McQuaid’s Cole Englert and Pittsford Mendon’s Cam Barbulean were two of the seven players to be named Sectional MVPs after their teams won titles this past weekend.
Englert hurled two complete games in Game 1 and 3 of the three-game Section V Class AAA Championship Series. In the deciding game, Englert allowed seven hits and struck out six in an 11-6 win. After allowing a run in the first, McQuaid responded with a six-spot in the bottom half, then a four-run sixth inning to take control. Englert led the Knights to their 10th Section V Championship and first since 2022.
Barbulean fanned 16 and only allowed three hits to lift Pittsford Mendon in the Class A title game 7-1. After allowing a run in the third, the southpaw retired the next nine batters to allow the Vikings to cruise to the title. Barbulean also added an RBI double in the second inning. The Vikings captured their fifth title in program history and first since 2001.
Jake DiCicco garnered the honor from Webster Thomas for his efforts in the Class AA title game, winning 4-3. DiCicco started and went six innings for the Titans, allowing three runs on six hits, but stranded runners at first and third in the sixth inning, after Churchville-Chili cut the deficit to one. The win extended Webster Thomas’ win streak to 14 and into the NYS Quarterfinals.
Wellsville’s Karson Grover was named Class B MVP after driving in two runs and scoring twice in the Tigers’ 4-3 win in the title game. Grover led Wellsville to its 16th Section V title and ninth win in a row.
Geneseo’s Luke Davis fanned 10 batters over 5.2 innings of work on the mound, powering Geneseo 12-3 in the Class C1 title game. At the dish, the senior added a base hit and a run scored to help himself. Geneseo captured its 15th win in a row and first title since 2018.
In Class C2, Kendall’s Gavin Braun hurled a shutout and allowed five hits in a 6-0 win to give the Eagles their second title in program history and first since 1999. The right-handed hurler faced the minimum in the first, second and fourth innings.
Fillmore’s Damon Potter garnered MVP honors in Class D, after going 9.1 innings on the mound, allowing four runs on 10 hits, striking out seven. Fillmore broke the 4-4 tie in the 12th inning to avenge last year’s championship defeat and win its first sectional title since 2022.
The season continues with NYS First Round and Quarterfinal play this week. On Wednesday, Wellsville will face off against Medina (VI) in the NYS Class B First Round. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Colburn Park. The winner faces Section IV winner Oneonta on Saturday at a location to be determined.
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Then, Pittsford Mendon and Amherst (VI) open up NYS Quarterfinal play at Innovative Field on Friday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. After, McQuaid and Niagara Falls (VI) clash in the NYS Class AAA Quarterfinal at 7 p.m., also at Innovative Field.
On Saturday, the NYS Class AA Quarterfinals between Webster Thomas and Williamsville East (VI) open up a three-game slate. First pitch is at 10 a.m. at Innovative Field. At 11 a.m., the Class C Quarterfinal between Kendall and Gowanda (VI) gets underway at Dwyer Stadium. The Class D NYS Quarterfinal between Fillmore and Franklinville (VI) is set for noon at McDonough Park in Geneva.
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