Five starters return for Long Beach

Following a roller coaster 2021 regular season that saw it split 14 games, Long Beach proved the Nassau Class A softball playoff Cinderella story with three wins as the No. 8 seed to reach the semifinals, highlighted by a huge upset of top-seeded Division in the quarters.

The Marines return five starters, including All-County senior pitcher Alex Hastings and the majority of their infield. They’re seeded 15th overall in the county and seventh in the eight-team Conference II.

“We didn’t put together any kind of winning streak during the season, but we had a great run in the playoffs,” coach Carmine Verde said. “We played some unbelievable defense, that was one of the biggest reasons we went as far as we did. Alex pitched strong every game and Lainie Kassap was really clutch with the bat.”

Kassap, a standout catcher who belted 9 homers, graduated along with Katelyn Erickson leaving some difficult shoes to fill in the heart of the lineup. They combined for 13 dingers and 40 RBIs, Verde said. “We’ll have to figure out how to score runs and also pitch and play defense to keep us close,” he said.

Hastings, who has varsity pitching experience dating back to 2019, will not only try to shut opponents down but also spark Long Beach’s offense from the leadoff spot. The lefty slapper hit .544 last spring. “She’s our offensive catalyst,” Verde said. “She’s a gamer and not afraid to challenge hitters. It’s important she throw strikes and gets ahead in the count.”

Senior Abby Quigley, a captain along with Hastings, will see some work in the pitching circle as well. Also a left-handed slap hitter, she returns as the starter at second base. “Abby’s offense and defense has improved over the last year and she’s also a reliable pitcher,” Verde explained.

Abby’s younger sister, junior Charlise Quigley, has been as impressive as anyone on the roster in the early going, the coach said. She earned All-Conference honors last season while batting .333 and handling the hot corner. “Her bat has been dynamite so far, and she looks more confident in the field at third,” Verde said.

Junior Gabby Gelish moves from the outfield to shortstop where her smooth glove and strong arm will be on display. Adding to the defensive talent up the middle is sophomore center fielder Hailey Cardiello, a returning starter with solid mechanics at the plate.

Candidates to work along with Cardiello in the outfield include junior Kayla Sarafin in left, and junior Ava Emerson and sophomore Franki Kelleher in right. Kelleher is competing with eighth-grader Jorjia Domingo for the catcher’s job. When Kelleher is behind the plate, Domingo’s bat will be in the lineup as the designated hitter, Verde noted. At first base, sophomore Emmalee Egan and senior Olivia Schnur will contribute.

The Marines will face conference rivals Syosset, Kennedy, Calhoun, Hicksville, Seaford, Plainedge and Clarke twice apiece.