As the high school spring athletic season wraps up, attention turns to honoring the standout female competitor of the year, sponsored by Faber Builders Inc. This season's weekly accolades predominantly celebrated talents from lacrosse, flag football, and softball. Notably, unlike previous years, no track and field participants secured the 'Athlete of the Week' title during this period. Aquinas and Pittsford Sutherland emerged as leading institutions, with several students from each school receiving weekly distinctions.
The community is now encouraged to participate in a poll to select the ultimate 'Faber Builders Girls Athlete of the Spring'. Before casting your vote, which remains open until Sunday, July 5, at 11:59 p.m., review the impressive achievements of each nominated athlete. The victor will be officially unveiled on Monday, July 6, via the DandCSports Instagram platform. Here's a closer look at some of the exceptional athletes.
Sydney Bryant from Pittsford lacrosse was honored as Athlete of the Week after securing the decisive goal with only six seconds left, leading the Panthers to an upset victory over the reigning state champions, Victor. Bryant impressively tallied three goals in that pivotal game. Savannah Durham, a sophomore from Oakfield-Alabama, showcased her dominance in softball by allowing just one run across two state playoff matches, guiding the Hornets to the NYSPHSAA Class D championship. Her offensive contributions included going 2-for-3 with three RBIs against Cincinnatus in the semifinals, while also pitching a five-hitter against Windham-Ashland-Jewett in the Class D final. Penfield lacrosse star Olivia Lanning earned Athlete of the Week for her remarkable performance, scoring three goals and assisting once, propelling the Patriots to a win against Lancaster in regional state playoffs. Bles'ng Muhammad, a junior from Aquinas, was recognized as Athlete of the Week in late April for her instrumental role in her school's flag football team's three victories, where she contributed three touchdowns. Her highlights included a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a 45-yard punt return for a score. She also amassed eight receptions for 141 yards and executed 30 flag pulls, with three resulting in sacks. Cara Orlando, a softball player from Pittsford Sutherland, was named Athlete of the Week in early May after an extraordinary showing: going 8-for-12 at the plate with five home runs, two of which were walk-offs, and driving in 13 runs over three games. Ajaya Orr, a senior from Aquinas, was honored after her stellar performance in flag football in April, where she threw three touchdown passes, ran for two touchdowns, scored on an interception return, and added a punt return for a touchdown in two victories. Penfield flag football quarterback Sophia Puccia demonstrated her exceptional talent by throwing six touchdown passes and rushing for four touchdowns during the Section V Class A tournament final and semifinal wins. Emma Rascoe, the Webster Schroeder flag football quarterback, was named Athlete of the Week for her electrifying offensive display, throwing 11 touchdown passes, completing 81 of 114 attempts for 708 yards, running for four touchdowns, and making 15 flag pulls, including three sacks, across three victories. Livonia senior Lily Rowe propelled the Livonia-Avon-Geneseo Lakers to their inaugural Section V championship game by netting five goals and contributing four assists. Wayne lacrosse senior Anabelle Ruffell was recognized as Athlete of the Week in mid-April for her comprehensive performance, tallying five goals, four assists, and six draw controls in a win against Jordan-Elbridge. Lastly, Lucy Whipple, a sophomore from Irondequoit lacrosse, was honored in early April after she scored her third goal of the game with just a minute left, securing a victory for the Eagles over Fairport.
These athletes represent the pinnacle of dedication and sportsmanship. Their outstanding achievements not only brought success to their teams but also served as an inspiration for their peers and the wider community, embodying the spirit of competitive excellence and perseverance.
