VALLEY SPORTS REPORT: ATHENS' PAUL HEADLINES SUPER 7 AS 'GIRLS NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR' (2025-07-01)

Valley Sports Report
THE VALLEY — Freshman Memphis Paul played a key role in Athens' first-ever District 4 softball title, and also had a big season on the mats for the Lady Wildcats. She is the Valley Sports Report 2024-25 "Girls Newcomer of the Year."

Paul proved to be a very good defensive catcher, and a good tandem with sophomore Gretchan Hiley, who had one of the best season in the pitcher's circle in Valley history.

Paul hit .290 (20 hits in 69 ABs) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored, and six stolen bases. She walked eight times and was hit by pitches twice for a .380 on-base percentage.

On the mats, Paul finished her freshman season with a 20-11 record, including 18 pin falls.

She placed third at the District 4 Championships.

2024-25 ALL-VALLEY SUPER 7 GIRLS NEWCOMERS OF THE YEAR
Memphis Paul, freshman, Athens: See above.

Gianna Soprano, freshman, Waverly: In the fall, Soprano scored three goals on the soccer pitch, and the biggest was the one that gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead on its way to a 2-0 win over Chenango Forks for its first-ever Section IV title. She also had four assists on the season.

This spring, Soprano, who was also Waverly's top pole vaulter during the regular season, placed fifth in the 400-meter hurdles at the State Qualifier.

Soprano won the 400 hurdles at the STAC and Class C Championships.

Alissa Vough, freshman, Athens: During the fall, Vough quickly became the No. 2 runner on the cross country team.

Vough had Top-10 finishes at the Forbes Invitational (ninth), and the Owego Dash in the Dark (10th). She also had strong performances at the prestigious McQuaid Invitational (18th), and the rugged Paul Short Invite (93rd).

During the winter, Vough saw quality minutes, and proved herself to be a top-notched defender. She grabbed three rebounds in Athens' District loss.

In the spring, Vough had a good season, and finished 11th in the 1,600-meter run at the District 4 Track & Field Championships. She finished 23rd at the District 4, Class AA Championships.

Lilly Mezzatesta, junior, Tioga: In the spring, Mezzatesta, who got a taste of varsity play during Tioga's run to the Section IV championship game appearance in 2203, did a little of everything for the Tigers. She was effective at the service line, was a presence at the net, played defense, and set on occasion.

During the winter, Mezzatesta was 13-13 on the mat, and finished third at the IAC Championships.

Brooke Lyon, freshman, Athens: Lyon was a three-sport athlete, but made her bone in the fall on the golf links. Lyon was a consistent starter for the Wildcats, who won their fourth straight NTL title and the program's first-ever District 4 title. She had a scoring average of 101.8 in nine matches, and set a school record for the Lady Wildcats with a round of 85, and also shot an 86.

During the winter, Lyon picked up some points in the freestyle sprints and relays.

This spring, Lyon contributed in the field. She was 16th in the in the triple jump at the NTL Track & Field Championships.

McKenna Parrish, freshman, Sayre: Parrish saw quality minutes on the hardwoods for the Redskins during the winter this season. She averaged 2.1 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

This spring, Parrish hit .286 (14 hits in 49 ABs) with one double, six RBI, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases. She walked seven times and was hit by one pitch for a .386 on-base percentage.

Kate Kithcart, freshman, Tioga: Kithcart took over the pitching duties early in the season and posted a 9-3 record with a 2.46 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. She struck out 71 and walked only 12, while allowing 68 hits in 74 innings.

At the plate, Kithcart hit .469 (30 hits in 64 ABs) with six doubles, two triples, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four stolen bases. She worked eight walks for a .469 on-base percentage, to go along with a .625 slugging percentage for a 1.153 OPS.

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