Thursday, October 1, 2026
The MacArthur softball team has started the 2025 season with consecutive losses to Syosset and Oceanside.
But as the Generals proved last year when they were last in Conference I at 3-12 and reached the Nassau Class A championship series, regular season struggles do not necessarily translate to the postseason.
“Playing against the good teams, it’s just going to make you better even though you’re taking your lumps during the year,” Generals coach Bob Fehrenbach said. “When you’re in ability-based conferences, no matter how good you think you are, other teams are good as well, and somebody’s got to finish last, and that was us last year in the regular season.”
Fehrenbach said he likes the camaraderie of this year’s squad, which will help as the Generals try to navigate the choppy waters in Conference I.
“They’re a close-knit group, they’ll get along with one another, they enjoy each other’s company, and they work hard,” Fehrenbach said. “What more can you ask? They’re happy, they wanna be there and it’s a good collection of kids.”
There are six starters back from last year’s squad that lost to Bellmore JFK in the best-of-three championship series. Leading the way is Hailey Trapani, a four-year starter and two-time all-state selection. The senior centerfielder will play at Division II powerhouse Wilmington University in Delaware.
A year ago Trapani, a line drive hitter who has power and is capable of spraying the ball to all fields, hit .399 with 26 runs and 14 RBIs.
“Last year, she didn’t have her college commitment yet, and that can weigh on a kid,” Fehrenbach said. “Now that she’s committed, it’s just all softball now.”
Alexandra Livanos is also back and the sophomore’s impact is felt both in the circle and at the plate. As a freshman, Livanos led the Generals with a .413 batting average with 17 RBIs and six doubles.
“She’s not a power pitcher, she’ll pitch to contact,” Fehrenbach said. “Last year she got better as the year went on. It’s just a matter of us making the plays in the field.”
Livanos’ battery mate Angela Pellegrino is also back and more confident at the plate.
Gabby Silvestri is in her third year on varsity, coming up as a sophomore to play left field and DH on the county championship team. Since she’s settled in as the starting shortstop.
Julia Hart also returns to start at first base, while Maddy Anderson, who was utilized mostly as a courtesy runner last year, starts at second base and will play at Western Connecticut next year.
Gianna Spaventa, who started as a freshman, bats leadoff and starts in left field, and starting third baseman Brianna Almanzar brings a powerful bat to the lineup.
And freshmen Alyssa Tinucci, who brings speed to the lineup, and Anabelle Maira, who can put the ball into play and gets a good jump on the ball, will split time in right field.
“We’ll find our group,” Fehrenbach said. “I think we’ll be fine.”
