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GI's Madisyn Pezzino shatters NYS soccer scoring record

Now has 240 career goals
Posted at 2:03 PM, Oct 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-22 00:19:02-04

When it comes to finding the back of the net, there is no one better than Grand Island's Madison Pezzino

With a five goal effort against Lockport, the Vikings senior became New York State's all-time leading scorer with 235 career goals.

"It's just amazing," Pezzino said.  "Just to be that person to hold that record in extraordinary and something to be proud of."

"To have an athlete that is that good and that special, they don't come around too often," Head Coach David Bowman added.  "To be a part of a career like that, as a coach, it's special."

The "greatest goal-scorer in state history" is a moniker Madisyn said she never imagined would be associated with her when her varsity career began in seventh grade.

"I just went in trying to fit in with all the other girls because I was obviously the youngest," she said.  "I just tried to get a starting position that year."

"(Madisyn) had a lot of talent coming in and as a youngster she blended her size and speed as a 7th grader so you could anticipate good things were going to happen," said Bowman.

She's re-lived the moment and watched her record setting goal close to 25 times.  Its a feeling that never gets old.

"I definitely get butterflies in my stomach when I watch that over and over," she said.

With the playoffs set to begin there are a few more games left in his stellar high school career.  Next fall she'll bring her goal-scoring prowess to the Sunshine State and look to leave her mark on the Atlantic Coach Conference as a member of Florida State.

"I'm extremely excited to go.  It's going to be very good for me to develop and get farther than that and get to the pros," Pezzino said.  "Going into the pros, making the national team, that is one of the dreams I've had."

"It's a huge accomplishment to be in that position and with that, I hope to inspire a lot of younger kids and inspire them to maybe even break my record."

Editor's Note: Pezzino scored three more goals in the season finale against Kenmore East, and wrapped up the regular season with 240 career goals.

 

***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***

Madisyn Pezzino, Grand Island Soccer

Set the New York State high school all-time scoring record with her 235th career goal in a win over Lockport.  Prior to the playoffs beginning, she wrapped up the regular season with 240 goals.

Eric Bartnik, Cheektowaga Football

Scored the game-winning touchdown in the Warriors 24-26 win over cross-town rival Maryvale to stay perfect and win the Class B West division title.  He also threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns.

Gabrielle Orie, Nardin Cross Country

Gabrielle and her sister Danielle finished 1st and 2nd respectively at the Alden Invitational.  It is the sister’s first season competing in cross country. Danielle was featured in the countdown on Sept. 23.

Parker Valvo, Iroquois Football

Returned an interception 95-yards to secure a postseason berth for the Chiefs, in a 9-0 win over the defending Class A Champs from South Park.

“Parker is one of the most well-rounded, respectful student athletes on the team, while balancing a rigorous academic workload with the tenacity and leadership on the field that has paced the Iroquois defense this season, as they have shut out 3 of their 7 opponents thus far in 2016.” – Keith Marshall, Head Coach

Sean McManus, North Tonawanda soccer

Provided the game-winning penalty kick in a win over Hutch Tech, to secure a 2-1 victory over the Engineers in the Section VI Playoffs.

"We have a very competitive practice structure which determines starters for the next game and Sean worked his way into starting the sectional game with his performance at practice. His performance in the pre-quarter sectional game was absolutely outstanding, as he not only started but played the full game. He was a key player in stopping Hutch-Tech's top scorer. You could see he wanted to keep that spot for the next game. That was evident when he buried the winning PK in the back of the net. Just before that he came up to me and said, "coach, put me as the last shooter, I will make it and win this thing! I don't miss!" That winning PK allowed NT to win it first sectional game in five years.” – Steve Sabo, Head Coach

Olivia Sapio, Orchard Park Swimming

Won the 500 freestyle and helped power the Quakers to a 200 medley relay victory in a dual meet win over Clarence.

“Olivia is not only an excellent swimmer but also has grown into a fine leader, in and out of the water.  Her determination and work ethic is amazing to watch.  She constantly pushes herself and, by doing so, encourages her teammates to do the same. She is quite a presence in our pool.” – Bret Norvilities, Head Coach