As the spring sports season heats up and postseason play looms on the horizon, we're thrilled to present another exciting lineup of standout student-athletes for the Guthrie Athlete of the Week award. Covering performances from May 2-8, 2026, this week's candidates represent the best of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, Elmira Star-Gazette, Ithaca Journal, and Corning Leader coverage areas.
These ten nominees have delivered jaw-dropping performances across baseball, softball, girls flag football, and girls lacrosse, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable postseason. Voting remains open until noon on Thursday, May 14, so be sure to cast your ballot below and support your local sports heroes.
Ronin Ault, Waverly Baseball
Ault was absolutely on fire at the plate, posting three consecutive 3-for-4 games that included home runs in victories over Owego and Oneonta. Over that three-game stretch, he racked up a combined 10 RBIs, then added another homer and 2 RBIs in a subsequent win against Owego. Not content with just offensive heroics, Ault also tossed six innings of three-hit ball, allowing just one earned run in one of those Owego victories.
Hannah Carpenter, Waverly Softball
Carpenter put together a monster performance in a win over Owego, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, three runs scored, and an eye-popping 8 RBIs. That's the kind of stat line that turns heads and changes games.
Jackson Cavalier, Elmira Baseball
Cavalier kicked off his week with a dominant four-hit shutout against Corning, then followed it up by going 3-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs in another victory over the Hawks. He capped off the week by doubling and scoring two runs as Elmira completed a three-game sweep of Corning—a performance that screams "clutch."
Marley Devlin, Elmira Girls Flag Football
Devlin showcased her dual-threat ability in a big way. She completed 14 of 26 passes for 178 yards and 4 touchdowns in a win over Ithaca, then followed it up by going 11-for-20 for 141 yards and a touchdown through the air, while adding 15 rushes for 105 yards and 2 more scores on the ground in a victory against Corning.
Erin Gowe, Vestal Softball
Gowe was virtually unhittable, striking out 16 batters while tossing a two-hitter in a win over Maine-Endwell. That gem came right after she fired a five-hitter in a 4-3 victory over Webster Schroeder, where she also fanned 7 batters. Back-to-back dominant outings? Yes, please.
Matti Johnston, Corning Softball
Johnston delivered a week for the ages. She struck out 13 in a five-inning two-hitter against Binghamton to clinch the STAC West title, while also going 2-for-3 with a home run, 3 runs, and 4 RBIs. Not to be outdone, she then went 3-for-3 with two triples and 3 RBIs in a win over Union-Endicott, while tossing a five-inning one-hitter with 12 strikeouts. That's dominance personified.
Lexi Lese, Horseheads Girls Lacrosse
Lese was a scoring machine, tallying 8 goals and 2 assists in a win over Elmira, then adding 2 goals and 2 assists in a victory against Corning. When she's on the field, the net seems to find her.
Makenzie Lombardini and the remaining nominees round out this impressive field, each bringing their own brand of excellence to the spring sports scene. Don't forget to vote and show your support for these incredible athletes!