Franklin Square All-Stars are third in state

For the first time in Franklin Square Little League history, a 9 and 10-year old softball team headed to the New York State Championships. The Franklin Square Little League All-Stars took third in the state after handily taking the district and sectional titles.

The 12 girls came together following the spring little league season to form an all-star team. The Franklin Square Little League Board picked players from the three existing teams in the age group that they thought would come together to take on local opponents.

The girls quickly came together and committed to practicing as a unit, assistant coach Joseph Rigano said. It was quickly evident that the girls were dedicated to the sport and wanted to win the District 29 Championships. Though players and coaches all aimed to win the district title, the team never imagined they would end up in Syracuse at the State Championships. “Our goal was to win the district,” John Riccobono, the team’s head coach and president of Franklin Square Little League Softball said.

As the All-stars took on teams in District 29, it became evident that girls had a special bond and commitment to the game Rigano said. The team’s three opponents in the District Championship fell to the All-Stars by at least 10 runs. Following their sweep at the District Championships, the All-stars headed to sectionals where they took on teams from Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. After being declared the Section Champions, the girls readied themselves for a weeklong stint in Syracuse.

The team won two of the four games they played and finished third in the state. Though they were eliminated before making it to the championship, Rigano believes the team could have gone even further and is looking forward to next season. In the third game of the tournament, Franklin Square defeated Roundout, a team from outside Buffalo, 7-0. Leading pitcher Julia Riccobono pitched a complete game 1-hitter with 15 strikeouts and three walks. Both coaches praised timely hitting by Haley Lorenzo, Julianna Rigano and Gianna Costagliola as well as great defense by Jaclyn Schemmer, Frankie Nugnez, Julianna Rigano and Stephanie Conrade.