Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Vinny Gray, shown here diving back to first during the Far West Regional, and his Mustang teammates will be playing in the state Class B semifinals on Friday.

Looking to make the third time be the charm, Medina will face Spackenkill (Section IX) in the Class B state semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday at Union-Endicott High School near Binghampton.

The victor will face the winner of the Taconic Hills (Section II) vs. Little Falls (Section III) semifinal in the Class B championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Binghamton University.

This will be Medina’s third appearance in the state semifinals. In the two previous trips the Mustangs lost 9-1 to Carle Place (Section VIII) in 2003 and 6-3 to Schuylerville (Section II) in 2019.

Spackenkill captured the Class B state championship two years ago interestingly downing Schuylerville 6-4.

Medina, which brings a 20-1 record into the semis, advanced by downing Wellsville 8-3 in the Far West Regional.

Spackenkill, which is 18-4, gained a berth in the semis by downing Wheatley (Section VIII) in the Southeast Regional by the identical score of 8-3.

Eight pitchers have earned wins on the mound this season for Spackenkill led by Linis Oudom who made 9 starts and has a 5-1 record with 75 strikeouts and Dan Collins with a 3-1 record and 55 strikeouts.

The Spartans have been led at the plate by Dylan Boening who is hitting .431 with 30 RBI, Bryan Hoyt (.273 with 26 RBI) and Collins (.484, 25 RBI).

Five pitchers have made starts for Medina this season including senior Julian Woodworth (36 strikeouts), juniors Brody Fry (58 strikeouts) and Lukas Grimes (15 strikeouts) along with freshmen Preston Woodworth (38 strikeouts) and Aidan Papaj (37 strikeouts). Fry earned the wins on the mound in both the Section VI final and Far West Regional games.

At the plate, Papaj, senior Brandon Christiaansen and junior Carter Woodworth are all hitting over .300 while Fry and junior Ryleigh Culver are hitting over .275. Run production has been very balanced on the season as Papaj has 19 RBI, Carter Woodworth 17, Culver 16, Fry 14, senior Richard Keppler 13, Preston Woodworth 12 and Christiaansen 11.

Depending on who is pitching, the Mustangs versatile lineup during the recent playoff run has included Culver at catcher, Brandon Christiaansen at first base, Preston Woodworth at second or pitcher, Papaj at shortstop or pitcher, Carter Woodworth at third, Fry in left field or pitcher, Julian Woodworth in centerfield or pitcher, junior Brady Christiaansen in rightfield, sophomore Vinny Gray at either an infield or outfield position and Keppler as the designated hitter.

Spectators are reminded that tickets should be purchased in advance on-line by clicking here .

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Jake Gould dives into third base during this evening’s N-O vs. G-R Senior baseball game at Vets Park this evening as Notre Dame’s Ryan Fitzpatrick waits for the ball.

The Genesee Region League seniors swept to a doubleheader diamond victory over the Niagara-Orleans League seniors at Vets Park this evening winning the baseball game 6-4 and the softball contest 10-1.

In the nine inning baseball game which capped off the evening, the G-R took the lead for good by scoring 3 times in the top of the fourth inning on two bases loaded walks and an RBI single by Shaun Alexander from Oakfield-Alabama to snap a scoreless deadlock.

The G-R added solo runs in the fifth inning on a fielders choice play, in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Notre Dame) and in the ninth on a wild pitch.

Fitzpatrick also pitched two inning perfect innings of relief striking out all six batters he faced in the fifth and sixth frames.

Roy-Hart’s Jake Gould had a big night at the plate for the N-O banging out a two-run double in the fourth inning and belting a solo home run to lead off the seventh.

Wilson’s Casey Sidote drove in the N-O’s other run with a triple in the seventh inning.

Softball
The G-R bested an undermanned N-O softball squad 10-1 in a five inning contest.

Only 7 of the 17 N-O players who were expected to play in the contest showed up so the N-O needed to “borrow” two players from the G-R in order to play the game.

The G-R had a dozen players on hand but that was also six less than the 18 that were listed to participate.

Oakfield-Alabama’s Ryan Caitlin had the big day at the plate banging out to two-run homer to key a three-run second inning and an RBI single in a four run fourth frame which also included a triple by Loretta Sorochty (Notre Dame).

Akron’s Sloan Jonathan accounted for the N-O’s only run as she doubled in the first inning and came home on a wild pitch.

Holley’s Leigha Walker goes for a bunt attempt.

Snapping a brief two game season opening losing streak, Banes downed Poler’s Pub 18-6 in a Medina Women’s Softball ‘A’ League game Monday evening.

Banes used a pair of big back-to-back seven run innings to key the win.

Singles by Lindsay Chatt, Jami Chatt, Amy Lavender and Kathy Allen along with doubles by Robin Blaun, Connie Heschke and Rileigh McCabe plated seven runs in the third inning.

Four walks along with singles by Sue Seefeldt, Jami Chatt. Allen, Morgan Allis, Jen Masse and a double by Lavender added seven more in the fourth.

Blaun, Lavender and Allen each finished with 3 hits and Heschke 2.

Jr. Wilson 5, White Birch 4
In the other game, staying undefeated Jr. Wilson rallied from a 4-0 deficit to edge White Birch 5-4.

White Birch scored three runs in the bottom of the second on singles from Maddy Gardepe, Kenzie Muck, and a two-run single from Mallory Albone. Maddy Boyle banged out a triple in the top of the third and scored off a sacrifice fly from Becca Hoffee to make it 4-0.

Junior Wilson’s got two runs back in the bottom of the 4th inning on singles from Chasity Chinn, Jessica Rosenbeck, and an RBI single from Sara Flansburg. Sharon Korzelius knocked in a run in the 5th to make the score 4-3.

Coming up clutch in the bottom of the 6th inning was Stormi Kruger who had a two-run homerun to put Jr. Wilson’s on top for good.

Ella Lewis and Dana Siffringer both had 2 singles for White Birch.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Trent Jones goes up for a header during the Mustang FC win over LA United Sunday at Vets Park.

Six players scored goals as the Medina Mustangs FC posted a 6-1 victory over LA United in a Buffalo District Soccer League 2nd Division game at Vets Park Sunday evening.

Medina jumped out to a 3-0 first half lead on goals by Peter Martillotta, Elian Gonzalez and Nathan Dillenbeck. Dillenbeck, Greg Husung and Steven Anderson took turns dishing out the assists during that stretch.

Keeping the momentum, Medina tacked on three more goals in the second half on tallies by Casey Winiecki, Husung and Kristian Snyder. Martillotta, Winiecki and Connor Gunby each chipped in with an assist in the half.

Now at 2-2 Medina next hosts the Buffalo Cosmos at 6 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.

Casey Winiecki brings the ball up field for Medina.

A late rally fell just short as the Dynamites dropped a narrow 7-6 decision to the Thunderwolves in a season opening 16U baseball game Sunday on Roy-Hart’s Gasport field.

Trailing 6-0, the Dynamites got back into the game by scoring 4 runs in the sixth inning on two fielders choice plays, a hit batter and a bases loaded walk. Singles by Aiden Romesser, Nick Bucholtz and Gavin Heideman loaded the bases to set up the threat.

However, the Thunderwolves picked up what proved to be the winning run in the top of the seventh on an error to take a 7-4 lead.

The Dynamites answered with a pair of runs in the home half of the frame on hits by Sean Mettler and Ehren Pettapiece and an error but could not pull even.

Heideman and Romesser both finished with 2 hits.

Medina will host a Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior softball/baseball doubleheader on Tuesday at Vets Park.

The softball game is scheduled for 5 p.m. to be followed by the baseball game at 7 p.m.

The lineup for the N-O softball squad includes Baileigh McAdoo, Lorelei Sanders, Breanne Demmer and Taylor Frentz from Medina, Maddie Hughson and Janessa Lindsey from Albion; Anna Bowerman, Rachel Sutter and Natalie Brandel from Barker; Ashlee Henning, Sloan Jonathan and Shanna Thomas from Akron; Jordan Geisendorff, Hannah Zastrow and Abby Szumla from Newfane and Rian Faery and Cait Cliffe from Wilson.

The G-R softball lineup includes Danielle Offhaus, Gracie Robb and Makaila Abrams from Kendall; Leigha Walker from Holley; Aleena Maynard and Mackenzie Colantonio from Pembroke; Madalyn Robinson, Morgan Bunk and Elise Dressel from Attica; Katie Landers, Loretta Sorochty, Emma Sisson, Hannah Tenney, Cayleigh Havens and Mia Trealeaven from Notre Dame; Caitlin Ryan and Kara Tobolski from Oakfield-Alabama and Madison Boyce from Alexander.

The N-O baseball roster includes Dawson Draper, Ethan Kuzma, Rem Albee, Jake Gould and Brayden Hy from Roy-Hart; Blake Schwab, Charles LaGreca, Justin Higgins and Daniel Barry from Barker/Lyndonville and Aidan Coffta from Akron.

The G-R baseball squad includes Louis Conte and Nate Shaw from Kendall; Nolan Sullivan from Holley; Trent Woods, Tyler Marino and Anthony Auricchio from Alexander; Wyatt Bryman, Ethan Meyer, Case Hill and Brayden King from Attica; Tyler Chapman and Andrew Smith from Byron-Bergen; Jaden Sherwood, Ryan Fitzpatrik, Jay Antinore, Joe DiRisio and Gabe Castro from Notre Dame; Shaun Alexander, Brenden Wescott, Austin Pangrazio and Seth Gibson from Oakfield-Alabama; Angello Penna from Elba and Owen Hootman from Pembroke.

Contributed Photo – The Lyndonville trio of Jonathan Frasier, Lane Woodworth and Molly Frasier competed in the SCTP state skeet championships on Saturday at Victor.

Orleans County middle and high school-aged kids made the trek to Victor, N.Y. for the Scholastic Clay Target Program’s (SCTP) New York State Skeet Championships on Saturday.

For those who may not be familiar with the program, SCTP is one part of the nationally based Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) that provides student athletes aged elementary through college with a supportive environment where shooting sports serve as catalysts for teaching life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values.

The SSSF is a 501©(3) educational athletic organization dedicated to providing shooting sports education and opportunities around the United States to encourage school-age athletes personal growth and development. The second part of the organization is the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The SASP, through different paper and metallic target events, also provides student athletes with a supportive environment where shooting sports can also lead to collegiate athletic scholarships. There are approximately eleven Division I universities recruiting clay target competitors for next year’s teams.

Orleans County students compete against other student athletes from all corners of New York State. To reach the State Championships, athletes must qualify at a regional event. Those who qualify are eligible participants for the SCTP National Championships in Marengo, Ohio, where approximately 30,000 entrants will compete over a two-week period in all shooting disciplines in July.

Orleans County resident, Allegany/Friendship Coach, and Former U.S. Shooting Team member, Paul Gilbert, stated, “shooting sports are amongst the fastest growing and safest youth athletic activity in the country.” He also shared that his students “connected not only with others in New York but also in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Minnesota, and the acquaintances continued through the off season.”

Students who competed on Saturday at Victor Rod and Gun Club for the skeet shooting event are also planning to attend the New York State SCTP Sporting Clays Championships on June 15 in Lockport at North Forest Gun Club. They will also compete at the New York State SCTP Trap Championships at the Central Square Gun Club near Syracuse, NY.

Gilbert stated that he “prefers SCTP over other clay target leagues. There are other leagues that are doing great things for student athletes. I feel SCTP is an effective program for those who take full advantage of it because colleges are looking for well-rounded competitors.” Mr. Gilbert added, “SCTP has International or Olympic Style clay target competitions that can lead students to Junior Olympic Development Programs and qualifying for the US Shooting Team.”

Molly Frasier, a seventh grader from Lyndonville, likes SCTP. And the reason? She stated her medical condition “prevents me from doing other sports, but shooting is one sport I can do!”

Molly is in her first year of shooting and recorded her personal best score of 58 in skeet. She also competes in trap and sporting clays. Molly said she would “recommend others to come out and see what clay target shooting is like and watch her compete.”

Molly’s older brother Jonathan Frasier, a 10th grader at Lyndonville, pointed out “that shooting sports are fun and does not discriminate. Gender and physical challenges, or any other challenges a person may feel is holding them back from traditional school sports, does not matter when it comes to the shooting sports. You can participate in shooting sports and feel welcomed and valued.”

At Victor Rod and Gun Club, Jonathan was crowned event Champion with a score of 98 x 100. This was his personal best as well as having his first 25 and 50 straight. Jonathan feels shooting sports “teaches respect, patience and teamwork” while still being an individual performer. Jonathan believes, “Practicing is key and listening to your coaches because they make it easier for you to improve and being able to control your emotions when you are having a bad day.”

When asked about winning his first championship, Jonathan stated, “It’s overwhelming. I am happy to see all the hard work I have put in has paid off. Through practice and drills at home and on the range, help me focus and learn to track the targets better.” Jonathan hopes to reach his next goal of 100 x 100 in skeet.

Lyndonville 8th grader, Lane Woodworth, was crowned Intermediate Advanced class winner with an 87 x 100. Lane, in his third year of shooting all three clay target disciplines, stated, “there’s a lot of good people in this sport.” He also added, “don’t let your emotions dictate your actions.” Lane went on to say “[you] don’t need to be athletic to be able to compete. Everyone is treated the same and shooting clay targets is something you can do the rest of your life.” When asked what his favorite shooting discipline was, Lane smiled and said, “I like all of them but skeet is my favorite.” Lane is looking forward to the possible opportunity to attend a Junior Olympic Development Camp at Midland College upon returning from Nationals in July.

Jonathan and Lane were named to the New York State ALL-STATE Team.

All three student athletes have qualified for the SCTP National Tournament.

Barre, Carlton, Elks/Rotary and Sandstone all scored wins in Albion Midget League action Thursday evening.

Barre 9, Hamlin ‘A’ 5
Luke Snyder had 3 hits and 3 RBI and Robbie Hickman 2 hits and 3 RBI for Barre which scored 6 runs in the second inning.

On the mound Hickman and Brodie Furness combined for a 2 hitter with 12 strikeouts.

Ryan Warner had 2 doubles and struck out 11 for Hamlin ‘A’.

Carlton 9, Elba ‘A’ 1
Hank Aina, Luke Bedford and Connor Hinkley each had 3 hits and Caden Woolston and Blake Doty 2 for Carlton. Aina’s hits included a double and triple, Hinkley’s a three-run homer, Woolston’s a triple and Doty’s a double.

On the mound, Aina struck out 7 over 3 innings, Bedford 4 in 2 innings and Woolston 2 in 1 inning.

Elks/Rotary 4, Elba ‘B’ 2 (8 innings)
Rocco Sidari struck out 15 in 6 innings of work on the mound for Elks/Rotary and Evan Coots 6 in 2 innings.

At the plate, Jackson Frasier had 4 hits and 3 RBI, Coots 3 hits including a double and home run and Sidari 2 hits including a double.

Josh Baldwin had 13 strikeouts for Elba ‘B’ and Kyle Hallmark 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Sandstone 9, Hamlin ‘B’ 1
Eli Johnson had 3 hits and 4 RBI, Eli Spada a two-run single and Nikko Russo an RBI single for Sandstone.

Elks/Rotary 6, Sandstone 2
Coots had 14 strikeouts in 6 innings of work on the mound for Elks/Rotary as Sidari had a two-run double.

Brycen Potter had 9 strikeouts over 5 innings for Sandstone.

Elks/Rotary 11, Hamlin ‘B’ 8
Frasier had 3 hits and 2 RBI, Coots 2 hits and 3 RBI and Remi Ebbs 2 hits and 3 runs scored for Elks/Rotary. Coots also had 12 strikeouts in 4 innings of work on the mound.

Barre 8, Carlton 2
Barre scored 4 quick runs in the first inning on hits by Jacob Wright, Luke Snyder and Hudson Armer in route to downing Carlton 8-2.

Wright, Snyder, Hickman and Brodie Furness all finished with 2 hits.

On the mound, Kyler Bennett and Thailer Seibert combined for a 4 hitter with 11 strikeouts.

Carlton scored twice in the sixth inning on hits by Hinkley and Demetrius Ryan-Mincey.

Bedford struck out 10 in 5 innings of work on the mound.

Medina’s opponent for the Class B state baseball semifinal, which will be held this coming Friday at 1 p.m. at Union Endicott High near Binghamton, will be Spackenkill High from Dutchess County, Section IX.

Spackenkill advanced to the state semi by defeating Section VIII Long Island champion Wheatley High in the Southeast Region this afternoon by the same 8-3 margin by which Medina downed Wellsville in the Far West Regional this morning.

Friday’s first semifinal game at 10 a.m. at Union-Endicott will match Capital Region champion Taconic Hills (Section II) against the winner of the Central Region either Oneonta (Section IV) or Little Falls (Section III).

The semifinal winners will meet for the state Class B championship at 1 p.m. Saturday at Binghamton University.

If you are planning to attend the game next Friday, click here to purchase tickets.

Contributed Photo – Medina’s Madelynn Rutledge and Gordon Young have both qualified for next weekend’s state Division II track and field championships.

Medina High’s duo of senior Madelynn Rutledge and junior Gordon Young have both qualified for the state Division II track and field championships which will be held next weekend. Rutledge qualified in the Long Jump and Young in the High Jump.

Rutledge finished second in both the Long Jump (18-2) and the Triple Jump (36-2 1/2) at the Section VI Division II track and field championships which concluded this afternoon at Alden. Both times were personal bests for Rutledge who set a new Niagara-Orleans League record in the Long Jump.

Young finished second in the High Jump (6-2) at the Section VI Division II championship meet.

Roy-Hart’s Braden Ricker has also advanced to the state meet with a second place finish in the 200 (:22.57).

Akron’s Madigan Regan placed second in the 800 and Albion’s Kyle Radder fourth in the 110 Hurdles.