Two pitchers broke Section V's strikeout record on the same day: Meet the area's best

VICTOR — Senior Olivia Steinorth praised her catcher, Abby Harris, moments after the Victor pitcher's record-breaking perfect game.

Steinorth's pitches were untouchable Saturday morning. She struck out 24 Haverling batters during a 10-inning marathon, briefly breaking the Section V record. According to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association record book, Steinorth's 24 strikeouts rank fourth all-time in NYS history. Section I Carmel's Jasmine Ennabe's record 28 strikeouts during a 13-inning game in 2014.

The record setting outing for Steinorth came during a 1-0 loss to Haverling's Rams. International tiebreaker rules calls for a baserunner to begin the inning at second, and Haverling's Ryleigh Laverty eventually scored on an error by Victor's infield. Steinorth said she would not have pitched so well without her defense, which includes her sister, junior Audrey Steinorth, at shortstop.

"All year Abby Harris, my catcher, has been calling an amazing game. She's definitely the reason that I'm throwing this well. ... That perfect game wouldn't have happened without my defense, because they put down a lot of bunts and they hit some pop flies. Without those six outs ... that's not a close game at all," Steinorth said.

That same day, about 100 miles south, Friendship/Scio senior Nevaeh Ross reclaimed her Section V single game strikeouts record. She struck out 25 batters in a 10-inning, 2-1 win over Genesee Valley/Belfast in a resumption of their April 27 contest. Ross' 25 strikeouts are tied for third all-time in NYS history. Ross set the previous Section V record at 23 strikeouts during a 13-inning NYSPHSAA Class D championship game in 2023.

Here are some of the best duos in Section V this year:

Olivia Steinorth and Abby Harris, Victor

Now with over 400 career strikeouts, Steinorth has always found time to credit Harris in her first year as the Blue Devils' ace. Coach Gina Potenza said Steinorth never took her past playing time personal, and never takes a day off now that she's starring in the circle. Steinorth recently led Victor to wins over Fairport and previously unbeaten Webster Schroeder.

"I couldn't be more pleased. She was on fire today. The kids have been working hard trying to get their mental prep before games. It's been showing the past couple games," Potenza said.

Nevaeh Ross and Morghyn Ross, Friendship/Scio

Nevaeh Ross is getting closer to the top of the record books, coach Deb Warner said. This season Ross has a perfect game and five shutouts to go along with her outing with 25-strikeout game. A captain, Ross is averaging 15.3 strikeouts per game thanks to her ability to bend it in all four directions and change speed. She's equipped with a changeup, screwball, curveball, rise ball and drop ball, and her fastball has reached 67 miles per hour; 11-3, .23 ERA, .028 OBA, 93 IP, 217 Ks, 15.3 9 H, 7 BB, 3 ER pitching in 14 games; .500 BA, 8 1B, 5 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 25 R, 14 SB, .588 OBA.

"A lot of things I've accomplished here. I actually wouldn't want to play for another other team in this county," Nevaeh Ross said.

Sophomore Morghyn Ross is Nevaeh's little sister and catcher. Also a captain, Morghyn can handle a variety pitches at various speeds. She lines up the defense and is vocal on relays. Friendship/Scio doesn't see baserunners often, but Morghyn has thrown out five players; .9867 FPCT, .487 BA, 9 1B, 7 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 24 RBIs, .610 OBA, 16 R, 17 SB.

"They threw me behind the plate catching for (Nevaeh). They did not ease me into it but that's probably one of the reasons why I've got where I am," Morghyn Ross said.

Ashlyn Wright and Calla McCombs, Bloomfield

Ranked No. 2 in the NYS Class C poll, the Bombers' battery of Ashlyn Wright and Calla McCombs has led Bloomfield (13-1) throughout an independent scheduled filled with larger schools. Wright is already a four-year starter as a junior. She struck out 21 Oakfield-Alabama batters during an 8-2 win in seven innings May 1. Wright has over 750 career strikeouts; 90 IP, .70 ERA, 9 ER, 186 Ks, 6 SO; .555 BA, .633 OBP, .925 SLG.

"Ashlyn was an excellent pitcher as an eighth-grader and just continues to get better. She not only throws hard, but has a variety of pitches that serve to keep the opponents off balance," coach Mark Jacobs said.

McCombs, a sophomore catcher, has thrown out 6 of 8 baserunners, including a 2-2 outing against NYS Class B's No. 1 ranked Wellsville Lions. Jacobs said McCombs and Wright have a "wonderful" bond; .537 BA, .604 OBP, .805 SLG.

"Calla only makes Ashlyn better. She has an amazing arm that shuts down the running game when opponents are able to reach base. Calla frames pitches as well as anyone I've ever coached and her defensive abilities affords Ashlyn the ability to throw any pitch at any time knowing that Calla will keep it in front of her," Jacobs said.

Section V softball's top pitchers

Athletes were nominated by Section V coaches and the Democrat and Chronicle staff. Coaches can email mslaughter1@gannett.com to include their softball players.

Madison Boyce, Alexander: Part of the Trojans 1-2 pitching punch, Boyce has great velocity, throws good changeups and tailing fastballs. Team captain and 2023 Genesee Region all-star; 4 wins, 39 IP, 29 H, 23 BB, 59 Ks, 32.7 K%, .190 OBA.

Kendall Buttles, Aquinas: The seventh-grade RHP made an early varsity debut due to injury. Buttles improved her spin and off-speed pitches. Leadoff batter with a .306 BA and .895 OBP; 27 IP; 43 Ks; 3.8 ERA.

Makenzie Cowburn, Wellsville: Senior pitcher for the three-time Section V Class B champion Lions.

Jalissa Crittenden, Eastridge: Sophomore pitcher; 8-5, 93 IP, 3.54 ERA, 76 Ks.

Jessie Crye, Avon: Sophomore RHP struck out 22 batters in seven innings. Fastball surpasses 60 MPH in addition to her two-seam, changeup, rise ball, drop ball; 9-3, 188 Ks, 10 BB, 4 ER in the circle; .325 BA, 13 H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 13 R at the plate.

Abbie DeRock, Letchworth: The senior RHP led her team to the 2023 Section V Class C2 finals. An offseason injury has plagued much of DeRock's senior season, but she's beginning to get her speed and spin back. She'll play softball and study occupational therapy at Keuka College; Over 338 career Ks, 143 Ks this season, 6 no-hitters, .190 OBA.

Liana DeValder, Webster Schroeder: Junior pitcher has thrown a no-hitter; 12-0, .49 ERA, 1.000 FPCT, 6 SO, 1 S, 152 Ks, 20 BB, .134 OBA.

Emma Dunman, Honeoye Falls-Lima: Junior pitcher; 59 IPs, 116 Ks, .704 ERA.

Giana Ficcaglia, Penn Yan: The Division II Edinboro has over 700 career Ks in four years thanks to her 62 MPH fastball, rise ball, changeup, screwball, curveball and drop curve; 165 Ks' 43.31 K%.

Kailey Gardner, Fairport: The two-year varsity player will play at Corning Community College; 6-4, 2.829 ERA, 64.1 IP, 34 Ks, 13 BB, 1.492 WHIP, 64 LOB.

Lilly Goldberg, Pittsford Mendon:Goldberg eclipsed 800 career strikeouts Wednesday. The senior's fastball, rise ball, curveball, changeup and screwball are all effective. Coach Scott Parsons said Goldberg fires her fastball between 58 and 62 MPH; 15-1; 195 Ks, .925 ERA, .604 WHIP, .148 OBA; 106 IP, 56 hits surrendered; .511 BA; 23-45; 6 2Bs, 1 3B, 19 RBIs, .621 OBP, 1.310 OPS, .689 SLG.

Kadyn Hartel, Rush-Henrietta: Junior LHP; 87 Ks; 20 BB; 3.84 ERA; 86 IP; .438 BA; 25 R.

Maddie Hicks, Webster Thomas: Senior pitcher threw a no-hitter; 2.27 ERA, 61 Ks, 1.0 WHIP, .420 BA, 10 1B, 9 2B, 2 HR.

Petra Hunt, Pittsford Sutherland: The freshman has been carrying the Knights in the circle; 10-2, 1 SV, 1.47 ERA, 75 Ks, 19 BB.

Emma LaBour, Midlakes: Freshman RHP is in her second season. LaBour throws a 55 MPH fastball, curveball, changeup and rise ball; 7 wins, 57 IP, 68 K, 1.97 ERA.

Hailey Mills, Attica: Freshman is a force on the mound and a solid first baseman; 35 IP, 36 Ks.

Carmella Phelan, Bishop Kearney: Junior RHP who bats left. Phelan is a threat at the plate and on the bases, and is "one of the finest in the very talented pitchers from Section V". Her fastball has touched 64, but her movement and pinpoint accuracy makes Phelan dangerous. She can be a position player or pitcher in college. Bishop Kearney (11-1) is ranked No. 14 in the NYS poll. Coach Dave Herbst is most impressed with Phelan's leadership and unselfish approach to the game.

Emily Pietrzykowski, Alexander: A captain and GR all-star, Pietrzykowski is part of Alexander's 1-2 punch with great velocity, off-balance changeups and fastballs; 50 IP, 3 wins, 47 H, 21 BB, 43 Ks, 17.6 K%, .219 OBA.

Lola Rivera, Northstar Christian: The freshman captain is already a third year RHP. The first team Private-Parochial League all-star throws a drop ball, rise ball, curveball, screwball, and changeups. Rivera's missed several games due to injury this spring; In 2023: 99 IP, 172 Ks, 3.10 ERA, 0.438 BA, 0.597 OBP, 2 2B. In 2024: 9 GS, 47 IP, 109 Ks, 2.64 ERA,; 0.438 BA, 3 2B, .667 OBP.

Madalyn Robinson, Attica: Senior four-year varsity player pitches and plays shortstop; 45 IP, 58 Ks.

Nevaeh Ross, Friendship/Scio: (See above).

Caitlin Ryan, Oakfield-Alabama: Senior pitcher.

Brea Smith, Elba: Sophomore pitcher is very consistent and becoming a natural leader; 4 Ks per game, 2 BB per game; .390 BA, 9 RBIs.

Lexani Smith-Beauregard, Aquinas: Eighth-grade RHP has played pivotal role since midseason injury to the bullpen; 43 IP; 41 Ks; 6.0 ERA; .478 BA, 18 RBIs.

Hannah Southwick-Powers, Genesee Valley-Belfast: 19 Ks in 10-inning, 2-1 loss to Friendship/Scio.

Leah Sperry, Mercy: The freshman is a two-year starter; 9-3, 2.685 ERA, 79 Ks, 19 BB; .331 BA, 3 HRs, 5 2B.

Olivia Steinorth, Victor: (See above).

Kenzie Turner, Midlakes: The freshman second year RHP throws a 54 MPH fastball, curveball, changeup, fastball, and rise ball; 7 wins, 52 IP, 59 K, 7 wins, 3.64 ERA.

Zara Vattimo-Fetouh, Penfield: Up-and-coming sophomore has pitched 55 innings and has 60 strikeouts with a 2.45 ERA.

Kaili Witherell, Haverling: Threw two 1-hitters, one hit away from perfect game Wednesday; 67.1 IP, .83 ERA; .909 WPCT, 5 SO, 230 BF, 39 H, 15 R, 8 ER, 13 BB, 127 Ks, .184 OBA.

Ashlyn Wright, Bloomfield: (See above).

Emma Years, Caledonia-Mumford: Senior three-year starter is 42-14 with 300 Ks over her career; 12-3, 101 IP, 98 Ks 1.87 ERA, 5 SO.

Section V softball's top catchers

Athletes were nominated by Section V coaches and the Democrat and Chronicle staff. Coaches can email mslaughter1@gannett.com to include their softball players.

Biz Baglieri, Webster Schroeder: No one tries to run on the senior catcher; 1.000 fielding percentage.

Kailyn Ball, Elba: Freshman two-year starter is versatile with a high softball IQ. Very consistent and works hard behind the plate not letting many balls by; .390 BA, 8 RBIs.

Brazen Beckwith, Wellsville: Senior catcher.

Kate Dailor, Honeoye Falls-Lima: Senior; 6 PB, 3 CS, 13 SB, .525 BA, .592 OBP, 17 RBIs, 1.050 SLG.

Aprell Davis, Northstar Christian: Sophomore catcher in her second season has developed into a top notch defender who excels at blocking and throwing out baserunners.

Norah DeMayo, Irondequoit: Senior catcher has caught every pitch. An injury to the Eagles' ace has DeMayo catching for first year varsity players. DeMayo hasn't had a passed ball in three season. DeMayo was all-county last year; .364 BA, 16 RBIs, entered Thursday 9 for her last 15 with 3 2B and a homerun.

Maddie Fallows, Pittsford Mendon: Junior catcher is in her third season; .481 BA, 25-52, .557 OBP, 1.134 OPS, 2 3B, 10 RBIs, 23 R, 8 SB.

Sarah Ferruzza, Webster Schroeder: No one tries to jump against Ferruzza; 1.000 FCPT, .300 BA, 8 R, 6 RBIs, 3 SB.

Elizabeth Gleghorn, Rush-Henrietta: Junior catcher; .481 BA, 17 RBIs, 23 R, just 3 SO in 52 PA; thrown out 7 of 9 runners.

Abby Harris, Victor: (See above).

Morgan Jackson, Attica: The junior and second year catcher has caught all 14 games. Jackson provided leadership, mobility behind the plate, and play calling. A true leader who brings positive attitude.

Emma Johnson, Eastridge: Sophomore catcher; .325 BA, 1 2B, 1 HR.

Alexis Kopetchny, Midlakes: Senior third year player have thrown out a number of batters; .302 BA, .340 OBP.

Riley Madigan, Aquinas: Sophomore catcher is a three year starter who brings experience; .375 BA.

Ella Maloney, Webster Thomas: Junior catcher; 86 TCs, 11 assets, 73 POs .977 FPCT; .435 BA, OPS 1.014 20 H, 18 1B, 2 2B.

Calla McCombs, Bloomfield: (See above).

Hayden Perry, Fairport: Two year varsity player; .275 BA, 11 H, 2 2B, 3 RBIs, 5 R, 5 BB.

Brooke Rodas, Kendall: Sophomore catcher; .429 BA, .510 OBP, .707 SLG, 17 H, 9 1B, 6 2B, 2 HR, 22 RBIs, 17 R, 7 BB, 1 HBP, 10 RBls 69 PO; .972 FPCT.

Morghyn Ross, Friendship/Scio: (See above).

Melissa Sawyer, Alexander: Team captain is a "durable metaphorical brick wall" at catcher. She has a strong arm, was a 2023 GR all-star and currently leads this year’s team in most hitting categories; 25-for-44, .568 Average, 1 3B, 4 2B,19 RBIs, 23 R, 7 BB, 6 SB, 3 Ks in 53 plate appearances; catching 95 PO, .01% PB% (15 PB in 1,482 pitches), 20.59% CS.

Abigail Schutz, Avon: The junior can slap, bunt and switch hit. Schutz has caught 11.5 games and has 162 PO; .333 BA, 13 H.

Alex Sippel, Pittsford Sutherland: The junior catcher does a nice job working with Hunt on getting her through her sequences to the hitters.

Caydence Spears, Haverling: Junior catcher; .994 FPCT, 153 PO, 9 A, 5 CS.

Colleen Talty, Caledonia-Mumford: Sophomore second year catcher; 21-55, .382 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBIs; .50 CS% in '23, 40% in '24.

Hailey Trank, Penn Yan: Committed Nazareth for softball and volleyball, Trank is a four year starter at catcher; .356 BA, 16 H, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 19 R, 9 BB, 7 SB.

Zoe VonDerLinn, Penfield: Sophomore catcher; .333 BA, 24 H, 4 XBH, .990 FPCT.

Leigha Walker, Holley: Senior catcher and leadoff hitter plays small ball with her speed and is a wall behind the plate. The GR all-star is complimented by opponents on her work ethic and how she never walks to passed balls. Walker has 14 PO; .389 BA, 14 H, 1 2B, 9 RBIs, 7 BB, 11 R.

— 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: Top pitchers and catchers for 20224