Massapequa softball team takes Game 1 of the Nassau Class AAA finals vs. Oceanside
Massapequa surrounds winning pitcher Shea Santiago, center, after Game 1 in the Nassau Class AAA softball championship series against Oceanside on Thursday at Farmingdale State College. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Massapequa didn’t need much motivation beyond normal championship aspirations, but facing the team that denied it a fourth consecutive county title last season provided a bit of a boost.
Massapequa defeated Oceanside, 6-2, in Game 1 of a best-of-three series in the Nassau Class AAA softball finals Thursday afternoon at Farmingdale State. Massapequa had 10 hits as it closed in on its fourth county title in the last five years.
Oceanside swept Massapequa in the championship series last season, winning both games by a total of three runs.
“When we found out we would be playing them, it gave us more of an edge,” Shea Santiago said. “We were excited for the opportunity because we’ve been ready for this moment since the season began.”
Santiago allowed at least one baserunner in every inning but kept the Sailors off the board for the first six.
Karley Handleman and Riley Brasch hit RBI singles with two outs in the top of the seventh to cut Massapequa’s lead to 6-2. Christina Vlahakis singled to load the bases and bring the tying run to the plate, but Santiago induced a grounder to third to end the game.
“Getting out of jams is a skill I’ve developed over the years playing for the program,” Santiago said. “I know I have a team that will make plays behind me.”
Massapequa’s Sienna Erker drove in the game’s first run with a single in the first inning that plated Madison Tucholski. Massapequa took a 3-0 lead in the fourth thanks to an RBI double by Marissa Scognamiglio.
Samantha Dolan’s two-out double in the fifth brought home Katy Love and Sam Portz. Sienna Perino followed with a single to drive in Dolan and give Massapequa a 6-0 lead.
“I was just looking to do the little things and get on to move the runners over,” Dolan said. “Focused on what would help the team and I ended up with a nice hit to drive in some runs.”
Massapequa’s strong defense prevented Oceanside from getting on the scoreboard multiple times. Erker made a sliding stop at second and got the runner at first to end the fourth inning and Portz made a diving grab in rightfield with two on and two outs to end the sixth.
Massapequa (19-5) will look to return last year’s favor and sweep Oceanside (16-9). Game 2 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Farmingdale State.
“We can’t get too high on ourselves and underestimate them,” Dolan said. “They’re a good team and they’re capable of coming back. We need to come here even stronger [Friday] and keep the bats alive.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
