Hoosick Falls junior catcher Shelby Jones is seen bracing herself for a pitch during Thursday's game against Tamarac. Jones, who formerly caught Hoosick Falls pitcher Rachel Quackenbush in youth leagues, has been reunited with her favorite pitcher on the varsity level. (Photo by J.S. Carras - The Record).

When Emily Ciuk graduated from Hoosick Falls High School last June, a door was opened on the softball field for Shelby Jones.

Jones, who caught on the junior varsity team as a sophomore, moved up to the varsity level this spring and was reunited with Hoosick Falls pitcher Rachel Quackenbush, who carried the Panthers to the New York State Class C Final Four as a freshman.

For more on how this duo has Hoosick Falls already ranked No. 2 in the state, read The Record on Monday or click on the video below.

Hoosick Falls pitcher Rachel Quackenbush is seen throwing a pitch during the 2009 season. Now a sophomore, Quackenbush already has the Panthers poised for another run at Wasaren League, Section II and regional titles. (Photo by J.S. Carras - The Record).

In other softball news, the annual Uncle Sam softball tournament is less than a week away. I am putting together player capsules on one player from each team from Troy for a section that will run sometime late next week.

Catholic Central travels to Troy for a big-time Big 10 Conference regular season game Friday afternoon as well. They seem like the favorites to meet in Saturday's Uncle Sam championship game, but Tamarac and Lansingburgh might have something to say about that.

It should be a fun night in the Collar City, but bring your jacket and your umbrella, because it always seems to be nasty out on the day of the tournament.

2010 Uncle Sam Softball Tournament Schedule

Knickerbacker Park, Troy
May 1, 2010
First round games
Tamarac vs. Catholic Central, 5 p.m.
Troy High vs. Lansingburgh, 5 p.m.
Consolation game, 7 p.m.
Championship game, 7 p.m.

Past Champions of the Uncle Sam Softball Tournament

2000
Lansingburgh 9, Catholic Central 6

2001
Lansingburgh 17, Hoosick Falls 2

2002
Lansingburgh 3, Troy 1

2003
Lansingburgh 9, Troy 0

2004
Catholic Central 4, Troy 2

2005
Troy 4, Lansingburgh 3

2006
Troy 15, Lansingburgh 0

2007
Troy 6, Catholic Central 2

2008
Troy 6, Catholic Central 0

2009
Troy 2, Lansingburgh 1