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GCC acknowledges recruiting violation by volleyball coach

By Howard B. Owens

GCC officials today acknowledged that popular volleyball coach Roger Majeski violated recruiting rules, but asserted that GCC officials brought the violation to the attention of the athletic governing board.

The National Junior Athletic Association suspended Majeski, as first reported in The Batavian, for a recruiting violation. The team was also forced to forfeit five games, and the freshman player is ineligible for the remainder of the season.

School officials today issued a press release that said the school was fully cooperative with the NJCAA and agreed the organization's response was appropriate.

Majeski reportedly personally paid for a visit to Batavia by a recruit from California, and in such circumstances, the player must return home within 48 hours. In this case, the player did not return home within the stipulated time.

Full press release after the jump:

Batavia, NY – In response to a recent inquiry, Genesee Community College Athletics Department has confirmed that the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has issued a statement of disciplinary action relating to Roger Majeski, Genesee’s Women’s Volleyball Coach. The action came about as a result of a single recruitment violation. Coach Majeski has been suspended from Genesee’s next seven volleyball matches. The action also required that the Women’s Volleyball team forfeit the first five games of this season. 

Coach Majeski personally funded a recruitment visit of a prospective volleyball player from California. NJCAA Guidelines stipulate that prospective players must either pay for their own transportation, or return to their home residence after a 48 hour period. The player did not meet the required time stipulation for returning home.

Coach Majeski took full responsibility for not staying within the guidelines. Both he and Margaret Sisson, Genesee’s Athletic Director, acknowledge the appropriateness of the NJCAA findings and their actions. Ms. Sisson was quick to point out that the action by the NJCAA came about only after the College found about the violation and the College self-reported the issue to the NCJAA. Ms. Sisson said that while it is regrettable, the College feels it must adhere to the spirit and the literal interpretation of the rules and regulations established by the NJCAA. ]

Freshman pacers in NYSS Late Closers at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The summer-fall meet continued on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs Casino, with three divisions of New York Sire Stakes Late Closers for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each carrying a purse of $12,800.

Steel Rein was the fastest of the three divisional winners, going coast to coast in 1:58.2. William Bailey was in the sulky for trainer Ann Yurenka. The Teeth Of The Dog-Mindy’s Sister gelding had to withstand a serious challenge from Lislea Reardon (John Stark, Jr.) around the last turn before going on to a one length score. Steel Rein is now a three-time winner for owners Nancy Swede and New York Standardbreds LTD.

Talk To Tony, with Vernon Downs regular Jimmy Whittemore, did all the talking in the final Late Closer of the evening, as he held off odds-on favorite Park Lane Midnight and Stephane Bouchard to win by one length in 1:58.4, in wire-to-wire fashion. Talk To Tony, an Artiscape-Muggins Hanover gelding, is owned by Jay Sears and John Campagnuolo. Ray Van Dreason does the conditioning. The win was Talk To Tony’s third of the season.

Favorite Bullville Player kicked off the Late Closers as he was put right on the lead by Stephane Bouchard and they never had an anxious moment, winning by a comfortable three lenghts in 2:00.2. Breeder Crevani Farms owns the Bettor’s Delight-Bullville Gabettie gelding. Steve Crevani is the trainer. The victory was Bullville Player's third of the 2009 campaign.

NYSS Late Closers continue next Wednesday night, Sept. 16, as the 2-year-old trotting fillies will be in town.

Pauline Seelster, with Ray Fisher, Jr., won the $9,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace. She was well driven by Ray Fisher, Jr., who took advantage of post one and a speed bias that produced eight gate-to-wire winners on the Wednesday evening program.  Dennis and Paula Cummings own the 7-year-old daughter of Camluck. Dennis Cummings is also the trainer. The win raised Pauline Seelster's lifetime bankroll to more than $189,000.

America’s oldest lighted harness track is currently racing every Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday night, post time is 7:05 p.m.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino 

Photo: Talk to Tony with Jimmy Whittemore taking the final Late Closer of the evening.
Photo courtesty of Paul White.

Alexander Knocks off Attica

By Chad Flint

Alexander played at Attica Wednesday night and came away with a strong 7-0 victory.  Alexander took a bit to get going but once they took control of the game they didn't slow down.

In the 13th minute Senior Defender Jamie Neth took a pass from fellow Senior Defender Leah Johnson and sent a high shot over the keepers head for the 1-0 lead.  5 minutes later Senior Forward Anna Dominick headed a corner kick from Junior Defender Savannah Vanson to make it 2-0.  Junior Forward Megan Schmieder made it 3-0 in the 27th minute (assists to Junior midfielders Autumn Atkinson and Kylie Bank).  3 minutes later Freshman Forward Abby Shilvock made it 4-0 (assists to Dominck and Bank).  A mere 2 minutes later Neth had her 2nd of the game (unassisted) to make the halftime score 5-0.

In the 2nd half Alexander continued to control play but wasn't getting the ball to the front of the net until Junior Midfielder Claire Hartl won a 50/50 ball and scored in the 31st minute (unassisted).  With 90 seconds left in the game Dominick had her 2nd (assisted by Atkinson) making the final 7-0.

Junior Goalkeeper Hannah Wilson made 3 saves for her 2nd shutout of the season with a strong help from her defense of Neth, Johnson, VanSon, Freshman Gabby Kwaitek, Junior Taylor Antinore, and Junior Summer Bliss.

Alexander moves to 2-0 on the season and is off until they face Holley at home next Tuesday.

GCC's much-heralded volleyball coach suspended by NJCAA

By Howard B. Owens

GCC volleyball coach Roger Majeski has been suspended for an apparent recruitment violation, a spokesman for the National Junior College Athletic Association confirmed this evening.

The NJCAA is also forcing the team to forfeit its games played with the player in question, and the player will be ineligible to play with the team for the remainder of the season. The player is reportedly a freshman who joined the team this year from California.

Mark Krug, director of sports information and media relations for NJCAA, confirmed the details in an e-mail, but said he could not say more about the situation.

Calls late this afternoon to GCC have not yet been returned.

Majeski is a highly regarded coach, having led the GCC team since 1987 and notching more than 800 wins in his career. His teams have made 11 appearances at the national tournament, and he's been awarded Region III Coach of the Year nine times, as well as AVCA Northeast/Southeast Regional Coach of the Year three times.  He has coached 14 All-American athletes.

Photo above is a file photo provided to The Batavian in December.

Batavia Muckdogs 2009 Year in Review

By Mollie Radzinski

37-39 record, 4th place in Pinckney Division, 12 games behind division leader

Longest win streak: 5 games, August 8-August 13

 

NYPL STATS LEADERS:

  • Alan Ahmady:46 runs (4th), 71 hits (T-9th), 47 walks (3rd), .407 OBP (2nd),
  • Devin Goodwin:19 doubles (T-5th)
  • Kyle Conley:8 homeruns (T-2nd)
  • Santo Maertz:26 games (T-8th)
  • LaCurtis Mayes:26 games (T-8th)</li>
  •  
  • As a team…

    Hitting: .249 BA (5th), 333 runs (5th), 630 hits (4th), 125 doubles (5th), 37 homeruns (3rd), 264 walks (5th), .357 SLG (4th),

    Pitching: 233 walks (5th fewest), 626 strikeouts (3rd)

    PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:

  • Alan Ahmady (June 29-July 5)
  • Kyle Conley (August 3-9, August 31-September 7)

    Moved on up:

  • Matt Carpenter:.219 BA, 2 homeruns, 9 RBI with Palm Beach Cardinals

 

  • Eric Fornataro:0-5, 5.24 ERA, 11 strikeouts with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Scott Schneider:1-3, 3.45 ERA, 29 strikeouts with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Jack Cawley:.222 BA, 2 homeruns, 13 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Xavier Scruggs:.295 BA, 7 homeruns, 33 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League Player of the Week August 3-9)
  • D’Marcus Ingram:.246 BA, 8 doubles, 11 RBI, 7 stolen bases with Quad Cities River Bandits
  • Ryde Rodriguez:.222 BA, 9 doubles, 19 RBI with Quad Cities River Bandits

 

Wayne Fuller to exit press box for Muckdogs games

By Howard B. Owens

There was a standing ovation in Dwyer Stadium on Saturday night, but it wasn't for a great diving catch, or a rare triple play or a bomb hit over the dead center field fence -- it was for the stadium announcer, Wayne Fuller.

Fuller, the voice of Batavia baseball for 25 years, announced his retirement from the PA mic, and the crowd paid Fuller the ultimate sporting honor -- a Standing-O.

Fuller, who also served as the official scorer, has been positioned in the Dwyer press box -- dubbed "Wayne's World" -- calling out starting line-ups and determining hits and errors through the baseball eras of the Trojans, Clippers and Muckdogs.

"There is a trick to determine when you leave on your own or are asked to leave," Fuller told the crowd. "I have decided this is my time to retire and leave the two jobs. As I have gotten older it has become harder, as they say today, to multi-task, and that's the principle reason for my decision."

Fuller continues on in his afternoon shift with WBTA and will also remain in the booth for high school and college games.

Fuller told me this morning he's looking forward to a trip to Alaska next summer -- a dream he couldn't fulfill while obligated to the Muckdogs for home-game announcing.

23rd Annual Batavia Area Jaycees Labor Day 5K Run/Walk Results

By Melissa George

And they are off!  2009 Batavia Area Jaycees Labor Day 5k Run/Walk

23rd Annual Batavia Area Jaycees Labor Day 5k Run/Walk                 First Name Last Name Town Age Time   1 Jon Valente Pavilion 18 18'01:80   2 Kevin Pawlak Albion 17 18'24:63   3 Eric Kowalik Akron 18 18"31:46   4 Kevin Sheehan Victor 47 18'37:00   5 Kevin Tillery Batavia 16 18'42:31   6 Guy Pirdy Castile 50 19'19:25   7 Max Lord Wyoming 16 19'22:52   8 Justin Cotter Batavia 17 19'27:50   9 Liz Valente Pavilion 16 19'31:07   10 Paul Jones Batavia 47 19'51:49   11 Jason Bibler   35 20'04:17   12 Aaron Sherman Batavia 27 20'04:95   13 Bill McMullen Batavia 56 20'12:50   14 Collin Mulcahy Batavia 15 20'19:87   15 Kenneth Scott   47 20'23:76   16 Paul Persia Batavia 58 20'35:00   17 Angela Jarvela Batavia 17 20'35:86   18 Rich Boyce Batavia 32 20'38:57   19 Luke Caila Oakfield 15 20'44:01   20 Eric Leffel Corfu 17 20'55:22   21 Bernie Valento Pavilion 43 21'08:29   22 Mark Heberger Rochester 54 21'23:80   23 Brian Hilburger Batavia 39 21'40:78   24 Jim  Lane Batavia 44 21'54:26   25 David Chua Batavia 42 22'06:75   26 Dennis Rettke Oakfield 50 22'08:27   27 Cody Mulcahy Batavia 17 22'23:60   28 Alan Seaner Akron 15 22'28:81   29 Guy Clark Batavia 49 22'35:35   30 Greg  Sharp Batavia 44 22'39:63   31 Jeffrey Scott Batavia 53 22'46:47   32 Zachary Shine Batavia 11 22'57:15   33 Ryan Fuller Batavia 13 22'57:93   34 Susan Francis Batavia 43 23'19:60   35 Lauren Ciurzynski Attica 17 23'23:14   36 Pam Johnson Canandaigua 47 23'29:31   37 Rick Erb Rushville 61 23'29:90   38 Cory Berardi Brockport 30 23'45:99   39 Matt Surtell Batavia 35 23'51:95   40 Edward Jones Batavia 48 23'56:60   41 Nancy Jo Rademateur Alexander 38 23'57:89   42 Bill White Hilton 67 24'12:96   43 Kervin Jonathan Basom 15 24'24:51   44 Vernon Howard Elba 35 24'26:12   45 Jorden Prescott E. Bethany 15 24'35:07   46 Todd Masters Batavia 28 24'45:20   47 Tom Mancuso Batavia 53 24'46:48   48 Tom Hawkins Williamson 51 24'53:98   49 Deegah Lotz Akron 13 24'58:25   50 Bob Kowalik Akron 55 24'59:14   51 Matt Britt Batavia 55 25'00:11   52 Peter  Coughlin Elba 54 25'06:23   53 Jane Geer Batavia 46 25'25:22   54 Irwin Crosby South Byron 65 25'29:67   55 Mark Cutcliffe Pavilion 50 25'33:28   56 Kevin Clary Pavilion 52 25'45:16   57 James McGee Asheville, NC 63 26'14:42   58 David Ciurzynski Attica 43 26'15:92   59 Sid Bolton Albion 67 26'33:80   60 Jessica Maurer Corfu 22 27'14:69   61 Carolyn Kriesen Webster 66 27'19:72   62 Bailee Welker Batavia 13 27'30:08   63 Mitzie Lenandawski Rochester 62 28'24:27   64 Jerry Godfrey Batavia 33 28'24:75   65 Joe Nicosia Corfu 25 28'26:59   66 John Albone Medina 48 28'34:59   67 Stephen Priber Batavia 56 28'54:60   68 Kevin Nickerson Byron 14 28'56:77   69 Janice Spiotta Batavia 52 29'02:54   70 Laurinda Liszewski Batavia 45 29'24:45   71 Jenna Mancuso Batavia 14 29'28:19   72 Jinny Mancuso Batavia 45 29'29:52   73 Debra Gisleson Canandaigua 31 29'55:30   74 Brenda Hoffman-Case Batavia 37 30'06:03   75 Al  Smith Rochester 71 30'23:41   76 Taylor Soule Albion 14 31'33:79   77 Norm Greiner Rochester 69 31'42:04   78 Loren Jones Basom 58 31'43:61   79 Gregory Vleck Rochester 60 31'55:11   80 William  Carrigan Pavilion 56 32'01:63   81 Colleen Morrissey Amhesrt  31 32'05:68   82 Jame Haggett Batavia 41 32'14:57   83 Andrew Kiebala LeRoy 28 32'33:48   84 Christine Nickerson Byron 45 32'44:64   85 Brad Nickerson Byron 47 32'44:98   86 Samantha Hilburger Batavia 14 33'15:12   87 Christian Valento Pavilion 10 35'40:36   88 Missy Valento Pavilion 45 35'42:71   89 Dick Lewandowski Rochester 65 35'44:46   90 Dot Carrigan Pavilion 51 36'23:88   91 Edye Radice Tonawanda 72 36'27:69   92 Margaret Peri Batavia 55 37'00:68   93 Brytney Orbaker Batavia 15 37'37:03   94 Lynn Pierce Stafford 56 51'34:24   95 Jodi Wolcott Oakfield 48 52'44:81   96 Don Cyprys Amhesrt  74 54'08:43  

Arm And A Leg victorious again in Batavia Open Handicap

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Again proving he’s the best pacer in Western New York, the popular sidewheeler Arm And A Leg was victorious in the $8,500 Open Handicap on Saturday night (Sept-5) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Arm And A Leg was sent right to the front by Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and they never had an anxious moment in cruising to an easy 5-1/4 length score in 1:54 flat. Triple Bars (Jimmy Whisman) was second and Oh Gee Whiz (Jim McNeight) completed the top three.

This was Arm And A Leg’s third Open win during the 2009 Summer-Fall meet and his 10th win this season. He’s a 6-year-old son of Nobleland Sam. John Cummings Sr. trains and co-owns with Mark Jakubik. Going off as the favorite Arm And A Leg paid $4.30 to win.

America’s oldest lighted Harness track will present a special Labor Day matinee program; post time is 1:15 p.m. Food specials include an $8.00 Chicken Barbeque and $1.00 Hot Dogs served in the Paddock room and a $6.95 lunch buffet in the Clubhouse, all available from noon until 4 p.m.

In addition to live racing from August to December, Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor, featuring over 600 of the area’s hottest slot machines is open from 10:00 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily. For more information call 585-343-3750 or go on-line at www.bataviadownsasino.com.

Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo of Arm And A Leg with Kevin Cummings cruising  to victory in Batavia featured pace. Courtesy of Paul White.
 

Batavia Drops Third Straight With One Game to Go

By Mollie Radzinski

As the season winds down, the Muckdogs (37-38) couldn’t provide a win in their last game at home, losing 7-3 to the Jammers (33-42).  Batavia was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position on the night.

The offense was scattered with one run each in the 4th, 7th and 8th innings.  In the 4th, Kyle Conley doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch and came home a batter later on a sacrifice fly by Niko Vasquez.

Later in the 7th, Ivan Castro singled and Devin Goodwin hit a RBI double.  And in the 8th, Conley placed his eighth homerun of the season over the left field wall.

Michael Blazek (4-9, 4.50) picked up the loss as the starter going four and two-thirds innings with four runs (three earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out six.  Daniel Calhoun followed him with three runs, six hits and four strikeouts in four innings.  Santo Maertz pitched to two batters in the 9th with one strikeout.

Kyle Conley ended the night 2-for-3 with a double and a homerun.  It was his second consecutive night with a both a two-base hit and a round-tripper.  Ivan Castro also had two hit, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Batavia finishes up the season Sunday in Jamestown.

Notre Dame blanks Pembroke in season opener

By Howard B. Owens

De-fense. De-fense. De-fense.

A crushing Notre Dame defense led the Fighting Irish to a 21-0 victory over Pembroke.

Pembroke managed only 15 yards of total offense in the first half, while Mike Pratt lead Notre Dame on offense all game, ripping some big runs while Nick Bochicchio connected with Gianni Zambito on two touchdown passes.

The Irish scored on their first possession after Pratt marched the team down the field before Bochicchio hit Zambito on a 35-yard bomb.

A missed field goal by Matt Thompson deprived Notre Dame of the chance to score a second time in the first quarter.

Thompson would redeem himself later in the came when he recovered from a bad snap to get off a great punt.

After two long runs in the second quarter, Pratt dove in from the three-yard line to put the Fighting Irish up 14-0.

In the second half, Pembroke continued to struggle on offense, putting up only a couple of first downs, and finished the game with less than 100 yards total offense.

Notre Dame's final score came in the third quarter when Bochicchio found Zambito again for a 31-yard strike.

Thanks to a reader for the info.

New track records posted at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- As advertised the New York sired 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers were expected to put on quite a show, Friday night (Sept-4) at Batavia Downs Casino, and show they did not only breaking the track record once but in all three divisions.

Getting Personal’s 1:53.2 record for 3-year-old male pacers, set in 1993, was clearly on the line with 22 extremely talented sophomores in town to compete for more than $200,000 in New York Sire Stakes money.

It didn’t take long for a new record to be established as it came in the very first race. OK Braveheart, with Jim Morrill, Jr., went right to the front, opened an insurmountable lead at the half and cruised to a 10-1/2 length score in 1:52.2 to break the previous record by a full second. The final time was just two-fifths of a second off Kenneth J’s 1:52 all-age track record.

OK Braveheart (Bettor's Delight-Color Me Beachy) scored his ninth win of the season and raised his 2009 bankroll to more than $199,000 for owners David Scharf, Rick Phillps and Chuck Pompey. Former Batavia Downs trainer Chris Oakes is the conditioner. OK Braveheart is currently the points leader for the New York Bred Night of Champions finals to be held at Vernon Downs on September 26.

““He felt so good. I just let him roll,” reinsman Jim Morrill, Jr. said. “If I would have chased after him he might have paced in :51 (1:51) and a piece.”

Morrill also drove Kenneth J to the all-age record last year.

Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association made a special presentation.

Division two, the slowest of the three divisions, wasn’t slow at all; in fact it was faster than Getting Personal's previous record.

Handsome Harry (Dream Away-Princess Jocelyn), again with Jim Morrill, Jr., brushed to command coming to the half and paced a :28 final stanza to score in 1:53. Mark Ford is the trainer. Ralph Del Priore, Jr. and Harry Doyle are the owners of Handsome Harry, who notched his 12th win of the season. His 2009 earnings now stand at more than $211,000.

The last, but certainly not least, NYSS division came in race nine. This race would be the closest of the three with the unbeaten gelding Go Go Solano (Bettor's Delight-Real Excitement) and Aaron Merriman and the very well regarded colt Hypnotic Blue Chip and Jim Morrill, Jr. hooking up around final turn and putting on quite a stretch battle.

Pacing his last quarter in a sizzling :27.2, Hypnotic Blue Chip was able to get up at the wire to prevail by a quarter-length in 1:52.3 over the previously unbeaten Mark Capone-trained gelding. Capone was the trainer of former track record holder Getting Personal.

Hypnotic Blue Chip’s (Art Major-A Traceofmagic) 11th win of 2009 raised his seasonal earnings to more than $360,000 for owners Rachel Frost, Stable 45, Robert Murphy and Mark Harder, who is also the trainer.

“I had to work harder than I thought I would,” Morrill said in the winner’s circle. “I’m a little out of breath, that other horse (Go Go Solano) gave us all we wanted.”

For the second time this season Morrill swept all three NYSS divisions.

Live racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track continues this holiday weekend on Saturday night; post time is 7:05 p.m. The Downs will present a special matinee racing program on Labor Day, post time is 1:15 p.m.

                      #   #   #   #
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Pictured, OK Braveheart. Photo courtesy Paul White.

Muckdogs final home game tonight at Dwyer!

By Russ Salway

The Batavia Muckdogs take on the Jamestown Jammers tonight at 7:05pm. This will be the last home game for the Muckdogs 2009 season.  Its Fan Appreciation Night and also Rock the Park Night at Dwyer! Come on out for a beautiful Saturday night of great baseball action at the best baseball venue in WNY! There isn't a bad seat at all in Dwyer stadium.  The fun starts at 6:05pm with the pregame concert by Papa and Mama Root presented by Tim Horton's of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact. Enjoy great end of summer fun at Dwyer with your Batavia Muckdogs!

Batavia Blue Devils drop opening game 33-11

By Howard B. Owens

Miscues and mistakes sent the Batavia Blue Devils to an opening season defeat tonight.

Batavia dropped the game to Greece Arcadia 33 to 11.

After grabbing a quick 3-0 lead on a field goal by Renee Glafenhein (an exchange student from Germany), the Blue Devils quickly let the game slip away with turn overs.

The long snapper twice sent the ball sailing over the punter's head. One of the missed snaps led to a safety.

QB Joe Canzoneri lead the Blue Devils to the team's first score with a key play. He had the ball knocked from his hands, but was able to scoop it up and find a wide open Joe Pedro for a critical first down.

But the Blue Devil's defense couldn't overcome the powerful running of Greece Arcadia's Joe Britton, who carried the ball 26 times for 166 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

For the Blue Devils, senior Spencer Byrne and junior Fred Gemp each had eight tackles and combined for four sacks.

Scoring summary:
Batavia - FG Rene Glafenhein 29
Greece Arcadia - Joe Britton 24 run (Kyle Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - Coty Paige 9 pass Josh Hotchkiss (Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - FG Reilly 24
Greece Arcadia - Britton 2 run (Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - Safety (Forced punt)
Greece Arcadia - Hotchkiss 14 run (Reilly kick)
Batavia - Mitch Francis 39 pass Joe Canzoneri (Vin Pedro run)

Thanks to a reader for the info.

Alexander 1 Byron-Bergen 0

By Chad Flint

Byron-Bergen visited Alexander Friday evening in the opening game for Alexander and the 2nd game of the season for Byron-Bergen.  BB entered the game with an 0-1 record after suffering a 3-0 loss to Kendall earlier in the week.

Alexander came out hot in the beginning moving the ball down the field and creating a couple scoring chances that didn't find the net.  After the first 10 minutes BB settled in and controlled the play for the remaining 30 minutes of the first half with some excellent short passing and ball control.  Despite their large advantage in possession time BB struggled to create any dangerous scoring chances.  The most dangerous scoring chance in the first half was created by Alexander when Senior Forward Anna Dominick sent a cross from the left side of the field to the back post where Junior Forward Morgan Mattice was making a great back post run but her sliding attempt at goal was wide and the score remained 0-0.  Tessa Bigelow hit a great shot from 25 yards out but Amanda Brown made a diving stop to keep Alexander off the board a few minutes later.  BB had a cross to the front of the net late in the first half but the volley was put over the bar.

The 2nd half was more of the same with BB controlling the play but not creating much as far as scoring chances.  Dominick had a great chance midway through the 2nd half but Brown again came up with a diving stop.  Alexander had another great chance with 10 minutes left in the 2nd half when Junior Autumn Atkinson sent a direct kick to the back post and Junior Claire Hartl headed the ball just wide.  BB's Stacey Maskell had a breakaway late in the 2nd half but was challenged by Junior GoalKeeper Hannah Wilson and was unable to get a shot off before Wilson pounded on the ball.

In OT Alexander settled down a bit and began to move the ball around.  Sophomore Julia Pettys had a great run at the start of the 2nd OT but was unable to get a shot off as the last defender took the ball off her foot.  BB looked to have the game's first goal with under 5 minutes left off a corner kick but Junior Amber Finan headed the ball off the goal line just as the ball was about to find the net.

With under 30 seconds in the left Alexander finally found the net as Freshman Abby Shilvock sent a cross from the right side of the field into the center of the 18 yard box where Dominick beat 2 defenders and the goalkeeper with a shot low in the right corner of the net.  Alexander killed off the last 30 seconds of the game and the final was 1-0 in favor of the home team.

With the win Alexander is now 1-0 on the season while Byron-Bergen falls to 0-2. 

 

Howard, Thanks for Muckdog Tickets

By Bea McManis

Howard,

Thank you, so much, for the tickets to the Muckdog game.  Sue, the grandchildren and great grandchildren had a ball.  It was the perfect night to be at the game.

Your generosity is appreciated.

Bea

Muckdogs Shutout by Spikes

By Mollie Radzinski

Batavia’s (36-35) offense couldn’t match State College’s (35-36) pitching as the Muckdogs only had four hits on the night and were retired in order in seven out of nine innings.  They also struggled on defense, coming up with three errors that resulted in three unearned runs.

 Joseph Kelly (2-3, 5.27) started the game, going four innings with four runs (two earned), four hits, two walks and four strikeouts.  Deryk Hooker also went four innings with three runs (two earned) on two hits, two walks and six strikeouts.  Jonny Bravo pitched the 9th with one hit while striking out one.

 Devin Goodwin, Matthew Adams, Jon Edwards and Niko Vasquez were the only Muckdogs to pick up a hit.  Goodwin’s double was the only one for extra bases.

Free Muckdogs Tickets for Thursday from The Batavian

By Howard B. Owens

Let's meet up at Dwyer Stadium Thursday and take in the greatest show in town -- a Batavia Muckdogs baseball game.

The game against the Auburn Doubledays is the next to last home game of the season, and I have free tickets available.

Between what the Muckdogs gave me for advertisers' appreciation night (because The Batavian was a sponsor this year) and the unused season tickets I have -- I have 28 tickets available.

E-mail me your request for tickets and we can either arrange for you to stop by the office to pick them up or meet me before the game and I'll give them to you.

Game time is 7:05 p.m. and my e-mail address is howard (at) the batavian dot com.

Request as many tickets as you like, just make sure you can use them. First come, first served.

I usually set in the third-base bleachers and you're welcome to join me for the game. Heck, I might even let you buy me a beer.

Alexander Girl's Soccer Preseason Update #3

By Chad Flint

Alexander has finished up their scrimmages with a trip to Newark last Saturday and hosting Holley today.  On Saturday Alexander traveled out to Newark to scrimmage Marion, Bloomfield, Naples, Newark, Pal-Mac, Gananda, and Rush Henrietta in an 8 team scrimmage.  Alexander played Marion first and scored a goal (Amber Finan from Anna Dominick) and didn't allow any in the 2 25 minute halves.  Alexander faced Pal-Mac next and in the first half Pal-Mac scored while Alexander didn't.  Then the weather turned nasty and the rest of the scrimmage had to be cancelled.  Alexander looked strong in their 2nd scrimmage of the pre-season creating many scoring chances but failing to capitalize on all but one.

Today Alexander hosted Holley in a different type of scrimmage.  The teams played 6v6 for the first 75 minutes of the scrimmage in 3 25 minute periods and then played 9v9 for the final 25.  Both teams looked very good as these two teams should be two of the strongest teams in the GR.  There were 4 returning GR All-Stars on the field with both goalies (Junior Hannah Wilson from Alexander and Junior Julie Brooks from Holley), 9th grade forward Abby Shilvock from Alexander (who was an all-star defender last season) and Midfielder Emily Troup from Holley. 

Alexander opens up the season on Friday at home against Bergen while Holley opens up next Wednesday (the 9th).

Finishing out our Alexander player bios:

Junior defender Taylor Antinore - played on the JV team last year as the sweeper will move to an outside defender this season and is expected to be a big time contributor on Alexander's back line.  One of the fastest girls in the GR during indoor and outdoor track, her speed allows her to run almost any player down if she does get beat.  An indredibly tough player both mentally and physically.

Junior Midfielder/Forward Kylie Bank - played on the JV team last season as an outside midfielder and a forward.  Has a great cross and a powerful shot and is a very experienced player.  She has seen time on the varsity field during both her 9th and 10th grade season in sectionals and will contribute some key minutes off the bench this season.  Has 54 club goals and 26 club assists in 278 club games.

Junior Defender/Midfielder Summer Bliss - played on the JV team last year as a central defender.  Will play several positions off the bench this season including central and outside defense and all 4 midfield positions as well.  A very physically strong player who is excellent out of the air and has the ability to get forward.  A very strong player on set pieces and had 2 goals on corner kicks this summer on the 16 and under team.  Has 214 club games primarily as a defender.

Junior Forward/Midfielder Megan Schmieder - played on the JV team last year primarily as a forward.  A great ball handling forward who has excellent touch on her shots from distance.  A very strong passer and above average out of the air.  Is expected to contribute some important minutes up front and in the midfield this year.  Has 76 club goals and 34 club assists in 377 club games.

Sophomore Midfielder/Forward Julia Pettys - spent most of the season on the varsity team last season where she had 2 goals and 4 assists primarily as a forward.  Will play both outside mid and forward this year.  Is an incredibly fast player who can handle the ball, distribute the ball, and is one of the better finishers in and around the net on the team.  Despite her size she is very good out of the air and is a very physical defender.  She has 102 goals and 21 assists in 221 club games.

Freshman Midfielder/Forward (and defender) Abby Shilvock - was a starter on Alexander's defense last year as an 8th grader and earned all-league honors in that position.  Is a great ball handler, strong finisher, and has great touch on her short passes.  Strong with both of her feet and has begun to step up her physical play and play out of the air.  Has the ability to play several different postions including an outside defender, outside midfield, and forward.  Has the potential to be an all-league player at all 3 positions as well.  She has 66 goals and 9 assists in 92 club games (she played for Holley Soccer Club this summer).

Freshman Defender Gabby Kwiatek - started every game but one last season as an 8th grade defender and is a physical presence on the field as well as being one of Alexander's best 1v1 defenders.  Strong out of the air, can play the ball with both feet, has great touch on her short passes, and is a very hard worker during games.  Played on 3 teams this summer (U14 girls, U14 boys, and Women's team) and has improved a great deal.  Has the potential to be a great shut down defender in the very near future.  Has played 139 club games primarily as a defender.

Thats the varsity team, I will profile a few JVs that will see some varsity action before our first game.

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