Lightning 12U wins NFLBlue division title

The Amherst Lightning 12U team defeated the Cayuga Gamblers, 13-10, to win the Niagara Frontier League 12U Blue division championship. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: first row - Jackie Benzino; second row - Melissa Davis, Alison Safir; third row - Melissa Mageria, Maggie Steele, Allyson Rung, Caroline Schwab, Kelly Farrell, Katelyn Koester; fourth row - Savannah Smith, Ashley Covel, Caroline Mangano, Haley Adams, Emily Marcus; fifth row - coaches Mark Davis, Jeff Covel, Dave Safir and Greg Steele; missing from photo - Gabby Tejada.

The Amherst Lightning 12U team defeated the previously unbeaten Cayuga Gamblers, 13-10, to win the Niagara Frontier League 12U Blue division championship.

The Lightning started out strong, scoring 13 runs in the first four innings, accumulating 15 hits and holding off a late sixth-inning charge by the Gamblers.

Ashley Covel and Emily Marcus hit grand-slam home runs each, in consecutive innings, to give the team a commanding lead. Lead-off hitters Maggie Steele and Melissa Davis went 3 for 4, each scoring three runs. Runs were also scored by Jackie Benzino, Alison Safir, Savannah Smith and Caroline Schwab. Caroline Mangano was strong at the plate with an RBI.

The Lightning played a solid defensive game starting with the excellent play of Ally Rung at second base, who had six putouts. The outfield helped out with a superb catch by Kelly Farrell. Melissa Magiera made a key play from center field with a throw to third base to get the advancing runner out. Also helping with the team from the outfield were Haley Adams and Kate Koester.

Pitcher Ashley Covel kept the Gamblers in check with three strikeouts and six plays in the field. The infield play of Benzino (catcher), Smith (first base), Rung (second base), Davis (shortstop) and Steel (third base) combined for 13 total putouts.

The Lightning finished the season with four consecutive wins.