Eagles Softball Cover Page_IC

The Hancock Herald

NYS Class-D Champions

D-H Eagles Softball Team Wins State Title

D-H Softball

by Coach Kim Makowski

Crowned 2023 NYS Class D Champions!

Lady Eagles Defeat Salem in Semis; Outlast Scio/Friendship in 13 Innings

After cruising through post season play the last few weeks by a score of 68-4 over four games, the D-H Lady Eagles softball team ran into some stiff competition in the NYS Softball Final Four at Moriches Athletic Complex on Long Island this past weekend. In their semifinal game, D-H took a 4-1 win over Salem. In the championship game, the Lady Eagles battled for thirteen innings but finally came out on top with a 5-3 win over Scio/Friendship and the 2023 NYS Class D title. The team finished their 2023 season with a record of 23-2.

D-H 4, Salem 1 (NYS Class D Semifinals)

On Friday, June 9th, D-H faced Salem from Section II in the NYS Class D semifinal game. The Lady Eagles were the home team. In the top of the first inning, Kaitlyn Macumber allowed a one-out single to center. However, catcher Haley Begeal erased the base runner when she threw her out trying to steal second. A strikeout followed to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Pagen Macumber drew a one-out walk, advanced to third on Sarah Gross’ single to right, and scored on Addison Makowski’s ground out to the pitcher, giving D-H a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the second inning, Kaitlyn Macumber struck out the first two batters, but a dropped third strike allowed the third batter to reach first. Kaitlyn got the next batter on strikes to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, D-H batters went down in order.

In the top of the third inning, Salem drew a two-out walk and tied up the game on a double to center. In the bottom of the inning, Olivia Johnston drew a leadoff walk and scored on Kaitlyn Macumber’s double to left. Pagen Macumber’s sacrifice bunt moved Kaitlyn to third and Gross’ single to right scored Kaitlyn. Makowski hit a single to center but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. The next batter popped out to second, leaving Gross stranded at third. The D-H lead was 3-1 after three innings of play.

In the top of the fourth inning, Kaitlyn Macumber put Salem down in order on a groundout to second and two strikeouts. In the bottom of the inning, Kelsey Wank drew a leadoff walk and was replaced by pinch runner Kadyn Appley. The next two batters struck out, but Johnston’s single to right put runners at third and second (Johnston advanced on the throw). However, the next batter popped out to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth inning, Katilyn Macumber put the Salem batters down in order once again on a groundout and two strikeouts. In the bottom of the inning, Pagen Macumber led off with a

single to left but was doubled off when Gross hit a line drive back to the pitcher. Makowski hit a bloop single in front of second base, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on Amanda Ray’s single to center, making the score 4-1.

In the top of the sixth inning, Salem hit a one-out single to right and a fielder’s choice put runners at first and second. However, the next batter hit back to Kaitlyn Macumber who threw from the mound to Gross at third to get the lead runner. The next batter flew out to Abby Russell in center to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, D-H went down in order.

In the top of the seventh inning, Kaitlyn Macumber gave up a two-out single to center, but struck out the next batter to end the game and send D-H to the championship game for the second year in a row.

Kaitlyn Macumber recorded her tenth win of the season, allowing four hits and striking out 15 over seven innings. D-H recorded 8 hits in the win — Kaitlyn Macumber (1-for-3, double, run, RBI), Pagen Macumber (1-for-1, walk, run), Sarah Gross (2-for-3, RBI), Addison Makowski (2-for-3, run, RBI), Amanda Ray (1-for-3, RBI), and Olivia Johnston (1-for-2, walk, run).

After the game, sophomore first baseman Addison Makowski was selected as the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award for the D-H Lady Eagles.

D-H 5, Scio/Friendship 3

(NYS Class D Championship; 13 innings)

On Saturday, June 10th, D-H faced Scio/Friendship from Section V in the NYS Class D Championship game. D-H and S/F are not strangers to one another. The two teams met in last year’s semifinal game. After falling behind 2-0 last year, D-H tied the game in the bottom of the third inning, went ahead in the fifth inning and eventually won by a score of 7-2.

In this year’s matchup, D-H was the visiting team. In the top of the first inning, Pagen Macumber hit a one-out single to short, but the next two batters grounded out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, the pitcher for S/F led off with a double to center and advanced to third on a groundout, putting the lone runner at third with two outs. The next batter drew a walk to put runners at first and third. S/F tried to execute a steal of home, but Kaitlyn Macumber threw home to Haley Begeal who took a hard shot from the base runner but was able to apply the tag for the out and end the inning.

In the top of the second inning, Amanda Ray drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on Kelsey Wank’s sacrifice bunt, but the next two batters struck out and grounded out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, a one-out single to left put a runner at

first. However, the next batter hit to shortstop Pagen Macumber who tagged second and threw to first baseman Addison Makowski for the double play to end the inning.

In the top of the third inning, Kaitlyn Macumber hit a one-out single to left and scored on Sarah Gross’ two-out single to right, giving D-H a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, S/F led off with a single to the left side of the infield. Two batters later, the S/F pitcher hit a two-run homer over the left field fence to give S/F the lead. The next two batters grounded out to end the inning. The score was 2-1 in favor of S/F after three innings of play.

In the top of the fourth inning, Ray once again drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Wank. However, the next two batters struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Kaitlyn Macumber put down the side in order on two strikeouts and a groundout.

In the top of the fifth inning, Kaitlyn Macumber hit a one-out line drive single to second and Pagen Macumber reached on an error, allowing Kaitlyn to score and Pagen to advance to third. Gross followed with a groundout to second, allowing Pagen to score and D-H to retake the lead. In the bottom of the inning with one out, a S/F batter was hit by a pitch to put her at first, but a strikeout and ground out ended the inning.

In the top of the sixth inning, D-H went down in order. In the bottom of the inning, the leadoff batter was able to reach on a dropped third strike and advanced to second on a D-H throwing error. A groundout allowed the base runner to advance to third and a single to left tied the game up at 3-3. Another single put runners at second and third with one out, but Kaitlyn Macumber struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

In the seventh inning, both teams went down in order, keeping the score tied at 3-3 and sending the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth inning, D-H went down in order on two strikeouts and a groundout. In the bottom of the inning, S/F drew a two-out walk with the runner advancing on a passed ball. However, Kaitlyn Macumber struck out the next batter to end the inning.

In the ninth inning, both teams went down in order on two strikeouts and a groundout.

In the top of the tenth inning, Olivia Johnston hit a one-out single to right, but was thrown out trying to steal second. Kaitlyn Macumber drew a two-out walk, but the next batter struck out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, the S/F pitcher drew a one-out walk, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. The next batter drew a walk and stole second to put runners at second

and third with one out. The next batter struck out.

With a count of 2-2 on the next batter, the S/F pitcher once again tried to steal home, this time trying to upend D-H and win the state title for her team. However, Gross’ throw to catcher Begeal was in time for Begeal to tag the runner out before she was able to slide across home plate.

In the top of the eleventh inning, D-H went down in order on two ground outs and a strikeout. In the bottom of the inning, the first two S/F batters struck out and lined out to center fielder Abby Russell. The next batter hit a fly ball to shallow center with both shortstop Pagen Macumber and Russell in hot pursuit of the ball. With all of the cheering from spectators at the game, neither player could hear the other one calling for the ball and they collided. Fortunately, Pagen Macumber was able to make the amazing catch and hold onto it after impact to end the inning and continue the game.

In the top of the twelfth inning, D-H went down in order. In the bottom of the inning, S/F drew a two-out walk but the runner was called out later in the inning for leaving the base early, sending the game to the thirteenth inning still deadlocked at 3-3.

In the top of the thirteenth inning, Olivia Johnston led off the inning with a leadoff triple to center. With a 1-2 count on Kaitlyn Macumber, a wild pitch allowed Johnston to score and give D-H a 4-3 lead. After Kaitlyn fouled off the next three pitches, she sent the next pitch over the left field fence for a home run and a two-run lead. The next three batters went down in order, but the Lady Eagles were hoping that the 5-3 lead would hold up going into the bottom of the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, the S/F pitcher was the leadoff hitter. She already had a double, a home run and a walk on her stats page, so this was a crucial out for D-H to record. With a full count, the batter grounded to second baseman Johnston who threw to first baseman Makowski to record the first out of the inning.

The next batter popped out to Kaitlyn Macumber in foul territory for the second out. However, S/F would not go quietly. The next two batters hit singles to right and left, putting runners at first and second. With a 2-2 count, the next batter sent a low fly ball to right fielder Ray who made a sliding catch, giving the D-H Lady Eagles the extra-inning win and their second consecutive state title.

Kaitlyn Macumber recorded her eleventh win of the season, allowing eight hits and striking out 18 over thirteen innings. D-H recorded 7 hits in the state championship win — Kaitlyn

(3-for-5,

run,

Macumber

home

walk, 3 runs, RBI), Pagen Macumber (1-for-5, run), Sarah Gross (1-for-6, 2 RBIs), and Olivia Johnston (2-for-5, triple, run).

Front:#3 Sarah Gross (sophomore), #7 Pagen Macumber (Freshman), #10 Kaitlyn Macumber (senior), #21 Kelsey Wank (senior), #13 Kaelyn Dawson (junior) Back: Head Coach Dan Briggs, Coach Bryn Martin, #28 Mariah Mullen (sophomore), #2 Addison Makowski (sophomore), #17 Olivia Johnston (8th grade), #22 Kadyn Appley (7th grade), #5 Abby Russell (junior), #12 Amanda Ray (sophomore), #9 Aubrey Smith (freshman), #11 Leah Braun (freshman), #15 Haley Begeal (8th grade), Coach Kim Makowski, Coach Makenzie Stiles, Coach Ken Macumber.

Amanda Ray

Sarah Gross

Addison Makowski

Aubrey Smith

Kelsey Wank

Kadyn Appley

Abby Russel and Pagen Macumber

Olivia Johnston

Pagen Macumber

Haley Begeal

(l-r) Olivia Johnston, Pagen Macumber, Sarah Gross, Kaitlyn Macumber, Addison Makowski

Sarah Gross

Pagen Macumber

Coach Dan Briggs and Olivia Johnston

Kaitlyn Macumber

Amanda Ray

Kaitlyn Macumber and Addison Makowski

Haley Begeal

Addison Makowski

(bottom) Kelsey Wank, Kaitlyn Macumber, Kaelyn Dawson, Addison Makowski (Center) Leah Braun, Olivia Johnsont, Amanda Ray, Haley Begeal, Sarah Gross, Aubrey Smith (Top) Mariah Mullen, Pagen Macumber, Kadyn Appley, Abby Russell

Celebrating Kaitlyn Macumber's HR in the 13th inning. Eagles take the Championship 5-3 over Scio/Friendship at Moriches Sports Complex in Long Island, NY on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

The D-H Eagles celebrate their 5-3 victory over Section V Scio-Friendship in the State Final on Saturday, June 10 at Moriches Athletic Complex in Long Island.

Olivia Johnston gets a hug from Haley Begeal

Pagen Macumber gets carried off the field by coaches Makenzie Stiles and Kim Makowski.

Olivia Johnston and her parents, Lisa and Cliff

Sarah Gross with her parents, Danielle and Chris Coach Ken Macumber gives daughter Kaitlyn a big hug. She threw 198 pitches.

Coach Bryn Stiles congratulates Amanda Ray Photos

A police escort and parade of fire trucks and emergency vehicles brought the team through Hancock and Deposit Addison Makowski

The team received a clap-out from both Hancock and Deposit school districts before they boarded the coach bus bound for Long Island.

Victory Parade

(front) Kelsey Wank, Kaitlyn Macumber, Amanda Ray, Kaelyn Dawson, Mariah Mullen (back) Abby Russell, Addison Makowski, Pagen Macumber, Haley Begeal, Kadyn Appley, Sarah Gross, Leah Braun, Aubrey Smith, Olivia Johnston