Photos and stories by CHRIS BROOKS, managing editor, wellsvillesports.com
WELLSVILLE — On the heels of two outstanding victories in Ballston Spa this past weekend, the Lady Lions of Wellsville were all gas and no brakes. Despite some minor bumps in the road along the way, the defending Class B State Champions displayed a significant amount of resilience each and every time out on the field in the Spring.
Although the bats were not quite clicking to start their Wednesday night under the Tullar Field lights against Allegany-Limestone, their resilience after-the-fact remained as such.
Because of it, the Lady Lions kept rolling along following a 5-0 lead in the first three innings of play, as they bolstered their advantage with a floodgate-opening fifth inning that pulled them out of reach of the Lady Gators once and for all in a 13-2 rout — their sixth win in the last seven games.
It was a magnificent start for the Lady Lions (11-2) out of the gate, led by the guidance of Makenna Dunbar in the circle, as she utilized a pair of strikeouts with a runner on base before Lindsay Stuck unleashed a howitzer-like throw down to second base to catch the Allegany-Limestone runner off-guard with an inning-ending double play.
Despite the early burst of momentum which allowed Natalie Adams to reach base herself, the Lady Lions could not find the right hit to bring her across the plate, as the Lady Gators worked their way off the field behind a pair of strikeouts and a groundout to third base to close up the first inning.
With no score still apparent on the Saputo scoreboard in center field, they jump-started another threat around the bases again in the second. This time with plenty of connections, as Teagan Burke’s two-run single into left and an Averee Palmatier RBI single down the left field line, as well as a run scoring on heads-up baserunning, paced the Lady Lions onto the scoreboard with a 4-0 lead.
Following a sacrifice into shallow right field to branch the advantage to five, the bats unleashed their fury in insurmountable fashion in the bottom of the fifth, with the Lady Lions dispatched a six-run, four-hit stanza to break the game wide open against Allegany-Limestone.
The Lady Gators made up for some of the damage with a late two-run bomb, but it was re-dealt again by the hosts with Dunbar connecting on a lead-off solo homer in the bottom half of the sixth, ultimately getting both runs back at the end of the frame to finish off their victory.
The Lady Lions posted a 13-run, 13-hit demonstration at the plate, with Kennedy Perry and her 3-for-3 outing electrifying the offense. Dunbar and Brynn Hallock each had two hits, while Palmatier had a double and drove in three total runs.
In addition, Natalie Adams, Lindsay Stuck, Lexi Ireland and Emily Stuck all had a hit to add into the mix.
On the mound, the victory was solely Dunbar’s through all seven innings, holding Allegany-Limestone to just four hits by handing out a dozen chairs and walking two.
The Lady Lions will hit the road Saturday evening and visit Rochester to meet Our Lady of Mercy in a 5 p.m. first pitch.
Allegany-Limestone 000 002 0 – 2 4 2
Wellsville 041 062 X – 13 13 0
A-L – Kailey Truman (LP) (CG, 4K, 4BB) and Peyton Truman.
WLSV – Makenna Dunbar (WP) (CG, 12K, 2BB) and Lindsay Stuck.
GV/Belfast brings out brooms in twinbill sweep of Ark-Can
BELFAST — To close out the final day of April, the Genesee Valley/Belfast ladies blossomed to the occasion after two straight hard-fought clashes with the Arkport-Canaseraga Lady Wolves on Wednesday, as they used a big start in game one before Hannah Powers shut the door swiftly in game two with a two-hit shutout to score the complete sweep of the action with 6-5 and 4-0 wins at the Rich Sullivan Complex in Belfast.
In game one, the offense was chomping at the bit to start the evening strong, as they used a Kayla Wedge RBI single, along with several special teams plays in the first inning to capture the 3-0 early lead.
After the Lady Wolves got on the board themselves, Genesee Valley/Belfast (8-2) went straight to work by doubling their response, utilizing a monstrous two-run double off the bat of Jenna Hill to extend their advantage on top.
With the Lady Wolves drawing near down the stretch with two big runs in the top of the fifth inning, the hosts turned to Hannah Powers late in the seventh inning to slam the door shut after a dynamite start in the circle from Kate Calanni, who recorded six strikeouts and a walk to pick up the victory.
The Genesee Valley/Belfast bats accounted for just four hits at the dish, with Lily Green and Keanna Sands each adding one of their own into the fray. For Arkport-Canaseraga, Autumn Frechette was outstanding across all seven innings of work, as she struck out 10 and walked three.
At the plate, Nicole Merry and Maddie Kellogg each had two hits to lead the way.
In game two, a much different story that panned out in the favor of Genesee Valley/Belfast once again, as Powers received the ball and went seven sound innings in the circle to keep Arkport-Canaseraga frozen in the midst of a two-hit blank, fanning nine and walking two in her complete game gem.
After the two defenses handed out back-to-back 1-2-3 frames in the first and second innings, the action intensified entering the second half of battle when Genesee Valley/Belfast delivered the goods with four straight runs in the middle frames — their first two coming in the fourth off back-to-back singles from Sands and Powers to break the ice.
After Powers handed out her third 1-2-3 in the first four frames, the offense kept spinning their wheels in the top of the fifth with two more runs to cushion their lead, as Kayla Wedge knocked in a run off a deep double before trading places with Whitney Young two at-bats later with two outs, scoring on her double to quadruple their advantage.
For the remainder of the battle, the rest was on Powers’ shoulders, holding Arkport-Canaseraga still, despite some late seventh inning errors, to complete the sweep.
Genesee Valley/Belfast assembled a six-hit display at the dish to help finish off the night, with Powers leading the bats with two. Young, Sands, Lily Green and Jenna Hill all had a hit to chip in.
Arkport-Canaseraga saw Gracen Mahany deliver another outstanding performance in the circle, striking out nine and walking three in her twirled complete game.
Up next for Genesee Valley/Belfast is a quick turnaround on the road tonight, visiting the Hammondsport Lady Lakers at 5 p.m.
Game 1
Arkport-Canaseraga 012 020 0 – 5 7 3
Genesee Valley/Belfast 320 100 X – 6 4 5
A-C – Autumn Frechette (LP) (CG, 10K, 3BB) and Nicole Merry.
GVB – Kate Calanni (WP) (6K, BB), Hannah Powers (7) (K) and Jenna Hill.
Game 2
Genesee Valley/Belfast 000 022 0 – 4 6 4
Arkport-Canaseraga 000 000 0 – 0 2 1
GVB – Hannah Powers (WP) (CG, 9K, 2BB) and Jenna Hill.
A-C – Gracen Mahany (LP) (CG, 9K, 3BB) and Nicole Merry.
Bolivar-Richburg 16, Andover/Whitesville 0 (F-5)
RICHBURG — While the bats were operational at the plate, Rylee Whiting was conducting a magic show of her own right from within the circle for the Lady Wolverines of Bolivar-Richburg, as the junior hurler assembled a flawless outing to keep Andover/Whitesville at a complete standstill in the midst of what formulated into a 16-0 shutout at Stan Harris Field in Richburg on Wednesday.
Out of their 16-run display across all five innings, the Lady Wolverines (4-3) put their nose to the grindstone with 10 of them scratching across during their opening term at the plate. In a sequence that saw the hosts revolve through their lineup nearly two times, the offense was set up for success by a pair of two-run strikes off the bats of Whiting, who had a double, and Kylee Whiting’s single.
The lead was branched out further by Kylee Whiting once again later on in the second inning, as she added two more RBI onto her resume off a deep triple to the outfield before the remaining three runs were all capitalized off special teams around the bases.
She finished with a 3-for-4 outing at the plate with four total RBI and a run scored.
The Lady Wolverines glued together a 12-hit outing at the dish, with Rylee Whiting and Teegan Sibble each recording two hits to generate their offensive presence.
On the mound for Andover/Whitesville (3-4), Lilly Harrington struck out three and walked eight across all five innings. The team will look to bounce back on Friday with a 5 p.m. visit to Cuba-Rushford.
Coming up Friday night, if the weather permits, the Lady Wolverines will be joined by Keshequa, Canisteo-Greenwood and Avoca-Prattsburgh for their annual Pink Out Tournament at Stan Harris Field, where they will play their first game at 5 p.m. against the Lady Chargers.
The Consolation and Championship games will immediately follow at 7 p.m.
Andover/Whitesville 0 00 00 – 0 0 0
Bolivar-Richburg (10)31 2X – 16 12 0
A/W – Lilly Harrington (LP) (CG, 3K, 8BB) and Reece Winters.
B-R – Rylee Whiting (WP) (CG, 10K, 6BB) and Sydney Faulkner.
Cuba-Rushford 15, Friendship/Scio 1
FRIENDSHIP — There is no better way to set a tone than by leaving the yard not once, but twice.
For the Lady Rebels of Cuba-Rushford, they utilized the first three innings to their utmost advantage with a pair of home runs against host Friendship/Scio that ultimately set up shop for the rest of the battle ahead, as they strolled straight towards a 15-1 road win in Friendship on Wednesday.
After the two foes traded scoreless barbs right from the starting gate, the Lady Rebels (3-4) soon went to work on an extraordinary stand of offense through the first two innings of play, setting up shop in both the second and third innings with a pair of two-run homers off the bats of Emma Bunk and Kate Radomski to issue a 4-1 advantage onto the scoreboard.
With another run coming in the top of the fifth, followed by another scoreless trade with Friendship/Scio (1-6), the Lady Rebels assembled a grand finale in the last two frames of play with 10 unanswered runs — seven of them stemming in a sixth inning that was powered by a three-run home run off the stick of Aubrey Williams.
In total, Cuba-Rushford strung together seven hits at the dish, with Radomski leading the way with two. On the mound, the win was claimed by Jordyn Radomski, who fanned three and walked one.
In relief, Claire Moyer and Emma Bunk congealed together nine more strikeouts across the last five innings of play to keep Friendship/Scio frozen solid.
As for the hosts, they collected their one run in the bottom of the second on error, as the bats totaled four hits. Garnering them were Kaydence Sadler, Avery Lamberson, Addy Sekoll and Jadyn Wonderling. On the mound, Sydney Hadsell struck out three and walked six across her five innings of work.
The team will return to action back in Friendship tonight, hosting Bolivar-Richburg at 5 p.m.
Cuba-Rushford will look to keep kicking the tires on all fronts when they return to action on Friday back home, welcoming in Andover/Whitesville for battle at 5 p.m.
Cuba-Rushford 022 107 3 – 15 7 1
Friendship/Scio 010 000 0 – 1 4 3
C-R – Jordyn Radomski (WP) (3K, BB), Claire Moyer (4) (6K), Emma Bunk (7) (3K) and Arlah Shaffer.
F/S – Sydney Hadsell (LP) (3K, 6BB), Emily Lamberson (6) (4BB), Addy Sekoll (6) (BB) and Avery Lamberson.
Fillmore 15, Hinsdale 0 (F-5)
HINSDALE — The hammer was brought down almost immediately by the Lady Eagles of Fillmore off the hop on Wednesday, catching fire in an opening at-bat sequence that cemented their place in the driver’s seat going forward against host Hinsdale, as they strolled straight towards a 15-0 shutout victory over the road after five complete innings.
Right in the first inning, Fillmore (7-2) made a ton of noise by utilizing every facet of offense they could to grab the lead right out of the gate, traversing up and down their entire lineup to deliver an eight-run top of the first inning, led by Morghyn Ross and her bases-clearing smack into the outfield and straight to the fence.
The lead for the Lady Eagles continued to gradually build over time, ending the scoring in the top of the fifth with two more runs off of a two-run jack by Ross, completing what was a 3-for-4 outing at the plate with six total RBI and three runs scored.
In all, the visitors assembled a 15-run, 14-hit display at the plate, with Mattie McCumiskey, Evelyn Chapman and Ryleigh Goodliff all recording two hits each. For Goodliff, the first two hits of her Varsity career.
In addition to the sticks, Lily Sisson chipped in a double for the Lady Eagles.
In the circle, the win belonged to Mylee Miller and her twirling of a one-hit gem, as she fanned eight and walked three to keep Hinsdale at bay through all five innings.
As for the Lady Bobcats (1-8), Jen Tuttle had the team’s lone hit at the dish. On the mound, Lily Bushnell struck out five and walked six in her complete game. Hinsdale is back on their home field Friday night, hosting Genesee Valley/Belfast at 5 p.m.
Fillmore will look to stay hot going into the weekend, re-emerging for battle on Tuesday with a 5 p.m. visit to Friendship to meet Friendship/Scio.
Fillmore 820 32 – 15 14 1
Hinsdale 000 00 – 0 1 1
FIL – Mylee Miller (WP) (CG, 8K, 3BB) and Morghyn Ross.
HIN – Lily Bushnell (LP) (CG, 5K, 6BB) and Alli Greenawait.
SOFTBALL
Fillmore 7, Arkport-Canaseraga 6
ARKPORT — With the baseball teams doing battle from across the way at Timmerman Field, there was another Fillmore and Arkport-Canaseraga score to settle from upon the softball field Monday night in Arkport.
With the Lady Eagles already carrying one game in hand over the Lady Wolves, a chance to bring out the brooms for the complete sweep for the season was waiting in the wings.
The Lady Eagles jumped the gun early on with a quick lead in the first three innings of play. They would gradually build upon it over time, but in the same swing, Arkport-Canaseraga never made it easy.
After a final application of pressure down the stretch, what was once a five-run deficit, was soon whittled down to a single run during the final inning. But despite it, Fillmore remained steady to hold them off one last time, as they prevented further damage from the Lady Wolves to keep their game-long advantage unaltered, proceeding to bring out the brooms for the series sweep over the road in what was a 7-6 razor-thin edge.
Right away, the Lady Eagles (6-2) knocked on the door of opportunity in the first three innings of play, posting a pair of runs to capture the game’s first lead. Entering the fourth inning, they extended their lead even further behind the aid of Morghyn Ross with the bases jammed against the Lady Wolves, as she brought two of those runs in on a hammered single into the outfield to provide a 4-0 lead.
With one more run coming in to score later on in the fifth, the Lady Wolves then shifted the momentum in their favor with six of the last eight runs in the contest — four of them stemming in a bottom of the seventh inning to nearly flip the game on its head completely, chopping away at what was once a five-run deficit, and bringing it down to one.
But in the end, the Lady Eagles brought it all back together on defense to prevail in the final stages, evading a late Arkport-Canaseraga rally to finish off their season-series sweep.
Fillmore put the pieces to the puzzle together on a seven-run, eight-hit display of offense at the dish. Leading the sticks was Mattie McCumiskey, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Tenlee Miller had two hits.
On the mound, Mylee Miller went the distance behind nine strikeouts and five walks to garner the victory.
For the Lady Wolves, Autumn Frechette struck out five and walked two in her four-inning start on the mound.
Up next for the Lady Eagles is a quick turnaround back on their home field tonight, weather permitting, as they play host to the Avoca-Prattsburgh Lady Titans in a 7 p.m. first pitch.
Fillmore 101 201 2 – 7 8 3
Arkport-Canaseraga 000 002 4 – 6 11 1
FIL – Mylee Miller (WP) (CG, 9K, 5BB) and Morghyn Ross.
A-C – Autumn Frechette (LP) (5K, 2BB), Gracen Mahany (5) (5K, 3BB) and Nicole Merry.
Genesee Valley/Belfast 10, Canisteo-Greenwood 1
CANISTEO — The Genesee Valley/Belfast ladies were firing from all angles on Monday in the Canisteo Valley.
With Hannah Powers establishing her presence from within the circle early on, the offense used a mixed bag of special teams and some timely hits to bring the first six runs across against host Canisteo-Greenwood, dispatching a sixth victory in their first eight games in the midst of what was a 10-1 cruise past the Lady Chargers.
After Genesee Valley/Belfast (6-2) used the first inning to capitalize on a pair of Canisteo-Greenwood errors, they built on their foundation a short time later in the next frame, posting two more runs to create a 4-0 lead — one of those runs being driven in on an RBI double from Powers.
In three of the last four innings, the visitors utilized the activation of their special teams, scoring six more runs behind the combination of six Lady Chargers errors and four walks.
The offense produced only two hits at the plate to set up shop, with Powers and her 2-for-3 outing leading the way. Madison Tarar chipped in with a double, while Jenna Hill and Whitney Young both had a hit to register.
In the last two innings of play, the ball in the circle was handed off to Kate Calanni, as she helped cement the victory further behind three strikeouts in relief.
The Lady Chargers were led by Harper Burd both at the plate and in the circle, as she accounted for the team’s lone hit in the bottom of the fourth inning, leading off with a double before scoring the team’s lone run on error.
Burd also pitched all seven innings for the hosts, handing out six strikeouts to pair with four walks.
Genesee Valley/Belfast is back to the grind on Wednesday, as they host doubleheader action against Arkport-Canaseraga beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Rich Sullivan Complex in Belfast.
Genesee Valley/Belfast 222 022 0 – 10 6 3
Canisteo-Greenwood 000 100 0 – 1 1 6
GVB – Hannah Powers (WP) (11K), Kate Calanni (6) (3K) and Jenna Hill.
C-G – Harper Burd (LP) (CG, 6K, 4BB) and Charlee Ross.
GOLF
Fillmore 185, Wellsville 205
RUSHFORD — After squeezing their way past Cuba-Rushford to close out last week, the Eagles of Fillmore came right back and dished out their best round of the young season on Monday at Allegany Hills in Rushford, assembling a team round of 185 to propel past visiting Wellsville with a 185-205 victory.
Guiding the way forward for the Eagles (3-1) was Anderson Wiltsey and his garnering of the medalist round against the Lions, as he finished off a brilliant day of golf with his match-low round of 41.
Right next to him in the passenger’s seat was Aiden Freeman, posting a round of 42. Jameson Rhett chipped in with a 50, while Sam Cool rounded off with a 52.
Wellsville (2-3) was led by Fletcher Kaye at the top of their scorecard, finishing with a team-low round of 45. Blake Kalkhof and Noah Brogan each carded a 50, while Payson Root concluded the scoring with a 60.
Both teams will return to Allegany Hills today, weather permitting, with Fillmore hosting their final head-to-head battle with Genesee Valley/Belfast in a 4 p.m. tee time, while Wellsville and Cuba-Rushford follow suit at 4:30 p.m.
Genesee Valley/Belfast 215, Keshequa 216
NUNDA — You want to talk about surviving by the skin of your teeth?
In their Monday evening trip to the Woodlynn Hills Golf Course in Nunda, the Genesee Valley/Belfast golfers did just that, and it was the leading round of Grant Preston that aided in making a big difference, as he bucketed another medalist round honor to set the music on the team’s 215-216 victory over the host Keshequa Wildcats.
Preston was at the top of the Genesee Valley/Belfast (5-1) scorecard at the end of the night, posting the match’s lowest round of 49 to fuel the team’s victory. Right behind him was Will Guilford, who chipped in with a round of 52.
Jackson Barney recorded a 56, while Afton Hamer rounded off with his round of 58.
“I can say that I did not expect to be 5-1 with four, five new kids in the rotation for this season, but three of them have been with the program for a while now, and they came to practice and got better. Now it’s their turn to play,” GV/Belfast coach Lisa Scott-Schneider said. “I am pleasantly surprised and proud of them all. Grant has won medalists in each of our first six matches. He loves the game, loves the practices and loves to play. It’s pure dedication. This is a great start that we have, and I hope for even more consistency as the season rolls on.”
Keshequa was led by both Noah Cowdrick and Isaac Wendt, each shooting a team-low round of 52.
Genesee Valley/Belfast will look to record the season-series sweep of the Eagles of Fillmore today, weather permitting, as the two teams meet at Allegany Hills in Rushford at 4 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS
Wellsville 4, Campbell-Savona 1
WELLSVILLE — Monday night brought about a gorgeous night to celebrate Senior Night on the tennis court, as the Lions of Wellsville honored their two leaders — Keenen O’Connor and Carter Newman prior to their week-opening battle with Campbell-Savona.
The two graduating seniors were paired together in doubles competition for one of their last times together on the court. Through the evening of battle, it was two singles match victories, along with a complete doubles sweep, that set the stage for a successful jamboree against the visiting Panthers, as the Lions catapulted back above .500 for the campaign with a dynamic 4-1 home victory.
O’Connor and Newman were both sent out in style by their fellow teammates, as they aided in the sweep of both doubles matches for the Lions (4-3) with a strong performance of their own, rolling past Campbell-Savona’s Anthony Smith and Michaela Jensen with a 6-3, 6-2 victory. The second doubles team of Caydon Grimes and Liam Smith supplied a perfect outing to finish the sweep, recording a 6-0, 6-0 shutout.
In the singles department, the Lions collected resilient victories from both Michael Bidzerkowny and Jeremiah Pensyl at second and third singles, with Bidzerkowny surviving a back-and-forth affair to clinch a 6-4, 6-3 win, while Pensyl held his ground with a 6-2, 6-1 decision of his own to cap off the match victory.
If the weather permits tonight, the Lions are right back on their home court to host the Addison Knights at 5 p.m.
Singles
1. Sage Brinkerhoff (C-S) def. Wheeler Dahlgren (WLSV), 6-2, 6-2.
2. Michael Bidzerkowny (WLSV) def. Anna Corey (C-S), 6-4, 6-3.
3. Jeremiah Pensyl (WLSV) def. Emma Allard (C-S), 6-2, 6-1.
Doubles
1. Keenen O’Connor/Carter Newman (WLSV) def. Anthony Smith/Michaela Jensen (C-S), 6-3, 6-2.
2. Caydon Grimes/Liam Smith (WLSV) def. Kate Vanzile/Lily Mortensen (C-S), 6-0, 6-0.
Bolivar-Richburg 3, Cuba-Rushford 2
BOLIVAR — A complete sweep of both doubles matches set the stage for the Wolverines of Bolivar-Richburg on the tennis court on a gorgeous Monday night outdoors.
With a second doubles forfeit already in their back pocket, the hosts were able to shine towards their first win of the Spring campaign behind a big singles victory from Samuel Martin along the way to put the cap on a 3-2 win over visiting Cuba-Rushford.
Leading the doubles sweep for Bolivar-Richburg (1-0) in their first official match of the season was the first doubles team of Starlyn Kisel and Jamie Werner, as the two Wolverines rallied back after dropping the first set to Cuba-Rushford’s team of James Adams and Cara Barry, scoring a dominant finish to close out what was a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win.
To secure the match win, Martin was victorious at second singles, outlasting Jadyn Little by a 6-4, 6-3 count.
The Rebels (1-2) were paced by Carter Brown at first singles, as he pieced together a strong performance to collect a 6-0, 6-3 win over Bolivar-Richburg’s Trevor Whitsell. At third singles, Paula Freitas had to battle right from the start against Genecis Easton, as the two clashed in a first-set tiebreak which was captured by Freitas, as she ultimately used the momentum down the stretch to put the ribbon on a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 win.
Cuba-Rushford will return to the court on Thursday at Alfred-Almond, as they take on host Andover/Whitesville at 5:30 p.m.
Bolivar-Richburg is back to action tonight, weather permitting, as they welcome in undefeated Fillmore for a 5 p.m. contest.
Singles
1. Carter Brown (C-R) def. Trevor Whitsell (B-R), 6-0, 6-3.
2. Samuel Martin (B-R) def. Jadyn Little (C-R), 6-4, 6-3.
3. Paula Freitas (C-R) def. Genecis Easton (B-R), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
Doubles
1. Starlyn Kisel/Jamie Werner (B-R) def. James Adams/Cara Barry (C-R), 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
2. B-R by for.
BOYS TENNIS
Fillmore 5, Bolivar-Richburg 0
HOUGHTON — Although Mother Nature continued to wreak widespread havoc across the area, the Fillmore and Bolivar-Richburg tennis teams went indoors to the Kerr-Pegula Fieldhouse at Houghton University on Tuesday to duke it out on the tennis court.
Despite the conditions, the undefeated Eagles were red hot from the start, as they slammed their foot down on the gas against the Wolverines to push towards a 6-0 start this Spring after a 5-0 shutout.
Fillmore (6-0) has not missed a beat to start their campaign and their battle against Bolivar-Richburg was no different, as they used five dominant performances across the board to set up shop, with Isaiah Sisson, Ezra Schilke and Brayden Walton all leading the charge in the singles matches. Sisson and Walton each recorded a 6-0, 6-0 shutout in their respective matches at first and third singles to claim victory over Bolivar-Richburg’s Trevor Whitsell and Kaitlyn Lutes.
Ezra Schilke finished off the sweep with his 6-1, 6-0 win over Jamie Werner at second singles.
In the doubles department, the first doubles team of Carson Sanasith and Ezra Knapp continued the momentum shift with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Starlyn Kisel and Samuel Martin, while the second doubles duo of Kallan Sanasith and Levi Russell closed up shop with a 6-1, 6-0 win against Adalyn Griswold and Kya Lutes.
“I am really proud of Brayden, Kallan and Levi. They are my three least experienced players in the lineup each night out, and they have really shown a lot of improvement over the last month.” said Eagles coach Randy Crouch.
Fillmore is now off the court until Monday right back at Houghton University, as they host the Campbell-Savona Panthers at 5 p.m.
Singles
1. Isaiah Sisson (FIL) def. Trevor Whitsell (B-R), 6-0, 6-0.
2. Ezra Schilke (FIL) def. Jamie Werner (B-R), 6-1, 6-0.
3. Brayden Walton (FIL) def. Kaitlyn Lutes (B-R), 6-0, 6-0.
Doubles
1. Carson Sanasith/Ezra Knapp (FIL) def. Starlyn Kisel/Samuel Martin (B-R), 6-0, 6-0.
2. Kallan Sanasith/Levi Russell (FIL) def. Adalyn Griswold/Kya Lutes (B-R), 6-1, 6-0.
Wellsville move to 10-2 start in State title defense with sweep of Ballston Spa Grand Slam Tourney, roll past Salem in Game 1, walk-off against host Lady Scotties in Game 2
MALTA — Not very often do you see teams around the area duke it out on the final day of the weekend.
But for the Lady Lions of Wellsville, it was a return to business as usual, as they hit the road bright and early Sunday morning for a strenuously formidable tournament nearly five hours away at the Luther Forest Athletic Fields in Malta.
The defending Class B State Champions were faced with another gauntlet following a colossal showdown with the Lady Bombers of Bloomfield on Friday. The day would begin with yet another New York State Finalist in the Salem Lady Generals — a team that finished as runners-up to eventual champion Deposit/Hancock in Class D, and it would end with the Class AA State-ranked Ballston Spa Lady Scotties.
Although the weather conditions were not of the best quality, one game saw an explosive resonance of offense all throughout, while the other put the fans in attendance on the edge of their seats.
The end result was the same — the Lady Lions claiming victory, as they became the first Allegany County team to reach 10 wins on the campaign by performing a clean sweep of the Ballston Spa Grand Slam Tournament to officially bounce back from their defeat to Bloomfield, scoring a 15-1 win over Salem, and an 8-7 walk-off win in eight innings over the host Lady Scotties of Ballston Spa, both of Section II.
“It definitely makes the five-hour bus ride a whole lot easier. I’m proud of the way that we never gave up, especially in the second game to close things out. It was a cold, rainy and windy day, and it would have been easy to throw our hands up and walk off the field, but we were resilient. We had two outstanding wins against two strong teams from Section II today.” said Lady Lions coach Gia George.
In game one, the Lady Lions (10-2) dominated, using a quick 6-0 advantage to their favor early on in the first three innings. After Salem ended the potential shutout bid put on by Kennedy Perry in the circle, the counter-attack from the Class B State Champions was overwhelming, as they put their foot straight down on the gas and never let off of it by scoring the game’s last nine runs — eight of them coming in the top of the fifth to officially force an early end to battle with their first win.
Wellsville totaled 15 runs off 10 hits, with Perry and Natalie Adams both leading the sticks with a pair each. Perry drove in three runs to go with her two hits, while Adams had one RBI. Ayla Faulkner, Makenna Dunbar, Teagan Burke, Averee Palmatier and Brynn Hallock all had a hit to chip in.
In the circle, Perry remained resilient, as she held Salem to a single hit across nine strikeouts and two walks to score the win.
Later on in the afternoon, the Lady Lions were challenged right out of the gate by Ballston Spa, as the Lady Scotties found their groove with the game’s first four runs — one being scratched across in each frame.
In the bottom of the fourth, Wellsville found a way to break through the facade to deliver a massive haymaker, stringing along one hit after another to reach base. The gargantuan go-ahead frame would reach its conclusion following a go-ahead bunt single off the bat of Hallock to help claim a 6-4 lead of the Lady Scotties.
Later on, Ballston Spa maintained their ground following one additional Wellsville run in the fifth inning, piecing together a three-run spurt in the last two innings to tie the game at seven to force an extra inning of play.
In that eighth inning, the Lady Lions utilized it to their utmost advantage, leading off with a single by Makenna Dunbar before navigating her way around to third base. A short time later, it was Perry that ended the game in resilient fashion for Wellsville, as she drove a walk-off single — one of her three hits in the contest, out into the outfield far enough for Dunbar to score.
Despite four errors in the field, the Lady Lions supplied an outstanding finish to their tenure at the Grand Slam Tournament at the plate, as they posted eight runs off 11 total hits. Finishing behind Perry was Dunbar, who also had three hits. Hallock added a triple and double to pair with an RBI. Adams and Palmatier each scored a hit of their own.
In the circle for the second game, Dunbar went the first four innings, striking out six and walking three before Hallock garnered the win in relief, adding four more strikeouts and two walks into the fray.
Wellsville will look to continue their winning ways on Tuesday, as they hit the road once again to visit Our Lady of Mercy at 5:30 p.m.
Game 1
Wellsville 303 18 – 15 10 1
Salem 001 00 – 1 1 3
WLSV – Kennedy Perry (WP) (CG, 9K, 2BB) and Emily Stuck.
SAL – Sophia Keays (LP) (6K, 5BB), Renee Cary (5) (2BB) and Riley Gallagher.
Game 2
Ballston Spa 111 102 10 – 7 6 1
Wellsville 000 610 01 – 8 11 4
BS – Makayla LaRose (5K, 3BB), Livia Wiltsie (LP, 4) (4K, 3BB) and Olivia Pickett.
WLSV – Makenna Dunbar (6K, 3BB), Brynn Hallock (WP, 5) (4K, 2BB) and Lindsay Stuck.
Despite frigid temps, GV/Belfast prevails behind outstanding relief by Thomas to pull away in 8-3 win over Franklinville
BELFAST — The rain simply did not allow Genesee Valley/Belfast to pass through the first inning of last week’s matchup against Franklinville at the Rich Sullivan Complex in Belfast.
By rule, when the game was officially postponed, the two teams would have to hit the rewind button back to the opening at-bats once again for a fresh slate of baseball in their next meet-up, which came Saturday evening.
The precipitation was traded in for a chilly night under the lights in Belfast, but despite the difficult conditions, all seven innings of baseball were completed between the two foes. Early on, the runs came left and right, with Franklinville and Genesee Valley/Belfast both sitting on level ground entering the back end of battle.
In the third inning, the hosts made a call to the mound to give Franklinville a new look. Enter Mason Thomas who, for the rest of the game, was simply unstoppable.
With a 3-3 tie to break, the Genesee Valley/Belfast bats fed off the momentum Thomas was able to provide during his five innings of sterling relief, as he completely shut down the Panthers bats by garnering the victory on the hill, fanning 11 and walking just one to aid the team in what was an 8-3 victory — the sixth of their first seven games thus far.
Both teams reached an early stalemate in the first two innings of play, with Genesee Valley/Belfast (7-1) responding to Franklinville’s early run in the top of the first, tripling it in their own opening at-bats to claim a 3-1 lead.
The response would not go unanswered by the Panthers a short time later, as they fired right back a second inning punch of their own to tie the game at three with two big runs.
Entering the third inning, head coach Dennis Miles made a call to his bullpen, swapping out starting pitcher Ben Cater for Mason Thomas. At an instant, Thomas’ impact was felt, as the sophomore went on to slam the door shut on Franklinville with five straight shutout innings by handing out one strikeout after another.
That, all on the heels of a meteoric rise for the offense down the stretch, as the momentum was shifted to the plate to help produce five unanswered runs in the last three innings, jumping ahead for good with a two-run frame in the bottom of the fourth.
The Genesee Valley/Belfast offense finished with eight runs off seven hits, with six different hitters all recording at least a hit. Leading the bats was Ian McKenzie, who went 2-for-3. Ethan Davenport, Ryan Daciw, Nolan Hunter and Trent Hutchison had one hit each to add into the mix.
On the mound, Cater struck out three and walked one in his start before being relieved by Thomas in the third inning.
Up next, Genesee Valley/Belfast will look to keep their wheels spinning into Monday night, when they travel for a 5 p.m. first pitch at Canisteo-Greenwood.
Franklinville 120 000 0 – 3 8 2
Genesee Valley/Belfast 300 221 X – 8 7 1
FRA – Pat Lane (LP) (5K, 3BB), Brady Tatlow (6) (2K, BB) and Tatlow, Brandon McMillan (6)
GVB – Ben Cater (3K, BB), Mason Thomas (WP, 3) (11K, BB) and Damon Davis.
SOFTBALL
Hammondsport 23, Hinsdale 5 (F-5)
HINSDALE — The Hammondsport Lady Lakers were on fire behind some incredible special teams around the bases, along with six big hits to set the stage against host Hinsdale on Saturday, as they ran off immediately behind 17 straight runs in the first three innings of play to set the tone on what was a 23-5 road win after five innings of play.
The Lady Lakers started off red hot in their opening at-bats against Hinsdale (1-7), as they rattled off a massive seven-run frame to set the bar going forward for the Lady Bobcats.
Along with some key hits, Hammondsport also used 20 walks and six errors to their advantage while working around the bases to come across the plate.
As for the hosts, they pieced together a five-run, four-hit display on offense, with Jen Tuttle, Karissa Keller, Caylee Barton and Kennedy Yehl all recording a hit.
The Lady Bobcats are back on the field Wednesday night, hosting Fillmore at 5 p.m.
Hammondsport 737 60 – 23 6 0
Hinsdale 003 11 – 5 4 6
HAM – Aimee Hurd (WP) (CG, 7K, 4BB) and K. Watson.
HIN – Jen Tuttle (LP) (6K, 14BB), Lily Bushnell (4) (3K, 6BB) and Jaylynn Wade.
BOYS TENNIS
Fillmore 5, Wellsville 0
HOUGHTON — Bright and early Saturday morning, the Eagles of Fillmore returned to the grind at Houghton University and without hesitation, recorded their fifth straight victory to open their campaign, as they brought out the brooms for a match sweep of the visiting Lions of Wellsville to claim the 5-0 victory.
The singles matches were propelled by a dominant first singles victory claimed by Isaiah Sisson, as he nearly completed a straight-set shutout of Wellsville’s Wheeler Dahlgren, finishing with a 6-1, 6-0 victory. Ezra Schilke countered with a strong start of his own, using the early momentum to place the finishing touches on what was a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Michael Bidzerkowny at second singles.
Kallan Sanasith was awarded the third singles win by forfeit to complete the singles sweep for the hosts.
In doubles action, the first doubles team of Ezra Knapp and Carson Sanasith found all the grooves possible to continue Fillmore’s winning ways, recording a 6-2, 6-0 win over Wellsville’s duo of Liam Smith and Keenen O’Connor. The match win was capped off with a 6-3, 6-1 win by Brayden Walton and Levi Russell at second doubles over Jeremiah Pensyl and Brayden Ketchner.
“Isaiah Sisson had his best performance of the season. He served really well and finished points at the net. When he has those two tools working, he is really tough to beat. Ezra and Carson are really starting to gel together at first doubles as well. They really complement each other so well, and today was a big step forward for both of them.” said Eagles coach Randy Crouch.
The Lions will return to action back home Monday night, hosting Campbell-Savona at 5 p.m.
As for the Eagles, they will now go for their sixth straight win coming up on Tuesday, traveling to Bolivar-Richburg for a 5 p.m. contest.
Singles
1. Isaiah Sisson (FIL) def. Wheeler Dahlgren (WLSV), 6-1, 6-0.
2. Ezra Schilke (FIL) def. Michael Bidzerkowny (WLSV), 6-0, 6-3.
3. Kallan Sanasith (FIL) by for.
Doubles
1. Ezra Knapp/Carson Sanasith (FIL) def. Liam Smith/Keenen O’Connor (WLSV), 6-2, 6-0.
2. Brayden Walton/Levi Russell (FIL) def. Jeremiah Pensyl/Brayden Ketchner (WLSV), 6-3, 6-1.
SOFTBALL
Genesee Valley/Belfast 13, Hammondsport 1 (F-6)
HAMMONDSPORT — Immediately following a tremendous doubleheader sweep of Arkport-Canaseraga, the Genesee Valley/Belfast ladies hit the road just 24 hours later for a road trip that featured plenty of success once again.
In their visit to Hammondsport, the team battled tough with the Lady Lakers in the opening stages, but then peeled out and sped away down the stretch towards a 13-1 six-inning victory on Thursday.
The two teams registered a run during their opening term at the plate to break the ice with the game’s first deadlock, but soon after, Genesee Valley/Belfast (9-2) assumed control right away in the top of the third inning, beginning a strand of 12 consecutive runs with Hannah Powers driving in the first of her three RBI on an infield hit, as she scored Keanna Sands from third to garner the upper-hand.
The damage would soon be done in the top of the fourth, as Genesee Valley/Belfast assembled a big five-run stand at the plate that was generated by Powers once again, blasting her last two RBI on a deep double to continue bridging their gap in front of Hammondsport.
Out of the last six runs in the remaining two frames of play, two of them were scratched across off a pair of RBI bunts turned in by Lily Green and Whitney Young to help finish off their fifth straight win, and their seventh of the last eight games.
Genesee Valley/Belfast recorded seven hits at the plate, as Young, Kayla Wedge, Addison Bradt, Madison Yackeren and Keanna Sands all had a hit each.
In the circle to go with her two gigantic hits, Powers held the Lady Lakers frozen, allowing just two hits across 12 strikeouts and seven walks.
Up next for Genesee Valley/Belfast is a quick return to action once again tonight, if the weather cooperates, visiting the Hinsdale Lady Bobcats at 5 p.m.
Genesee Valley/Belfast 101 533 — 13 7 2
Hammondsport 100 000 — 1 2 1
GVB – Hannah Powers (WP) (CG, 12K, 7BB) and Jenna Hill.
HAM – Aimee Hurd (LP) (CG, 8K, 5BB) and Hannah Dresser.
BOYS TENNIS
Addison 4, Wellsville 1
WELLSVILLE — The pair of doubles matches between Addison and Wellsville saw plenty of excitement across the board, with both contests going straight down to the wire.
When the final conclusion was met, the Knights went on to claim both victories in thrilling fashion to aid in the illustration of a four-win night on the tennis court in the Lion’s Den, as they silenced their host opposition with a 4-1 victory on Thursday.
Wellsville (5-4) was taken the distance in the midst of pro-set action with the visiting Knights, with the second doubles team of Brayden Ketchner and Benjamin Germain-Tardieu fighting tooth and nail against Addison’s Jason Zheng and Jax Donley, exchanging back-and-forth sets one after another until a tiebreak was needed to settle the score once and for all.
In the end, it was Zheng and Donley that prevailed, as they scored the 9-7 win off a 10-9 match in regulation play.
The momentum continued on with the first doubles team of John Clark and Alex Dubois, as they survived a pendulum-shifting battle of their own against Wellsville’s Jonah MacCartney and Caydon Grimes, as they scored a razor-thin 10-8 victory to finish off the sweep of both doubles matches.
In the singles matches, the Lions only scored one from their third singles competitor in Liam Smith, who rolled past Fin Jacobson with a 10-5 edge. Michael Bidzerkowny and Jeremiah Pensyl each fell in 10-6 decisions of their own at first and second singles, respectively.
Wellsville will hit the road Saturday morning, weather permitting, for a 10 a.m. first serve at Wayland-Cohocton.
Singles
1. Nick Wright (ADD) def. Michael Bidzerkowny (WLSV), 10-6.
2. Zach Wright (ADD) def. Jeremiah Pensyl (WLSV), 10-6.
3. Liam Smith (WLSV) def. Fin Jacobson (ADD), 10-5.
Doubles
1. John Clark/Alex Dubois (ADD) def. Jonah MacCartney/Caydon Grimes (WLSV), 10-8.
2. Jason Zheng/Jax Donley (ADD) def. Brayden Ketchner/Benjamin Germain-Tardieu (WLSV), 10-9 (9-7).
BOYS TENNIS
Wellsville 5, Alfred-Almond 0
ALMOND — It was not easy by any means for the Lions of Wellsville through all five matches of contested battle against host Alfred-Almond on Wednesday.
But after the final serve, it was a war that they prevailed in across the board, as they survived numerous tiebreaks and extra games to score a competitive 5-0 sweep of the host Eagles to navigate their way back into the win column.
In the singles department, Michael Bidzerkowny engaged in one whale of a fight from start to finish against Alfred-Almond’s Will Lawrence. Initially being defeated in a first-set tiebreak, Bidzerkowny fought right back to tie the match at one before a back-and-forth marathon across the deciding set soon settled in.
After a bounty of games within the set, Bidzerkowny worked hard to navigate his way out on top with a 10-8 victory to capture the match (6-7 (4), 6-3, 10-8).
Wheeler Dahlgren also faced tiebreak action himself after a rebounding performance from Patrick Power at first singles, managing to stay out in front of it all to lay claim on a 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory. Jeremiah Pensyl finished off Wellsville’s sweep of the singles competition with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Luca Reginio at third singles.
In doubles play, the second doubles team of Jonah MacCartney and Caydon Grimes staved off some early pressure from Alfred-Almond’s duo of Leon Beaudry and Jamison Snyder to finish on the strongest of notes possible with a 7-5, 6-0 win.
At first doubles, the tag-team of Liam Smith and Keenen O’Connor finished off the overall match win with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win over Caleb Diaz and Gabe Fiuretti.
The Lions are back home tonight to host a rescheduled contest with the Addison Knights beginning at 5 p.m.
Singles
1. Wheeler Dahlgren (WLSV) def. Patrick Power (A-A), 6-1, 7-6 (4).
2. Michael Bidzerkowny (WLSV) def. Will Lawrence (A-A), 6-7 (4), 6-3, 10-8.
3. Jeremiah Pensyl (WLSV) def. Luca Reginio (A-A), 6-2, 6-3.
Doubles
1. Liam Smith/Keenen O’Connor (WLSV) def. Caleb Diaz/Gabe Fiuretti (A-A), 6-1, 6-0.
2. Jonah MacCartney/Caydon Grimes (WLSV) def. Leon Beaudry/Jamison Snyder (A-A), 7-5, 6-0.
TRACK
GV/Belfast takes care of business with sweep of host B-R
BOLIVAR — Following a strong performance alongside four different schools in Wellsville late last week, the Genesee Valley/Belfast track stars kept their momentum at an all-time high going into Wednesday’s road trip to Bolivar-Richburg, where they brought out the brooms and swept the competition against the host Wolverines with an 87-30 win for the boys team, and a 91-34 win over the girls.
The boys team saw 13 total first place finishes come into complete fruition across the evening. From within the individual victories, two competitors bagged at least a pair of them, with Callahan Tallman and his complete sweep of the jumping events, scoring gold in the high, long and triple jumps. Brayden Cooper took his talents to the track to score his two wins, speeding his way to the finish line with wins in the 100 and 200 dashes.
Genesee Valley/Belfast also went on to score all three relay victories — the 400, 1600 and 3200 relays, along the way to pair with their 10 total individual first place finishes.
For the Wolverines boys team, Ayden Music and Calyn Todd claimed gold in their respective events, winning in the 3200 run and 100 hurdles each.
In the case of the Genesee Valley/Belfast ladies, they saw Bayleigh Tallman take the lead behind three first place finishes of her own, medaling in the 100 and 200 dashes, and in the long jump. Sophie Zillgitt chipped in with two more wins of her own, scoring them in the 100 hurdles and in the high jump to continue a brilliant evening that consisted of nine top individual finishes.
Like the boys team, the ladies also recorded a complete sweep of all three relay events.
Bolivar-Richburg was powered by Raegan Giardini, who had two of the team’s four total first place finishes, as she claimed victory in the 800 sprint and the 1500 run. Nadia Baldwin recorded a first place finish from the throwing pit, in the shot put, while Carmen Crowley claimed the win from the sand pit in the triple jump.
The Wolverines will return to regular season action on Tuesday, hosting Fillmore at 5 p.m.
Friendship/Scio was also in attendance at the meet, as they saw Dawson Mix score the team’s only first place finish from the field, in the discus event.
Genesee Valley/Belfast will head back home to the Jungle tonight for a home tri-meet battle, as they welcome both Fillmore and Friendship/Scio into town at 5 p.m.
Boys Team Scores: Genesee Valley/Belfast 87, Bolivar-Richburg 30.
Results
100 – 1. Brayden Cooper (GVB) 11.2, 2. Wyatt Weaver (GVB), 3. Ryker Holmes (GVB).
200 – 1. Brayden Cooper (GVB) 23.3, 2. Wyatt Weaver (GVB), 3. Colden Caiazza (GVB).
400 – 1. Sal Gambino (GVB) 58.4, 2. Eric Kinnicutt (B-R), 3. Graham Bradt (GVB).
800 – 1. Tate Jenkins (GVB) 3:02.6, 2. Mason Hackett (B-R).
1600 – 1. R. Ayers (GVB) 6:04.1.
3200 – 1. Ayden Music (B-R) 13:17.8.
110H – 1. Calyn Todd (B-R) 20.9.
400H – 1. Colden Caiazza (GVB) 1:06.3, 2. Calyn Todd (B-R), 3. Blake Scroggie (B-R).
400R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 47.0, 2. Bolivar-Richburg.
1600R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 4:14.5, 2. Bolivar-Richburg.
3200R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 10:13.4.
Shot – 1. Bryce Davis (GVB) 35-9, 2. Wyatt Green (GVB).
Discus – 1. Dawson Mix (F/S) 93-7, 2. Bryce Davis (GVB), 3. Jerimiah Brown (F/S).
High Jump – 1. Callahan Tallman (GVB) 6-1, 2. Ren Button (B-R).
Long Jump – 1. Callahan Tallman (GVB) 19-4.25, 2. Wyatt Weaver (GVB), 3. Tate Jenkins (GVB).
Tri Jump – 1. Callahan Tallman (GVB) 37-9.5, 2. Ayden Music (B-R), 3. Jerimiah Brown (F/S).
Girls Team Scores: Genesee Valley/Belfast 91, Bolivar-Richburg 34.
Results
100 – 1. Bayleigh Tallman (GVB) 13.8, 2. Cassidy Scholla (F/S), 3. Madelynn Scott (GVB).
200 – 1. Bayleigh Tallman (GVB) 28.3, 2. Regina Dougherty (GVB), 3. Madelynn Scott (GVB).
400 – 1. Regina Dougherty (GVB) 1:05.0, 2. Madalynn Woodworth (B-R), 3. Azkadellia Mitchell (B-R).
800 – 1. Raegan Giardini (B-R) 2:37.5, 2. Sophie Zillgitt (GVB).
1500 – 1. Raegan Giardini (B-R) 6:00.1, 2. Rowan Vossler (GVB), 3. Samayah Lussier (GVB).
3000 – 1. Christina McAuley (GVB) 17:35.0, 2. Samayah Lussier (GVB).
100H – 1. Sophie Zillgitt (GVB) 18.2, 2. Jordyn Nickerson (F/S), 3. Cayleigh Shipman (GVB).
400H – 1. Allyson Hazelton (GVB) 1:23.7, 2. Rowan Vossler (GVB), 3. Addison Hackett (B-R).
400R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 58.6, 2. Bolivar-Richburg.
1600R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 4:24.1, 2. Bolivar-Richburg.
3200R – 1. Genesee Valley/Belfast 13:51.0.
Shot – 1. Nadia Baldwin (B-R) 22-10.5, 2. Genecis Easton (B-R), 3. Sierra Hall (B-R).
Discus – 1. Sarah Dorrett (GVB) 59-0, 2. Faith White (GVB), 3. Genecis Easton (B-R).
High Jump – 1. Sophie Zillgitt (GVB) 4-9, 2. Nadia Baldwin (B-R), 3. Azkadellia Mitchell (B-R).
Long Jump – 1. Bayleigh Tallman (GVB) 14-8, 2. Sophie Zillgitt (GVB), 3. Addisyn Ely (GVB).
Tri Jump – 1. Carmen Crowley (B-R) 33-4.5.=
