Four programs entered the NYSPHSAA semifinals Friday
Binghamton, NY - Despite calls for rain, the NYSPHSAA softball championships went on without a hitch this weekend at Greenlight Networks Grand Park. The semifinal rounds featured four Section VI teams representing Class AAA, AA, A and D.
On Friday, Forestville fell to eventual Class D champion Hamilton out of Section III (Syracuse), 5-1.
Williamsville South defeated Ichabod Crane (II) 2-1 Friday, advancing to Saturday's Class A championship where they would face Miller Place (XI). The Billies struggled in the hits department and gave up two runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning and another in the bottom of the sixth falling short in the title game to the Panthers..
"Credit to them they had 8 hits today and our bats were quiet," Will South head coach Julie Murphy said. "It's disappointing considering how well we hit the ball all year but we knew going in we were facing a tough pitcher and a good team."
Lancaster rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the 4th inning and defeated Massapequa out of Section VIII by a score of 4-2, capturing the Class AAA championship.
Peytyn Chojnacki kicked off a 2-run 5th inning with a double into centerfield. Two batters later Emma Andolina hit a shot towards right-centerfield that brought in Chojnacki for the Legends first run, Andolina ened up on third. Leah Dowling followed that up with an RBI single to left and the Legends took the lead 2-1.
Chojnacki hit another line drive single in the sixth that scored Brennah Dewald and Bella Dimino to give Lancaster a commanding 4-1 lead. Massapequa would get a run back in the bottom of the seventh but it was too little too late.
Alyssa Brunner went the distance for Lancaster.
In the Class AA finals, Orchard Park took a 1-0 lead in the Top of the first inning and never looked back. The Quakers took down Horseheads (IV) 3-1 to win their first title since 2015.
Orchard Park wasted little time getting the bats going as McKenzie McCann, Maddie McDermott and Ella Hernandez rattled off three straight singles with the last one bringing McDermott home for the first score of the game.
OP added another run in the second when Maggie Kandefer's single scored Maddie Dombeck. A sacrifice bunt by McCann brought in the third run in the 6th.
OP starting pitcher Ava Farina threw six strikeouts in the win.
WNY travels well. There had to be over 300 family and friends gathered between WIll South, Lancaster and Orchard Park on Saturday.
Once Lancaster received their championship plaque the team went over to support Orchard Park. Both teams took a picture together on the same field.
Pics from NYSPHSAA and @wolf3328