by TYLER HATHAWAY
CANANAIGUA, N.Y– Top-seeded Webster Schroeder faced cross-town rival and No. 3 seed Webster Thomas for the Section V Class AA championship on Saturday, and came away with a 9-1 win. The win gives the Warriors (21-2) their third sectional title in the past four seasons.
“It feels amazing,” Webster Schroeder head coach Meaghan Keil described. “Our seniors are such great leaders and such great people. If anyone deserves it, it’s them. They work so hard day in and day out. These kids just know how to win.”
“It feels awesome,” said pitcher Liana DeValder. “We’ve worked so hard for this. On and off the field we’ve mentally prepared for this. I can’t even explain how happy I am.”
DeValder was named MVP of the game. The right-hander pitched the full game, struck out seven batters, and allowed four hits. At the plate, she contributed a double, two RBI, a run scored, and a walk drawn.
“I’m honored to be playing with such an amazing group of girls, they really do back me up, but to be awarded that feels great,” said DeValder.
“ I mean she’s amazing,” Keil said of her ace. “She works hard, she’s a great teammate, she’s funny, she’s humble. She deserves every accolade.”
Webster Schroeder played three postseason games on its way to the block. The one run allowed to Webster Thomas was the only score the team gave up throughout the entirety of sectionals.
“Defense is what we preach,” Keil explained. “Our philosophy is defense wins championships, and if you were to come to one of our practices you’d see how hard we work defensively. Obviously we have a great pitcher, a great catcher, but our defense is just solid.”
Offensively the Warriors found success as well. Three runs in the third inning and four runs in the sixth inning helped Schroeder control the game.
“We knew we had to be aggressive at the plate,” said Keil. “We knew we had to be aggressive on good pitches and patient on not. And once we figured out the strike zone we knew we were gonna sit and be aggressive on good stuff.”
Leah Murray paced the offense for Webster Schroeder, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. Amber Kohlmeier singled twice. Elizabeth Baglieri singled, drew a walk, and crossed home plate three times. Sarah Ferruzza had an RBI double and was walked. Emmalynn Juliano singled and scored. Ava West and Kinsley Keil each scored and drew a walk, with Keil adding an RBI.
For Webster Thomas (18-6), Madeleine Throumoulos had an RBI single for the Titans’ lone run. Ella Maloney singled and scored. Molly Sweeney singled and was walked. Eliya Hagan singled. Madison Hicks pitched two and two third innings and struck out a batter. Olivia Bowers pitched three and a third innings, struck out four batters, and allowed one earned run.
“We’re always competing, we’re always there,” said Keil. “They come in, they know the expectations, and they’re ready to compete.”
Webster Schroeder advances to the Far West Regional, where it will take on the winner of Williamsville East (VI) and Clarence (VI).
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