The East Meadow team, coached by Jim Backer, Robert Nici and Paul Aberasturi, dominated their opponents with timely hitting, skillful base running and superior pitching.
The team was making its second consecutive attempt at the state title, after losing in the state finals against a tough Poughkeepsie team in Buffalo last summer.
Many of the girls on this season-s team were returning from last year. They displayed a dedication and perseverance in pursuing their goal of a state title.
East Meadow had its hitting shoes on in game one, scoring a whopping 34 runsan attack paced by Christine Backer, Danielle Nici, Brittany Anghel, Jamie Laird and Kristen Aberasturi. Lindsay McKillop pitched a 10-strikeout shutout in the game, shortened to four innings by way of the mercy rule.
Game two featured a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Pearl River. The East Meadow girls battled from behind the entire game and secured an 8-7 win when Danielle Nici tagged home plate after a violent collision with the opposing catcher, who had come up the third base line after an errant throw.
Christine Backer was the winning pitcher, having gutted out her start after some early control problems.
East Meadow again faced Pearl River in game three and Lindsay McKillop tossed a one-hit gem with seven strikeouts for her second shutout in the state finals. Sam Miller, Brittany Zajack and Taylor Penzinger all scored big runs after contributing key hits and walks. Jamie Laird reached base all three times via the walk and made a nice catch in the outfield late in the game.
This is East Meadow-s first New York state softball title. As far as anyone associated with East Meadow softball can remember, this may be the first state title in Williamsport that a District 32 team has ever won.
Congratulations to all the girls and their coaches.
