Thursday, October 1, 2026
Malverne softball is taking its first steps toward developing a new foundation, as older leaders and exciting young stars are working toward a bright future for the Mules. In order to attain this long-term success, coach Nicholas Moreno has one piece of advice to offer.
“Have fun most importantly,” Moreno said. “We’re in Conference 6, not Conference 1. Every time you make a mistake, an error on the field, you brush it off and just keep smiling, make the next play.”
The Mules’ results so far have been a mixed bag, as they lost a wild 22-18 season opener to Uniondale before getting the better of Friends Academy in another 14-9 shootout on March 31. Their three most recent games against Sewanhaka, Roosevelt and Great Neck South were more convincing defeats.
But though Malverne has struggled against several early rivals, Moreno also sees plenty of potential in a roster that’s still developing. His youngest player is also one of his most exciting, as seventh grader Ali Cappolla has shown brilliant flashes in center field to begin her varsity career.
“She’s going to be amazing,” Moreno said. “We're really lucky to have her and really looking forward to seeing what she can do for the next bunch of years.”
Players like Cappolla need players like senior captains Keanna Burgess and Brea Haye. As Moreno tries to develop younger talent, having respected leaders alongside him has made the process easier in every respect.
Burgess, described by Moreno as Malverne’s best player, has enjoyed an explosive start and went 2-for-4 with 7 RBIs against Friends Academy. While she provides stability at catcher, Haye keeps her teammates engaged in right field.
“She really talks to the girls a lot too,” Moreno said. “All the time, she tells them to calm down, just have fun and do the best they can. It'll come. The plays will come.”
The middle infield has been cobbled together on the fly, but sophomores Jolie Romero and Arya Roopnarine have stepped up and capably managed. Sophomores Maria Otero and Kamila Fernandez have split time at third base, while junior Lea Cardenas has taken over at first base with early success. A key piece, sophomore Jaritza Pujols, is out indefinitely with an injury.
Senior Kenia Layne has always turned heads with her blinding speed, and as the new leadoff hitter, it has become such an advantage that any ball in play can get her to first. Her athleticism has also been a key asset while bouncing around several positions in the field.
“She doesn't drop the ball. She gets to every ball,” Moreno said. “She's got a magnet in her glove, we say, and she's helping out Ali in center field, constantly telling her where to position and stuff like that.”
Moreno also said he expects seniors Siobhan Hayes, Moradeke Iyageh, Amaia Vilme and Sonia Velasquez to have a profound impact on their teammates as the season rolls along.
The Mules’ early issues have often come as a result of practice performance failing to transfer to games, as “freezing” has been common among less experienced players. Many of their defeats can be chalked up to a handful of mistakes, which can be abated with more seasoning. In this sense, a five-game slate between April 14-18, will likely prove to be a productive trial by fire.
