Corning Hawks Showcase Resilience in Victory Over Newburgh in Softball Subregional

Corning may not have dominated their latest matchup as they have in previous games, but the Hawks demonstrated the qualities that have earned them the top spot in New York's Class AAA rankings. With a blend of solid defense, a complete performance from senior pitcher Matti Johnston, and a pivotal home run from Sophie Schoonover, Corning secured a 4-2 victory against Newburgh Free Academy, the Section 9 runners-up, during a New York State Public High School Athletic Association softball subregional on Tuesday, June 2, at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton.

Schoonover's impactful homer to right field highlighted a three-run fifth inning for the Hawks, who had found themselves trailing 2-1. "It's super exciting," Schoonover shared about the game. "Obviously we expect that of ourselves, to keep winning and keep grinding." She added, "That was a great game. They're a great team, and we really came out to play. We always are. We're ready."

Even though Johnston wasn't at her sharpest, she managed to seal the win with two scoreless innings, allowing six hits while striking out six and walking three. "She’ll be the first one to tell you she didn’t have her best stuff today," noted head coach Mike Johnston Jr., who is also her uncle. "But she trusted in her teammates, and she made four or five lineouts right back to the pitcher’s mound, which were huge outs for us."

The Hawks' defensive prowess was on full display, with center fielder Lauren DeRosa making a remarkable diving catch and another impressive grab against the fence. Additionally, Hannah Kauffman executed a diving catch in right field, while Johnston effectively turned potential hits into outs. Schoonover also showcased her skills by fielding a hard-hit ball and completing a crucial double play to end an inning.

Corning's offense made necessary adjustments after struggling early in the game. Freshman Emilia Smith set the tone with a triple and scored the first run. Following her lead, the team rallied, with DeRosa driving in a run before Schoonover’s decisive home run. "I made an adjustment from my first two at-bats," Schoonover explained. "I didn’t have a great first two. And then I made an adjustment because Emilia was killing it in the front of the box." Coach Johnston also highlighted a key sacrifice bunt from Bella Beres, which helped set up the tying run.

With this victory, Corning improved to 18-0 and is set to face either Lancaster from Section 6 or Rush-Henrietta from Section 5 in the regional final at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Gates-Chili High School in the Rochester area. The Hawks are aiming for a third consecutive appearance at the state final four, having won the championship two years ago. "Really proud of our kids. They kept battling," Coach Johnston remarked following the match.