Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Holley girls varsity soccer team this season will be this large group of returnees who are shown here with exchange student Janne Grasshoff, second from left in front row. They include, in front, Halee Passarell, Grasshoff, Peyton Sargent, Ally Lyndaker, Olivia Radford and Sarah Harrington. In back are Sierra Apicella, Kayleigh Neale, Julia Smith, Abigail Williams, Sarah Klatt, Michaela Williams and Madison St. John. Missing from the photo is Abrianna Kruger.

The Holley Lady Hawks will open the soccer season by hosting their annual tournament on August 29 and 31.

The opening round match ups will have Roy-Hart vs. Holley and Midlakes vs. Greece Olympia.

The Lady Hawks lineup boasts a large contingent of returnees including seniors Sarah Klatt (goalie), Abigail Williams (defender/midfield), Peyton Sargent (midfield/forward), Abrianna Kruger (midfield/forward), Julia Smith (defender/forward) and Michaela Williams (midfield/forward); juniors Sierra Apicella (defender/forward), Sarah Harrington (midfield/forward), and Olivia Radford (defender/midfield) along with sophomores Kayleigh Neale (midfield/forward), Allison Lyndaker (forward), Halee Passarell (midfield/forward) and Madison St. John (midfield/forward).

The Holley roster also includes exchange student Janne Grasshoff who is from Berlin, Germany.

The Lady Hawks graduation losses included goalie Madison Papaj and defender Lexi Milazzo.

Holley, which went 5-7 in the league and 7-8-1 overall last fall will begin Genesee Region competition at Attica on September 5.

Schedule
August: 29 and 31 – Holley Tournament
September: 5 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.; 7 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 11 – at Lyndonville/Medina, 4:30 p.m.; 15 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.; 17 – Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m.; 19 – at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 21 – Alexander, 630 p.m.; 24 – at Lima Christian 4:30 p.m.; 25 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.; 27 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.; 29 – Attica, 5:30 p.m.
October: 1 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 5 – Lyndonville/Medina, 6:30 p.m.; 9 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Roy-Hart into the up coming soccer season will be this senior quartet of Taylor Rhinehart, Meghan Washington, Maddie Fry and Emily Metz.

Boasting a large contingent of 14 returnees, Roy-Hart is looking to improve upon last year’s 3-9 Niagara Orleans League girls soccer record.

The senior quartet of Maddie Fry (midfield/forward), Meghan Washington (midfield/forward), Taylor Rhinehart (defender) and Emily Metz (midfield/forward) head that veteran group which also includes junior Rylee Young (midfield); sophomores Christina DiBenedetto (defender/midfield), Hanna Willard (defender/midfield), Mackenzie White (defender/midfield), Mya Quinn (midfield/forward), Clara Jones (defender/midfield) and Cecila Santo (midfield/forward) along with freshmen Reanna Perkins (goalie) and Kara Choate (midfield/forward) and eighth grader Nadia White (midfield/forward).

Fry and Washington both earned second team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors last fall while Choate received Honorable Mention.

“Having a strong returning group has made the start of the preseason practices go smoothly. The kids know what we’re looking for, the style of play and the speed of play that we’re looking for,” said Coach Rich Jennings. “I like what I see. There is a buzz and an excitement on this team about the season. We have a lot of potential.”

The Lady Rams graduation losses included defenders Kayla Brown and Maddy Glena along with midfielders Ellie Todd and Sophia LaPort.

Roy-Hart will open the N-O season at home against Albion on August 28. The Lady Rams will then compete in the Holley Tournament on August 29 and 31 facing the host Lady Hawks in the first round.

Schedule
August: 28- Albion, 6:30 p.m.; 29 and 31 at Holley Tournament.
September: 7 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.; 8 – at CCA, 10 a.m.; 10 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 15 – Attica, 12 p.m.; 18 – at Sweet Home, 4:30 p.m.; 19 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; 22 – at Albion, 5 p.m.; 28 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m..
October: 2 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.; 6 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 10 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.; 11 – at Medina, 7:30 p.m.

Contributed Photo – Aidan Papaj

A young Medina diamond enthusiast, Aidan Papaj, played in the Baseball Youth All-American Games in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from August 9th to 12th.

Players from different states all over the county participated and were divided up into teams based on graduation years. They had to be selected through submission of video tape and coaching references.

Papaj played on the 2027-2028 Freedom Team that went 4-0 in pool play. After getting a bye in the semi finals, the Freedom Tream beat the Patriots by a narrow margin of 7-6 in the championship game.

Papaj pitched one inning in game 2 and then 2 innings in game 4 where no runs were scored on him. He threw 24 pitches to only 7 batters. He also played second base, third base, as well as, left and right field during the weekend. At the plate, he had several base hits, walked a few times and struck out only once on the weekend.

Eight year old Papaj, who will be a fourth grader at Medina this fall, also played travel baseball for the ANJO Bombers U9 this past season. The Bombers went undefeated, 10-0, in the regular season to win the Clarence Travel League Championship.  He pitches, plays third base and plays outfield for the Bombers as well.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Barker field hockey team this season will be this group of returning regulars. In front are Paige Sandolfini, Ciara Gregoire and Madison Gancasz. In back are Erin Costello, Lena Fazzolari, Rachel Hurtgam and Katrina Clare.

Underclassmen dominate the lineup for the Barker varsity field hockey team as the Lady Raiders prepare to defend their Niagara-Orleans League co-championship.

Barker, which shared the N-O crown with Akron last fall at 11-1, has only two seniors on the squad – Erin Costello (defender) and Paige Sandolfini (goalie).

The Lady Raiders group of returning regulars also includes junior attackers Katrina Clare, Ciara Gregoire and Rachel Hurtgam along with sophomores Lena Fazzolari (attack) and Madison Gancasz (midfield).

Clare earned first team N-O All-League honors last season while Gregoire was a second team selection. Gancasz and Fazzolario both received Honorable Mention.

Also returning with some varsity experience are juniors Ella Fox (midfield), Emily Wagner (attack) and Brianna Bachman (defender); sophomores Natalie Bruning (defender), Ella Gooding (attack), Courtney Hillman (goalie), Megan Hotaling (goalie) and freshman Kaedynce Schumacher (midfield).

“Our goal scorers are back but we have to do some retooling at midfield on defense and in goal,” said Coach Jeff Costello. “We need all of our players to contribute.”

The Lady Raiders graduation losses included Casey A’Hearn (midfield) and Natalie Menz (forward) who both earned first team N-O All-League honors along with Jillian Moeller (midfield) and Cara Fox (goalie) who were both second team honorees. In addition, junior Haleigh Mason (defender) has switched to cross-country.

Barker will open the N-O season at home against Medina  on August 30.  In the key match ups between defending co-champs the Lady Raiders will visit Akron on September 11 and then host the Lady Tigers on October  4. Last year the teams split a pair of league meetings by the identical score of 2-1 to share the N-O crown. Akron then nipped Baker by that same 2-1 margin in the Section VI Class C championship game.

The Lady Raiders season will also be highlighted by a late September weekend trip to Pennsylvania to face Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.

Schedule
August: 30 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.
September: 4 – at Nichols, 4:30 p.m.; 6 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 11 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 13 – at Kenmore, 4:45 p.m.; 18 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 20 – at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.; 25 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.; 28 – at Mt. Lebanon, 6 p.m.; 29 – at Upper St. Clair, 11 a.n.
October: 2 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.; 4 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 9 – Kenmore, 5 p.m.; 11 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; 13 – Sacred Heart, 12 p.m.; Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina/Lyndonville boys varsity soccer team include, in front, Kody Leno, Jonathan Pietrafesa, Nate Sherman, Brandon Heschke and Noah Heinsler. In back are Caelan Holland, Ray Paull, Evan Silversmith, Evan Horn, Andrew Houseman, Chase Stinson, Chase Woodward and Kane Flynn.

Looking to improve upon last fall’s 2-8 Niagara-Orleans League record (3-13-1 overall), the Medina/Lyndonville boys varsity soccer team is led this season by a large contingent of 13 returnees.

That veteran group includes seniors Kane Flynn (forward), Noah Heinsler (goalie), Brandon Heschke (midfield), Caelan Holland (midfield), Andrew Houseman (midfield), Kody Leno (midfield), Ray Paull (goalie) Jonathan Pietrafesa (defender), Evan Silversmith (defender), Chase Stinson (midfield and Chase Woodward (defender) along with juniors Evan Horn (defender) and Nate Sherman (midfield).

The Mustangs are also looking for contributions from a trio of newcomers including sophomores Nate Dillenbeck (forward) and Casey Winiecki (midfield) and freshman Jack Whipple (sweeper).

“Last year was a rebuilding one for us but now we’ve got a lot of guys back with some varsity experience so we expect to do better. I expect us to be in every game,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “We’re really stressing versatility. We’re looking to be more creative on offense, play solid defense and do the little things well. Our defense should be ok. The big thing will be getting some scoring. How quickly we can come together will be big but I think we’re on the right track.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included forwards Alex Allis and Trenton Jones and midfielder Ethan Leonard. Leonard was a first team N-O All-League selection. In addition, senior Matt Hess, who earned second team All-League honors, has switched to football.

The Mustangs will begin N-O competition at Wilson on August 29.

Schedule
August: 29 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
September: 1 – at Newfane, 10 a.m.; 8 – at Roy-Hart, 12 p.m.; 10 – CCA, 4:30 p.m. (at Lyndonville), 12 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 14 – at Pavilion, 7 p.m.; 15 – at Global Concepts, 10 a.m.; 18 – Albion, 4:30 p.m.; 21 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; 27 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 29 – Rochester Academy, 12:30 p.m. (at Lyndonville).
October: 1 – Global Concepts, 5 p.m. (at Lyndonville), 3 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.; 4 – at LeRoy, 6:30 p.m.; 9 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; 11 – at Albion, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Returning regulars on the Albion girls varsity soccer team include, in front, Chantel VanDeGenachte, Alexis Bentley, Brylie Hapeman, Lexi Wolck and Claire Squicciarini. In back are Mariah Plain, Kendall Derisley, Abby Pappalardo, Lexi Creasey, Sydney Mulka and Paige Derisley.

Looking to keep the momentum from last fall’s strong postseason run, the Albion girls soccer team heads into this season bolstered by a large group of 11 returning regulars.

That contingent, which helped Albion reach the sectional finals for the first time in program history last fall, includes seniors Brylie Hapeman (forward), Chantel VanDeGenacht (midfield), Lexi Wolck (midfield) and Alexis Bentley (defender); juniors Mariah Plain (midfield), Alexis Creasey (defender), Abby Pappalardo (midfield), Kendall Derisley (midfield) and Paige Derisley (defender) along with sophomore Claire Squicciarini (forward) and freshman Sydney Mulka (goalie).

Hapeman, who earned first team Niagara-Orleans League honors, scored 19 goals and had 5 assists while Squicciarini had 9 goals and 5 assists, Plain 7 goals and Kendall Derisley 4 goals. Kendall and Paige Derisley both earned All League Honorable Mention.

The Purple Eagles also return varsity experience in seniors Sarah Gregori (defender) and Maya Reyes-Rosario (midfield) and freshmen Abby Scanlan (forward), Leah Pritchard (defender) and Ally Knaak (defender).

“We’ve got a real good returning group and we’re really excited to pick up where we left off last year,” said Coach Maggie Orbaker who guided the Purple Eagles to a 6-4-2 league and 11-7-2 overall record in her first year at the helm. “They really are a hard working group. We’re looking forward to the season.”

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included midfielder Elisabeth Baker and defender Natalie DiCureia.

Albion is scheduled to open the season by visiting Roy-Hart for an N-O contest on August 28.

The Purple Eagles early season schedule also includes competing in the Kendall Tournament on September 6 and 8.

Schedule
August: 28 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; 29 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.; 31 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
September: 6 and 8 – at Kendall Tournament; 10 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; 13 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 17- Lockport, 6:45 p.m.; 19 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.; 22 – Roy-Hart, 5 p.m.; 24 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.; 28 – Akron, 6:45 p.m.
October: 2 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; 6 – at Wilson, 10 a.m.; 10 – Barker, 6:30 p.m.; 12 – Keshequa at GCC 7:30 p.m.

The Senior Club Championship crowned their winners last week at Hickory Ridge.

In the men’s division John True was the gross winner and Don Young won the net.

The Super Senior men’s division was won by Dick Quivey shooting low gross and  Dick Taylor winning net.

The Ladies Senior Champion division was captured by Brenda Powers with Priscilla Graupman winning the Super Senior division.

The Tuesday Women’s Late League has the duo of Deb Wood and Jan Palmer leading with 90 points.  Linda Chrzan and Laurie Freeman hold down second with 80.9.  Aleta Martin and Diane Hennekey, Cheryl Ferguson and Vicki Brawn and Dona Hazen and Karen Berlew are all bunched at 74 points.

Wood again had low gross with 41 and Brawn and Hennekey share low net with 31 each.  There were five birdies last week.  Wood had two and Brenda Powers, Judy Schuth and Ferguson had one each.

No change in the leadership in the Wednesday Night Men’s League but the standings are tightening up a bit.  Ray Daniels and Tim Hendrickson continue to lead with 78.5 points.  Larry Palmer and Dave Rau hold down second with 77 points followed closely by John Carlson and Brian Hofstra at 75.5 points.  Gary Beattie and Jim Zambito are in fourth at 72.5 points and Roy Bork and his partner Robert Wyant hold down fifth with 70.

The Thursday Men’s Traveling League continues to be led by Daniels and Ken Hinkson with 236 points.  Dave Fisher and Tom Hennekey hold down second with 226 points.  Close behind at 224 points are Mike Church and Josh Carpenter.  Pete Kaiser and Steve Tipton are in fourth with 222 points and the team of Wes Bedford and Zach Burgess hold down fifth with 220 points.

Josh Bennett and Wes Bedford tied low gross with 39.  Jim Steadman had low net with 27 and also had two birdies.

Contributed Photo – Mariachi players and coach celebrate capturing the Medina Women’s Softball League ‘B’ Division playoff championship on Saturday. In front are Krista Polick, Jenn McHugh, Baillie Oberther, Heather DiGiacomo, Brittney Anderson and Katt Battaglia. In the back row are Jessica Demmer, Autumn Holloway, Emily Johnson, Brian Sheehan, Kelsey Matuszak, Mary Jo Polick and Judy Ward.

Rebounding from a big early deficit, Mariachi de Oro defeated Buffalo Bio-Diesel 28-10 in the championship game of the Medina Women’s Softball League ‘B’ Division playoffs on Saturday.

Trailing 10-2 early, Mariachi came storming back to claim the win as a towering home run over the fence by Kelsey Matuszak capped off that big scoring barrage.

Mary Jo Polick had a total of 5 RBIs for Mariachi as Autumn Holloway had 4, Matuszak, Emily Johnson and Krista Polick 3, Heather DiGiacomo, Jessica Demmer, Katt Battaglia and Jenn McHugh 2 and Baillie Oberther 1.

Defensively, Mary Jo Polick made several big plays at shortstop including a jumping snag on a line drive.

Mariachi advanced to the title contest by downing regular season champion Jr Wilson 22-13 in the winners bracket final.

Mariachi jumped out to a big 18-5 lead. Jr Wilson did cut the deficit to 18-13 but could get no closer.

On defense for Mariachi, Matuszak made some great stretches and scoops to get outs at first base, Holloway had a nifty diving stop and throw and Krista Polick made some clutch plays behind the plate.

Krista Polick and Matuszak both had 4 RBIs in the contest as Demmer had 3, Mary Jo Polick, Battaglia and McHugh 2 and DiGiacomo and Holloway 1 each.

For Jr Wilson, Abbey Button had 4 hits and Laura Valley and Julie Tette 3 each.

In the first game, Mariachi bested HoJacks 19-5 as Matuszak had 5 RBIs, Holloway 4, Mary Jo Polick 3 and DiGiacomo, Demmer and Emily Johnson 2.

Defensively, Holloway and Mary Jo Polick both made some key plays and Judy Ward at pitcher registered a clutch strikeout with the bases loaded in the fourth inning to shutdown a HoJacks comeback bid.

Jr. Wilson opened with a 19-7 win over Team Monte.