steve ognibene's blog

Batavia Lady Blue Devils delivered 17 hits to lead them to victory yesterday afternoon and defeat host Honeoye Falls-Lima 10-5 in the class A2 quarter final matchup.

Batavia jumped out to a big 6-0 lead before the Cougars scored four runs of their own to make it a two-run lead for the Lady Devils through four innings, 6-4.

Batavia answered with four big runs in the fifth inning to take control of the game. Combined pitching efforts carried Batavia to victory. Katie Ange pitched the first three innings and Irelyn Curry the final four innings to close out the game for the Lady Devils. 

Ryann Stefaniak went four for five including an RBI, while Taylor Stefaniak (double, RBI), Bri Janes, and Bryn Wormley each stroked three hits. Janes also knocked in three runs as well, and Ryann Stefaniak scored three times. Maiya Reinhart singled in a run for Batavia. 

Lady Devils will play School of the Arts in the class A2 semi-finals at SUNY Brockport College at 4 p.m. this Friday.

Batavia High School Girls Varsity Softball Team went undefeated for both games to win the Pembroke tournament this past Saturday at Pembroke Town Park. Batavia High School defeated Akron 10-9 in game one, then beat Perry/Mount Morris in the championship game 16-1. 

Irelyn Curry was named MVP of the tournament by pitching two complete games. Irelyn and the defense only allowed one run in the championship game.  

Against Akron, the Lady Devils were challenged by a deficit of six runs early on but battled back to win the game 10-9. Taylor and Ryann Stefaniak, Bri Janes, and Mackenzie Reigle each scored two runs, while Bri Janes, Alaina Bowman and Bryn Wormley all drove in two runs. Jenae Colkey doubled twice. 

In the championship game, Taylor Stefaniak scored five times, with three hits along with her sister Ryann Stefaniak who had three hits. Maiya Reinhart hit a three-run home run and 5 RBIs, and Bri Janes had three hits as Batavia collected 18 hits to win the game 16-1.

Batavia improves to 10-7 on the season and face a rematch of last year sectional finalists Pittsford Sutherland home today at Anderson Field. Game time 5 p.m.

Top two photos provided by Lori Reinhart. Bottom photos by Steve Ognibene.

UPDATE June 2, 2018: We were notified two days ago this event has been cancelled.

Press release:

Batavia High School baseball, softball and girls tennis teams are sponsoring their premier color run 5K event at Batavia High School (260 State St.) on Saturday, June 16th.  

Check in / registration starts at 8:15 a.m, race starts at 9 o'clock. This event is open to all ages. Cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and color pack if registered by June 1st. After June 1st T-shirts are not guaranteed.

Registration is open now; register here.

After the event there will be a color blast party with music. Come out and support these athletes and help make this a great event.

For more information, contact coordinator Nickie Fazio at 356-1690.

Results posted below for Batavia High School's victory over Eastridge yesterday afternoon at BHS. Batavia won over visiting Eastridge 6-1. 

Andrew Freeman (pictured above) won a tough match in his first singles coming back from a first set loss.

The boys played hard today and picked up their first team victory of the year, said Head Coach Tom Redband.

For complete standings, find them here.

For more photos to view click here.

Brandon Bradley

Steven Gilebarto

Batavia Blue Devils boys and girls track and field team defeated Greece Odyssey yesterday at vandetta stadium Batavia. Boys team won by an impressive 134-7 and girls team 119-21. Top finishers are posted below. 

There were many second- and third-place finishers for the squad also. Batavia boys record is 2-0 and girls are 1-1 in their division. 

Batavia’s home invitational will be at Vandetta stadium starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday May 12.

For more photos click here. Pictured above is senior Jonathan Liciaga.

Above are senior Eric Davis and sophomore Daemon Konieczny.

Above, senior Anthony "Butchie" Ray.

Boys results:

Double Winners include:

Eric Davis -- 100m Hurdles – 14.9 sec. -- 100m Dash – 11.2 sec. -- 200m Dash – 24.0 sec./ Also a member of the winning 4x100.

Jonathan Liciaga -- Long Jump 18 ‘ 9.5” -- Triple Jump 40’ 8” / Also a member of the winning 4x100.

Anthony Ray -- Shot Put 55’ 4”  -- Discus 143’ 1"

Other Winners:

Nick Neid 1600m – 4:47.6

Colton Martin  400m Hurdles 65.2 sec.

Mario Rosales 800m - 2:11.3

Dylan Gaus -- 3200m – 11:07.4

Pole Vault -- Daemon Konieczny 9’ 6”

4x100m Relay – 47.3 sec. -- Eric Davis, Johnathan Licaga, Joey Gefell, Brock Every

4x400m Relay – 3:57.8 -- Colton Martin, Zak Jantzi, Kris Kuszlyk, John Bruggman

4x800m Relay – 9:34.5 -- Andrew Cunningham, Nick Neid, Matt Adams, Garrick Havens

Senior Kiaya Franklin, left.

Senior Tanner Kolb.

From left -- Cameron Buck, Samantha Davis, Juliana Branche, Sadie Loria.

Girls results:  

Double Winners include:

Kiaya Franklin -- 100m – 12.6 sec. -- 200m – 26.6 sec / Also a Member of the winning 4x100 & 4x400.

Cameron Buck -- 800m - 2:49.7 -- High Jump – 4’ 6” / Also a Member of the winning 4x400.

Tanner Kolb -- Shot Put – 24’ 1” -- Discus – 87’ 3

Other winners:

Caitlin Kingston -- 400m – 1:06.2 / Also a member of the winning 4x800.

Madeline Taggart -- 1500m – 6:18.5 / Also a member of the winning 4x800.

Sydney Della Penna -- 3000m – 12:57.8 / Also a member of the winning 4x800.

Sarah Adams  -- Triple Jump – 30’ 2.5”

4x100m Relay – 52.5 sec. -- Kiaya Franklin, Jadin Vasciannie, Ariana Brown, Brianna Gutman

4x400m Relay – 4:47.4 min. -- Camryn Buck, Piper Harloff, Samantha Davis, Kiaya Franklin

4x800m Relay – 12:53.8 min. -- Caitlin Kingston, Maddie Taggart, Sadie Loria, Sydney Della Penna

Sophomore Irelyn Curry (pictured above) tossed a complete game, scattering eight hits, while striking out five on the mound to pick up her first varsity win as Batavia defeated Greece Athena 8-4. 

Maiya Reinhart and Alaina Bowman each were 2 for 4 at the plate. Bottom of the first was the turning point in the game as senior Bri Janes and freshman Mackenzie Reigle both doubled and drove in two runs for the Devils. Natalie Rogers also singled and doubled for Batavia. Taylor Stefaniak was 1-3 at the plate and led a strong defensive effort for Batavia. Batavia improves their record to 2-2. 

Head Coach Jim Fazio summarized the win after the game, "Very proud of how our team responded after Athena put four runs on the board in the first inning to take an early lead.

"Irelyn was outstanding in the circle and the girls rallied behind her defensively. We answered their early offensive explosion with seven runs of our own. Our pitching and defense carried us the rest of the game."

In a close non-league golf matchup Batavia Blue Devils beat Elba Central Lancers 263-270 at Batavia Country Club yesterday. Teagan Monahan and Bryce Reigel scored a 49 to lead the Devils, while Elba's Ben Pflaumer scored a 44 for Elba.

The Batavia High School Varsity Softball Team is pictured above donating a check of $1,000 to board members of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The team raised $3,000 during a Bat-a-thon fundraising event called "Strike Out Cancer" on March 24th at Batavia High School. It was a priority this season as a way to contribute to a local charity.

"This was something our team and program wanted to do to make a difference in our community," said first-year Coach Jim Fazio. "Our girls went above and beyond in all of our fundraising efforts and this seemed like a perfect place to show our support."

Head Coach Jim Fazio presents the check to Board Member Nickie Fazio, who coordinates the Simply Beautiful program, and office manager Teresa Potrzebowski​ of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Rev. Ruth Rosa Warner along with Boy Scouts from Troop 6006 are holding a Pasta Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th, at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.  Dinner includes pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, beverages.

Pre-sale tickets are two for $10 or $5 each if purchased by April 6th. Ticket locations are at Marchese Computer Products, 220 Ellicott St., Batavia, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; and Licata Chiropractic and Wellness Center during regular business hours.

Tickets can be purchased at the door: Adults $7 and children under 10, $5. A free delivery service will be offered to senior living homes in Batavia if ordered by April 6th.

Any questions please call Steve Ognibene 585-409-8358 or email sognibene@gmail.com

The St. Jerome Guild is sponsoring its annual fashion show is at noon on Sunday, April 15th, at Father Solumba Hall at Accension Parish, 15 Sumner St., Batavia.

Fashions presented by models of women, men, teen, children and toddler clothing.

Pre-sale tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 10 and under can be purchased at the St. Jerome Gift Shop at the Jerome Center 16 Bank St., Batavia, M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 - noon.

Included in the ticket is a catered lunch by the Dibble Center. Basket Raffles will be available.

For any questions or donations contact Annette Labarbera at 585-734-9102.

Here is a list of participating stores:

JCPenney's
Jerome Collection from Guild Gift Shop
Kohl’s
Marshalls
Peebles

History of the Guild:

The St. Jerome Guild Inc. has been serving the Batavia Community and hospital for more than 100 years. In 2017 it celebrated its 100th anniversary.

During that time the Guild has sponsored many fund raisers to support our local hospital. These include dinner dances, Mother’s Day dinners, flower sales, and lottery raffles.

In the past 100 years the Guild has donated hospital equipment, ambulances, equipped the coronary care unit at the former St. Jerome Hospital. In the past years the Guild has annually donated $10,000 to the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation in a directorship program.

St. Joe's Mammoth Sale, which is Western New York's Largest annual indoor garage sale, is on Saturday April 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria of St. Joesph's School at 2 Summit St., Batavia. Pictured are co-chairs Randa Williams, left, and Kathy Stefani who organize this annual event, now in its 14th year.

"We start about two weeks after the last sale in early May -- that takes about a year to prepare for," Stefani said.

Many volunteers help prepare and sorting collectables, furniture, household goods for sale at St. Mary's on a weekly basis until the event. One key item she points out is it's FREE, no admission cost to get in and has been since she started this as the largest fundraiser for the school.

A couple of her big supporters are: Mary Dee Ognibene, who gathers more than 600 boxes from TOPS in Batavia in her little red car; Rick Mancuso, who donates a storage facility annually to store the furniture and bigger items; and Jerry Fisk, who repairs items as needed.

In addition, there will be a cafe with breakfast and lunch available for purchase, raffle baskets and tens of thousands of items to choose from.

If you would like to donate any items and/or volunteer the day of the event, contact Kathy Stefani at 344-2701

On Saturday March 24th the Batavia girls softball program held a Bat-a-thon called "Strike Out Cancer." The event raised more than $3,000 by all three teams in the program, from Modified-JV-Varsity.

The players did a tremendous job getting sponsors and each player was given the opportunity to hit 20 pitches in the batting cage.

For each ball hit, the girls raised money for the softball program and Genesee Cancer Assistance (GCA). GCA Board Member Nickie Fazio was on hand for the event.

"The girls did a great job with this wonderful event and I couldn't be more proud of them," Nickie Fazio said. "It is so nice to be able to contribute to our community."

"Thank you to everyone for their generous support," said Coach Jim Fazio.

Photos and story submitted by BHS softball team.

The sixth annual Mr. Batavia brought a nearly sold-out crowd last evening to Batavia High School, and raised an estimated $4,400 for charity.

Since its inception in 2013, more than $20,000 has been raised, said Lisa Robinson, Mr. Batavia advisor and co-advisor of student government. Each contestant performs their best in different catagories like group dance, talent, swimsuit, lip sync, tux walk, question and answer.

Crossroads House will receive 50 percent of the money raised by the winner of the event, Joe Marchese.

"Going into the show I felt really confident," Joe said, "then about 30 minutes before the show, I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown, literary choking up and said to myself 'I cannot do this.'

"I went to get some water, got out there, did the group dance and feeling good, then took the momentum all the way through the night and had a such great time."

Joe continued "I have wanted to do Mr. Batavia since my freshman year. Working with these group of guys was so amazing, which made my senior year come full euphoria and (I) have no words to describe the feeling at this moment."

His mom, Sandra, said "What stands out for me is Joseph's confidence and creativity in public speaking and performance. You are amazing, Joe! All the time and effort over the years that you have put into your personal development and leadership skills is shining through!"

Anand Patel was first runner-up. His charity was Golisano’s Children’s Hospital. Cameron Hardy was second runner-up and he raised funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Charles Men’s Shop donated use of tuxedos, Reed Eye Associates provided the sunglasses. Many other members of staff, volunteers, students and additional sponsors also contributed to this annual event.

Local Judges were: Peter Cecere, VP of Batavia City School District BOE; James DeFreeze, City of Batavia Police Department; Matt Morasco, City of Batavia Fire Department; and Shellye Dale-Hall, Prevention Education, GCASA.

Other contestantants were Nichalas Neid, Chase Monachino, Brandon Buck, Valentino Zinni, Jon Liciaga, Nate Loria, John Kindig, Julio Vazquez and Evan Bellavia.

To view photos or purchase prints click here.

Pictured above are hostesses Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal Lullo.

The Batavia Ramparts 18U Empire team won the Rock and Roll Tournament championship this past Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio.

The team won all three preliminary games leading up to Sunday's final where they won by a score of 6-1.

Photo and information provided by Michael Freeman.

The trio performed their monthly jazz tunes last evening at a packed T.F. Brown's 214 Main St., Batavia. 

They perform once a month, traditionally on Thursdays, but decided to change it up because of the NCAA basketball. Here are a couple photos.

Press release:

Tonight at the Richmond Memorial Library (19 Ross St., Batavia) from 7:30 to 8:30 "No Blarney" will be performing traditional Irish music with Rich Conroy and Don Bouchard.

This free program is sponsored by the library.

Then on Thursday the duo performs again at the Holland Land Office (131 W. Main St., Batavia) from 7-9 p.m.; cost is $5.

Head Coach Jim Fazio (far left) with Assistant Coach Mark Janes (far right) along with members of Batavia High School Girls Softball Team receive a check for $1,000 from owner Kathy Ferrara yesterday afternoon at Batavia's Original Pizzeria, Batavia. 

The girls did a great job promoting this event and in honor of International Womans Day on March 8th, Ferrara said she decided to match their fundraising efforts.

"I believe empowering women is important in our community and these young ladies represent a strong future, so I wanted to help them raise funds towards their trip," she said.

The team has been fundaising since December when they saw an opportunity to play ball in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and add games to their schedule in warmer weather.  

Franklinville Panthers led after the first quarter 18-8 by senior 5'10' Allyson Haskell. Elba's senior Emily Reynolds (pictured above) was held to just seven points on the night along with Leah Bezon (pictured below) guarding Danielle Haskell from Franklinville. The Panthers extended thier lead 32-17 at the half and continued the pace.

Second half Panthers had a lead as much as 29 points but Elba's strongest scoring fourth quarter came up short with a final of losing 60-40. Elba's Freshman Maddie Muehlig led in points for the lancers with 10 on the night, 0 for 6 from three-point range.  

Franklinville will play Edwards-Knox next Saturday, March 17th, at 2:15 p.m. in the Final four at Hudson Valley Community College.

Photos courtesy of David Zuppelli.

Photos from last evening's 27th annual Pasta Night fundraiser at John Kennedy Intermediate School, Batavia. Many local businesses contributed to raffles, door prizes and fun for all who attended. 

Principal Amanda Cook thanked all the supporters including teachers, parent volunteers, Batavia Middle School eighth-grade mentors and scouts from Troop 6006.

Press release:

St. Joseph School, located at 2 Summit St., Batavia, will be hosting their annual Penny Carnival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the cafeteria. 

Come for a day full of affordable family fun including games, inflatables, waffles, basket raffles, a $1,000 giveaway, a Chinese auction and a bake sale.