Softball All-Star event to honor Sferra

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The 11th annual High School Senior Fastpitch All-Star Games will be played on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Youngstown State University Softball Complex.

Two seven-inning games will be played. The Mahoning Valley Coaches Association is sponsoring the event.

Bill Sferra, who has been a contributor to Mahoning Valley softball for more than 50 years, will be honored and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

South Range coaches Don Feren Jr. and Jeff DeRose will coach the Mahoning County team that includes Raiders shortstop Stevie Taylor.

Ursuline and Jackson-Milton will be represented by four players each. The Irish players are third baseman Macey Gunther (Wright State), second baseman Anny Carroll, infielder McKenzie Stimpert and catcher Dana Creatore.

Representing the Blue Jays are infielders Taylor Tharp, Gabby Tharp, Maddy Tomaino and Beth Ritchie.

Austintown Fitch, Boardman and Western Reserve have three seniors each. The Falcons’ players are second baseman Cali Mikovich (YSU), shortstop Alex Corradi (Thiel College) and first baseman Gabby Butcher (Westminster).

The Spartans are shortstop Melissa Maiorano, third baseman Nicole Sanfilippo and outfielder Lindsay Soltis. The Blue Devils are third baseman Alexis Lude, catcher Marley Oles and center fielder Gabby Stubbs.

Mahoning’s other players are Springfield catcher Charley Troggio and Cardinal Mooney pitcher Tiffany Komara and outfielder Kayla Lanzo,

Coaching the Trumbull County team will be LaBrae’s Demitra Noble and Bristol’s Debbie Rowles.

Lakeview has four players on the team: Infielders Laura Innocenzi (Geneva College) and Lauren Casassa, and outfielders Caitlin McDivitt and Hannah Petrosky.

Bristol, Brookfield, LaBrae and Liberty each have two players. The Panthers are sending shortstop Laurin Elza and outfielder Lindsey Elza. Pitcher Lauren Hawley (Slippery Rock) and infielder Hayley Hogue will represent the Warriors.

Noble’s Vikings are catcher Paige Losey and outfielder Amber Davidson. The Leopards’ players are catcher Kimberly Cordy and shortstop Leah Leshnack.

Rounding out the lineup are: Howland third baseman Olga Grech, Lordstown infielder Allyson Hajnosz, Maplewood pitcher Brooke Dawson, Mathews first baseman Maddi Grimes, Newton Falls outfielder Alexis Novotny and Southington’s Brooke Hatch.

Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students.