It's a loaded position in Section V, but this freshman shortstop may top the list

WEBSTER — After catching the 21st out, Webster Schroeder freshman shortstop Kinsley Keil slammed the softball into the Linda McCoy Field turf with grand elation, celebrating the Warriors' 3-1 win at crosstown rival Webster Thomas Wednesday night with her teammates.

Keil's Warriors are now 15-0 and ranked No. 4 in the state. On a roster overflowing with talent, Keil has been critical at shortstop and as their No. 3 hitter. The Schroeder freshman gave impressions of a seasoned senior in the Monroe County crossover contest. Her Warriors appear to be a serious contender in the highly competitive Section V Class AA, especially after winning the heavyweight state-ranked bout against Thomas coach Emily Castro's reigning region champion and NYS fifth-ranked Titans (11-2), who's home to another one of the area's top shortstops in Julia Maciag.

Local feeder programs may not be surprised with Webster Schroeder's unbeaten start. When coach Meaghan Keil's Warriors won a state championship in 2022, Schroeder's junior varsity program went 20-0. Meaghan's daughter, Kinsley, was a seventh grader on JV then. Now, already in her second varsity season at shortstop, Kinsley has developed into "the best in the area", coach Keil said.

"I take a ton of pride in (playing shortstop)," Kinsley Keil said Wednesday night. "I work 110% every day at the field, and so does everyone else in the infield. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be undefeated like we are today."

Kinsey Keil, Webster Schroeder

What makes Webster Schroeder freshman Kinsley Keil such a good shortstop?

Coach said Kinsley Keil has a smooth game with excellent range and hands. Throws from Keil's right arm often mimics a cannon. Wednesday night, Keil sported white gloves to contrast her gold and blue uniform. She was the catalyst of all three runs against Webster Thomas. Keil officially went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the fifth inning. Additionally, Keil's first inning pop fly forced errant Webster Thomas (11-2) throws that helped Bizzie Baglieri and Liana DeValder cross the plate for a quick 2-0 advantage. Keil's batting average is around .500, she has 20 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

"Kins just works," coach Keil said. "She's young, but she reps, reps, reps. It's just muscle memory. Pressure doesn't bother her. She's smooth, covers a lot of range and communicates out there."

Teagan Burke, Wellsville

The sophomore helped NYS Class B's No. 1 ranked team shutout Pennsylvania's Debois Central Catholic 2-0 in her debut at shortstop. As Burke shifted to shortstop, junior Natalie Adams moved to second base. First baseman Marissa Ordway and third baseman Lindsay Stuck have helped form a seemingly impenetrable defense behind star pitcher Makenzie Cowburn.

"I think we all work really (well) with each other in the infield," Burke said.

Coral Enscoe, Bishop Kearney

Junior shortstop Coral Enscoe danced to "Hit the Quan" shortly before belting her second home run of the season April 25. Coach Dave Herbst said Enscoe is a five-tool player with a college future. Enscoe has a plus arm and good defensive footwork. She leads Kearney in RBIs, can spray the ball and hit for average. Enscoe is also a National Honor Society student in the top 5% of her class.

"I love my infield. I love working with them. Everyone just works well together. Same with the outfield. Everyone's got ... absolute cannons," Enscoe said.

"All of sudden she's found her swing. ... She's the first (and) last on the field. She really enjoys playing the game. Fun to watch and fun to coach," Herbst said.

Alex Van Ginhoven, Pittsford Mendon

In her second season starting at shortstop, freshman Alex Van Ginhoven first gained varsity experience as a seventh-grader, when she was pulled up for the season opener and scored on a delayed steal as a pinch runner. Coach Scott Parsons said Van Ginhoven is becoming more confident in the infield. She's tough, a good athlete and great hitter. She's also a hard worker who emphasizes footwork. Van Ginhoven doubles as a hockey player, which has developed her keen hand-eye coordination. Van Ginhoven scored 11 runs and has "heated up" the last three games hitting 4-for-9. She's batting .231 for the season with nine total hits.

"We've been making the plays we've need to. Obviously we still have room to improve. We still make some errors. But so far we're looking pretty good," Van Ginhoven said.

Audrey Steinorth, Victor

Junior shortstop Audrey Steinorth is a multi-year starter at Victor. Her RBI-double scored her sister, Olivia, to send Monday's game against Bloomfield into extra innings. One Section V coach referred to Audrey Steinorth as the best shortstop around.

"The senior class last year, (there) were a lot of girls that played, and played well. But I think we're doing better, getting up to the point where everyone's hitting," Audrey Steinorth said.

"Audrey is hitting really, really well this year. I trust her 100% when she's up to bat," senior pitcher Olivia Steinorth said.

Nadia Zach, Penfield

Senior shortstop Nadia Zach is a four year starter at Penfield. She's now bats third after hitting leadoff her previous three seasons. She's batting .340 and will play softball at Assumption College in Massachusetts.

"I think we've been clean. I think we work well together. We back up our pitchers. ... It's a strong part of the team," Zach said about her infield.

Section V shortstops to watch in 2024

Athletes were nominated by Section V coaches and the Democrat and Chronicle staff. Coaches can email mslaughter1@gannett.com to include their softball players.

Natalie Adams, Wellsville: (See above).

Teagan Burke, Wellsville: (See above).

Madison Boyce, Alexander: Senior shortstop/pitcher; .471, 16-for-34, 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBIs, 16 runs, 9 BBs, 7 SBs.

Morgan Breuer, Penn Yan: Eighth-grader. Second year starting at shortstop. Crucial part of relays. Vital on the field and up to bat. Has a 67% success rate in catching hard shots and throwing girls out from shortstop; 7 hits, 2 2Bs, 4 BBs, 10 RBIs, 5 runs.

Delaney Buttles, Aquinas: Eighth-grade shortstop; .361, OBP .410, OPS 1.039, SLG .476, 16 hits, 4 2Bs, 8 RBIs and 14 runs.

Isabella D'Agostino, Kendall: Eighth-grade shortstop was part of two double plays and is a stud defensively. Very talented player who plays travel softball year-round with the Edge Organization; batting .484, .515 OBP, .613 SLG, 15 hits in 9 games, 2 3Bs, 14 runs, 11-for-11 SBs, 2 BBs, 2 Ks; .971 FPCT, 18 assists, and 15 POs, only 1 error.

Olivia DeBoerdere, North Rose-Wolcott: The sophomore has a strong arm and great glove work that "would put her on any coach wish list," coach Yarrow said. DeBoerdere and McIntyre alternate between shortstop and pitcher, winning three games in the circle; .579, 2 HRs, 18 RBIs, 1.653 OPS.

Elise Dressel, Attica: Senior moves from first base to shortstop when Madalyn Robinson pitches. Dressel has grown into her shortstop role and knocks down any ball hit her way. Her range is "impressive". Has hit No. 2 and No. 6 in the lineup; 10 hits, 9 RBIs.

Zoe Eaton, Wayne: Junior captain and four year starter is a solid defender. First team Finger Lakes East in 2023; .463, 19 hits in 12 games, 6 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 9 BBs, 15 RBIs, .756 SLG.

Coral Enscoe, Bishop Kearney: (See above).

Abigail Eschner, Northstar Christian: Junior captain, first season playing shortstop after a 2023 first team Private-Parochial League all-star season at second base. Playing great defensively. In 2023: .500, 0.625 OBP, which included 30 hits, 6 2Bs, 2 3Bs in 18 games. In 2024: 0.478, 0.613 OBP, 11 hits, 2 2Bs, 9 games.

Alex Van Ginhoven, Pittsford Mendon: (See above).

Maddie Hall, Elba: Junior shortstop. Four year starter with tons of experience. Field general who brings constant chatter to the team, especially the younger girls; batting .433.

Kadyn Hartel, Rush-Henrietta: The junior is in her fifth varsity season. Splitting time at shortstop and pitching. Hartel was the winning pitcher of the 2023 Section V Class AA final.

Rowan Hennessy, Mercy: Sophomore began playing shortstop last year; 6 2Bs, 1 HR, 15 RBIs.

Piper Hyde, Oakfield-Alabama: Junior, Genesee Region all-star; .520 last season.

Kinsley Keil, Webster Schroeder: (See above).

Harper Kuehne, Eastridge: Sophomore team captain. Third year on varsity; .364 BA; .885 FPCT.

Emily Lamberson, Friendship/Scio: The sophomore "is always talking at short and catching (Morghyn Ross') throws, and keeping everybody on their toes," senior teammate Nevaeh Ross said.

Kaitlyn Landers, Batavia Notre Dame: Senior co-captain in a three-time Genesee Region all-star, an all-state second team (2021) and third teamer (2023), made the Section V Class D1 all-tournament team in 2019. Committed to Keuka College. This season: .419, 13 hits, 2 2Bs, HR, 9 RBIs, 17 runs, 0 Ks in 8 games. In 2023: .429, 36 hits, 11 2Bs, 1 3B; 23 RBIs, 35 runs.

Gabby Lyons, Pittsford Sutherland: Was an outfielder since seventh grade but is naturally an infielder. Took over shortstop since her sister, Julianna, graduated in 2023. "For what we do, she turns out to be our best option there, and she's doing a great job," coach Mike Scialo said; .445, six 2Bs, 1 3B, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs.

Julia Maciag, Webster Thomas: Senior shortstop has great range, a strong arm, and elite speed that helps her in the field and at the plate. Nearly turned a 5-2-6-4 double play Wednesday against Webster Schroeder. Leadoff hitter and dangerous baserunner.

Alydia McIntyre, North Rose-Wolcott: Sophomore four year starter is a very coachable, knowledgeable and driven player with a a strong arm and great range making her "any coach's dream for a shortstop," coach Rob Yarrow said. McIntyre has won four games as a pitcher; .686, 5 HRs,  22 RBIs, 2.137 OPS.

Olivia Miles, Midlakes: The senior captain is one of the team's best hitters. In the field, Miles is quick, can get to balls in gaps, covers a lot of ground, and has a "heck of an arm," coach Kyle Sanders said.

Abby O'Brien, Bloomfield: Junior shortstop for the 10-1 Bombers who are ranked No. 2 on the NYS Class C poll.

Shannon O'Hora, Brighton: Junior shortstop; 43 total chancces, 23 assists, 18 putouts, .953% FPCT, .256 BA, .310% OBP, 10 1Bs, 2 BBs.

Emily Pietrzykowski, Alexander: Junior shortstop/pitcher, 10-for-29, .345, 4 2Bs, 3B, 3 RBIs, 10 runs, 6 BBs, 5 Ks, 7 SBs.

Shaila Pragle, Wayland-Cohocton: Freshman shortstop; .350 BA, .409 OBP, 14 hits, 10 RBIs, 10 runs, 4 BBs, 13 SBs.

Madalyn Robinson, Attica: Senior shortstop/pitcher is a four year player. She's a sergeant and communicative. Natural mobility and range. Softball IQ is a "dominating". Bats clean-up; 12 hits, 13 RBIs.

Caitlin Ryan, Oakfield-Alabama: Senior shortstop, four-time Genesee Region all-star, GR Player of the Year, Class C1 Player of the Year 2022, Class C1 MVP in 2022; .530 BA last season.

Lauryn Smith, Fairport: The senior is a remaining member of the Red Raiders' 2022 Section V Class AA championship team.

Audrey Steinorth, Victor: (See above).

Alexis VanAmeron, Holley: Sophomore shortstop; .368, 7 hits, 1 2B, 3 RBIs, 4 BBs, 3 runs.

Nadia Zach, Penfield: (See above).

— Marquel Slaughter is a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle, specializing in high school sports. He has been reporter for 14 years. Follow him @MarquelSports on X or on Instagram. You can contact him at mslaughter1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V softball 2024: Top shortstops this season