Submitted Photo Chautauqua Lake athlete Anna Sena competes in a meet earlier this season.

The spring sports season has reached its most exciting time — playoff season. With that, many athletes have had notable performances in the recent week worth noting. Here are a few highlights from the exciting week:

Top Male Athletes:

Dunkirk pitcher Peyton Ahlstrom & Fredonia pitcher Derrick Walters

Walters followed up his “Athlete of the Week” honor from last week with another dominant performance on Saturday worthy of the honor once again, with a complete game shutout of Albion in the playoffs. The senior Hillbillies’ ace has developed into the go-to option for Fredonia coach Vince Gullo as the Hillbillies begin yet another playoff run.

Ahlstrom also had a complete game shutout on the week, leading the Dunkirk Marauders to a 1-0 win over Frewsburg in a non-league matchup on Monday. The young Marauders’ standout performer has developed into one of the top names to watch on Frank Jagoda’s squad for next season. Though Dunkirk’s season is now over, there is plenty to be excited about in the future for the Marauders, and Ahlstrom is a big reason why.

Top Female Athlete:

Chautauqua Lake Track and Field standout Anna Sena

A six-year varsity track and field athlete for Chautauqua Lake, Sena is finishing off her career at the top of her game. After breaking a school record in the 3000 meter event last week at the Jamestown Classic Track Invitational, Sena broke an 18 year old record in the girls steeplechase at the Olean league meet with a time of 8:31.90. Sena — Chautauqua Lake’s Class of 2018 Salutatorian — is “one of the finest student-athletes across the board,” according to Chautauqua Lake coach Bill Persons.

Team of the Week:

Silver Creek Black Knights baseball

Silver Creek ended the regular season in dominant fashion, with a 4-3 win over previously-unbeaten Brocton, followed by a 7-1 win over Cassadaga Valley on Wednesday. The wins impressed the seeding committee enough to earn a 3-seed in Class C for the playoffs, which will begin on Tuesday after a first-round bye. Coach Mike Janisch’s squad was humbled by a loss to Fredonia, but ever since, the Black Knights have been quite impressive. Silver Creek hopes to keep up the recent success against Portville on Tuesday in Silver Creek.

Quote of the Week:

“Age isn’t the only thing that matters. Everyone says that the seniors need to be leaders, but I think the young people can be, too.” — Kazlin Beers, Fredonia softball.

The sophomore leadoff hitter referenced after the game against Albion on Thursday that young players on Fredonia, like herself, have stepped into the spotlight and taken leadership roles on Fredonia. Beers’ two-run home run was the key hit to lead Fredonia to victory on Thursday, and the youthful Lady ‘Billies will likely play a part in Monday’s rivalry game.

Twitter: @bradencarmen