Read about the home win and read about the DoH members
Photos gallery and story by CHRIS BROOKS, wellsvillesports.com sports editor
WELLSVILLE — The home-at-home series started back on Thursday between Allegany-Limestone and Wellsville, found its way towards a close at Tullar Field for the Lady Lions’ home opener on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
48 hours ago in their first game of their title defense, the Lady Lions offense was relentless from start to finish, with multiple hitters garnering at least a pair of hits in the lineup to go with what was a no-hit performance from Makenzie Cowburn in the circle in their 13-0 win in Allegany.
Back home, a near mirror image from that performance. This time mimicked by Marissa Ordway and Makenna Dunbar, as the two sophomore hurlers combined to hold Allegany-Limestone to just one hit at the plate while the offense continued to keep the pistons churning towards a 2-0 start on the season, as they swept the home-at-home series with a five-inning, 17-0 shutout of the Lady Gators.
“Our team came out and played well from the start. I’m happy to have a great day, as far as the weather goes to play this game. We took advantage of it, and played a nice game today. Marissa did a nice job pitching, she gave up just one hit. She was around the strike-zone all game, so I was happy to see that.”
The Lady Lions (2-0) started out red hot from the start, beginning with a quick stand of defense which saw Allegany-Limestone record their lone hit with two outs on a double down the left field line. That would help the offense’s cause by recording a two-out double of their own off the bat of Makenna Dunbar, who plastered a line drive to the left field fencing to score Brazen Beckwith.
With the ice broken, Wellsville would go on to crack even further with Dunbar trading places with Ordway at the plate after her RBI double to the outfield. After going up by a pair, the Lady Lions would take the field for their second defensive stand — one that would provide a big energy boost moving forward.
It would begin with some resilient bounce-back pitching from Ordway, who fell behind in the count 3-1 on back-to-back stints, and then rebounded with a pair of strikeouts. She would end the inning by striking out the Lady Gators side to get the Lady Lions back off the field.
From that point, it would set up a 10-run second inning for the team, consisting of nine total hits to break it completely open, ultimately for good, as they went on to score five more runs in the bottom of the third to force the 15-run rule after four innings to pick up their second win.
Ordway was credited with the win, as she tossed a one-hit shutout during her three inning start, fanning five Allegany-Limestone batters. Dunbar would then make a relief appearance that saw four strikeouts across two no-hit frames. At the plate, Emma Dunaway had the biggest bat, being one of three Wellsville hitters to record three hits, going 3-for-4 with a double and a team-high five RBI. Two of the hits would see at least a pair of runners score.
Helping the cause, was Makenzie Cowburn and Sawyer Burke, who each had three hits. Ordway provided a pair of doubles, and drove in three runs.
After the game, the Lady Lions softball community came together to induct six new members into the program’s Diamond of Honor. Joining last year’s class of nine, were six more prominent names in Lady Lions softball lore, as Kila Green Cook, Stacey Densmore Kamrowski, Jaime McLaughlin, Megan Keib Osborn, Jamie Hall Root and Heather Matta Vogel all joined Wellsville’s highest table.
Burke reflected on the ceremony, noting that it’s a testament to the tradition that the program has carried throughout the years.
“We certainly showcased a lot of talent for our Diamond of Honor today, and it just speaks to the tradition of Wellsville softball,” he said. “Each one of those players have been a key contributor towards the success of this program. It’s an honor to have that ceremony, and it’s very humbling to see how much softball success has come through this system.”
The Lady Lions also held a special dedication ceremony for one of their newest commodities that will serve as a legacy fulfiller, as well as a program utilizer — The Frank Cady Bullpen, with the family of the legendary softball coach on hand to help with the unveiling.
The brief story and reflection on the bullpen dedication will appear on WellsvilleSports.com later on this week.
As for the Lady Lions themselves, they will return to action over the road in a pair of contests beginning on Monday with a 6 p.m. trip to Gowanda before visiting rival Bolivar-Richburg two days later, in a 5 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday.
Allegany-Limestone 0 0 0 00 – 0 1 0
Wellsville 2 (10) 5 0X – 17 18 0
A-L – Kourtney Magara (LP) (K, 4BB), Jenna Margeson (3) (BB), and Ellie Strade.
WLSV – Marissa Ordway (WP) (5K), Makenna Dunbar (4) (4K), and Lindsay Stuck.
Read about the Diamond of Honor inductees below the gallery:
Kila Green Cook Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Started playing softball at age 8 and at age 15 played travel softball for VFW and in her junior year, her team, Diamond Girls went to Sacramento, California for the national championships.
Coached the Junior Varsity team in 1999 where she sustained an injury to her eye socket and lost vision. She did not play softball for a very long time after that but did join a slow pitch team later but could not play the infield as she was blind in her left eye. She was never injured when she played, but was when she coached. It was ironic.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 1990-1991 (JV) 1992-1995 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
Holds the all-time school record for highest batting average in a season (0.579).
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 120 career runs scored.
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 46 runs scored in a season (1993).
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 44 hits in a season (1993).
Ranks 2nd all-time in school history with 34 stolen bases in a season (1993).
Ranks 2th all-time in school history with 80 career stolen bases.
Ranks 3rd all-time in school history with 30 stolen bases in a season (1994).
Ranks 4th all-time in school history with 113 career hits.
Ranks 9th all-time in school history with 31 runs scored in a season (1995).
Tied for 10th in New York State with 34 stolen bases in a season (1993).
Ranks 10th in New York State for highest batting average in a season (0.579).
Ranks 14th all-time in school history with 49 career RBI.
A member of the 0.400 Club with a career 0.430 batting average.
A member of the 0.500 Club with a season 0.579 batting average (1993)
2-year Varsity captain
1994 Azalea Tournament Champion
Part of the 58-game winning streak.
1994 Class B Section V Softball Champion
1995 Class C Section V Softball Champion
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 1992-1995, that compiled a record of 80-13.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
My proudest moment with Wellsville Softball was winning the Azalea Invitational tournament in 1994. Then shaving our coaches’ heads! I hit a homerun in the Sectional championship in 1994 and one in 1995.
College softball accomplishments/memories:
Played softball at SUNY Cobleskill for 2 years
MVP offense both years
In her words:
“Wellsville Softball was everything to me when I was in high school. I could play softball all day and all night. I never got tired of it. My teammates and I had a bond that was unexplainable. We played together in travel ball and high school ball. We really enjoyed all of the time we spent together. We were a very solid team, and we paved the way for the future players. We started the undefeated streak and honestly, I cannot remember how long that lasted, but we loved the pressure to keep it going.”
Jaime “Fuzzy” McLaughlin Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Played in the Wellsville Community League from 1986-1992. Played travel softball for VFW from 1993-1994 and then played for the Diamond Girls who went to Sacramento, California for the national championships.
Jaime coached Wellsville JV from 2000-2001 and was the Alfred University Head Women’s Softball Coach and Soccer Coach from 2002-2005. Following that, she was the Wellsville Varsity Softball Coach from 2006-2011. In addition, for several years, she had organized and played in the Women’s Slow pitch league.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 1991-1993 (JV) 1994-1995 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
1995 – All-State Class C Second team
Ranks 2nd all-time in school history with 14 career home runs.
Tied for 2nd all-time in school history with 6 home runs in a season (1994).
Tied for 2nd all-time in school history with 6 home runs in a season (1995).
Tied for 3rd in New York State with 3 home runs in one game (4/20/94).
Tied for 4th all-time in school history with 77 career RBI.
Ranks 4th all-time in school history with 34 RBI in a season (1995).
Ranks 4th all-time in school history with 22 stolen bases in a season (1994).
Ranks 5th all-time in school history with 35 runs scored in a season (1995).
Tied for 6th all-time in school history with 31 RBI in a season (1994).
Ranks 8th all-time in school history with 79 career runs scored.
Ranks 10th all-time in school history with 29 career stolen bases.
Ranks 11th all-time in school history with 18 stolen bases in a season (1995).
Ranks 18th all-time in school history with 79 career hits.
A member of the 0.400 Club with a career 0.449 batting average
A member of the 0.500 Club with a season 0.519 batting average (1993)
1994 Azalea Tournament Champion
1994 Azalea Invitation All-Tournament team
Part of the 58-game winning streak.
1994 Class B Section 5 Championship All-Tournament Team
1994 WHS MVP offense
1995 Expressway Conference All-star First Team
1994 Class B Section V Softball Champion
1995 Class C Section V Softball Champion
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 1994-1995, that compiled a record of 46-3.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
My proudest Wellsville Softball moment was winning the Azalea Invitational Tournament in Summerville, South Carolina. With talent, skill, and pure determination our 1994 Wellsville softball team entered a tournament against ranked teams in the nation and somehow fought to win the whole thing. Mr. Cady was told by Tournament officials that if your team isn’t very, very good, don’t bother coming. Mr. Cady felt confident that we could at least compete and the rest is history.
College softball accomplishments/memories:
Played at Gannon University 1996-1999
1998 NFCA First Team All-Region 2nd Baseman
1998 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic All Conference Award
1998 Eastern College Athletic Conference/Reebok All Star Team
1999 NFCA Second Team All American 2nd baseman
1999 NFCA First Team All-Region 2nd Baseman
1999 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic All Conference Award
1999 Eastern College Athletic Conference/Reebok All Star Team
2020 Inductee into the Gannon University Athletics Hall of Fame
In her words:
“Wellsville softball has given me the opportunities and mindset that I have needed to succeed in life. I was so blessed to have played with the most amazingly talented women. There is no way that I would have developed into the player I became without their constant example of determination and work ethic. I would like to give special thanks to my parents, Mr. Cady, John Baldwin, Pat Regan, Niles Herberger, and so many others, who spent countless hours on and off the field helping myself and my teammates to be the best players we could be.
I would like to also thank the Wellsville community for giving so much to our youth. From donating money, to volunteering to coach and run our programs, to being fans in our stands. It truly does take a village to run all levels of programs we offer in Wellsville and there are so many people involved. I am absolutely so blessed to have been raised and now raising my boys in a community where kids come first.”
Stacey Densmore Kamrowski Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Played on Pat Reagan and Niles Herberger’s team in 1988 and 1989 and played travel softball for the VFW in 1993 and 1994.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 1990-1991 (JV) 1992-1995 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
1995 – All-State Class C First team
1994 Azalea Tournament Champion
Part of the 58-game winning streak.
1994 Class B Section V Softball Champion
1995 Class C Section V Softball Champion
Was the primary catcher for some outstanding and dominant pitchers during her 4 years on Varsity. Pitchers included Vaneesa Herberger, Jessica Regan, and Jill Regan. In 1994, Stacey had just 3 passed balls and threw out 60% of baserunners trying to steal. Coach Frank Cady once said, “It’s indicative that the ball gets to the plate in a hurry from the mound and Densy threw out 9-15 runners. She has a quick release and great accuracy.”
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 1992-1995, that compiled a record of 80-13.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
Winning against Hornell, they were our rivals, and when we beat them, it was the greatest feeling. The catcher for Hornell was an amazing catcher and I had to beat her and we did. And winning the Azalea tournament in S.C., nobody thought we could do it and we did it!
In her words:
“I worked hard every day to become a good catcher and it took lots of practice. Niles Herberger and Pat Reagan helped me become who I was as a softball player. Niles worked with me each practice and I put in a lot of extra time staying after to become better. Pat Reagan taught me how to call a game. We had fun playing, we laughed a lot, and made a lot of memories. We played to win. We put our hearts into it.”
“Wellsville Softball taught me teamwork, compassion and dedication, which I still use in life today. Work hard, play hard and have fun.”
Megan Keib Osborn Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Played Community League softball beginning at age 7 for six years. Played travel softball for the WNY Mustangs from 2009-2010 and the Southern Tier Bandits from 2011-2013.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 2008 (JV) 2009-2013 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
2011 – BIG 30 All-star
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 32 career doubles.
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 13 career triples.
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 124 career hits.
Ranks 2nd all-time in school history with 418.2 career innings pitched.
Ranks 3rd all-time in school history with 9 career home runs.
Tied for 4th all-time in school history with 9 doubles in a season (2010).
Ranks 5th all-time in school history with a 1.05 ERA in a season (2010).
Ranks 6th all-time in school history with 325 career strikeouts.
Tied for 7th all-time in school history with 8 doubles in a season (2011).
Tied for 7th all-time in school history with 16 earned runs allowed in a season (2010).
Ranks 7th all-time in school history with 29 career pitching wins.
Ranks 11th all-time in school history with 26 earned runs allowed in a season (2011).
Tied for 11th all-time in school history with 4 triples in a season (2009).
Ranks 12th all-time in school history with a 1.60 ERA in a season (2011).
Tied for 13th all-time in school history with 11 pitching wins in a season (2011).
Ranks 13th all-time in school history with 71 career runs scored.
Tied for 15th all-time in school history with 2 shut outs in a season (2012).
Ranks 16th all-time in school history with 47 career RBI.
Varsity captain 2011, 2012, and 2013
2008 JV Softball MVP Defense
2010 Varsity Softball MVP Offense
2011 Varsity Softball MVP Defense
2012 Varsity Softball MVP
2013 Varsity Softball MVP
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 2009-2013, that compiled a record of 48-54.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
My proudest Wellsville High School Softball moment was when my team beat Bolivar-Richburg for the first time in years. It was a really close game and we won 3-1. It was a pitcher’s duel and I remember both teams making a lot of defensive gems. In the 6th inning, they had runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out, and I struck out the side to hold them off. We were smiling about that win for the rest of the year.
Also, hitting my first home run out of Quack 2 as a freshman. I had no idea that it had gone out, so I was still running full speed when I got to third base. My coach stopped me and told me it was out of the park, and I couldn’t believe it, and my teammates met me at home plate cheering.
College softball accomplishments/memories:
Played for St. John Fisher College from 2014-2017. The team placed 3rd in the 2016 Division III World Series and placed 2nd in the 2017 Division III World Series.
NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete 2014, 2015, and 2017.
2017 Representative of St. John Fisher College for the Empire 8 Sportswoman of the Year
In her words:
“I have a lot of great memories during my time playing softball in Wellsville. I loved spending time with my teammates every season, and we worked hard every year to be better players. Wellsville Softball is about continuous improvement and expecting more from yourself and your teammates, and winning and losing as a team. During high school, I was known for texting everyone a motivational quote every week, and I think the quote that best describes Wellsville Softball is from an anonymous author, “Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.”
“I would like to thank all my coaches throughout my career, including Jaime McLaughlin, Frank Cady, and especially, my dad, Mark Keib. Without their support and hours of coaching, I would have never been the player that I was.”
Jamie Hall Root Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Started playing Wellsville Girls Cinderella Softball in 1990-1994 where coaches ranged from Irv Hall, Ann Hall, John Pratt, Tony Cicirello, and Ron Thomas.
Her travel teams included the Wellsville Lady Lightning for 2 years in 1996-97 coached by Niles Herberger, assistant coaches Irv Hall and Jim Richardson. Played for the Bath Lady Bandits for 3 years coached by Jim Burke (Prattsburgh) assistant coach Jamie Burke and Wayne Evans (Mansfield, PA).
Currently serves on the Wellsville Girls Softball Association Board for the past 2 years, with one year as treasurer, and assistant coach in the Prep Division for 2 years.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 1995 (JV) 1996-2000 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 103 career stolen bases.
Ranks 1st all-time in school history with 51 stolen bases in a season (1998).
Ranks 2nd in New York State with 51 stolen bases in a season (1998).
Ranks 2nd all-time in school history with 118 career runs scored.
Tied for 6th all-time in school history with 20 stolen bases in a season (1996).
Ranks 6th in New York State with 103 career stolen bases.
Ranks 6th all-time in school history with 103 career hits.
Ranks 14th all-time in school history with 16 stolen bases in a season (1997).
Tied for 14th all-time in school history with 30 runs scored in a season (1998).
Tied for 21st all-time in school history with 28 runs scored in a season (1997).
Part of the 58-game winning streak
1995 Class C Section V Softball Champion
1996 Class C Section V Softball Champion
1997 Class C Section V Softball Champion
1998 Class C Section V Softball Champion
2000 Class B Section V Softball Champion
2000 Class B State Final Four
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 1996-2000, that compiled a record of 92-15.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
In 1997 freshman year, made a triple-play against Franklinville.
“Hall made the tough catch, then crawled to second and threw on to first for the triple-play,” Cady recalled. “That’s the first (triple-play) I can remember us ever having.”
Rodney Stebbins Sports Editor (Wellsville Daily Reporter).
Breaking the stolen base record in 1998 is the proudest moment of my career. It was a double header that day and I pitched the first game having 8 strike outs, no walks, and scored 7 runs for the day. Having this record was a goal of mine. I looked up to my cousin Kila Green who had the record and was proud to keep it in the family. 51 stolen bases for that season.
In her words:
“Wellsville Softball means community and hard work. Playing softball taught me a lot of things about myself and where I live. I find myself feeling blessed that I live in such a wonderful place with so many amazing people. I know this more now than ever. Playing for Mr. Cady and Mr. Baldwin taught me that hard work will pay off, and that team is just another word for family. It’s funny because I was related to half the team, but even the ones that I wasn’t are still my friends today, and that is something I hold dear in my heart.”
Heather Matta Vogel Class of 2022
Involvement in softball in Wellsville:
Played 4 years of community league.
In the Wellsville Softball program from 1994-1995 (JV) 1996-1999 (Varsity)
High School softball accomplishments:
1997 – All-State Class C First team
1997-1999 – Expressway Conference All-Star
Tied for 4th all-time in school history with 8 career triples.
Tied for 4th all-time in school history with 77 career RBI.
Ranks 4th all-time in school history with 20 career doubles.
Ranks 5th all-time in school history with 91 runs scored.
Ranks 5th all-time in school history with 111 career hits.
Tied for 8th all-time in school history with 3 home runs in a season (1997).
Tied for 9th all-time in school history with 4 career home runs.
Tied for 9th all-time in school history with 31 runs scored in a season (1998).
A member of the 0.400 Club with a career 0.448 batting average.
A member of the 0.500 Club with a season 0.500 batting average (1997).
Part of the 58-game winning streak.
1996 Class C Section V Softball Champion
1997 Class C Section V Softball Champion
1998 Class B Section V Softball Champion
Played on Varsity softball teams, from 1996-1999, that compiled a record of 77-12.
Proudest Wellsville High School softball moment/s:
It would be hard to choose just one moment as my time on the diamond was filled with so many wonderful memories and achievements. I was very proud to be selected 1st team, All-State as a shortstop my sophomore year and winning our Sectional titles in ‘96, ‘97 and ‘98 is definitely high on the list. I am also honored to have been part of “The Streak” team.
What Wellsville Softball means to me:
“My heart is full of memories from the softball diamond and spring training trips down south. Those days were the best days of my young adult life. With Jen (Richardson) and Jamie (Hall) on either side of me it was hard to get a ball through the infield. We were a well-oiled machine and knew each other’s next step. Our team was more than just a bunch of girls playing softball. We were family. I still stay in touch and am close with many of my Lady Lion teammates. Without Wellsville Softball I may not have had the opportunity to form those relationships and for that I am forever grateful. Being a player under the guidance of Mr. Cady was a privilege that only the Wellsville Lady Lions had and I consider myself lucky to have gone through the program with him at the helm. He not only taught us the game and how to have fun, but to have pride and be humble in victory, and even more so in defeat. We held ourselves to a higher standard being on that team. The future is bright for Wellsville softball and I am proud to be a Lady Lion alumna. I look forward to watching the success of future generations.”
In her words:
“Being part of such a successful program lead by legendary coach Frank Cady and numerous titles and awards is a true honor. Wellsville Softball is not just a team of girls competing to be the best around, it’s a way of life and a family. When I was on the field there was no place I’d rather be and no one I’d rather be with than my teammates.”
