Monday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on April 28, 2025
Byron-Bergen Wins Inaugural Spring Softball Classic Tournament
Byron-Bergen, NY – The Byron-Bergen Bees made history on Saturday by capturing the title in the first-ever Byron-Bergen Spring Softball Classic, held on their home field. In a high-scoring championship game, the Bees defeated the Perry Yellow Jackets by a final score of 20–13 to become the tournament’s inaugural champions.
The victory capped off a dominant day for Byron-Bergen, who opened the tournament with a statement win—27–7 over Red Jacket—in the semifinal round. Perry reached the final with a more defensive 4–1 win over Barker, setting up an exciting championship matchup.
In the third-place game, Barker rebounded from its semifinal loss to defeat Red Jacket, 18–1.
The Bees came out swinging in the championship game, exploding for 10 runs in the first inning and never looking back. Byron-Bergen’s offense was relentless throughout the day, combining patience at the plate, aggressive baserunning, and clutch hitting to pile on runs early and often.
Several players shined offensively for Byron-Bergen during the tournament:
Natalie Prinzi was electric at the plate, going 7-for-8 across both games. Her performance included two doubles, a triple, five RBIs, two walks, and six stolen bases.
Janessa Amesbury showcased her speed and plate discipline, finishing 4-for-6 with four RBIs, four walks, and nine stolen bases.
Lily Stalica, who also pitched both games, contributed a strong day at the plate as well, going 3-for-6 with six RBIs, four walks, and two stolen bases.
Lauren Gartz continued the offensive barrage, batting 4-for-8 with a double, eight RBIs, three walks, and five steals.
Ella Lewis added to the Bees’ run production, collecting three hits in six at-bats, including a double and four RBIs.
On the mound, Lily Stalica took the ball for both games and was credited with both wins. She pitched through heavy offensive matchups, striking out four batters, walking six, and giving up 12 earned runs across two games. Her ability to hold opponents in check and bounce back from occasional defensive errors helped preserve Byron-Bergen’s momentum throughout the tournament.
For her all-around performance, Stalica was named the Tournament MVP.
Following the final out, head coach Steve Ball was full of praise for his team’s effort and perseverance:
“I can’t say how proud I am of these girls,” Ball said. “We had a tough game earlier this week against Oakfield, and it would’ve been easy to let that shake our confidence. But they came to practice, worked hard, and the results showed today. This was a full team effort—from offense, to defense, to support on the bench. To come out on top in the first year of our tournament, on our home field, in front of our fans—it’s just really special,” Ball added. “This is something these girls will always remember.”
Coach Ball also complimented the Perry Yellow Jackets for their sportsmanship and effort:
“That Perry team is well-coached and talented. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, even with the big lead. They fought hard and made us earn it.”
Despite weather challenges earlier in the week, the tournament went off smoothly thanks to significant behind-the-scenes efforts. Ball credited the school’s maintenance staff and athletic department for preparing the fields and keeping the schedule on track.
“Big shoutout to the maintenance crew. The weather definitely didn’t make things easy this week, but they worked hard to get the fields ready. I have to thank Robbie Nichols and the Batavia Muckdogs for letting us take their field old tarp, without that tarp this tournament wouldn’t have happened today. Also, a thank-you to the coaches and players from Perry, Barker, and Red Jacket for traveling and participating. It means a lot to make this kind of event possible.”
Blood Drive Today in Batavia
The American Red Cross is calling on the community to roll up their sleeves and make a life-saving difference. A Blood Drive will be held this Monday, April 28th, at Batavia Downs from 1 to 6 PM. Donors of all blood types are needed to help meet urgent demands. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Come out, give blood, and help save lives this Monday at Batavia Downs!
Store Owner Saves Childs Life in Henrietta
13 WHAM News reports, in Henrietta, A 9-year-old boy is recovering after being shot inside a gas station on West Henrietta Road Saturday afternoon. Authorities say Ruben Smith, a 35-year-old convicted felon, opened fire inside the Speedy Trac gas station during a disturbance.
The store owner, hailed as a hero, wrestled Smith to the ground after Smith swung at him, then disarmed him after two shots were fired — one of which struck the boy in the chest.
The child was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to fully recover.
Smith, now facing multiple assault and weapons charges, pleaded not guilty during arraignment and remains in custody without bail. The store owner, who wished to remain anonymous, says he was terrified but acted quickly to prevent further tragedy.
Batavia Downs Upping Their Security
Batavia Downs Gaming is tightening security to keep minors off the gaming floor. Western Regional Off-Track Betting President and CEO Byron Brown says all patrons are now required to show ID upon entry at the Park Road facility.
The move follows three incidents where minors accessed video lottery terminals, leading to escalating fines from the New York State Gaming Commission — topping out at $10,000. Brown says Batavia Downs self-reported the violations and is taking proactive steps to prevent further penalties.
He adds that while there was some initial pushback, most customers have now accepted the policy, noting it mirrors procedures at other gaming sites.
Brown says the new ID policy also positions Batavia Downs ahead of possible statewide mandates for ID checks at all gaming facilities.
Weekend Baseball Scores
In Genesee County high school baseball action over the weekend:
Batavia knocked off Greece Arcadia, 9 to 2.
Geneseo edged out Pavilion/York in a close one, 9 to 7.
And Kendall Central dominated Byron-Bergen Central, shutting them out 12 to nothing.
That’s a look at your weekend baseball scoreboard!
Weekend Softball Scores
Here’s a look at Genesee County high school softball scores from over the weekend:
Byron-Bergen had a big weekend, topping Red Jacket 27 to 7 and outscoring Perry 20 to 13.
Pavilion pulled out a win over York, 14 to 10.
Oakfield-Alabama blanked Alexander, 8 to nothing.
Pembroke beat Lyndonville, 8 to 2.
And Batavia got the win over Attica, 6 to 2.
That’s your weekend softball roundup on WBTA Sports!
