Photo by Mike Wertman – This veteran foursome of Madison Rath, Kacey Menge, Sarah Pearson and Chelsea Wright will lead Kendall into the upcoming Genesee Region League softball season.

A veteran battery heads a returning starting quartet which will lead Kendall into the Genesee Region League softball campaign.

Pitcher Chelsea Wright and catcher Kacey Menge, both juniors and three year varsity starters, lead the way for Kendall which also returns senior centerfielder Sarah Pearson and junior first baseman Madison Rath.

“We’ve got some key kids back,” said Coach Jeff Parizek whose Lady Eagles are looking to improve on last year’s 5-12 record.

The Lady Eagles are also looking to junior infielders Emily Mattle and Eliya Cooper along with outfielder Rebecca Banker, who is an eighth grader.

“We have to have them all step up,” said Parizek. “We’re looking to get better as we gain experience.”

The Lady Eagles key losses to graduation include shortstop Taylor Kingsbury, third baseman Kali Haskins, second baseman Marisa Hanlon and outfielder Sarah Gardner.

Kendall is scheduled to open the G-R season at home on April 4 against Notre Dame.

Schedule:
April 4 – Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
April 6 – Monroe, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 – at Wheatland-Chili, 4:30 p.m.
April 12 – Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
April 14 – at Elba, 4:30 p.m.
Apri l16 – at Holley, 11 a.m.
April 18 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
April 20 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
April 22 – at Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.
April 26 – Holley, 4:30 p.m.
April 28 – Attica, 4:30 p.m.
April 29 – Bishop Kearney, 4:30 p.m.
May 2 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
May 4 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
May 9 – Wheatland-Chil, 4:30 p.m.
May 10 – at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
May 11 – at Monroe, 4:30 p.m.
May 12 – Elba, 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the defending champion Medina baseball squad this season will be this quartet of veterans. In front is Tyler Ames. Standing are Justin Morgan, Quentin Adkins and Jared Zinkievich.

Last spring Medina ended a 20 year title drought by capturing the Niagara-Orleans League championship with a 12-2 record.

This spring the Mustangs are looking to fill a number of holes in the lineup caused by graduation as they prepare to defend their title.

The biggest hole to fill is on the mound with the loss of the top two hurllng mainstays, Jason Hellwig and Matt Riemer, who also played shortstop and first base respectively when not pitching. The duo, along with designated hitter Kyle Herman, also provided three of the biggest bats in the lineup.

The other losses include outfielders Brennan Zinkievich and Josh Scroger along with third baseman Devonte Howard.

Hellwig, Riemer, Herman and Zinkievich all earned first team N-O All-League honors.

“Every year is a different team and this year will definitely be about development,” said Coach Eric Hellwig in noting the large number of graduation losses. “The experience thing will certainly be a factor.”

Three returnees, senior Tyler Ames and junior Quentin Adkins, who both saw some action on the mound last spring, and senior Jared Zinkievich look to anchor the pitching staff. Ames and Adkins can also man infield spots and Zinkievich an outfield position when not pitching.

Veteran catcher Justin Morgan, who earned second team All-League honors, returns to handle the pitching staff.

“Having an experienced catcher is a huge bonus,” said Hellwig.

The Mustangs roster also includes two other senior returnees, Gage Grabowski (outfield) and Brad McPherson (outfield), along with senior Joe Velez (outfield); juniors Matt Hann (outfield/catcher), Chase McAdoo (outfield) and Lucas Porter (shortstop/catcher/pitcher) and sophomores Brett Riemer (second base/pitcher) and Alex Allis (third base).

“We’ve got a good returning group. We’ll just have to see how the other players develop both defensively and hitting,” said Hellwig. “There is a lot of potential there. They just have to realize that potential. Improvement over the year will be our main focus.”

The Mustangs have four non league home games scheduled, beginning April 1 against Williamsville South, before opening their N-O title defense on April 8 against Newfane at Vets Park.

Schedule:
April 1 – Williamsville South, 4:30 p.m.
April 2 – Maryvale, 1 p.m.
April 5 – Holley, 7 p.m.
April 6 – Alden, 4:45 p.m.
April 8 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 9 – Batavia, 1 p.m.
April 11 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – CSAT, 7 p.m.
April 15 – at Barker, 4:45 p.m.
April 18 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 19 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 25 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 27 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 29 – Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May 2 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.
May 6 – Akron, 7:30 p.m.
May 9 – Roy-Hart, 7:30 p.m.
May 11 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
May 14 – at Batavia, TBA

Front-running Sacred Heart and runner-up Legion were both upended Monday in Medina Euchre League competition.

JR Wilson defeated Sacred Heart 40-30 and Vets Club downed Legion 37-33.

Sacred Heart, which still holds a 27 point lead, is now 926-824 on the season while Legion is 899-851, JR Wilson 875-875 and Vets Club 800-950.

League action continues on March 28 with Legion at Sacred Heart and Vets Club at JR Wilson.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Barker into the upcoming softball season will be this group of Lady Raider veterans. In front are Courtney Bodine and Kylie Miller. In back are Haylee Muzzillo, Mary Rounds and Erika Moeller.

Five veterans lead the way as Barker preps for the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League softball season.

The battery of senior pitcher Erika Moeller and sophomore catcher Kylie Miller, along with senior first baseman Mary Rounds, head that veteran group which also includes senior centerfielder Courtney Bodine and sophomore pitcher/infielder Haylee Muzzillo.

Moeller earned first team N-O All-League honors last year while Rounds was a second team pick and Miller and honorable mention selection.

“Erika will carry the load in the circle and may play some infield and Kyle caught every game last year and I expect her to do the same again this year. I am really looking forward to the improvement she showed towards the end of the year defensively and her power at the plate,” said Coach Bill Moeller. “Mary will lead us both offensively and defensively again this year and is a solid all-around player. Courtney will lead our young outfielders and I am looking for her leadership in the field and at the plate. Haylee will get her fair share of innings in the circle again this year and may see some time in the infield.”

Three juniors up from the JV ranks look to help round out the infield including Emily Annable (third base), Abby Bachman (second base) and Sabrina Harris (shortstop).

Rounding out the squad are outfielders Haley Stansbury, a senior, along with juniors Eadie Fuerch and Cassidy Granchelli.

“Even though we turned over almost half of our roster, I am really excited about the core group of experienced players we have,” said Moeller whose key losses to graduation include infielders Melissa Grosshans, Chelsea Stratton and Destinee Hillman along with outfielder Ann Buffington.

Barker, which went 6-8 in the league and 9-10 overall last year, is scheduled to host Elba in the non league opener on April 1 and then begin N-O competition on April 4 at home against Roy-Hart.

Schedule:
April 1 – Elba, 4:45 p.m.
April 2 – Lew-Port, 2 p.m.
April 4 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 11 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 14 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 16 – at Alexander Tournament
April 18 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 20 – Albion 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 25 – at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.
April 27 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 29 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
May 2 – Akron, 5 p.m.
May 4 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
May 7 – Lyndonville, 4 p.m.
May 9 – at Albion, 4:45 p.m.
May 11 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.

Contributed Photo
Over 50 youths participated in the Holley Wrestling Club’s program this season which concluded today. Many of the Club’s students were in attendance at the Holley Wrestling Club Tournament and the Brockport Tournament which were held over the past two weeks. The Holley Wrestling Club was conducted by the Holley High School wrestling coaching staff, experienced parents and current and former Holley wrestlers. In this five week program, the students learned basic wrestling techniques, sportsmanship and participated in drills and live wrestling. The club members included, in front from left, Jack Newman, Enzo Mignano, Devin Silversmith, Russell Samons, Cole Fredendall and John Blosenhauer. In the second row are Aiden Robins, Jake Cooper, Kadence Schoonmaker, Joey Camacho, Brody Williams and Ben Daic. In the third row are Tyler Moore, Arianna Silversmith, Josh Silpoch, Miguel Vazquez, Camden Mosier, Peyton Wright and Destin Brown. In the fourth row are Kaden Rheanwald, Cole Moyle, Wayne Moyer, Antonio Ianello, Christopher Mosier, William Kruger, Trent Butler and Michael Schoonmaker. In the fifth row are Trent Wright, Joe Silpoch, Frank Golisano, Meagan Blosenhauer, Cecelia Farruggia, Anthony Fallato and Shawn McAllister. In the back row are Nate Silversmith, Tony Farruggia, Preston Lampo, Jake Silpoch and David Farruggia.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Albion into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League baseball season will be these six senior veterans. In front are Randy Eblacker and Evan Pappalardo. In back are Jason Downs, Kyle Smith, Brady Meakin and Jared Fearby.

Six returning seniors anchor the lineup for Albion which is seeking to get back into Niagara-Orleans League title contention this spring.The Purple Eagles had captured the N-O crown six of seven years between 2008 and 2014 but slipped to third place last season at 8-6.

Leading that quest are senior veterans Jason Downs (pitcher/shortstop), Evan Pappalardo (first base/pitcher), Brady Meakin (second base/pitcher), Kyle Smith (outfield/catcher), Randy Eblacker (designated hitter/first base) and Jared Fearby (outfield).

Meakin earned first team N-O All-League honors while Pappalardo was a second team selection.

The Purple Eagles roster also includes senior Alex DeSmit (outfield), junior Jacob Buzard (catcher/first base), sophomore Jaquess Harrison (infield/pitcher) and freshmen Bryce Pritchard (third base/pitcher) and Nate Moore (outfield/pitcher).

“We’ve got a good pitching core back with our three senior pitchers and I’ve really got six guys I can put on the mound. They all can throw,” said Coach Bruce Blanchard. “We’re a bit on the young side but we’ve got some talent. I think our defense will be decent. The key is if we can manufacture some runs.”

Albion’s key losses are outfielder Aaron Burnside, pitcher Austin Loyd , infielder Dominic DiCureia and catcher/centerfielderr Trey Hart. DiCureia and Hart were both second team N-O All-League selections while Loyd earned honorable mention.

“We’ve got good depth at pitching which is big and we’ve got good team speed so if we can hit we’ll be successful,” said Blanchard.

Albion is scheduled to begin tuning up for the league campaign by visiting Niagara Falls Thursday in a non league contest. The Purple Eagles are slated to open the N-O campaign at home on April 8 against Wilson.

Schedule:
March 24 – at Niagara Falls, 12 p.m.
April 2 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 12 p.m.
April 4 – at North Tonawanda, 5 p.m.
April 6 – at St. Mary’s of Lancaster, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 11 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
April 13 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 15 – CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
April 18 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
April 20 – Barker, 4:45 p.m.
April 22 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
April 23 – at Attica Tournament
April 27 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
April 29 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
May 2 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
May 4 – at CSAT, 4:45 p.m.
May 6 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
May 9 – ay Barker, 4:45 p.m.
May 12 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
May 14 – at Niagara Falls, 12 p.m.

Photo By Mike Wertman – Key veteran members of the Kendall track teams include, in front, Joey LoSapio, Paul Urquhart and Austin Clay, In back are Taylor ReQua, Maya Rutland, Taylor Rutland, Jenna Jacob, Lexi Payton and Hannah Ulman.

The reuniting of a state class relay team provides a big spark as the Kendall track teams prep for the upcoming Genesee Rgion League track season.

Returning after a year away from the sport, seniors Maya Rutland and Taylor Rutland and sophomore Taylor ReQua have reunited with senior Jenna Jacob for a 400 meter relay quartet that in 2014 finished second at the state Division II (small schools) championships after winning the Section V Class C title and placing second at the Section V championships.

Maya Rutland also won the 100 and Taylor Rutland the 200 at the Class C championships that year. ReQua will also be competing in the 100 and Jacob in the 100 hurdles.

The Lady Eagles also return experience in junior Lexi Payton (pentathlon) and sophomore Hannah Ulman (pole vault).

“I think our returning athletes will have a very successful season,” said Coach Jennifer Legault. “I think it will be a very exciting season, especially with the girls team. And with new coaches and similar coaching styles it makes this program very strong.”

The Eagles boys squad is led by the veteran trio of seniors Austin Clay and Paul Urquhart in the pole vault and junior Joey LoSapio in the sprints.

Kendall is scheduled to open G-R competition at home on April 7 against Elba/Byron-Bergen.

Schedule:
April 7 – Elba/Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
April 13 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
April 20 – Alexander and Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
April 27 – at Wheatland-Chli, 4:30 p.m.
April 29 – at Brighton Inviitational
May 6 – at Pembroke Invitational
May 11 – at Holley, 4:30 p.m.
May 21 – G-R All-League meet

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Albion into defense of its N-O title this season will be this quartet of returning starters including Matt Kovaleski, Josh Metzler, Dylan Bader and Daniel Beam.

Anchored by a quartet of returning starters, Albion is preparing to defend its Niagara-Orleans League tennis championship.

Seniors Josh Metzler, Daniel Beam, Dylan Bader and freshman Matt Kovaleski provide the veteran experience for Albion which won a tight five-way battle to claim the N-O crown for the first time since 2004. Metzler earned first team N-O All-League honors.

The Purple Eagles went 9-3 and were followed closely by Akron and Medina, both at 8-4, and Barker and Wilson, both at 7-5.

“Last year finished tight and I expect this season will start tight,” said Coach Jay Kovaleski who is anticipating another close multi team title race.

The Purple Eagles are looking to several other varsity returnees including seniors Matt Flanagan and Kyle Thaine, junior Emilie Barleben and sophomore Victor Benjovsky to help fill out the lineup which was hit hard by graduation.

Those graduation losses include first team N-O honoree Dyer Benjovsky, second team picks Kyler McQuillen and Monica Benjovsky along with honorable mention selections Cristal Quintana and Michael Stilwell.

“We certainly have some spots to fill but we’ve got a pretty good core group coming back,” said Kovaleski. “We’ll just need some players to step up.”

Albion is scheduled to begin its title defense on April 4 at Wilson.

Schedule
April 4 – at Wilson, 4 p.m.
April 11 – at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
April 12 – Newfane, 4 p.m.
April 14 – at Barker, 4 p.m.
April 18 – at Medina, 4 p.m.
April 21 – Akron, 4 p.m.
April 25 – Wilson, 4 p.m.
April 27 – Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
May 2 – Barker, 4 p.m.
May 3 – at Newfane, 4 p.m.
May 4 – Medina, 4 p.m.
May 9 – at Akron, 4 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Getting set to help lead the Holley/Kendall varsity baseball squad this season is this group of Hawk veterans. In front are Zack Trask and Justin Parker. In back are Nick Passarell, Dylan Hillabush, Zach Vaccarelli and Patrick Bower.

Weather permitting the newly merged Holley/Kendall varsity baseball squad will also likely be the first to take to the diamond for a game this spring as the Hawks are scheduled to visit Barker March 30 for a non league contest.

Despite losing four key players to gradation from last year’s Genesee Region League Division 1 and Section V Class CC championship squad, Holley has a good group of five returning regulars including seniors Nick Passarell (centerfield), Justin Parker (third base/pitcher), junior Dylan Hillabush (pitcher/first base) and sophomores Sammy Lammes (second base) and Patrick Bower (catcher).

Seniors Ronnie DeWaal (second base/pither) and Zack Trask (utility) also return as does Zach Vaccarelli (first base) who was injured last year.

The Hawks are also looking for help in the outfield from junior Collin Papaj.

Also looking to play key roles are two Kendall players, Colton Breslawski (shortstop/pitcher) and Cody Spellan (third base/pitcher), both seniors.

“They will certainly help us,” said Coach Jason Cole whose main losses to graduation were Joe DeFelice (shortstop/pitcher), Lucas Silvis (first base/pitcher), Josh Porter (catcher/pitcher) and Jon Bower (third base/pitcher). DeFelice, Porter and Bower were all G-R All-Stars.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good lineup 1 through 9 and that’s a plus for us,” said Cole. “Our pitching is still undecided but we have several options there.”

The Hawks, which went 10-2 to claim the G-R Division 1 title, finished with an overall 18-5 record including a 6-2 victory over East Rochester in the Class CC championship game.

“They are excited and want to get back,” said Cole of the Hawks hopes for another title run.

Interestingly, the Hawks non league schedule includes a rematch with Geneseo, the team which dashed their hopes for a spot in the state playoffs by a 6-3 score in the Class C qualifier contest.

The Hawks are slated to begin their G-R title defense on April 12 at Elba/Byron-Bergen.

Schedule
March 30 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
April 5 – at Medina, 7 p.m.
April 12 – at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
April 15 – Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
April 16 – at Geneseo, 12 p.m.
April 18 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
April 19 – Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
April 21 – Bloomfield, 4:30 p.m.
April 23 – at LeRoy Tournament
April 25 – Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
April 26 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
April 28 – at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
May 3 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
May 5 – at Northstar, 4:30 p.m.
May 6 – Elba/Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
May 13 – Attica, 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Lyndonville’s veteran players include Aubrey Lewis, Jessie Harling, Lisa Boyce and Miranda Lembcke. Missing from the photo are Rhiannon Burgess and Jenna Doran.

Working to fill the holes caused by the loss of five starters to graduation, the Lyndonville softball squad is looking to keep the momentum from last year’s 15-5 campaign.

Those graduation losses which include pitcher Maddy Boyle, shortstop Rebekah Hoffee, second baseball Kaitlyn Albone, first baseman Morgan Hungerford and outfielder Haley Wetherbee would have most pointing to this as a rebuilding season for the Lady Tigers but not Coach Joe Moore.

“I don’t like the term ‘rebuilding'”, said Moore. “It implies you’re giving up on a season and I never give up on a season. We’re just retooling.”

Leading that retooling project are six returnees including sophomore Miranda Lembcke (catcher), junior Aubrey Lewis (shortstop) and seniors Lisa Boyce (third base), Jessie Harling (outfield), Rhiannon Burgess (outfield) and Jenna Doran (outfield).

Junior Makenzie Muck and senior Kali Jacobs are working to fill the key pitching position for the Lady Tigers whose roster also includes senior Issy Annacharic, juniors Kennedy Clark, Amanda Drown, Kelsie LaSpada, Brianna Paniccia and freshman Anna Lewis.

“We’ve got some good talent but overall it’s a young, very inexperienced group,” said Moore.

The Lady Tigers are scheduled to open the season on April 1 with a non league home game against Medina and begin Genesee Region League competition on April 6 against Wheatland-Chili.

Lyndnville went 11-3 in G-R competition last spring.

Schedule:
April 1 – Medina, 4:30 p.m.
April 4 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
April 5 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
April 6 – Wheatland-Chili, 4:30 p.m.
April 8 – Elba, 4:30 p.m.
April 11 – Holley, 4:30 p.m.
April 12 – at Kendall, 4:30 p.m.
April 14 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
April 18 – Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
April 20 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
April 22 – Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
April 25 – at Northstar, 4:30 p.m.
April 28 – at Holley, 4:30 p.m.
May 2 – Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
May 6 – at Wheatland-Chili, 4:30 p.m.
May 7 – Barker, 4 p.m.
May 9 – at Elba, 4:30 p.m.
May 10 – Kendall, 4:30 p.m.
May 12, Notre Dame, 4:0 p.m.