TIOGA COUNTY - Tioga's Kate Kithcart proved to be a spark the Tigers needed this season, showcasing top-notch ability on both sides of the ball, while helping propel Tioga to the Section IV, Class C championship game, earning Tioga County Sports Report 2025 "Girls Newcomer of the Spring."

The eighth grader took over the pitching duties early in the year and posted a 9-3 record with a 2.46 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Kitchcart struck out 71 batters and walked 12, while allowing 68 hits in 74 innings. 

At the plate, Kithcart hit .469 with 30 hits, including 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.

Kate Kithcart, freshman, Tioga: See above.

Crawford provided instant production for a strong River Hawks softball program this season. Crawford was a solid glove in the outfield and a strong bat in the top of the lineup. She averaged .356 with 21 hits, including four home runs, six triples, four doubles, 11 RBI, and 31 runs scored. Crawford had a .443 on-base percentage to go along with a .831 slugging percentage for a 1.273 OPS.

Waverly's Gianna Soprano had a big impact for the Wolverines in her first varsity season.

Soprano, who was also Waverly's top pole vaulter during the regular season, placed fifth in the 400-meter hurdles at the State Qualifier. She won the 400 hurdles at the STAC and Class C Championships as well.

Newark Valley's DeBolt made an immediate impact in her first varsity season. The sophomore pitcher threw 58 innings for the Cardinals, reaching 100 strikeouts on the very last batter she faced. Offensively, DeBolt hit .324 with a home run, three doubles and eight RBI. The sophomore also worked seven walks and finished with a .457 on-base percentage and a .486 slugging percentage for a .943 OPS.

Middlebrook was instrumental in turning the season around for SVEC softball, providing the pitching the Eagles needed to reach the postseason. SVEC started the year losing five in a row, before turning to Middlebrook in the circle, where they then rattled off four straight victories. Middlebrook finished the season with 69 innings pitched with 92 strikeouts, five wins and a 1.788 WHIP.

In 2025 Clark joined the flag football team and earned her way into a starting roll at safety for a defense that was a driving force for Owego's run to the Class C State Championship game. In just her first season, Clark finished second on the team in interceptions with six.

At the plate, Gonzalez hit .424 with 25 hits, including six doubles, two triples, one home run, 23 RBI, and 21 runs scored. She walked 10 times and was hit by pitches twice for a .662 on-base percentage with a slugging percentage of .644 for a 1.306 OPS. Gonzalez made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball for the Wolverines. She posted a 6-5 record in the circle as well with a 3.86 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched.