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Press release
It was largely a pitcher’s duel, as the Exceptional Seniors from the Genesee Region Athletic Association faced off against the Exceptional Seniors from the Livingston County Athletic Association.
With the scored tied at 2 in the top of the 8th inning, Alexander Senior Maddie Boyce roped a line drive into the outfield, scoring Attica Senior Elise Dressel for the go ahead run. In the bottom of the 8th the Livingston Seniors had a runner on 3rd with just one out but couldn’t cash in the run. Avon’s Lily Ruter laid down a bunt that was perfectly played by the Genesee Region defense. Notre Dame Senior pitcher checked the runner at third and proceeded to throw out the runner at first. The look back was just enough to delay Cal-Mum Senior Madison Wyskiel, who was thrown out trying to score at home by an on target throw by Alexander Senior Maddie Boyce who was covering first base on the bunt, to Holley Senior catcher Leah Walkers, completing a 1-3-2 double play.
Notre Dame Senior Pitcher, Loretta Sorochty went the distance in the circle for the Genesee Region Exceptional Seniors, pitching 8 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs and striking out 4 batters. On the Livingston County side, Letchworth pitcher Abbie DeRock got the start, followed by Cal-Mum pitcher Emma Years, York pitcher Meredeth Holland and LeRoy pitcher Lily Uberty. The four pitchers combined for a 5 hit performance, allowing 3 runs and striking out 9 Genesee Region hitters.
The Genesee Regional Exceptional Senior Allstars played near flawless defense on the evening, getting notable contributions from several athletes. Notre Dame’s Senior Katie Landers had three assists at third base, successfully fielding and throwing out three runners at first. Alexander’s Maddie Boyce had multiple assists and put outs playing both second base and short stop. Notre Dame’s Emma Sisson made two nice plays in right field getting good jumps on well hit balls and Oakfield Alabama’s Caitlin Ryan made multiple strong plays in the field at both short-stop and center field. Attica senior Maddie “Mad Dog” Robinson played lights out at first base and behind the plate, making several highlight reel catches.
Offensively for ND, Loretta Sorochty, Maddie Boyce, Oakfield Alabama’s Caitlin Ryan, ND’s Cayleigh Havens and Leah Walkers each contributed based hits. Sorochty scored a run, and added an RBI, Boyce added an RBI and a walk, Ryan had an RBI and a walk and Havens added a walk.
Offensively for the Livingston County Exceptional Senior Allstars, Merideth Holland, Cal-Mum’s Malina Bellos, Leroy’s Dana Reshke, Perry’s Jaelyn Morris and Wayland Cohocton’s Claire Donlon accounted for the 5 hits on the evening. Holland added a double, run scored and RBI, Bellos added an RBI, and Donlon added a walk.
On the Genesee Region side, Alexander Senior Maddie Boyce received the coach’s award for having the game winning RBI, and Notre Dame Senior Pitcher Loretta Sorochty received MVP for going the distance and limiting the exceptional seniors from Livingston County to just 2 runs over 8 innings.
On the Livingston County side, Cal-Mum senior Malina Bellos received the coach’s award and York senior Merideth Holland received the MVP award for her RBI double in the first inning and two strong innings of pitching.
Coaching for the Livingston County squad were Chad DeRock from Letchworth, Mike Battaglia from LeRoy, Dan Dickens from Cal-Mum and Dave Steward from Way-Co. Coaching for the Genesee Region Senior Allstars was Notre Dame’s Otis Thomas, Dave Parizek from Kendall and John Goodenbury from Alexander.
“It was a great night for softball, and I had a blast watching the best seniors from the Genesee Region and Livingston County faceoff. There was strong pitching, great defense and clutch hitting on display tonight. I wish all these young women all the best as they move onto the next stages of their life. I am thankful for the opportunity to coach these amazing athletes, especially my five ND seniors,” says Notre Dame Head Coach, Otis Thomas.