Mendon Varsity Softball
    Coach Maureen Kempski
   and Assistant Coach Eva Lyons

This website will be updated regularly so if you need info, check here. I will include off-season workouts, practices, camps, etc. on this website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. I look forward to working with each of you this spring.  Cell 585-738-0269 leave text or voice message.

Last Updated:  August 4, 2010 10:41 PM
Mendon Softball
2010 Section 5 Champions
2010 Far West Regional Champions
2010 State Finalists
Record: 23-3
Number 3 Class A Team in NY State

Please send me email with summer schedules if you are playing in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton area this summer and will be playing JV or V softball for MHS next year.

    

  

    

   



       

"One Team - One Dream"

"How do you measure success?
      
First, let me say thank you. Without the people in this room, this team would not have been the team that it was. It is not just about the hundreds of miles you put on your cars taking your daughters to practices, games, doctors, trainers but more importantly the hours you spend listening about their successes and failures and the encouragement you give them and the empathy that you have passed on to them about caring about others and something bigger than themselves.

Everyone will tell you that Mendon had a successful season this year. But I will say that very few know how much success we had. How should success be measured? Baseball and softball are measured by every stat that mathematicians  can think of. How many wins, how many hits, what’s the pitchers era, runs scored, runs allowed, two out rallies, hits with bases loaded, hits with bases empty, number of strikes, number of balls. I would say that those are numbers but they are not the only successes we had. Yes we had 20 straight wins and won more games than any other Mendon team in history, yes we are sectional champions for the first time, yes we are Far West champions, yes we are state finalists but we are more.

We are a team that believed we could do more than we or any other Pittsford team had done before. People ask me why I choose to coach from first base. My answer is simple – because I can see their faces. I see determination, I see confidence and sometimes I see fear. As a person involved with the game for over 40 years, I know what the books say should be done in every situation. No outs, runner on first – every book will tell you – you gotta bunt. As their coach, I will tell you not necessarily. Coaching is more complicated than that. What if the player has fear in their eyes because in practice the day before they couldn’t get a bunt down? Down by four runs in a sectional game – why is she bunting? WE need runs?! – do they know that the day before that batter laid down perfect bunts on every attempt and when the sign is given to do the same the batter smiles because she knows she will get it down and her team will succeed.

This team was a group of individuals each with strengths and each with weaknesses. No one was perfect and each worked to improve their game. They pushed past what they knew they could do, to try to do what they did not know. They each wanted to do their part to help their team succeed. Each player played an important role in the team’s successes.

No two players were the same, but each improved. We had some with speed and some with not so much speed. In the field we worked on improving glove skills, good routes and hard throws. The outfield worked with Coach Lyons on routes, dives, and backups. The infield worked on exchanges, coverages, and learning different positions and combinations. The infield set a new record for double plays in one season. We had three great pitchers with speed and control. We had hitting slumps and hitting streaks. Our team had a batting average of approximately .370 but different players stepped forward at different times so if one was slumping another picked it up. We outscored our opponents by over a hundred runs. We had tired, aching bodies that were pushed to their limits (and beyond) at times. We even had a player superglue her toes so she could run when needed! From courtesy runner, to outfield, to infield, to pitcher, batter, bunter, we had each other.

We are the Mendon softball family and we have made memories none of us will ever forget. As for the field, yes it is not our own field, but it is our home field and in four years on the field we have won 33 and lost 2. Having grown-up playing on the Sandlot at the end of the street, I learned that it is not the structure that matters, it is the feeling of home and being with family.

Our success will be looked at in record books as 23-3, state finalist. Our success should be measured in other ways also.
    It should be measured in the number of texts that went around encouraging each other, reminding each other of events, and checking in on teammates.
   Our success should be measured in setting aside differences and coming together on the field as one team.
    Our success should be measured in number of donuts and bagels shared with laughs on Saturdays ( or 8:30 am practices).
    Our success should be measured in feet of athletic tape that wrapped our bodies in Badges of Honor of leaving “it” all on the field.
    Our success should be measured in the number of cheers given when we were up OR down.
    Our success should be measured in our sportsmanship on and off the field.
    Our success should be measured in the smiles this team shared as one teammate found success in something they were working on, the team found success, or just in seeing each other arrive at the field for another day of practice.
    Our success should be measured in the songs sung on the bus. Even yesterday, the girls sang loud and proud as Sweet Caroline was broadcast on the bus’ outside speakers as we got to town.
    Our success should even be measured in the tears that happened yesterday – not just for losing the game but more importantly for knowing that this season was coming to end. 

As teen-agers you may not realize now how special this was, but as the adults in the room will tell you – this is one of those things in life that doesn’t come around often. Cherish it, remember it, and pass it forward. You are better for being part of something bigger than yourself – take that and help make the world better by sharing your empathy with another.

I have been honored to be your coach, you all have made my life better."
 Coach Kempski June13 Team Banquet

Mendon's roster this year includes seniors Ali Taylor, Allison Case, Danielle Grage, Elizabeth McMann, Hillary Upton, Kelsey McManus, Kasey Pollot, and Mackenzie Koffenberger. Underclassmen include Brittany Grage, Courtney Case, Maddie Reese, and Michelle Hochman. Each of these players is  a returning starter for Mendon and brings flexiblity to the Mendon lineup in the field, on the mound and at the plate.

Don’t Just Do It, Do It Great!

Our season is now limited to 20 games total and the leagues have been rearranged. There is no AAA just AA and our A league. New York State has decided to stay at 40 feet for pitchers again next season. Other states have gone to 43 feet. No metal cleats in high school.

Our Varsity Schedule
Many are the same for JV but there are differences - Coach Redanty will give you the official JV schedule.

April 1 vs Irondequoit - Win
Mendon softball opened their season with a tough battle against Irondequoit at Habecker field on April 1st. Ali Taylor started for the fifth year in a row on the mound for Mendon and allowed just two hits with 6 strikeouts over four innings. Brittany Grage came in to pitch in the 5th and accumulated 6 more strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Mendon’s bats were held at bay with 12 flyball outs until the 6th when Maddie Reese and Brittany Grage strung together two hard hits with Reese scoring. Mendon came away with a 1-0 win. Mendon appreciates Pittsford Little League allowing us the use of their field while our field at TFP was not ready.

April 6 at Schroeder -Loss
After giving up three runs in the first inning in a loss to Webster Schroeder, Mendon softball has held opponents scoreless for 27 innings these past two weeks. For the final six innings against Schroeder, Mendon's pitching and defense held Schroeder to just one hit and no runs with 9 strikeouts by Brittany Grage who came in to pitch in the second inning.

April 9 at Olympia - Win
After multiple rainouts with Webster Schroeder earlier in the week, Mendon took the field on Friday against Greece Olympia. Due to a wet field at Olympia, they traveled to Habecker field in Pittsford. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, could keep the Mendon bats at bay. Ali Taylor scored in the first on a RBI single by Kelsey McManus. Kasey Pollot had the first of two doubles in the third as the ball hit the fence in left. In the fourth inning, the Case and Grage (Danielle and Brittany) sisters all scored as four Mendon runs were tallied. Allison and Courtney Case scored again in the fifth. Three more runs came across in the 6th. Kelsey McManus had a hot bat with three hits including a double. On the mound, two of Mendon's pitchers split time. Hillary Upton, in her first start of the season, pitched three no-hit innings. Brittany Grage entered the circle in the fourth and continued the stellar pitching for Mendon. Olympia's bats were no match for her speed as she mowed down 11 batters with strikeouts in four innings pitched. The no-hitter disappeared in the seventh when Christina Savina singled. Mendon won easily as the snow began to fall.

April 12 at Eastridge - Win
On Monday, Mendon travelled to Eastridge. Kasey Pollot had the hot bat for Mendon as she had three hits in three at bats and scored three times. Michelle Hochman also had a perfect day at the plate with a triple and two perfectly executed bunts. Bunts and smart base running coupled with timely hits helped push runs across for Mendon as they won 5-1. Senior Ali Taylor started on the mound for Mendon and allowed just two hits and one run in the fourth. Brittany Grage came in to start the fifth and held Eastridge scoreless the rest of the way. Brittany had 6 strikeouts in her three innings and allowed just one hit. Mendon faces a tough challenge on Wednesday as they host Victor, defending league champion.

April 14 vs Victor - Loss

April 16 vs Spencerport - Win 6-2

April 20 at Hilton - Win
The next game began as that one ended with Grage on the mound in Hilton. Hilton's  first baserunner came with two outs in the bottom of the seventh when a ball chipped in down the line. Grage struck out the next batter and Mendon came away with the win 6-0. Grage compiled 11 strikeouts in the win. Mendon's scoring began in the second when Brittany Grage reached base on a walk and Kasey Pollot had an rbi hit. Pollot, Danielle Grage and Michelle Hochman each had two hits for Mendon. Brittany Grage helped her cause with a homer in the fourth for Mendon.

April 26 vs Canandaigua - postponed

April 27 vs Brighton - Win
Friday, Mendon returned home to Thornell Farm Park and took on Brighton. Brittany Grage was on the mound for Mendon again. After allowing two hits in the first, she closed the door with her second strikeout of the inning. Runners were left on first and third for Brighton. The next three innings she struck out the side and finished the game allowing three hits while striking out 16 batters. The bats were productive beginning in the first inning for the Vikings. Courtney Case began the game with a double and Ali Taylor followed with a single to score her. Danielle Grage then doubled and scored on a hit by Kasey Pollot. Brittany Grage singled but was left stranded when the Brighton catcher gunned down Pollot at third. Mackenzie Koffenger tripled to begin the second and was brought in by Allison Case. Pollot homered in the fourth with a blast to deep left. Pollot and Danielle Grage each had three hits for Mendon. Taylor, Courtney Case and Koffenberger each had two hits for Mendon. The final score was Mendon 9, Brighton 0


April 28 at Odyssey - Win
The next opponent was Greece Odyssey and Hillary Upton took the mound for Mendon. She allowed just two hits and had 12 strikeouts and came away with a complete game shutout as Mendon won easily 14-0. Mendon's bats were working as 4 batters had three hits and Kasey Pollot had four hits for Mendon. Courtney Case started the game with a double. Ali Taylor advanced her to third with a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt and Case ran home on a passed ball. Pollot doubled and was brought in by an rbi single by Danielle Grage. The second inning began just like the first with a hard hit double this time by Kelsey McManus. She scored on an single by Courtney Case. In the third, Danielle Grage and Maddie Reese singled and were brought home by another double by lead-off hitter Courtney Case. Six more runs came across in the sixth on six hits by Mendon with McManus, Hochman and Mackenzie Koffenberger each earning RBIs.

May 3rd  vs Sutherland - Win

The week began with cross-town rival Sutherland coming to Thornell Farm Park. Liana Casciani, the Knights tenacious third baseman, began the game with a hit but Mendon quickly took charge. The Knights stranded the runner and the Vikings came to the plate. Courtney Case, Mendon’s freshman All-County shortstop, led off with a hit of her own. Ali Taylor followed with a hit and both scored on a hit by Kasey Pollot. Maddie Reese and Brittany Grage began the second inning with hits and both scored and Mendon was up 4-0.  Pollot led off the fifth with another hit and her teammates followed suit with three more singles by Kelsey McManus, Maddie Reese and Brittany Grage. The game ended with Mendon winning 5-0 and Brittany Grage completing another shutout with 12 strikeouts.

May 4th at Churchville- Win

Churchville Chili was next as Mendon travelled westward. Cold winds blew as the game began with two dominating pitchers on the mound for their teams. Jen Consual, recently signed with Canisius College, was on the mound for CC and Brittany Grage took the mound for Mendon for the second day in a row. Mackenzie Koffenberger reached base with a walk in the third. Courtney Case reached base on an error and the bases were loaded after a hit by Ali Taylor. Danielle Grage delivered with a RBI hit up the middle and a passed ball resulted in Mendon’s second run. Courtney Case reached  base with a single in the fifth. After being moved over with a sac bunt by Taylor, she stole third and then scored for the second time. Mendon’s shutout streak continued with a 3-0 win. Brittany Grage threw a no-hitter for Mendon and allowed just two base-runners.

May 5 at HFL - Win
For the third day in a row, Mendon took to the field, this time at HFL. Ali Taylor was on the mound for Mendon. HFL jumped off to a quick start and took a 2-0 lead. Mendon tied it up in the top of the second with hits and runs by Kasey Pollot and Brittany Grage. HFL answered back in their half of the second with the first two hitters reaching base and regaining the lead 3-2. After a timeout, Mendon settled down and Taylor set down the batters 1-2-3 for the rest of the game. Mendon then took control at the plate with all nine batters getting a hit and Pollot. McManus and Brittany Grage  each getting three hits. Mendon won easily 15-3 and Ali Taylor earned the win on the mound.

rescheduled from April 26 to May 6 vs Canandaigua now moved to 5/20

May 7 at Batavia - Win
The week ended with a long bus ride to Batavia as the Vikings took on the Blue Devils. This time Hillary Upton was on the mound for Mendon. She allowed just three hits and pitched a shutout for Mendon with 8 strikeouts. Mendon had 11 hits and won their ninth shutout of the season, 5-0. Danielle Grage homered for Mendon with a long shot to left. The week ended with four victories, three shut-outs, and three different pitchers each earning wins on the mound for Mendon.

May 10 vs Eastridge -Win
This week began with Eastridge coming to town for the second match-up of the season. The Vikings started slow with only Courtney Case scoring in the first five innings but then the bats came alive in the sixth inning. Ali Taylor led off with a single. Danielle Grage followed with another single and Kasey Pollot reached on a walk. Brittany Grage emptied the bases with a homer and Mendon won 5-0. Brittany Grage earned another win with 13 strikeouts, 1 hit and 0 runs allowed.

May 11 FINISH GAME AGAINST SPENCERPORT - Win (Rec 12-2)

May 12 at Victor -WIN
The next opponent up was Victor. After losing 5-3 earlier this season, Mendon knew that the game would be a hard fought battle between two tough teams. Victor struck first after reaching base on an error. The runner, was moved to second with a sac bunt, and scored on a clutch hit by clean-up hitter Lacey Clark.  The Vikings were determined to not go quietly. Kasey Pollot led off with a walk, reached second on a passed ball, and scored on a RBI hit by Maddie Reese. Victor answered right back in their half of the inning and regained the lead 3-1. Both teams went down without a run in the third after Mendon completed their first double play of the game to end the inning. The top of the fourth began with Danielle Grage reaching on an error. That was followed by singles by Kasey Pollot and Brittany Grage. Maddie Reese reached on a fielder’s choice as the run scored and then scored herself on an RBI hit by Mackenzie Koffenberger. Mendon had tied the score going into the bottom of the fourth. Victor answered back. Becky Allen and Sam Steele began the inning with two singles. Mendon’s defense refused to flinch. Ali Taylor charged a bunt in the air, caught it, turned and fired to Maddie Reese covering first. Mendon had just completed their second double play of the game. The inning ended when the next batter hit a grounder to shortstop Courtney Case. After fielding it cleanly, she fired across the diamond to Taylor for the third out. Both teams went down in the fifth. The sixth inning began with the score knotted at 3. With one out, Maddie Reese reached base on hit to right center. Kelsey McManus  reached on a fielder’s choice. Courtesy runner Elizabeth McMann took second on a passed ball. Mackenzie Koffenberger came up with another clutch hit and McMann hustled all the way home sliding safely beneath the tag. Mendon had taken the lead 4-3.  Once again, Victor answered back with a lead-off single but the defense held and Victor was held scoreless as the teams entered the seventh inning. Mendon went down 1-2-3 and it was up to the pitching and defense to protect the slim one run lead. Kacie Strong hit a sharp grounder to the pitcher but Grage fielded it cleanly and threw to first for one down. Allana Shelley reached first on a hit to left and hard hitting Bethany DeMarco came to plate. Brittany Grage got her to hit a towering pop-up in front of the plate. Grage rushed in, calling off the catcher, and caught the ball. The base runner smartly tagged up and raced toward second. Courtney Case called for the ball and Grage turned and fired a bullet to Case at second who laid the tag on the sliding Shelley and the game ended with Mendon’s third double play of the game. Brittany Grage earned the win for Mendon, while Kacie Strong took the loss for Victor.

May 13 at Webster Thomas cancelled due to their conflict with Fairport

May 17 at Brighton - Win
Kelsey McManus had two hits including a two rbi single in the seventh for Mendon. Maddie Reese added two hits including a triple for Mendon. Brittany Grage was strong on the mound for Mendon with 12 strikeouts and allowing just one hit.


May 19 at Sutherland Win in 6 innings 16-0
The game was close at 2-0 until the fifth when Mendon's bats exploded for 5 runs in the 5th and 9 runs in the 6th. Eight of Mendon's players had multiple hits.

May 20 vs Canandaigua Win
Courtney Case reached base in the first and scored on a sac bunt by Ali Taylor and a throwing error. Mendon's slim lead held the entire game as Mendon once again allowed no runs with Grage on the mound.

May 21 vs HFL (Senior Day – we will do ceremony after the game) Win
The seniors took to the field for their final regular season game. Ali Taylor began the game on the mound for three shut-out innings and then moved to first as Hillary Upton took over the pitching duties and held HFL scoreless for the final four innings. Mackenzie Koffenberger had two more clutch hits for Mendon and Danielle Grage got three bases on her deep smash. Mendon won 5-0.

Congrats Seniors - Ali, Allison, Danielle, Elizabeth, Hillary, Kasey, Kelsey, and Mackenzie
 


Congrats All-County Honorees
Co-Player of the Year - Brittany
All County - Maddie, Courtney, Kasey, Ali, Danielle, Mackenzie, Kelsey and I am honored again to be chosen as Coach of the Year - Thank you to my colleagues in Division III


Do you know what time it is?
It's GAME TIME!


 
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM - WE ARE CLASS A NUMBER 1 SEED ENTERING THE TOURNAMENT!
RECORD 17-2
RUNS SCORED: 122      RUNS ALLOWED 18

ROUND 1 - BYE

ROUND 2 - WEDNESDAY - PLAY WINNER OF FREDDIE THOMAS AND WAYNE
Win 10-0 over Wayne

ROUND 3- FRIDAY ( WINNERS OF ROUND 2) 4:30 - AT HOME OF HIGHER SEED REMAINING
Win 15-0 (6 innings) over Greece Olympia


ROUND 4- WEDNESDAY JUNE 2ND - BROCKPORT STATE 6 PM - SEMIS against GENEVA
Early game jitters put us in a hole to start, down 4-0 entering the bottom of 5. The inning begins with a hit batter and then the bats take over. We tie the game at 4 and it remains that way through 8 when the game is called for darkness. The game resumes the next day at 3:00 PM in Victor. No one scores in the ninth and then the international tie breaker kicks in. Both teams execute bunts and hits and the game is again knotted at 5. The eleventh inning is scoreless and then Geneva threatens in the top of the 12th. With bases now loaded and only one out, Mendon gathers to compose themselves. A strikeout and then liner to short ends the threat. Maddie takes second, while Kelsey comes to the plate. For the second time in the game, she lays down a perfect sac bunt and Maddie is now at third with one out. Mackenzie (aka Clutch) is due up. She squares and pushes a suicide bunt out from the plate. Maddie uses her speed coming from third as the ball hits the ground. The catcher drops to block the plate too late as Maddie safely slides in. Game over. Win 6-5! One team - one dream! And the quote of the day: "I wanted that more than anything in my life..."

FINALS WERE SATURDAY JUNE 5TH AT 3 PM  WIN 4-3 WALK OFF IN 7TH !

ONE TEAM - ONE DREAM
THE DREAM CONTINUES ...

Article from Democrat and Chronicle:
BROCKPORT – Ali Taylor scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift top-seeded Pittsford Mendon to a 4-3 win over No. 4 and defending champion Victor in today’s Section V Class A softball championship game at State University College at Brockport.

It's the first crown in school history for the Vikings (21-2), who lost in the 2007 title game to Victor (19-5). The Monroe County Division III rivals split games during the regular season. Mendon will play Section VI's Amherst in Tuesday's 4 p.m. state quarterfinals.

Mendon went ahead 1-0 in the fourth inning on Kelsey McManus’ single that scored Brittany Grage, the Vikings’ starting pitcher and tournament MVP. The throw home from right fielder Sam Steele had Grage beat, so she stopped a few feet short of catcher Bethany DeMarco. The throw short-hopped DeMarco, who lost control of it, and Grage darted home. Grage held Victor hitless the first three innings and kept the Devils off the scoreboard until they went ahead, 2-1, in the sixth, when two runs scored on an infield error.

Mendon went back on top, 3-2, in the bottom of the inning as two runs scored on another infield error, this time a high throw by Victor over first base. But the Devils tied it in the top of the seventh on DeMarco’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly with one out.

The winning rally started with Taylor’s single to center field. She reached second on an error on Danielle Grage’s sacrifice bunt. Kasey Pollot was then retired when she popped up her sacrifice bunt. Then Brittany Grage walked to load the bases with one out. Pitcher Kacie Strong got Maddie Reese to fly out to left field and a strong throw prevented Taylor from tagging up and scoring. But with Kelsey McManus at the plate, Strong’s wild pitch allowed Taylor to score and end the game.

Nos. 8 and 9 hitters, MacKenzie Koffenberger and Michelle Hochman, each had two hits for the Vikings, who had nine. Grage struck out six, walked four and allowed four hits.

All-tournament team: Kacie Strong (Victor), MacKenzie Koffenberger (Mendon), Kelsey McManus (Mendon), Alanna Shelley (Victor), Bethany DeMarco (Victor), Elizabeth Maier (Pittsford Sutherland), Liz Toner (Geneva), Maddie Reese (Mendon), Becky Allen (Victor). MVP: Brittany Grage (Mendon).

JDIVERON@DemocratandChronicle.com

Article from Brighton Pittsford Post (online)
Brockport, N.Y. —
The Pittsford Mendon softball team had the mantra "one team, one dream" all season. On Saturday afternoon at SUNY Brockport, that dream was realized as the top-seeded Vikings got a walk-off 4-3 victory over No. 4 Victor in the Section 5 Class A championship.

With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning, senior Ali Taylor bolted home on wild pitch that escaped Blue Devils catcher Bethany DeMarco and scored without a throw. The run not only catupulted the Vikings to their first-ever Section 5 crown, it also ended years of frustration of losing to Victor.

"I wanted to win so bad," Taylor exclaimed. "I've been on this team for five years and I wasn't going to be knocked out by them again."

Mendon took a lead in the bottom of the fourth when tournament MVP Brittany Grage ripped a shot down the third baseline and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Catcher Kelsey McManus— who was named to the All-Tournament team— lofted a single into shallow right field and Grage came around to score on a throw up the third baseline.

In the top of the sixth, Victor gained a 2-1 lead on a Mendon miscue. Becky Allen reached on a leadoff walk and then Michelle Prong ripped a single through the left side of the infield to put runners on first and second.

After DeMarco failed to advance the runners with a sac bunt, Brigid Moore drew a walk and right fielder Sam Steele ripped a shot that shortstop Courtney Case couldn't handle and the ball skipped into left. Both Allen and Prong came around to score to give the Devils a one-run edge.

In the bottom of the sixth, Mendon retook the lead.

Kasey Pollut led off the inning with a single through the left side and Grage reached on bunt. Maddie Reese delivered a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third and then Mackenzie Koffenberger hit a ball off Strong's glove to score one run.

The ball glanced to third baseman Moore who overthrew first and a second run was plated to give the Vikings a 3-2 lead.

"All year long if one player fell off, another player would pick them up," Mendon coach Maureen Kempski said. "We battled in close games all year, we came back and did it again."

Victor tied it again in the top of the seventh, but couldn't manage to take a lead despite a bases-loaded, no-out situation. Prong popped out to second for the first out and then DeMarco lofted a deep fly into center field that scored Strong from third.

Center fielder Alanna Shelley was called out for leaving early from second base, however, and the rally was squashed.

"I think that from the start we weren't doing the things we needed to do to beat a good team," Victor coach Shelly Collins said. "I think we were in a good position, it just wasn't our best game."

The Vikings made them pay in the bottom of the seventh, taking a more aggressive stance on the basepaths. Taylor led off with a single up the middle and then Danielle Grage reached on a bobbled bunt to the third baseman.

Both runners advanced on a passed ball that squirted past DeMarco and then, with two outs, Taylor scored when Strong delivered a wild pitch. After seven years of frustration and close calls, Kempski finally had her Section 5 block.

"I told the girls it was now or never," she said. "This group of girls has gone 93-10 and this was the only thing missing."

For the Victor girls, who had high expectations returning the majority of their players from the state semifinalist last season, it was a bitter ending.

"The level of disappointment is high," Victor coach Shelly Collins said. "The seniors have been so good and such a big part of our program, I just feel bad for them."

Shelley, DeMarco, Maddie Reese, Becky Allen and Strong were all named to the All-Tournament team and the Blue Devils finish up with a 19-5 record.

Geneva's Liz Toner also made the All-Tourney team.

Copyright 2010 MPNnow. Some rights reserved

 
The Regional's were at Niagara Falls HS on June 8th
 
Class A @ 4:00  THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER - THANKS GIRLS!

 NIAGARA FALLS — "One team. One dream."

That's the slogan on the T-shirts worn by Pittsford Mendon softball players, who are now one win closer to the ultimate prize: a state title.



The Vikings jumped on top early in Tuesday's Class A state tournament quarterfinals and stayed in control throughout in a 6-1 win over Section VI's Amherst at Niagara Falls High School.

Mendon (22-2), a first-time Section V champ, plays at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the semifinals at Waterloo High School against Massena (Section X) or South Glens Falls (II).

"These girls have believed this is their time," said coach Maureen Kempski, whom players sang "Happy Birthday" to on the field after the win.

It was that kind of day for the Vikings.

They went ahead 2-0 in the first inning when Maddie Reese scored after the Amherst left fielder dropped Mackenzie Koffenberger's fly ball, and an RBI single by senior Ali Taylor.

Reese and catcher Kelsey McManus added run-scoring singles in the third inning to make it 4-0 and Mendon tacked on two more runs in the fourth on hits by sisters Danielle and Brittany Grage. Danielle doubled and Brittany singled off hard-throwing junior Erin Dixson.

"We really did our homework. We were looking online at her," Reese, a junior, said of watching a YouTube video of Dixson pitching. "It gave us an idea of how fast she throws."

Mendon cranked up the speed on a pitching machine in practice to get acclimated, and banged out nine hits. Amherst managed only four off Brittany Grage, a junior right-hander who struck out only four, walked two and hit two batters. She improved to 15-0 with a 0.24 earned-run average.

Dixson had two of those hits, but Amherst ran itself out of a couple of rallies and Reese turned in two clutch plays at second.

Reese dived to make a backhand stop in the fifth inning. She tried to tag second base with her glove and get a force out but couldn't reach. The ball popped out but freshman shortstop Courtney Case made a heads-up play by grabbing the ball and touching the bag.

Reese's high throw to first allowed Amherst to score later in that inning, but she redeemed herself with another gem in the seventh. She made a good backhand stop up the middle and lunged with her left foot to tag the base and get the important first out.

"Typical Maddie," McManus said.

Dixson's double set up a second-and-third situation with one out in the sixth, but she tried to score on a wild pitch and McManus delivered a perfect shovel throw to Grage, who tagged out Dixson.

With two runners on and one out in the seventh, Amherst tried a delayed double steal as McManus tossed the ball back to Grage. But Grage fired to third baseman Kasey Pollott, who tagged out the lead runner.

"I was surprised with the score that they did that because we have a very strong infield," Kempski said.

JDIVERON@DemocratandChronicle.com

On to the Final Four:

Pittsford Mendon loses in Class A softball final
MATT WEINSTEIN • STAFF WRITER • JUNE 13, 2010

 
WATERLOO — Even though the end was upon them, the Pittsford Mendon softball team ran out each hit and chanted for their teammates like it was the first inning.

That type of passion will be something coach Maureen Kempski will never forget about this group of girls.

"It's an incredible bunch of kids who always believed they were better together than by themselves," said Kempski, whose team won its semifinal but lost 7-0 to Pearl River of Section I in the NYSPHSAA Class A championship game Saturday at Waterloo High School. "Their talent and desire gave us 20 wins in a row and it ran out in the final. Even in the seventh inning the girls believed they could come back."

Pearl River took a 6-0 lead after scoring five runs in the second inning. The Pirates (24-3), who defeated defending state champion Floral Park of Section VIII in the semifinals, added another run in the seventh to clinch their first title.

"We accomplished a lot as a group and we would never give up at the end when we worked so hard all season," said captain Ali Taylor, a five-year starter. "I could tell this year was different the first day of practice and although we didn't win the state title we went the farthest in school history."

The Vikings (23-3) only mustered four hits against Pearl River pitcher Katie O'Flynn. Maddie Reese finished 2-for-3 with a double and pitcher Brittany Grage, who tossed a four-hitter earlier in the day in the semifinals, pitched all seven innings again and struck out two while allowing eight hits for Mendon.

"Brittany has been a workhorse for us all season," Kempski said. "She wanted to be on that mound."

Grage, a junior, struck out nine as the Vikings defeated South Glens Falls of Section II 4-2 in the semifinals. After allowing a leadoff single in the seventh inning, Grage struck out the final three batters of the game to send her team to the final.

"She shined so much all season," Taylor said. "It was tough for her today pitching two games but she pitched well right to the end."

Reese scored twice in the game for Mendon, which had four hits.

This is a special group and I can't imagine not having them together next year," said Kempski, who returned her entire team from last year. "All of the seniors always gave me 100 percent and they were just an amazing group."

MWEINSTE@DemocratandChronicle.com

   NCAA Eligibility information – Coach Kempski has it if you are thinking of playing at the college level - Make sure you talk to your counselor if you are interested in playing Division II or I.

Graduates - It was great to see many of you over break. Remember - "A successful team beats with one heart" - near or far - you are always a part of MHS SB - and close in our hearts. Good luck with your studies and for those of you continuing your softball careers - believe in yourselves - we believe in you!
Stop by anytime -  You are always welcome at any of our activities!  We were so happy that so many of you were there to celebrate with us - we love you all!



 

Email: maureen_kempski@pittsford.monroe.edu
I have downloaded our schedule from schedulesonline.org. link to schedule is below

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