Thursday, October 1, 2026
It’s where the MVP of the Super Bowl professes to go after winning a championship.
But for the Massapequa softball team, Disney World is where they hope a championship season begins.
The Chiefs used the trip to build camaraderie and build the foundation of what they hope will be a return trip to the New York State Class AAA championship game, where they fell last June to Lancaster, 4-2, in Binghamton.
“I think the pressure is on,” Massapequa coach Christina Castellani said. “I think the expectation at this point, from the community and obviously the girls, is to get back to states, but we’re trying to take it just one step at a time right now.”
There are 10 players returning, including nine seniors, from last year’s squad that went 22-6 and reached the first state final in program history.
“We have to put in the work to get back there, but we have the talent and the skills to do it. We just need to put it all together,” Castellani said. “We have strong pitching, we’re solid behind the plate, and I think our offense will keep us in the game as well.”
Leading the way is Maeve Schiereck, the Stony Brook-bound catcher who was the Nassau County Player of the Year last season. She hit .482 with 8 homers, 34 RBIs and 32 runs scored.
“She’s a solid player, she’s got a great arm, she’s got good knowledge of the game, she can pretty much call her own game when needed,” Castellani said. “The pitchers are comfortable throwing to her, and we’re comfortable letting her call that game.”
Another anchor is Samantha Dolan, an All-County honorable mention first baseman last year who hit .414 with three home runs, four triples, and 31 RBIs as a junior.
Also back is Sienna Erker, an All-County selection a year ago as a freshman utility player.
“She’s a complete athlete, very poised, very composed for an underclassman, especially coming on a team like this as a freshman, now into her sophomore year,” Castellani said. “She’s got a year of varsity under her belt, and that’s only going to help us, with experience and also some leadership on the field as well.”
Joining Schiereck and Dolan as captain is Marissa Scognamiglio, whom Castellani calls the “mama” of the team. The senior, who will play at shortstop and third base, hit the grand slam in a 5-3 win over Shenendehowa in the state semifinals last year. She’ll be a leader on and off the field.
Alex O’Mallon will share time in the circle with Kaylah Hansen and Kyra Maddock on what Castellani calls a balanced pitching staff.
“Kaylah might have a little more speed over the other two, but as far as pitches, they all have pretty much the same amount of spins, and they all have their own special talents that allow them to do well in the circle,” Castellani said.
Nola Trovato, who provides some power at the plate, will see some time at second base. And Katy Love is a threat on the bases with her speed.
