Clarence softball team moves closer to historic repeat

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Clarence will look to continue its softball state championship reign on Saturday, taking on Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in Brookhaven, N.Y. in the NYSPHSAA Class AA final.

The defending champion Red Devils advanced to the state title game with a 2-0 semifinal victory Friday over Bellmore JFK, improving their season record to 19-4. Ella Harrison struck out 18 batters in pitching a two-hit shutout, and the Rutgers freshman homered in Clarence’s two runs in the first inning.

Positioned to win a third state title since 2012 under coach Todd Banaszak, Clarence now has the opportunity to become the first team to repeat as a Class AA champion and the first team in Section VI to win back-to-back NYSPHSAA titles.