Section 4 holds the title as one of New York’s most competitive softball regions, consistently producing top programs and some of the best athletes in the state. While several teams have showcased the skill within Section 4, ultimately four Southern Tier teams have risen to the top of the ranks and claimed a sectional title this year: Corning, Vestal, Maine-Endwell and Susquehanna Valley.
Having surpassed some of Section 4’s toughest teams this season, it’s worth pointing out which softball players have made a significant impact in the postseason.
Here are a few of the sectional winners that boast top stats and important, clutch performances:
Sophie Schoonover, Corning: Recorded two runs, two hits and two RBIs in the dominant 12-3 victory over Elmira to help bring the Hawks their fourth-straight sectional title.
Matti Johnston, Corning: Pitched five shutout games leading up to the Section 4 Class AAA final, recording an average of 10 strikeouts in those five games. Johnston also recorded three runs, two hits and one RBI in the 12-3 victory over Elmira.
Erin Gowe, Vestal: Pitched a 14-strikeout game against Horseheads in the intense, nine-inning Section 4 Class AA final, holding Horseheads to four runs in the close, 5-4 title victory.
Maggie Costello, Vestal: Hit a home run at the bottom of the seventh inning in the Section 4 Class AA final against Horseheads, recording two RBIs to tie the game at 4-4, and eventually overcoming last year’s sectional champs 5-4.
Tessa L’Amoreaux, Maine-Endwell: Pitched a 17-strikeout game against Owego (11-0), then went on to record 12 strikeouts in the close 3-1 victory over Oneonta in the Section 4 Class A final.
Harper Eagan, Maine-Endwell: Recorded two RBIs in a crucial 2-0 start to the Section 4 Class A final against Oneonta, eventually winning the game 3-1 and giving the Spartans their fifth-straight sectional title.
LilliOnna D’Introno, Susquehanna Valley: Struck out 12 batters in the 8-3 victory over Watkins Glen to secure the team’s third-straight Section 4 Class B title.
Kylee Richardson, Susquehanna Valley: Had two runs, 2 RBIs and 3 hits in the sectional title victory over Watkins Glen, including a home run at the bottom of the sixth inning to put the game at 8-3.
Note: Poll closes June 7 at noon.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Which Southern Tier softball player came in clutch this postseason? Vote now
Reporting by Aniya Sumner, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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