at home on Tuesday.

Information and photo submitted by Shannon Karcher

The Elba Lancers softball team came into the post-season as the #6 seed in the Class D2 Section V tournament and put together a string of wins carrying them to the championship game yesterday against Friendship.

Nice run but it came to an end with a 10-0 loss.

The Lancers finish the season with a record of 7-11.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Submitted photo and information.

Elba Central School is hosting "Softball Showdown: Lancers vs. The Law" this Thursday, June 17th, starting at 5 p.m.

The seniors will be playing a team of Genesee County Sheriffs deputies and NYS Troopers in a showcase game.

Just for fun, Undersheriff Brad Mazur and Deputy Ryan Young stopped out at the school today to take on some good-natured smack-talk from the Lancers.

The school is located at 57 S. Main St. in Elba.

All proceeds will benefit the ECS scholarship fund.

The game will take place on our softball field and tickets are available for $5 in our district office (or at the field).

Food from Chap's Elba Diner, Andy's Pizza, and Los Compadres food truck will be available for purchase as well.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in girls softball yesterday 22-7. The winning pitcher was CJ Ryan, who tossed five innings and gave up five hits will striking out four.

At the plate, Ryan was 4-5 with two triples and a double, and six RBIs.

Kelsey Schlagenhauf, 4-5, three RBIs. Katie Raziano, Jenna Gilbert, and Lily Davis each had two hits.

"This is a huge win for our young team," said Manager Jeff Schlagenhauf. "To be able to beat a great team in Alexander and one of the best pitchers in the area, Sam Sawyer, gives our kids a ton of confidence.

"We just want to keep improving each and every day. The girls are playing with a ton of energy and believe in each other. It’s a great recipe for success."

Photos by Kristen Smith. For more photos, click here.

Press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) is overwhelmed with gratitude from the community stepping up with very generous donations to allow for the installation of a brand-new electronic scoreboard at Lions Park, the home of the Batavia Stingers. 

In particular, BGFS wants to give a special thank you to the two lead sponsors of the sign, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and Batavia Restaurant Supply Inc. These two local businesses understand the importance of youth sports for our community and backed up this belief with critical financial support that made this scoreboard a reality.

When speaking with Batavia’s Original owner, Kathy Ferrara, and Batavia Restaurant Supply owners, Stacey Schrader and Nate Charvella, they were all moved by the disparities in girls and boys sports, and we're excited to help provide the girls with the first electronic scoreboard in Batavia for girl’s softball.

We hope people pay attention to these businesses that give back to our community, as they deserve our support the most!

In addition to the very generous lead sponsorships by Batavia’s Original and Batavia Restaurant Supply, BGFS would also like to give a special thanks to the almost two dozen sponsors that are permanently listed on the banner below the sign at Lions Park.

Three of these sponsors listed as Primary sponsors for their generous donations are the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Lawley Insurance, and the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation. These are more examples of organizations and businesses that value the importance of youth sports.

Lastly, but certainly not least, BGFS would like to give a big THANK YOU to the project coordinator, and guy that pulled it all together, JC Kabel. He spent countless hours fundraising and leading the project design and installation. 

The BGFS Board is forever grateful for helping us have our ladies look up at that beautiful scoreboard and think it is normal for girls to have the same opportunities as the boys.

Nickie Fazio, wife of Batavia High School softball Coach Jim Fazio, made this video as a tribute to the 2020 softball team, whose season has been canceled by the coronavirus pandemic.

Fazio said:

I wanted to do something special for the Varsity girls since they did not get to play this year. My heart goes out to all of them, but especially the seniors. Took me the whole week to get it done. Thank you to everyone that sent me pictures to help me put this together. It evolved into something much bigger than I originally planned. This was the best way Coach and I could express how much these girls mean to us.

From Coach Jim Fazio: "Players and coaches from the Batavia varsity softball team participated in the Section V Softball Challenge.

"Previously high schools from Waterloo and Rush Henrietta came up with the idea of practicing social distancing by still being involved with their teams in a unique way with softball related skills and players' imaginations.

"Since Alexander High School and others did a fantastic job with their videos, this challenge took off and we thought it would be a great idea to join in and have some fun while practicing social distancing and playing safe."

Photos and story by Faith DesRoches.

Mackenna Johnson, a senior at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, has committed to attend Niagara County Community College.

She plans to play girls basketball and girls softball and she will be coached by Nate Beutel.

The signing by NCCC is a result of Johnson's accomplishments at Pembroke in both basketball and softball.

Johnson has been a starter on her basketball team for the last four years and a team captain for three of those seasons.

During Johnson's career in basketball, she ranks sixth all-time in points (529), 11th in rebounds (338), second in assists (233), and third in steals (203).

She is the only second Lady Dragon to be ranked in the top five in all four categories. The first person to do it was her sister Breanna Johnson.

As a softball player, Johnson has also been a four-year starter and a captain for three seasons. Johnson has been a Genesee Region All-Star.

Johnson said she's eager to begin her basketball and softball career with the Thunderwolves.

Top photo: Pembroke basketball coach Ron Funke, Mackenna Johnson, and Nate Beutel, NCCC coach.

The Johnson family: sisters Sydney Johnson and Aralyse Johnson, mother Shannon Johnson, father Jamie Johnson, McKenna, her sister Breanna Johnson, and grandparents Darlene and Dwayne Johnson.

The varsity girls' basketball team: Nicole von Kramer, Dekari Moss, Emily Peters, Serene Calderone, Casey Wurtz, Allie Schwerthoffer,  Isabel Breeden, Megan Conibear, and Brianna Rindell.

At age 11, Karissa Kendall does something not many girls can claim -- she is a successful pitcher in both baseball and softball.

In a 12U girls fastpitch softball game played at Kibbe Park on Tuesday, a team comprised of players from Batavia, Le Roy, and Elba, beat a team comprised of players from Alexander, Lyndonville, Perry 10-9.

Katie Landers had three hits, three RBIs, and scored two runs for the Batavia team.

Loretta Sorochty allowed two runs and four hits over three innings. She had seven Ks.

Karissa Kendall gave up one run and one hit over two innings.

Emily Pietrzykowski, of Alexander, had two hits.

The Batavia varsity softball team bounced back from their previous game and defeated Monroe County Division 4 opponent Greece Odyssey by a score of 9-6 in a game played yesterday afternoon at Genesee Community College. 

Alyssa Ognibene, in her first ever varsity start, picked up her first varsity victory as she spun a complete game with five strikeouts and scattering six hits. 

Maiya Reinhart went 4-4 at the plate, hitting for the cycle, including a solo home run, towering fly ball over the left corner fence (photo celebrated above with teammates). Reinhart drove in three runs for the Lady Devils. 

Jenae Colkey collected three singles and an RBI for the Lady Devils, while Ryann Stefaniak, Bryn Wormley, Mackenzie Reigle, Sonji Warner, Dallas Lama, Irelyn Curry, and Natalie Rogers also hit safely. Rhorri Fix put down a perfect bunt for a base hit, while Julia Clark played very well defensively. 

With the win, Batavia moves to 1-0 in league play and 2-1 overall.

To view or purchase photos, click here.