The Merrick Little League girls' Williamsport softball team sailed to the New York state 9- and 10-year-old softball championship on Aug. 8, topping more than 200 teams that competed for the coveted title. The girls finished the summer tournament season undefeated, going 11-0 and scoring 126 runs while giving up only 25.
The girls and their families arrived in Pittsford, N.Y., on Aug. 3 for the five-day championship tournament. Earlier the squad had captured the Long Island championship to earn a spot in the state tourney, which pitted Merrick against teams from New City, Brewster and Cicero.
Merrick's first game was Aug. 4, against Brewster, and Brewster was clearly outmatched. Merrick won the game 8-3 behind outstanding pitching from Rachel Calagna, who had nine strikeouts. With the score tied 3-3 going into the fourth inning, Merrick batters got hot, and the girls drove in four runs with a two-out rally.
The next day's game was an exciting nail-biter against a strong team from New City. Lauren Trimarco stayed cool while pitching six innings and striking out three, with the lead constantly changing. At the end of six innings it was 7-7, and Lauren Savarese was called in to close out the game. After seven tense innings, Merrick came out on top with an 8-7 victory when Meredith Jones scored the winning run on an RBI by Calagna. Those two wins gave the girls an automatic berth in the finals on Aug. 7.
After two rain-soaked innings, the championship game was postponed with Merrick ahead 2-1. Aug. 8 brought sun-filled skies and hot, humid conditions, but that didn't bother the Merrick squad, which came out fighting. The girls defeated a tough New City team 15-6 to become New York state champions.
Pitchers Calagna, Trimarco, Taylor Catalano and Savarese led the defense with skill and speed, combining for 79 strikeouts. Catching for the team in the state tournament was Kathryn Eiler. Trimarco and Allison Jones guarded first base. Ally Marcello, the second baseman, robbed many batters of base hits with her sharp glove and quick arm. Shortstops Calagna, Trimarco and Jones were obstacles for every hitter with their aggressive plays and their ability to tag out base stealers with ease. Playing third base was Savarese, who challenged every runner who tried to bunt past her.
Starting in center field was Lauren Sustad. Playing right field was Brianna Biancardi. With her great speed, she was able to throw out batters at first base when they thought they had base hits. In left field were Jones and Maria Batas, who each had spectacular catches to deny batters extra-base hits. Offensively, each girl had a big hit as well.
The girls were the first from the Merrick Little League to win a district championship, a Long Island championship and the ultimate prize, the state championship. Don Calagna, Dave Marcello and Denise Savarese were the coaches, and Lou Eiler served as the team's manager.
