THE SPORTS REPORTS: WELLSBORO'S KOSEK HEADLINES GIRLS ALL-REGION 'NEWCOMERS OF THE FALL;' FOUR TIOGA COUNTY GIRLS MAKE THE LIST (2023-12-25)

The Sports Reports
Each season a flock of newcomers fill in the void created by the loss of graduating seniors from the prior year, and each season many step to the forefront of their respective sport. This fall, Wellsboro’s Lauren Kosek led the charge, and is The Sports Reports’ 2023 Girls “Newcomer of the Fall.”

Kosek, a freshman on the Wellsboro cross country team, ran to a second-place finish at the NTL Coaches Invite, then punched her ticket to the PIAA, Class AA Championships with a ninth-place finish at the District 4 Championships.

At States, Kosek ran to a 40th-place finish.

The 2023 Baker’s Dozen Girls “Newcomers of the Fall”
Lauren Kosek, freshman, Wellsboro cross country: See above.

Ashlyn Dalton, freshman, Owego girls soccer: Dalton made an immediate impact for the River Hawks, and finished the season with 21 goals and 11 assists to help them to Section IV, Class A championship.

Allie Lyon, 8th-grade, SVEC girls soccer: Lyon thrust herself into the limelight as only an 8th-grader, scoring 16 goals and dishing out five assists for the Eagles.

Grace Howey, 7th-grader, Tioga girls soccer: A tenacious competitor with skills galore, and a strong knowledge of the game, Howey scored 12 goals, and dished out seven assists in her first varsity season. She finished the season strong, scoring two goals in Tioga’s postseason win over Unatego, then scoring two goals and dishing out an assist in the season-ending loss to Trumansburg.

Izzy Larson, freshman, Towanda cross country: Larson had one of the best seasons a freshman can have in the NTL, being a league all-stars and earning a state berth. Unfortunately, her season was cut short due to injury.

RaeAnne Feeko, sophomore, Tioga volleyball: Feeko, who saw some action during the postseason last year, made an instant impact for the Tigers this season. A dynamic athlete and all-around player, Feeko recorded 148 service points, 212 setter assists, 163 digs, 29 kills, and eight blocks.

Maddie Ribble, freshman, Horseheads, girls’ soccer: Ribble had nine goals as a freshman, tying for the team scoring lead, and dished out four assists. She scored all three goals in 3-2 win over Corning that helped Horseheads to first division title in 13 years

Losseki (Sam) Molingou, sophomore, Corning volleyball: Midway through the season became a starter for the Hawks and was a force with 27 blocks and 88 kills in just 30 sets this season for Corning.

Brooklyn Evans, sophomore, Towanda volleyball: Evans developed into a force at the net, securing the second most blocks in the NTL and also providing some key hitting from the middle hitter position. She 73 points, 109 kills, 59 blocks, and 122 digs on the season.

Giana Renzi, freshman, Troy girls soccer: Renzi was key to Troy’s success with her midfield and forward play. Her contributions in the midfield were especially key as that was where Troy lost most of their starters. She had eight goals, and one assist on the season.

Raegan VanGorden, sophomore Williamson volleyball: VanGorden and an immediate impact for the Warriors this season, leading the team with 602 setter assists. She also had 231 points with 84 aces, 215 digs and 38 kills.

Zeraya Wilson, sophomore, Williamson girls soccer:  Wilson was a key component on a Warrior team that qualified for the District 4, Class AA playoffs. She scored 11 goals and added five assists on the season.

Kylie Pickett, sophomore, Wyalusing volleyball: Pickett proved to be one of the best young players in the NTL as she did it all for the Rams this year — setting, hitting, and defense. She had 69 service points, including 20 aces, 50 kills, 164 digs, and 184 setter assists.