A clean sweep for Gowanda over Fredonia

What may be a first in school history, the Gowanda varsity baseball and softball team plus the junior varsity squads in both sports each defeated Fredonia on April 20. The varsity teams won at Panther Park while the baby Panthers defeated Fredonia on the road.

The varsity baseball team scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning and went on to defeat the defending CCAA co-champion "Hillbillies" by a score of 10-3. The 10th ranked small school in Western New York had a perfect week and improved to 5-3 overall and 2-0 in league play.

Jake Hansen-Ivett had two hits, two runs batted in a scored a run during the seven run uprising. Ryan Boutelle, Walker Cygan, Nick Huffman, Nick Jackson, Nate Draegert and Justin Grimm also contributed to the opening inning hit parade. Matt Kruszka's sacrifice bunt put two runners in scoring position that Hansen-Ivett knocked in. Draegert and Jackson both pitched for the Panthers allowing a combined three runs and three hits.

Across the field, the varsity softball team put up a good offensive showing and won by a score of 14-10. The latest win moves their overall record to 3-5.

Senior Skylar Ondus had four hits that included a triple and double. Jessica Sowa collected three hits while Hunter White and C. J. Sawatis had two hits apiece. Lexi Farenr completed the offensive onslaught with a double.

Both the varsity baseball and softball teams return home on May 4 to face Olean. Each game begins at 4:30 p.m.

Carter Benton made his first appearance on the mound for the jv baseball team as they defeated Fredonia 7-4. The eighth grader pitched the first five innings and only allowed one earned run. Benton gave up four hits while striking out eight Hillbillies.

Cole Smith returned to the lineup after a two week illness and pitched very well in relief. Jon McCarthy, Cole Dailey, Matt Shea and Smith had big hits for the Blue and White. Chris Cook made two outstanding plays from his second base position while Shawn Daniels continues to improve as the team's catcher.

The jv girls softball team remained undefeated with their second league win of the season.

After conquering Fredonia, Coach Darlene Pfaffenbach's squad will take their 5-0 record into upcoming CCAA action against Dunkirk at home on April 30.