With a surprising appearance in the Section III, Class B-1 semifinals, the Skaneateles softball team finished strong last season (7-14) and are hoping to have another strong one despite the losses of their catcher, first base and third base players from last season.
The Citizen file photo
Skaneateles center fielder Tessa Dillon throws the ball home during a playoff game against Solvay at LeMoyne College.
Skaneateles center fielder Tessa Dillon throws the ball home during a playoff game against Solvay at LeMoyne College.
Last year, the Lakers were the unlikely team to advance so far into sectionals, but went on to beat Marcellus and then top-seeded Westhill only to end up losing 1-0 to Solvay.
“This is what is motivating us now,” Lakers head coach Bob Braunitzer said. “Our returning players have memories of doing what we did and pulling the upsets which is important to our team this season. It is our goal to do it again, but things have to click sometimes and we would like to have a better league record this season if possible. Our motivation is always knowing that it is a possibility.”
The three players the Lakers lost, Kate Minturn on third base, Kara Buehler behind the plate and Brittany Byrd at first base, were key starters who were strong at the plate and solid defensively.
Buehler was the biggest loss the Lakers suffered, who Braunitzer says was the heart and soul of the team.
“She was our most significant loss,” Braunitzer said. “The best hitter we had, just the best overall.”
There are big shoes to fill with inexperienced players in key positions for the Lakers, which is their biggest weakness this season. The Lakers hope to learn and improve as the season progresses and the newcomers gain experience.
“We will try and gain experience as quickly as possible without getting hurt,” Braunitzer said.
Lakers pitcher and senior, Alex Hughes is one of the top returners to the team who improved greatly throughout last season and the Lakers are hoping she will pick up where she left off this season.
Also returning to give the Lakers a wealth of experience is senior infielder Terry Blessing and outfielder Tessa Dillon, along with Kate Driscoll, another senior outfielder and infielders Alexis Jones and Jackie Stucker.
After losing their catcher, Erica Tardiff will step in as one of the top new faces to watch for the Lakers.
Also coming onto the Lakers squad Caryn Crary, a senior infielder and Emily Devins, a junior who will play infield and outfield.
The Lakers have good leadership and some speed on the team, and as head coach for 29 years, Braunitzer says that it all comes down to two key aspects of the game.
“We will try to improve in pitching and defense as we get valuable experience with each game,” Braunitzer said. “Our league is very strong with Solvay leading the way.”
Solvay is the defending Class B champions, with all but their catcher returning this season, but they will not be the only tough opponents that the Lakers look to face.
Also in the Liberty League are Westhill and Cazenovia who are loaded with strong players.
“We lost our corners and catcher and suffered defensively from it,” Braunitzer said. “They were significant losses who had a lot to do with our success especially at the latter part of the season. I luckily have girls who are not afraid to fill their shoes though. We have inexperience in our key positions but we are hoping to gain experience and play well.”
Auburn Maroons
The Maroons are looking for a strong season and hoping to qualify for sectionals again. Last season, the Maroons lost in the second round to Rome Free Academy in the Section III, Class AA playoffs.
The Maroons are hoping that the mix of newcomers and returning lettermen will be a successful combination this season.
The top new faces for the Maroons are Liz Daniels on offense, Jamie Bruno on third base and offense, Sarah Wild on third base and playing as designated hitter, Sam Bruno. Jen VanArsdale will be playing in the pitcher's circle and on second base and Meghan Feocco who can play any position on the field except catcher.
After losing Amanda Daum, Brianne Raftis, Sara Doan and Kristy Piwinski last season, the Maroons will have to step up their game a bit.
Despite the players lost, the Maroons have a strong pitcher and catcher combination returning this season in Brittney Babcock and Maggie Race that have valuable experience.
The Maroons also have strong defense and a fast team this season but are hurting on offense especially after losing Daum, Raftis, Piwinski and Doan who led the team in hitting last season.
“If we can create some offense using our short game, speed and some timely hits then I expect to have a good season and qualify for sectionals,” Maroons head coach Bob Lee said.
The toughest teams the Maroons have to beat on their schedule may be Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse.
Cato-Meridian Blue Devils
The Blue Devils have a young squad this season that head coach, Matt Tehonica hopes will be young talent maturing to finish strong.
Last season the Blue Devils (8-8) made it to their first Patriot sectionals in 17 years. They have lost a few significant players from last season, but could surprise a lot of teams this season.
Cato-Meridian had to replace Amber Grader, Liz MacDavitt and Rachel VanNorstrand, but returning will be Ashley Thomas, a senior captain who was all-league last season with a .557 batting average and 47 RBIs. Nicole Aylesworth was also all-league last season and had a .451 batting average, Michelle Townsend, a sophomore catcher who batted a .305 last season and Amy Thomas, a freshman pitcher and third baseman who last season had a .375 batting average.
Chelsea Townsend will come onto the team as a newcoming freshman to play shortstop and catcher.
Other new players on the varsity squad will be Shayna Marriam, playing in the outfield and behind the plate and Julia Pratt, who will play first base and pitch, both girls are freshmen.
The toughest teams the Blue Devils are looking to face will be Pulaski, Weedsport and Onondaga this season.
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
After losing one of state's top softball pitchers, Colleen Ryan, there are big shoes left to fill on the mound for the Eagles.
Stepping in to try and fill those shoes will be sophomore Jenn Gasparek, who spent little time at the varsity level last season, along with Erika Peterson, who also filled in for Ryan at spots.
“Jenn is a hard-working athlete that has devoted a lot of time and effort in the off-season to prepare for her starting position on the mound,” Eagles head coach Robin Smart said. “Combine the hard-working, dedication of sophomore pitcher Gasparek backed by the experience and support of teammates, the Eagles may just surprise a few teams this season.”
This is Smart's first season coaching the varsity team after spending the past five seasons coaching modified.
The Eagles also lost a strong catcher last season and Sam Lewis will be a contender for the catching spot after catching for Gasparek last season, Lewis may also be seen playing third. Natalie Elking will be a returning senior captain to the team this season who will be active at the plate and on the field. Also returning as a captain, junior Sarah Fordyce, who has been a member of the varsity squad since eighth grade playing both infield and outfield. Fordyce will be playing first base this season.
Peterson will be stepping in also to play short stop, replacing Samantha Kuhn.
In her third season at varsity level, sophomore Elizabeth Caspari will return to go between third base and catcher this season.
“Caspari has the ability to play just about anywhere and be exceptional in that position,” Smart said.
Smart says that this season's squad has a great combination that possess great competitive spirit and passion for the game.
Moravia Blue Devils
The Blue Devils are a young team this season with head coach Kimberly Nihoff in her first season coaching varsity. Moravia lost some key players last season especially pitcher, Leah Hilliard, catcher Angela Potter, and shortstop Cayla Wade.
They will only have one senior returning to the field this season, Kaylee Langtry, who will play first base. Also returning for the Blue Devils, will be pitcher and sophomore, Jessica Kehoe.
The Blue Devils have quite a few new faces on the roster, three of which have not played since middle school, one of the strong newcomers is freshman Hannah Mackey who will be a starting catcher.
Other teams in the IAC League Divison III are Groton, Lansing, Marathon, Southern Cayuga and Union Springs, who will probably be the toughest for the Blue Devils to face.
This young team may have their hands full looking for more success than last season, the Blue Devils lost in the first round of sectionals, but Nihoff says the girls remain optimistic.
“One of our strengths is that our girls always seem to stay positive even during rough times,” Nihoff said. “They support eachother on and off the field.”
Port Byron Panthers
The Panthers are hoping to improve their record from last season and make it to sectionals. Last season, the Panthers had no wins (0-11) and come into this season as the underdogs looking for success.
Returning this season for the Panthers will be Melissa Deyo, a shortstop and a pitcher who was second all team last season and won the Team Coaches Award, Courtney Christina at catcher, Britney Helmer, pitcher, and Ali Short, playing in the outfield and shortstop who was also second all-team last season.
The Panthers were lucky to have not lost anyone significant last season and have a team full of experienced players.
“The team has been playing together for many years,” Panthers head coach Brianna Jeffords said. “They are a close knit team and very enthusiastic about the sport.”
Helmer and Christina have been playing together for three years.
The Panthers' weakness will likely be their offense without many strong hitters.
Some of the teams they will face in their division are Onondaga, Weedsport, Union Springs and Pulaski, probably their toughest opponent.
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
Last season, the Chiefs lost in the Division III IAC sectionals in the second round to Section IV, Class C champion Seton Catholic.
The Chiefs also won first place in the Mudville Tournament last season and finished their season ranked 16th in the state for Class C.
This season the Chiefs have lost six starters from their successful 17-6 record team - catcher Traci Hewitt, Molly Osterhoudt from second base, Collen Lukas who played short stop and all three had been starters for three years and three starting outfielders.
Despite the losses, the Chiefs will have two of the IAC's top pitchers returning to the mound this season in Julie Hewitt, a senior who last season went 7-4 with 82 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched, .438 ERA, 25 RBIs, two home runs and was first team IAC and Lianna May, a junior who also plays shortstop and was 7-1 last season with 80 strikeouts, a .395 ERA, 32 hits, 18 RBIs and was also first team IAC.
The pitching will be a strong point for the Chiefs who will also have Natalie MacNabb getting some playing time as she moves up from modified. Also returning for the Chiefs is Lindsey Doeing, a senior firstbaseman who only had one error last season, 21 hits and 15 RBIs.
There are two new players to watch for this season, Felicia Allen, a sophomore who will play shortstop and second base and Jessica Currie, a sophomore catcher. Beth Rocker has also moved up the lineup in the team's first two games, despite never playing softball before.
The Chiefs' weakness may lie in their inexperience, with only three seniors on the roster and Hewitt banged up, the Chiefs may have to depend a lot on their newcomers.
“I'm not expecting to score a lot of runs early with so many new faces on varsity,” Chiefs head coach Dave Hewitt said. “But I believe as the season goes along the girls will mature into their own. With strong pitching we should be able to remain competitive throughout the season.”
Some of the tough teams the Chiefs will have to face this season are Tioga, Groton and Union Springs.
Union Springs Wolves
The Wolves have a fairly inexperienced team this season especially after losing two three-year starters and other strong players to graduation after last season including Jess Kneaskern, Amanda Murray, Meg Sacco and Christine Cornell.
Despite the teammates lost, returning for the Wolves this season will be senior Jillian Thomas, a first team IAC League pitcher, Hannah Moniz, a sophomore on third base and Jaimi Jones, a junior playing first base.
The strength of the Wolves will come from their pitching and team speed, they are hoping to gain some help on offense to score some runs.
The Wolves, who were 11-9 last season, will face Odessa, Groton, Newfield and the two toughest, Southern Cayuga and Moravia in their league this season.
Weedsport Warriors
After a 10-9 finish, the Warriors lost in the sectional quarterfinals to West Canada last season and are hoping for another chance to return this season.
After losing third baseman Jamie Winslow, pitcher Megan Short and shortstop Megan Henderson the Warriors had to fill in the blanks with some newcomers.
The new players to the squad are Tonya Hinman, a sophomore shortstop, Cassidy Thompson, a freshman catcher and Jordan Roe, a sophomore pitcher.
Two strong seniors will return to the field as captains this season Taylor Roe, centerfield and Casey Sears, third base.
The Warriors are looking strong on defense and in the hitting department but have a young team with a lack of experience playing together.
The are looking for the two captains to step up not only with their game but also with their leadership to the newcoming players.
Some of the teams they will face in their division will be Cato-Meridian, Bishop Grimes, Port Byron, and most likely the toughest opponent will be Pulaski.
“This is what is motivating us now,” Lakers head coach Bob Braunitzer said. “Our returning players have memories of doing what we did and pulling the upsets which is important to our team this season. It is our goal to do it again, but things have to click sometimes and we would like to have a better league record this season if possible. Our motivation is always knowing that it is a possibility.”
The three players the Lakers lost, Kate Minturn on third base, Kara Buehler behind the plate and Brittany Byrd at first base, were key starters who were strong at the plate and solid defensively.
Buehler was the biggest loss the Lakers suffered, who Braunitzer says was the heart and soul of the team.
“She was our most significant loss,” Braunitzer said. “The best hitter we had, just the best overall.”
There are big shoes to fill with inexperienced players in key positions for the Lakers, which is their biggest weakness this season. The Lakers hope to learn and improve as the season progresses and the newcomers gain experience.
“We will try and gain experience as quickly as possible without getting hurt,” Braunitzer said.
Lakers pitcher and senior, Alex Hughes is one of the top returners to the team who improved greatly throughout last season and the Lakers are hoping she will pick up where she left off this season.
Also returning to give the Lakers a wealth of experience is senior infielder Terry Blessing and outfielder Tessa Dillon, along with Kate Driscoll, another senior outfielder and infielders Alexis Jones and Jackie Stucker.
After losing their catcher, Erica Tardiff will step in as one of the top new faces to watch for the Lakers.
Also coming onto the Lakers squad Caryn Crary, a senior infielder and Emily Devins, a junior who will play infield and outfield.
The Lakers have good leadership and some speed on the team, and as head coach for 29 years, Braunitzer says that it all comes down to two key aspects of the game.
“We will try to improve in pitching and defense as we get valuable experience with each game,” Braunitzer said. “Our league is very strong with Solvay leading the way.”
Solvay is the defending Class B champions, with all but their catcher returning this season, but they will not be the only tough opponents that the Lakers look to face.
Also in the Liberty League are Westhill and Cazenovia who are loaded with strong players.
“We lost our corners and catcher and suffered defensively from it,” Braunitzer said. “They were significant losses who had a lot to do with our success especially at the latter part of the season. I luckily have girls who are not afraid to fill their shoes though. We have inexperience in our key positions but we are hoping to gain experience and play well.”
Auburn Maroons
The Maroons are looking for a strong season and hoping to qualify for sectionals again. Last season, the Maroons lost in the second round to Rome Free Academy in the Section III, Class AA playoffs.
The Maroons are hoping that the mix of newcomers and returning lettermen will be a successful combination this season.
The top new faces for the Maroons are Liz Daniels on offense, Jamie Bruno on third base and offense, Sarah Wild on third base and playing as designated hitter, Sam Bruno. Jen VanArsdale will be playing in the pitcher's circle and on second base and Meghan Feocco who can play any position on the field except catcher.
After losing Amanda Daum, Brianne Raftis, Sara Doan and Kristy Piwinski last season, the Maroons will have to step up their game a bit.
Despite the players lost, the Maroons have a strong pitcher and catcher combination returning this season in Brittney Babcock and Maggie Race that have valuable experience.
The Maroons also have strong defense and a fast team this season but are hurting on offense especially after losing Daum, Raftis, Piwinski and Doan who led the team in hitting last season.
“If we can create some offense using our short game, speed and some timely hits then I expect to have a good season and qualify for sectionals,” Maroons head coach Bob Lee said.
The toughest teams the Maroons have to beat on their schedule may be Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse.
Cato-Meridian Blue Devils
The Blue Devils have a young squad this season that head coach, Matt Tehonica hopes will be young talent maturing to finish strong.
Last season the Blue Devils (8-8) made it to their first Patriot sectionals in 17 years. They have lost a few significant players from last season, but could surprise a lot of teams this season.
Cato-Meridian had to replace Amber Grader, Liz MacDavitt and Rachel VanNorstrand, but returning will be Ashley Thomas, a senior captain who was all-league last season with a .557 batting average and 47 RBIs. Nicole Aylesworth was also all-league last season and had a .451 batting average, Michelle Townsend, a sophomore catcher who batted a .305 last season and Amy Thomas, a freshman pitcher and third baseman who last season had a .375 batting average.
Chelsea Townsend will come onto the team as a newcoming freshman to play shortstop and catcher.
Other new players on the varsity squad will be Shayna Marriam, playing in the outfield and behind the plate and Julia Pratt, who will play first base and pitch, both girls are freshmen.
The toughest teams the Blue Devils are looking to face will be Pulaski, Weedsport and Onondaga this season.
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
After losing one of state's top softball pitchers, Colleen Ryan, there are big shoes left to fill on the mound for the Eagles.
Stepping in to try and fill those shoes will be sophomore Jenn Gasparek, who spent little time at the varsity level last season, along with Erika Peterson, who also filled in for Ryan at spots.
“Jenn is a hard-working athlete that has devoted a lot of time and effort in the off-season to prepare for her starting position on the mound,” Eagles head coach Robin Smart said. “Combine the hard-working, dedication of sophomore pitcher Gasparek backed by the experience and support of teammates, the Eagles may just surprise a few teams this season.”
This is Smart's first season coaching the varsity team after spending the past five seasons coaching modified.
The Eagles also lost a strong catcher last season and Sam Lewis will be a contender for the catching spot after catching for Gasparek last season, Lewis may also be seen playing third. Natalie Elking will be a returning senior captain to the team this season who will be active at the plate and on the field. Also returning as a captain, junior Sarah Fordyce, who has been a member of the varsity squad since eighth grade playing both infield and outfield. Fordyce will be playing first base this season.
Peterson will be stepping in also to play short stop, replacing Samantha Kuhn.
In her third season at varsity level, sophomore Elizabeth Caspari will return to go between third base and catcher this season.
“Caspari has the ability to play just about anywhere and be exceptional in that position,” Smart said.
Smart says that this season's squad has a great combination that possess great competitive spirit and passion for the game.
Moravia Blue Devils
The Blue Devils are a young team this season with head coach Kimberly Nihoff in her first season coaching varsity. Moravia lost some key players last season especially pitcher, Leah Hilliard, catcher Angela Potter, and shortstop Cayla Wade.
They will only have one senior returning to the field this season, Kaylee Langtry, who will play first base. Also returning for the Blue Devils, will be pitcher and sophomore, Jessica Kehoe.
The Blue Devils have quite a few new faces on the roster, three of which have not played since middle school, one of the strong newcomers is freshman Hannah Mackey who will be a starting catcher.
Other teams in the IAC League Divison III are Groton, Lansing, Marathon, Southern Cayuga and Union Springs, who will probably be the toughest for the Blue Devils to face.
This young team may have their hands full looking for more success than last season, the Blue Devils lost in the first round of sectionals, but Nihoff says the girls remain optimistic.
“One of our strengths is that our girls always seem to stay positive even during rough times,” Nihoff said. “They support eachother on and off the field.”
Port Byron Panthers
The Panthers are hoping to improve their record from last season and make it to sectionals. Last season, the Panthers had no wins (0-11) and come into this season as the underdogs looking for success.
Returning this season for the Panthers will be Melissa Deyo, a shortstop and a pitcher who was second all team last season and won the Team Coaches Award, Courtney Christina at catcher, Britney Helmer, pitcher, and Ali Short, playing in the outfield and shortstop who was also second all-team last season.
The Panthers were lucky to have not lost anyone significant last season and have a team full of experienced players.
“The team has been playing together for many years,” Panthers head coach Brianna Jeffords said. “They are a close knit team and very enthusiastic about the sport.”
Helmer and Christina have been playing together for three years.
The Panthers' weakness will likely be their offense without many strong hitters.
Some of the teams they will face in their division are Onondaga, Weedsport, Union Springs and Pulaski, probably their toughest opponent.
Southern Cayuga Chiefs
Last season, the Chiefs lost in the Division III IAC sectionals in the second round to Section IV, Class C champion Seton Catholic.
The Chiefs also won first place in the Mudville Tournament last season and finished their season ranked 16th in the state for Class C.
This season the Chiefs have lost six starters from their successful 17-6 record team - catcher Traci Hewitt, Molly Osterhoudt from second base, Collen Lukas who played short stop and all three had been starters for three years and three starting outfielders.
Despite the losses, the Chiefs will have two of the IAC's top pitchers returning to the mound this season in Julie Hewitt, a senior who last season went 7-4 with 82 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched, .438 ERA, 25 RBIs, two home runs and was first team IAC and Lianna May, a junior who also plays shortstop and was 7-1 last season with 80 strikeouts, a .395 ERA, 32 hits, 18 RBIs and was also first team IAC.
The pitching will be a strong point for the Chiefs who will also have Natalie MacNabb getting some playing time as she moves up from modified. Also returning for the Chiefs is Lindsey Doeing, a senior firstbaseman who only had one error last season, 21 hits and 15 RBIs.
There are two new players to watch for this season, Felicia Allen, a sophomore who will play shortstop and second base and Jessica Currie, a sophomore catcher. Beth Rocker has also moved up the lineup in the team's first two games, despite never playing softball before.
The Chiefs' weakness may lie in their inexperience, with only three seniors on the roster and Hewitt banged up, the Chiefs may have to depend a lot on their newcomers.
“I'm not expecting to score a lot of runs early with so many new faces on varsity,” Chiefs head coach Dave Hewitt said. “But I believe as the season goes along the girls will mature into their own. With strong pitching we should be able to remain competitive throughout the season.”
Some of the tough teams the Chiefs will have to face this season are Tioga, Groton and Union Springs.
Union Springs Wolves
The Wolves have a fairly inexperienced team this season especially after losing two three-year starters and other strong players to graduation after last season including Jess Kneaskern, Amanda Murray, Meg Sacco and Christine Cornell.
Despite the teammates lost, returning for the Wolves this season will be senior Jillian Thomas, a first team IAC League pitcher, Hannah Moniz, a sophomore on third base and Jaimi Jones, a junior playing first base.
The strength of the Wolves will come from their pitching and team speed, they are hoping to gain some help on offense to score some runs.
The Wolves, who were 11-9 last season, will face Odessa, Groton, Newfield and the two toughest, Southern Cayuga and Moravia in their league this season.
Weedsport Warriors
After a 10-9 finish, the Warriors lost in the sectional quarterfinals to West Canada last season and are hoping for another chance to return this season.
After losing third baseman Jamie Winslow, pitcher Megan Short and shortstop Megan Henderson the Warriors had to fill in the blanks with some newcomers.
The new players to the squad are Tonya Hinman, a sophomore shortstop, Cassidy Thompson, a freshman catcher and Jordan Roe, a sophomore pitcher.
Two strong seniors will return to the field as captains this season Taylor Roe, centerfield and Casey Sears, third base.
The Warriors are looking strong on defense and in the hitting department but have a young team with a lack of experience playing together.
The are looking for the two captains to step up not only with their game but also with their leadership to the newcoming players.
Some of the teams they will face in their division will be Cato-Meridian, Bishop Grimes, Port Byron, and most likely the toughest opponent will be Pulaski.
