Conference title for Sewanhaka

Utilizing a combination of battle-tested veterans and talented newcomers, Sewanhaka peaked at the right time of the season on the softball diamond and captured the Nassau Conference ABC-IV championship.

The Lady Indians won six of their last seven games, including a dramatic 5-4 victory over West Hempstead in the last regular season game, to finish 9-3 in league play. In the conference finale, senior shortstop Jackie Wisniewski crushed a solo homer to center field to break a 4-4 tie and give Sewanhaka its second league title in four years. Seventh-grade pitcher Melissa Ward went the distance to earn the win.

Despite getting knocked out of the playoffs in the opening round by No. 3 Floral Park, head coach Deirdre Kelly was more than satisfied with her team’s accomplishments.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of these girls,” Kelly said. “The seniors set the tone with their leadership. They opened their arms to the young girls and made them feel comfortable. Their hard work allowed them to meet or surpass every goal that was set. They took on every challenge.”

Junior pitcher Cassidy Johnson was effective in pitching nearly every inning for the Lady Indians for the majority of the season. Kelly then turned to Ward, who was dominant in the circle at the JV level, and the young righthander won five straight games down the stretch. Ward, who hits from the left side, was also effective with the bat, going 2-for-3 in the clincher.

Junior catcher Rachel Wisniewski, who earned All-Conference recognition for the second consecutive season, led the team in extra base hits and RBI, and batted .375. But, it was her defense that Kelly was most impressed with.

“Rachel was a force behind the plate,” Kelly said. “She ran the defense and called the game for the pitchers. She did a terrific job with Cassidy, and then was just what Melissa needed. Her leadership made things a lot easier for a young pitcher.” 

Jackie Wisniewski, who seemingly came up with a big hit in every game, picked up All-County honors. In a 9-1 victory over second-place Roslyn, she had a pair of doubles, a triple, and knocked in three runs. 

Eighth-grader Jancarla Herrera was named an All-Conference honoree. The fleet-footed centerfielder, who was 3-for-3 with four runs scored in a 9-5 win over Lynbrook, was outstanding in the outfield, and set the tone at the top of the lineup for the Lady Indians. Senior outfielder Maleeka Chin earned All-League recognition.

Kelly knows it was a complete team effort that enabled the Lady Indians to bring home a conference title. “This was a very special bunch,” Kelly said. “They put team goals ahead of personal goals. I’m very happy for the girls. They put in a lot of extra time and it paid off.”