Kalista Birkenstock was living ― and running ― proof of how massively impactful small ball can be.
The Marlboro senior presented a synopsis of her high school career in the softball state final four, putting her team on the board just seconds into the semifinal. The leadoff hitter reached first base, immediately stole second and third, then scored on an error. She did the same in the final.
As teammates later celebrated a championship, they all were effusive in praising Birkenstock, detailing how much of a factor her speed was and just how beneficial it has been to have such a weapon.
The Florida Gulf Coast commit completed a dream season, hitting .481 with a .562 on-base percentage, 40 runs and 40 stolen bases in 41 attempts, leading the Iron Dukes to the Class A state title. The slap-hitter used her contact skills and speed to spark an explosive offense and, at times, created runs almost on her own. Her athleticism also was a benefit defensively as she made spectacular plays at shortstop.
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Those achievements earned Birkenstock all-state recognition and the Journal's Softball Co-Player of the Year.
Cali DeLawder, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Birkenstock shares the honor with Cali DeLawder, who earns the Player of the Year distinction for a second time following an incredible career.
DeLawder was introduced as a heralded middle-schooler and quickly legitimized the hype, then she became a record-setting superstar around whom two section championship teams were built. She remained a dominant force, even as the Presidents endured a rebuilding season this spring.
The Rhode Island commit batted .707 with eight homers and 24 RBIs, despite being walked 23 times, contributing to an .833 on-base percentage. The lefty-swinging slugger also didn't strike out this season. Her production and leadership helped guide Roosevelt to the Section 9 Class AA quarterfinals.
The four-time Journal All-Star ranks 11th in state history with a .565 career average and 29 home runs.
Leah Gunsett, Marlboro
When coach Andrea Schoonmaker said in March that Leah Gunsett began the season with a renewed focus and was determined to improve, it was fair to wonder just how much better the senior could be. She already had proven herself an ace, leading the Iron Dukes through a difficult path to the state final last year. So, what else?
The answer was everything . Gunsett had better control and consistency, was even steadier in the postseason, and added the final piece to her collection of awards: a NSYPHSAA gold medal.
Utilizing an excellent changeup and curveball, the right-hander went 16-3 with a 1.11 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 144⅔ innings. She pitched two complete games without an earned run in the state tournament, helping Marlboro capture its first state championship since 2016. The all-state selection also batted .344 with two homers and 28 RBI.
With that, the Geneseo commit is recognized as the Journal's Pitcher of the Year.
First team
Eliza Baden, Pine Plains, So., Shortstop: Described by coach Lester Funk as "our best all-around player," Baden was a leader and "veteran" presence for an extraordinarily young roster. She also produced, batting .400 with eight doubles, 27 runs and 22 RBI, earning all-Section 9. She also had the winning hit that sent the Bombers to the Class C state semifinals.
Taylor Castellani, Marlboro, So., Second base: The all-Section 9 pick was smooth defensively and a consistent force in the lineup, and she flourished in the playoffs. Castellani hit .378 with a homer, 25 runs and 22 RBI.
Lyla Dwyer, John Jay-East Fishkill, Jr., Pitcher/Outfielder: She stepped into the role of starting pitcher with aplomb and was excellent offensively, helping lead the Patriots to the Section 1 Class AAA semifinals. Dwyer went 9-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 78⅓ innings, and she hit .486 with 23 RBI and 22 runs.
Cadie Hanaburgh, Spackenkill, So., Pitcher/Shortstop: The three-time Journal All-Star had another stellar season, leading Spackenkill to the Section 9 Class B semifinals. Hanaburgh hit .510 with 18 RBI, didn't commit a fielding error and posted a 6-5 record in the circle.
Kathryn Hotle, Roy C. Ketcham, Sr., Third base: She was a solid defender, with quick reactions and a strong arm, and was a dangerous bat in the middle of their lineup. The Sacred Heart commit earned all-section after hitting .498 with 20 RBI and 20 runs, helping Ketcham reach the Section 1 Class AAA semifinals.
Paige Hotle, Roy C. Ketcham, So., Catcher: A three-time Journal All-Star, she already has established herself among the best players in the area. Hotle is a leader who has starred defensively, helping guide some inexperienced pitchers, and is a reliable power bat. She hit .418 with six homers, 22 RBI and 20 runs.
Emma Jackson, Marlboro, Jr., Catcher: A defensive stalwart and vocal leader, she has been called "the backbone" of that team, helping lead them on three straight runs to the state final four. Jackson also is an offensive standout, batting .415 with eight doubles, 28 RBI and 28 runs and eight steals.
Alyssa Liguori, Arlington, Sr., Pitcher: The St. Thomas Aquinas commit was a major contributor to four postseason runs, setting the program records for career wins and strikeouts in the process. The three-time Journal All-Star went 11-6 with 157 strikeouts this season, earning all-section honors and League 1-A Pitcher of the Year.
Mikaela Mammola, Pawling, Sr., Pitcher/Outfield: A talented athlete who worked to become an excellent pitcher, she completed a stellar high school career by leading Pawling to the Section 1 Class B semifinals. The Mercy commit eclipsed 100 career hits, was voted all-section and named the League 3-D Pitcher of the Year. Mammola also was a recipient of the Diamond Plus One award, which recognizes athletics and academics.
Abbey Mayes, Pine Plains, So., Center field: A rangy outfielder and a fire-starter atop the lineup, she batted .479 with 24 runs and 13 stolen bases, helping the Bombers win their first Section 9 title since 2019. Mayes also received all-section and all-state honors.
Jenny Nardelli, Roy C. Ketcham, Sr., Shortstop: The Albany commit was a sparkplug, shining defensively and batting leadoff in a talented lineup. Nardelli hit .474 with 27 runs and 15 RBI, and the two-time Journal All-Star set the program record for career hits and runs.
Alexa Pavese, Highland, Jr., Pitcher: A two-time Journal All-Star, she helped elevate the Huskies during their rebuild and put them over the top this season. With an array of off-speed pitches, she dominated most opponents and earned all-section honors after leading Highland to its first Section 9 Class B title since 2014.
Jocelyn Pepe, Arlington, Sr., Catcher: She turned heads during a magnificent first season as a starter, leading the Admirals to the Section 1 Class AAA quarterfinals. Pepe batted .438 with eight homers and six doubles, 34 RBI and 23 runs, setting the single-season program records for home runs and RBI. With a strong arm, the Framingham commit also dazzled defensively and earned all-section honors.
Arielle Reddick, John Jay-East Fishkill, Sr., Shortstop: Described by her coaches as an "irreplaceable asset," the two-time Journal All-Star was an excellent run-producer who smoothly transitioned from catcher to shortstop. The Purchase commit batted .523 with 10 extra-base hits, including a homer, 26 RBI and a 1.319 OPS.
Katherine Ruffy, Beacon, Jr., Shortstop/Pitcher: She excelled offensively, leading an upstart squad to the Section 9 Class A quarterfinals. Ruffy hit .643 with two homers, nine doubles, 27 RBI and 10 stolen bases, and was voted a Section 9 all-star.
Callie Sniffen, Haldane, Jr., Catcher/First base: She followed a record-setting breakout season with another impressive run, proving herself to be among the best power hitters in the area. Sniffen blasted 12 homers, leading the Blue Devils to the Section 1 Class D final in their first varsity season as a standalone program since 2019. She earned all-section and was named League 3-D Player of the Year.
Second team
1B/C — Adriana Alessandro, Spackenkill, So.
P — Kayla Baez, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Sr.
3B — Emma Barton, John Jay-East Fishkill, Sr.
3B — Peyton Burton, Pine Plains, 8th
P/INF — Kaelyn Brenner, Roy C. Ketcham, So.
3B — Kiera Del Salto, Marlboro, 8th
C — Morgan Doughty, John Jay-East Fishkill, So.
P — Talia Durant, Pine Plains, 8th
2B/P — Sam Harris, Arlington, So.
C — Bryana Kelliher, Beacon, Sr.
1B — Emma Kozlowski, Roy C. Ketcham, So.
3B — Ava Krakower, Spackenkill, Sr.
P/SS — Josie O'Leary, Pawling, Sr.
C — Delainey Reid, Highland, So.
C — Autumn Tompkins, Pawling, Jr.
OF/P — Gabby Torre, New Paltz, Fr.
C — Molly Veach, Our Lady of Lourdes, Jr.
Honorable mention
Arlington : Ava Eraca, Jr., 3B; Gianna Petrillo, Sr., OF
Beacon : Sally Betterbid, Jr., 2B/CF; Ashlynn Way, Fr., OF/2B; Isabella White, Sr., P/3B
Dover : Kendall Koerner, 7th, P/1B; Julia Villano, 8th, 2B/OF/P
Franklin D. Roosevelt : Abbey Greenspan, So., SS; Jax Sweed, So., 1B/P; Sanaiya Whitted, Jr., CF
Haldane : Lainey Donaghy, 8th, C/INF; Allegra Clementson, 7th, P
Highland : Emma Hanlon, Sr., SS; Abigail Paserba, So., 2B; Sierra Spinelli, So., 3B/SS
John Jay : Katie Barosa, So., P; Leah Doughty, So., 2B; Brianna Marte, Sr., OF
Marlboro : Madison Gibney, Sr., 1B; Kaitlyn Gordon, Jr., OF; Samantha Maleck, OF/P, Fr.; Lily Sullivan, Jr., OF
New Paltz : Madison Braren, Fr., OF; Bella Morales, So., INF; Ella Nathe, So., OF
Our Lady of Lourdes : Lila Lovgren, Jr., SS/OF
Pawling : Lyndsey Cole, Jr., 1B; Hailey Zwingman, Jr., OF
Pine Plains : Addy Farinaccio, Fr., OF; Millie Molella, 1B, Jr.; Brooke Sikula, P/DH, So.
Roy C. Ketcham : Claire Moore, Jr., OF
Spackenkill : Katrina Carmel, Sr., SS; Ella Hanaburgh, Sr., 2B
Webutuck/Millbrook : Ciara Grey, So., SS
Coach of the Year
Andrea Schoonmaker, Marlboro: The first-year head coach took over a talented roster, but she helped improve individual skills, built confidence, and guided the Iron Dukes through a challenging schedule that had them well-prepared for the playoffs. The result was a brilliant run that captured Marlboro's first state title since 2016.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Softball: Gunsett, DeLawder and Birkenstock headline the Journal's 2024 All-Stars
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