Girls Sports

Rick Lyons Staff Writer:  We ran an article in April about  coach Marc Lambert making the switch from baseball to softball, as he began his maiden spring leading the Lady Horde.  Coach Lambert hoped to sharpen the team’s “decision making”, as well as “improve in the short game both offensively and defensively”.  The Granville mentor also talked about qualifying for sectional play.  Seven weeks later all of these goals and much more have come to fruition for the Wasaren Champion Golden Horde.

Granville’s championship march saw them lead wire to wire.  While not picked in the preseason to contend for a league crown, the Horde won early and often with a big 2-1 decision over Hoosick Falls on April 25th giving them a little breathing room.  A tough 5-4 loss to Greenwich two days later gave Granville their first Wasaren defeat as the league headed for the second half of the slate.

In that second half Granville won six of seven, taking care of business as Hoosick Falls and Greenwich fell back to finish at 9-5 and 7-7 respectively in league play.  Tamarac at 10-4 secured second place two games behind Granville’s mark of 12-2.

Granville, while having their way in some games, more importantly has shown the ability to win close.  Three one run victories this season, the latest a 3-2 come from behind W over Greenwich on Thursday, give the Horde confidence they can get it done in close contests.  Feeling comfortable in those situations is a key component for a long sectional run, something eagerly anticipated in Granville.

They’ve come to this point using a nice mix of solid pitching, good defense and timely hitting.  Emily Fuller pounds the strike zone, fields her position extremely well and allows her defense to make plays. In the infield Lauren Zovistoski, Hunter Bassett, Nicole Hunt and Kayla Daigle going third to first have been solid for the Horde as has sophomore Jordan Harrison behind the plate. Lambert’s comments about his infield being,”a strength of the team”, and”very athletic”, ringing true.

Offensively Fuller, Bassett, Zovistowski and Angela Vladyka lead this group that can score in a variety of ways.

They enter sectional play battle tested coming out of the Wasaren where they’ve seen quality teams and solid pitching throughout the campaign.  I’m sure back in April the thought of a sectional win, maybe two for this group would have been all anyone could have hoped for.  As the second season approaches expectations for the Horde have risen like the May temperatures.  Whether or not Granville can make a deep sectional run remains to be seen, but the potential is there.

What we do know is that the Golden Horde will be a tough out when Class B play commences, and that to date this squad has enjoyed an outstanding year.  Congratulations to Coach Lambert, his staff and most importantly to the players earning the title of Wasaren League Champions.

Keith Harrington-Staff Writer:A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article singing the praises of Spartan Field at Castleton State College as the new home of the Adirondack League baseball and softball championship games. One of the things I liked about Castleton was that if both of a school’s teams qualified for the title tilts, their fans could easily keep an eye on both games at the same time. Yesterday the Lake George Warrior fans were able to do just that,  and I am sure they liked what they saw. Both the Lake George baseball and softball  teams avenged regular season losses to their opponents to grab Adirondack League championships. Here is the story on all of the action.

Adirondack League Baseball Championship Game

Lake George 4 Fort Ann 2

What a difference 24 hours can make. On Thursday the Fort Ann Cardinals baseball team beat Lake George 6-5 in their regular season finale. Yesterday though at Spartan Field, the Warriors were clearly the aggressor and were able to win the ADK crown with a 4-2 win. Lake George rode a sparkling pitching gem from Connor McCoy to grab the title. McCoy was dominant, silencing the powerful Fort Ann bats with a five hit, 14 strikeout performance.

When the two teams played in the regular season a day earlier, both teams played a little vanilla, saving their ace pitcher for the big one instead of using them in a game that meant nothing. McCoy was able to outduel Fort Ann’s main pitcher, George Lehoisky, handing him his first loss of the season. Lake George scored three runs in the first three innings against Lehoisky by slapping out six hits.

Lake George took a 1-0 lead in the second, and then increased it in the third when Willy Blunt smashed an RBI double. Peter Fisher then cranked a triple to drive in Blunt to make  it 3-0 Lake George. That is all of the offense McCoy would need as he kept the Cardinal bats in check the rest of the way. Fort Ann scored single runs in the fifth and sixth but could not manage to get closer.

One  bright spot for Fort Ann is that Robert Sprague, who has pitched very little all year came in to relieve Lehoisky and was solid. Sprague went 3 2/3 innings and struckout six Warriors. If Sprague is healthy enough to pitch like he is capable, Fort Ann could be poised to make another very deep playoff run.

Lake George moves to 14-5 on the season. Fort Ann drops to 16-3.

Adirondack League Softball Championship Game

Lake George 5 Argyle 4

The Lake George Warriors softball team overcame an early 2-0 deficit, and then used a huge fourth inning to grab the lead, and  held on to win the Adirondack League championship over Argyle 5-4. The win turns the table for the Warriors after an earlier season loss to  the Scots.

Lake George jumped to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Amy Sander singled, and then scored on a single by Chelsea Sipowicz. Argyle came back in the bottom of the inning.  Alyssa Salerno reached on an error and scored on a Hannah Kennedy double. Courtesy runner Vicky Genovese later scored when Lake George pitcher Amy Sander was called for an illegal pitch making it 2-1 Scots.

The fourth inning was the key inning for Lake George. The Warriors batted around in the inning and scored four run to go  up 5-2. Emma Feathers knocked in Rebecca Kandora who had singled, and Sander and Brittany Motta added RBI hits.

Argyle came back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth to pull within 5-4. Salerno ripped an RBI single and Kennedy doubled again to close the gap, but the Scots rally ended there and they were not able to get the equalizer as Sander closed the door.

Lake George raises their record to 15-5. Argyle drops to 15-3.

Keith Harrington/Staff Writer: This week is the final week of baseball and softball play in the Adirondack League, and then it is off to Section II tourney play. The boys championship game is all set. It will be the Fort Ann Cardinals vs. the Lake George Warriors. Lake George will also be playing in the softball championship game against a team that is yet to be determined because of the battle in the East. Argyle is in the driver’s seat, but still has not officially clinched. Both ADK title games are scheduled for Friday, May 18th at Castleton State College. With all of Tuesday’s games postponed, it remains to be seen if that schedule will have to be adjusted. Here is what’s happening “Across the ADK Diamond.”

1. Fort Ann baseball became the first ADK team to wrap up a division title and earn a spot in the championship game. The Cards defeated Hartford 3-1 on Friday to clinch. Some people might say, “So what, Fort Ann was expected to win again.” However, the Cardinals had to do things differently this year. Robert Sprague was not able to pitch due to an injury and George Lehoisky had to  become the ace of the staff. Plus, Fort Ann received a stiff challenge from a talented Salem team and couldn’t cruise to the East Division title like they normally do. A job well done by Coach Dane Clark  and his crew.

2. Speaking of Salem, kudos to the Generals baseball team on an outstanding season. They gave Fort Ann all they wanted and should be a serious threat in the sectionals. Nick Burch, Dan Jameson, Chris Payne, Marcus Blanck, Justin Capuano and company will be a very tough out for any opponent.

3. Lake George clinched both the baseball and softball West Division titles on Monday. I had mentioned in an earlier story that Castleton is perfect for fans of a team who has both their girls and boys teams playing in the title games because you can see both fields from one vantage point. I was at Spartan Field a couple of weeks ago, and you may have to search around a bit, but you can find just the right spot to watch both games with a little experimentation.

4. Yesterday the Adirondack League East softball race got a little bit clearer as Argyle beat Fort Ann for the second time this season, 2-0. Ashley Ellis of Argyle fired a two-hitter to outduel Fort Ann’s Molly Bailey who tossed a three-hitter herself. Christina Tucker had a pair of hits for the Scots. Argyle controls their own destiny with a two game lead over Fort Ann and Whitehall. They can grab the crown with a win over Bolton on Wednesday.

5. Hats off to the Hartford Tanagers softball team and coach Duane Flower. Hartford lost some key players to graduation, including ace pitcher Christina Petteys, who is now at SUNY Adirondack. After a slow start the Tanagers stand at 10-5 in league play and 13-5 overall. Junior pitcher Morgan Wicks(11-5) has come into her own this season, and Brittany Brayman has played as well as any player on any team. Hartford has wins late in the season over title contenders Argyle and Whitehall and recently won the Trapper Classic in Warrensburg. Watch out for the Red and Black in sectional play. Many of these girls played on a volleyball team that advanced to the state volleyball tournament.

Rick Lyons Staff Writer: With the final week of the baseball and softball season upon us, the Wasaren League races are all but decided. Two teams that haven’t won championships in a while will do just that and one of them has yet to taste defeat this year.
The Hoosic Valley baseball team clinched the crown this week and has an impressive 12-0,18-0 record this spring. The Indians have coupled a potent offense with quality pitching and defense to lead wire to wire in capturing their first league title since the early 80′s. Congrats to the boys from Schaghticoke on a remarkable regular season.

Almost in the same situation are the girls from Granville. The Horde set’s the pace with an 11-1 league mark and will face Hoosick Falls and Greenwich this week. They are assured a piece of the league title and would win it outright with another victory or a Hoosick Falls loss. They too have led all the way and would secure their first softball title in quite some time. Congratulations to Marc Lambert’s Golden Horde squad on a fine regular season campaign.

Keith Harrington/Staff Writer: As we head into the final week of the regular season, a few of the Adirondack League softball teams prepared themselves for sectional play by participating in tournaments. If you enjoy watching high school softball the Lake George/Warrensburg region was the place to be on Saturday. Lake George hosted Duanesburg and Ticonderoga in a round robin tournament. Warrensburg hosted Corinth, Hartford, and Fort Edward in the Trapper Tournament.

I spent the day in Lake George and was treated to some very good softball.  This tournament was well organized and very entertaining. The Duanesburg Purple Eagles flashed their muscle as they went 4-0 on the day. Both Duanesburg’s varsity and junior varsity swept Lake George and Ticonderoga. Expect to be hearing a lot about the Purple Eagles in Section II softball over the next few years. Their junior varsity club featured a solid pitcher, and an outstanding third basemen with a lightning quick bat. They were both just seventh graders.

Lake George Tournament

The host Lake George Warriors split their two outings in the tournament. The Warriors dropped their opener to a strong Duanesburg team 12-0. Lake George came back to win game two over Ticonderoga 7-3. Duanesburg defeated Ticonderoga 9-4 to go 2-0 in the tournament.

Against Duanesburg, Lake George hung close for three innings as the Purple Eagles led just 3-0. Duanesburg however scored four runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to blow the game open.

In the second game for Lake George, the Warriors held a 2-0 lead early but Ticonderoga tied things up in the bottom of the third. The Warriors though outscored the Sentinels 5-1 over the last three innings to take the victory.

Amy Sander led the Warriors in the circle and the plate. Sander was the winning pitcher, scattering five hits and striking out eight. She was 3-4 at the plate. Jamie Jarrett had a tripled,  singled and had three RBIs for the Warriors. Rebecca Kandora had a pair of hits as well.

Lake George is now 13-4 on the season.

Warrensburg Trapper Classic

The Hartford Tanagers swept a pair of games from Adirondack League foes as they claimed the Warrensburg Trapper Classic crown. The Tanagers defeated Corinth 8-4 in the opening round, and then stopped Fort Edward in the championship tilt 11-6.

In the opener, Hartford beat Corinth for the second time this season. Hartford didn’t waste any time in this one. They scored two runs in the first and five in the second to take a 7-0 lead. Corinth closed the gap by rallying for four runs in the top of the fourth, but Hartford tacked on a run in the bottom of the frame and held on for the win.

Morgan Wicks picked up her 10th win of the season in the circle, yielding five hits and striking out eight. Brittany Brayman was 3 for 4 at the plate with a double and triple.

Fort Edward advanced to the final with a 10-9 win over Warrensburg. This was a wild one as the teams swapped the lead a few times. Fort Edward led 2-0 early, but Warrensburg scored four in the second, three in the third, and two in the fourth to lead 9-2. Fort Edward came back to tie the game 9-9 with two in the fourth and five in the fifth, and then won it with a run in the eight on a Brittini Sardina homerun. Sardina also homered in the third.

In the championship game, Fort Edward scored five runs in the top of the second to go ahead 5-0, but Hartford scored five runs in the bottom of the frame to tie it at five all. The Tanagers then put up a four spot in the fourth and tacked on two more in the fifth to go up 11-5, and went on to win from there.

Brittany Brayman was the winning pitcher for Hartford, striking out five. Brayman had another big game at the plate, with a double, triple and three RBIs. Wicks also had a strong game with a homer, a double and three RBIs.

Hartford is now 12-5. Fort Edward is 8-10. The two clubs meet again Monday in ADK play.

Corinth beat Warrensburg in the consolation game 7-6.

Keith Harrington/Staff Writer: The Adirondack League softball race this spring has been exciting and unpredictable. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another wrench gets thrown in. As the action heads into the final week of the season however, the four top teams in the ADK East battled each other, and things finally started to take a little shape. Yesterday Argyle defeated Whitehall 12-0, and Fort Ann beat Hartford 14-3. The Scots and the Cardinals will meet on Monday in Argyle. Argyle can clinch with a win in two out of three games, if one of the wins is against Fort Ann. Fort Ann can clinch at least a tie if it beats Argyle and Lake George. Whitehall still has a mathematical chance,  but must win all three of their games and hope for help. Here is a look at yesterday’s two big games.

Argyle 12 Whitehall 0

When these two team met a couple of weeks ago Whitehall came away with a 2-1 win. This one though was dominated by Argyle. The Scots came out with fire in their eyes, scoring four runs in the first and one in the second to lead 5-0. That is all Argyle pitcher Ashley Ellis would need as she tossed a four-hit shutout to knotch the win in the circle.

Argyle took a 2-0 lead in the first on a two run single by Shelby Graham. Ellis also nailed a two RBI single to make it 4-0. Argyle put it away in the fourth with a six run inning. Hannah Kennedy and Andrea Richards both had a pair of RBIs in the frame to lead Argyle.

Ellis, who is now 11-2 on the season in the circle had four strikeouts while walking only one. Brittney Putorti struck out six and walked five for the Railroaders.

Argyle is 11-2, 12-2. Whitehall is 9-4, 9-4.

Fort Ann 14 Hartford 3

The Fort Ann Cardinals set up Monday’s Adirondack League showdown with Argyle by keeping the Scots in their sights with a 14-3 win over Hartford. It was the second win for the Cardinals over the Tanagers this season. Fort Ann jumped to a 2-0 lead after two innings, and exploded for seven in the fourth to put this one away.

Kayla Bancroft had the hot bat for Fort Ann. Bancroft went 3 for 5 with a double. Kaleigh Foran and Kara White each tripled and singled.

Brittany Brayman blasted a homer for Hartford.

Molly Bailey got the win in the circle for Fort Ann, firing a five-hitter, while striking out eight.

Fort Ann is 11-3, 11-4. Hartford is 9-5, 10-5.

Keith Harrington-Staff Writer

Usually junior varsity athletics do not receive a lot of attention. The sub-varsity games normally take a back seat to the varsity contest.  This spring though,  I have seen a few junior varsity softball games that could easily be mistaken for varsity games. With kids playing more and more ball each year, with so many of them participating on travel squads that play in the summer and winter,  the skill level is steadily on the rise.

Early in the season I had the pleasure of watching a great game between Argyle and Fort Edward.  These two clubs were very evenly matched. The lead changed hands nearly every half inning. In the seventh, Argyle was able to take a one run lead. It appeared that the Scots had the game won when the first two Fort Edward batters were retired in the bottom of the frame. The Flying Forts then mounted a two run rally,  using a single to right,  a throwing error, and back to back gap doubles to take a one run victory.

A couple of weeks later I saw a very well played game between Lake George and Salem. If you look  at the recent softball history of these two programs, you would think this may be an easy win for the Warriors. Salem though played extremely well and lead 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh. Lake George scored a run to get within 3-2, but with the  runner that could tie it on base, the Generals shut the door and held on for the “W.” For Salem to defeat Lake George  at any level of softball is monumental.

About a week ago I saw my hometown Hartford Tanagers play that same Lake George team. Hartford held a 7-2 lead heading to the top of the seventh. Lake  George though was able to mount a furious rally to get within 7-6. Hartford’s defense and pitching came up big though when the pressure was on, and held on for a thrilling win.

Finally, this week I witnessed a Wasaren League game between Granville and Schuylerville. First of all, these teams both had pitchers that could pitch for anyone. They were both very talented, and well coached, as were their teams. Secondly, I saw some plays made on defense in this game that you would think would be made by players at a higher level. This game could provide a picture for a softball dictionary under the expression “flashing the leather.” Four or five plays were nothing short of spectacular. In the end, the Black Horses tied the game at five in the top of the seventh, only to see Granville score on a triple and obstruction call to win in a nail-biter.

So,  if you are thinking, the varsity teams are away today,  I will travel to watch them play or just stay home and take a nap. Take my advice. Head down to the field and check out the local junior varsity softball action. You just may be surprised, and in some cases with the quality of play, you may not even realize that you are not at a varsity game.

Keith Harrington-Staff Writer

Well, I  know this probably won’t come as a shock,  but our ADSN Softball Power Rankings #1 team from this past week lost.  The Greenwich Witches recovered from a slow start on the season to work their way all the way to the top of our rankings. However, this past week Greenwich dropped a 3-1 contest to Hoosick  Falls. How many weeks in a row is it that our most highly ranked  team has lost? I am not sure, but  it is at least three or  four weeks in a row. It just shows the parity that there is this year in high school softball.  Sitting on top of the softball power rankings is almost starting to seem like  being on the Sports Illustrated cover.  Noone seems to want the dubious honor.  So hold your breath…..and I apologize in advance. Here are the ADSN Softball Power Rankings for this week:

1. Granville (12-3)-The Golden Horde grab the top spot back this week. Granville got a very nice non-league win, 7-6 over Glens Falls with Lauryn Zovistoski and Emily Fuller leading the way. Granville leads Hoosick Falls by a game, but owns a win over the Panthers. Tamarac and Greenwich are two games back heading into the final stretch of Wasaren League play.

2. Hoosick Falls (11-3)-The Panthers got a very big win this week, taking care of Greenwich for the second time and ending the hot streak of the Witches. Rachel Quackenbush stuck out 10 against Greenwich while firing a three hitter. Sierra Bailey and Frankie Pearson had the key Hoosick Falls hits. The Panthers get another shot at Granville on May 15th.

3. Greenwich (9-4)-Greenwich had been on fire as of late, but Hoosick  Falls has been their nemisis in Wasaren League play this spring. Hoosick  Falls edged Greenwich 3-1 this week. The Witches can still  get a share of the Wasaren title, but must take care of their own business and then get help. Greenwich will meet Granville  May 17th.

4.-5. Argyle (10-2), Fot Ann (10-2), Whitehall (8-2), Lake  George (10-2)-These teams are so closely matched that you could  fit them under a blanket. I ranked them tied for the last two spots because you literally cannot seperate them. Fort Ann and Whitehall split the season. Argyle defeated Fort Ann the first time around. Whitehall beat Argyle in their first meeting, but Hartford upset Argyle 4-3 this week. Lake George lost their lone league game to the Scots. Get the picture? There are two weeks left for these ADK teams to get it sorted out.

Rick Lyons Staff Writer: Legendary Yankee closer Mariano Rivera was shagging flies last night during batting practice prior to the game between the Yankees and the Kansas City Royals. Mo did this every day, pursuing fly balls with athleticism and youthful exuberance despite being an 18 year veteran and 42 years of age. He loved it getting his running in during the pregame tracking down fly balls off teammate’s bats. Last night as he has done thousands of times before he ran toward the warning track, measuring the flight of the baseball, anticipating the catch. Last night it didn’t happen. Last night the greatest closer of all time crumpled at the edge of the track, going down tearing the ACL in his right leg and potentially ending the career of the most dominant athlete we’ll ever lay eyes on.

Today a sadness hangs over baseball and the fans of the game. Not only Yankee fans but people that follow the sport in every city share the pain. This country likes individuals who can deliver the goods, do it consistently and in a way that doesn’t shout “Look at me”. We like things we can count on like the calm of a Sunday morning, the beauty of a sunset, or the ability to call on a loyal friend. Mariano Rivera for 18 major league seasons and the way he’s handled his business has been as reliable as the day is long.

His consistency of excellence is unparalleled. Not only the end result of his work in becoming the all time saves leader in Major League Baseball, but in the way he went about it. His ability to repeat his pitching motion, exactly the same way for almost two decades seems impossible. The fact that he used only one pitch, his fabled cutter is unthinkable. Batter after batter stepped to the plate knowing exactly where Mariano’s release point would be and what type of pitch he would throw. It didn’t matter. Cutter in, broken bat pop-up, cutter away, swing and a miss strike three. Game after game, year after year Mo delivered.

His demeanor was unchanging whether it was a Wednesday night in April, or game seven of the World Series. Class, grace, a cool elegance on the mound and in the post game interviews to follow. He answered all the questions after losing to the Diamondbacks in 2001 as graciously as when celebrating in the spray of champagne after another Yankee championship. Mo was the same after the rare defeat as he was after the so many victories. “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat”, always reminds me of Mariano.

Surgery and rehab lie ahead for the Great One, and speculating about whether or not he’ll play again seems on everyone’s mind. Father Time, the torn ACL and hinting in spring training about the possibility of retirement at season’s end, are reasons to think we may have seen the last of the great Yankee closer. Mariano would be at peace with that, feeling I’m sure it was God’s will.

He said his cutter was a gift from God. Baseball fans would say the same about Mariano. Let’s hope we see both back in action someday after number 42 jogs in from the bullpen to save it one more time for the Yankees. If not, let’s appreciate we had 18 years, of watching simply the best.

Rick Lyons  Staff Writer:  I decided to travel to Greenwich Thursday to see the Panthers of Hoosick Falls meet the Witches of Greenwich in a Wasaren softball contest.  I had seen both teams play this season and felt it would be a good game between the two clubs.  I wasn’t disappointed.

Hoosick Falls who at times this year has had trouble scoring, got down to business quickly in this one.  Lead-off hitter Frankie Pearson lined the first pitch into centerfield for a single , and Carsen Williams followed with a bunt single setting the Panthers up with runners at first and second and no outs.

Greenwich pitcher Rachel Albrecht retired the next two batters and the Witches were poised to escape the inning unscathed, but Sierra Bailey had other ideas.  Bailey didn’t hit it hard but placed a bloop single to short left scoring Pearson and Williams and the Panthers took the early 2-0 lead.

Hoosick Falls’ Rachel Quackenbush set down the first six Greenwich batters she faced before running into trouble in the third frame.

A lead-off walk to Sam Whitehouse was followed by a sharp single to center from Kali Nolan putting runners at first and second as the number nine hitter Carolyn Strasswimmer came to the plate. A passed ball moved the runners up a bag and Strasswimmer grounded to second and was called out on a bang bang play at first as Whitehouse scored and Nolan moved to third.

Greenwich looked to do more damage with their line-up turned over but Quackenbush shut the door retiring the next two batters on strikes, ending the inning with a beautiful change-up for a called strike three.

In the top of the fifth Hoosick Falls plated an insurance run. Pearson and Williams with one out stroked back to back singles and Quackenbush followed with an RBI single to left giving the Panthers a 3-1 advantage.

Greenwich threatened in the sixth putting runners on second and third with one out, but Quackenbush pitched out of trouble inducing a comebacker and an infield pop-up to escape the jam.

The hard throwing righthander finished in style striking out the side in the final frame on 10 pitches giving the Falls the victory and sole possession of second place in the league.  Quackenbush scattered three hits and struck out 10 on the afternoon.

With the win Hoosick Falls goes to 6-2 in league play while Greenwich falls to 5-3 in the Wasaren, both trailing front running Granville who leads the pack with a 9-1 mark.