Female Athlete of the Month: Bella Milazzo, Ichabod Crane softball

Bella Milazzo feels fortunate to be wearing the jersey number of the player she grew up idolizing. The Ichabod Crane sophomore pitcher has now gone about producing many of the same exploits 2018 graduate Calista Phippen achieved inside the circle.

In her first varsity start April 4, Milazzo tossed a perfect game against Holy Names. The right-hander, who wears the same No. 4 Calista Phippen made famous in leading Ichabod Crane to Class B state titles in 2015 and 2018, has been practically untouchable.

"We definitely wanted to maintain the things Calista did," Milazzo said of herself and junior pitcher Marissa Wheeler. "She did so much for the program and we want to keep that success going."

Milazzo has certainly upheld her end in helping keep the Riders stay among the state's top Class B programs, going 6-0 with an 0.00 earned-run average for April. For her efforts, Milazzo has been selected as the Times Union's Female Athlete of the Month.

Milazzo struck out 12 in her five-inning win against Holy Names. She tossed a second perfect game April 19, striking out 17, in a 4-0 victory over Maple Hill.

"I like winning," Milazzo said. "The perfect games definitely were something I didn't think would happen."

Milazzo allowed an unearned run during a 9-1 win against Schalmont, tossing a two-hitter. She also registered three more shutout wins against Lansingburgh (7-0), Albany Academy for Girls (6-0) and Watervliet (10-0). In 40 innings in April, the sophomore allowed seven hits, seven walks and struck out 85.

Wheeler has also been excellent, tossing a perfect game against Cobleskill and a no-hitter vs. Ravena.

"They have exceeded my expectations," Ichabod Crane coach Tracy Nytransky said. "When Bella threw the perfect game in the first game of the season, she had moments where...