Meet Section V softball's top outfielders in 2024: The list
PENFIELD — Section V softball fans know Fairport senior centerfielder Nicole Allen very well.
Allen, a five-year varsity softball player for coach Curt Johnson's Red Raiders, has been referred to as one of Section V's best outfielder by local coaches for many seasons. Whether she's chasing after fly balls or timely hits, Allen's presence has been a focus of opposing teams throughout her career. Best of all, Allen is a champion, playing a key role on Fairport's 2022 Section V Class AA title team.
It's no wonder why Allen is headed to Division I Stony Brook. She's a hawk in centerfield, creating a formidable outfield with senior Isi Hurlbut and junior Waverly Milliman. Second baseman Juliana Catalano and Allen are the best bats for a Fairport team filled with talent. The Red Raiders began 8-4 and scored at least 11 runs in six of those games. Their bats were alive during Friday's 11-3 win at Penfield.
"Throughout my career, I know my teammates always had my back, and that's what helps me perform. Their hype brings my play, basically. They fuel my fire," Allen said.
Nicole Allen, Fairport
COVID cut Allen's eighth-grade varsity season short, but she quickly made a name for herself once she saw the field. Through Friday, Allen is batting .438 with 21 hits and 11 RBIs. Her five triples are a team high. She's hit four doubles, scored 11 runs, and only struck out once as a left-handed hitter.
Allen's fellow outfielders are also playing well. Hurlbut is hitting .486, with 17 hits, 11 RBIs, a home run and four doubles. Milliman has 13 hits and seven RBIs with a .289 batting average.
Fairport appears to be a real contender in the newly formed Section V Class AAA. Now the largest classification in the section, Class AAA features four teams: Fairport; Rush-Henrietta, the 2023 Class AA champ; Franklin/World of Inquiry School; and Greece Storm. Fairport has defeated R-H twice, 17-2 and 15-5.
Kennedy Chizuk, Victor
A junior outfielder for the Blue Devils, Chizuk was pulled up for their 2023 postseason run to the Section V Class AA final. She's now standing out in her first full year on varsity. Coach Gina Potenza said Chizuk is very coachable.
"She's really been shining and taking development from the coaches, as far as knowing what our expectations are and putting them into practice," Potenza said.
Makenna Dunbar, Wellsville
A junior, Dunbar makes playing left field look easy, especially when joined by centerfielder Sawyer Burke and right fielder Averee Palmatier. Dunbar's greatest asset, though, may be her bat. As the No. 3 hitter for Wellsville (11-1), Dunbar is one of the most dangerous hitters in the state. Dunbar can hit for average and power. Her mighty swing resulted in three home runs during the 2023 state tournament. Dunbar is also a strong pitcher. Dunbar said Burke is "super speedy" and Palmatier makes plays when Wellsville needs them.
Katelyn Martin, Midlakes
The senior Screaming Eagle played left field last season. Martin has since moved to right field, a tribute to how versatile Midlakes' (13-3) outfielders are. Ariana Hicks, Danielle Cartwright, Kenzie Turner and Destiny Robinson each have played multiple outfield positions due to coach Kyle Sanders shuffling his lineup over the years. They've all "risen to the challenge".
"She works real hard. She's a gamer," Sanders said about Martin. "You can tell by the look on her face. She's always going to give you 100% and she's just a pleasure to have."
Cara Orlando, Pittsford Sutherland
The eighth-grade right fielder hit her first career home run in a come-from-behind 7-6 win over Midlakes Thursday. Orlando has transitioned into varsity very well. With just five returning players, coach Mike Scialo had to fill many positions, and confidently added Orlando to the lineup. At the plate, Orlando is hitting around .400 while batting in the middle and back of the lineup for Pittsford Sutherland (9-3).
"She's catching fly balls and making plays. She's our best outfielder by far," Scialo said.
Ava West, Webster Schroeder
An athletically gifted senior centerfielder, West is enjoying her third season with the Warriors. She covers ground with her speed and has a strong arm for relays. West is hitting .325 at the plate as part of a deep and talented lineup that's helped Schroeder (15-1) win its first 15 games.
"She's embraced her role and made huge improvements from last year to this year," coach Meaghan Keil said.
Abbie Whaley, Haverling
Due to an injury to the Rams' No. 2 hitter, Whaley has filled in well for an eighth-grader. She was pulled up from junior varsity midseason, and recorded her first varsity hit for Haverling (11-1) Friday, recording a double and two RBIs in a win at Hornell. Whaley made a clutch catch that boosted her confidence in a 10-inning, 1-0 win behind Kaili Witherell's 1-hitter at Victor Saturday morning. Right fielder Ryleigh Laverty and left fielder Emma Lafler were very encouraged by Whaley's play. The Rams have won 10 straight.
"She's killing it. ... She's doing great," coach Rachel Ratchford said.
Section V outfielders to watch
Athletes were nominated by Section V coaches and the Democrat and Chronicle staff. Coaches can email mslaughter1@gannett.com to include their softball players.
Nicole Allen, Fairport: (See above).
Malina Bellos, Caledonia-Mumford: Senior centerfielder leads team with .478 BA. Batting 22-46, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 16 R, 10 RBIs.
Melanie Bump, Alexander: Junior right fielder; 15-for-34, .441 BA, 3 2B, 5 RBIs, 8 R, 3 BB, 7 Ks, 2 SB.
Sawyer Burke, Wellsville: (See above).
Carly Cegielski, Greece Storm: Senior left fielder is also 3-1 as a pitcher, .343 BA, 10 RBIs, 7 SBs.
Laurel Cius, Attica: The eighth-grader dominates the outfield with her range and ability to track down any ball. Whether it's hit 10 feet in front or behind Cius, her defense knows she'll make a great play. At the plate, Cius has batted leadoff and No. 2; 14 hits, 11 RBIs.
Isabella Cochran, Caledonia-Mumford: Senior Left fielder; .396 BA, 19-48, 16 RBIs, 3 2B, 3 3B.
Ella Cooley, Irondequoit: The junior all-county centerfielder is having a solid season. Cooley is hitting .370 from the leadoff spot, covers a great deal of ground in the outfield, and has an "extremely" strong and accurate arm.
Carli Daniels, East Rochester: The senior has been on varsity for four years. Daniels began as a strong starting shortstop until her athleticism and leadership was needed in the outfield the last couple of years, and she's made the transition "flawlessly". Daniels is an "incredible" asset in the outfield with a keen eye for tracking the ball and a cannon of an arm to match. She is an admirable team captain and role model on and off the field.
Makenna Dunbar, Wellsville: (See above).
Abigail Fischer, Penn Yan: The sophomore is in her second season starting in centerfield. Fischer always backs up right and left field with her speed and throwing accuracy. She's a crucial part of multiple relays that resulted in outs. Fischer's a vital member on the field and at bat; 56% success rate in catching shots to centerfield; 8 hits, 4 SBs, 4 BBs, 2 RBIs, 9 runs.
Gabby Glanville, Brighton: The junior has 16 putouts and 17 total chances.
Audrey Gleghorn, Rush-Henrietta: The freshman outfielder has speed to burn, evident in her game-winning run during a 3-2 win over Penfield Monday. Gleghorn hit a leadoff single in the eighth inning and scored on Katie Militello's walk-off RBI.
Faith Goodenbury, Alexander: Junior centerfield is 13-for-31, .419 BA, 2B, 10 RBIs, 8 R, 3 BB, 6 Ks, 3 SBs.
Tee Tee Green, Eastridge: The sophomore and second year player is batting .311 BA, .875 OBP, 7 SB.
Eliya Hagan, Webster Thomas
Liv Hardeman, Churchville-Chili
Isidora Hurlbut, Fairport: (See above).
Emma Lafler, Haverling: (See above).
Ryleigh Laverty, Haverling: (See above).
Jayda M., Northstar Christian: The sophomore centerfielder and plays "great" defense, and she's batting well at leadoff hitter is in her third season; 2023: .509 BA, .620 OBP, 28 H, 4 2B, 13 SB; 2024: .458 BA, .606 OBP, 11 H, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 7 SB; following earning Private-Parochial first team all-star honors
Ella Maley, Penfield: The sophomore centerfielder and leadoff hitter makes every catch look easy with her "unbelievable" speed. "One the best teammates any team could have"; 25 TC, 24 PO, .333 AB, .850 OBP, 12 SB.
Ella Maloney, Webster Thomas: Left fielder for the reigning region champs.
Greta Marino, Pittsford Mendon
Ruby Marrapese, Webster Thomas: One of the fastest centerfielders in the section. Marrapese's performance against Webster Schroeder on May 1 was highlight reel worthy as she dove for two outs, and hawked fly balls with ease.
Katelyn Martin, Midlakes: (See above).
Lily Mellick, Wayland-Cohocton: Left fielder; .389 BA, .463 OBP, 14 H, 12 1B, 1 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBIs, 9 R, 4 BB, 1 HBP, 3 SB.
Waverly Milliman, Fairport: (See above).
Vanessa Ng, Brighton: The senior play at Division II Durham and study pre-health; .524 BA, .535 OBP, 16 1B, 3 2B, 1 HR, 36 TC, 2 A, 32 PO, .944% FPCT.
Averee Palmatier, Wellsville: (See above).
Maeve Petitti, Brockport: The senior speedy centerfielder paces the Blue Devils' offense. Petitti is slapper who hits leadoff and sets the tone; .580 BA, .675 OBP, team-high 24 R, 17 RBIs, 26 SB.
Sophia Picardo, Kendall: The freshman centerfielder scored the game-winning run, and drove in the tying run, during a walk-off win against Genesee Region rival Pembroke. Picardo is a defensive "stud" who's turned two double plays, made two "Sportscenter worthy" over-the-shoulder catches; .200 BA, .200 OBP, .280 SLG, 6 R, 3 SB, 5 RBI, .971 FPCT, 1 A, 14 PO, only 1 error.
Leanne Pierce, Friendship/Scio: Sophomore centerfielder.
Amarah Robinson, School of the Arts
Lydia Ross, Elba: A sophomore centerfielder in her second season. She moved from third base and pitcher. Ross has speed to cover a lot of ground. She is batting .380 and is a speedster with 7 stolen bases.
Kadence Sadler, Friendship/Scio: Freshman right fielder caught an out to save Nevaeh Ross' perfect game in a 6-0 win over Genesee Valley/Belfast on April 19.
Trinity Scott, Letchworth: The senior centerfielder has recovered from a torn ACL that sidelined her in 2023. Scott has found her rhythm a few games into 2024. The speedster has been a beast at the plate. She can slap hit and hits for power. She also has a strong arm. Scott will play at Alfred State; .375 BA, .412 OBP, 7 1B, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR.
Lexi Smith-Beauregard, Aquinas: An eighth-grade centerfielder; .382 BA, .417 OBS, 1.034 OPS, .618 ALG, 13 hits, 4 3B, 12 RBIs, 15 runs.
Jenelle Staples, Greece Storm: The sophomore is a "dominant" centerfielder who tracks down any ball and work the wall. Batting leadoff with a .368 batting average and 15 stolen bases.
Maddie Thompson, Elba: The senior right fielder/catcher is batting .500 and is willing to "suit up" and play anywhere. Thompson is the "ultimate" team player and supports her teammates. She is willing to lay down a bunt or swing away, whatever is needed to get on base or move runners.
Jaclyn Torrey, Attica: Provides senior leadership and solid play at centerfield for two seasons. With Torrey's range, she takes any ball she can get. When Torrey makes a catch in centerfielder, she has the strength and accuracy to throw make any throw. Torrey has batted at No. 2 and No. 3; 9 hits, 12 RBIs, including an over the fence homerun and grand slam.
Kiara Vanderjet, Finney
Ella Waite, Brockport
Ava West, Webster Schroeder: (See above).
Abbie Whaley, Haverling: (See above).
— Marquel Slaughter is a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle, specializing in high school sports. He has been reporter for 14 years. Follow him @MarquelSports on X or on Instagram. You can contact him at mslaughter1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V softball's top outfielders for the 2024 season
