Thursday, October 1, 2026
Under the leadership of coach Nicole O’Donnell, the Panthers are building momentum early with the goal of returning to the Long Island championship, a stage they’ve reached the past two seasons but fell just short of capturing.
Babylon opened in dominant fashion with a 17-4 victory over Hauppauge on March 23, setting the tone for what has already been a high-scoring offense. After a narrow 10-9 loss to Center Moriches on March 26, the team responded emphatically, shutting out Mattituck/Greenport/Southold 17-0 on March 30 and Southampton 12-0 the following day. The ability to bounce back quickly has highlighted both the resilience and determination of this group.
Despite competing in a challenging league, the Panthers embrace the difficulty. The tough schedule is seen not as an obstacle, but as preparation for postseason success. Having come so close in recent years, the motivation to return, and finish the job, continues to grow. “We like the challenge of being in such a tough league,” O’Donnell said.
Leadership is a major strength for Babylon, led by senior captain Carissa Arena. A three-year varsity outfielder, Arena brings steady defense, a positive attitude, and strong leadership both on and off the field. Her presence helps set the tone for the team’s culture.
“She does so much for us both on and off the field,” O’Donnell said. “She is constantly bringing positivity to the field.” Arena got the season started strong by going two for three with two runs scored and an RBI against Hauppauge.
Joining her is junior captain Eliana Romero, a catcher in her fourth varsity campaign. Romero leads more quietly but plays a crucial role in guiding the team’s younger pitchers, keeping them composed and confident in high pressure situations.
In the circle, sophomore pitcher Sophia Hagerty-Cori has taken on a massive responsibility. Now in her second year on varsity, she has matured significantly and embraced the challenge of being the team’s sole pitcher. Throwing every inning of every game is no small feat, but her passion for the sport and competitive mindset have made her a cornerstone of the team. She is responsible for all three wins while striking out 36 batters in the four games so far.
The Panthers also feature an impressive group of young talent. Eighth grader Addy Janawsky returns after posting one of the highest batting averages on the team last season and finishing as runner up for Rookie of the Year. She is already off to another good start with 4 RBIs. Seventh grader Addy Bennett has already made an impact as an exceptional outfielder, earning a starting spot early in her career.
Versatility is another asset, exemplified by junior Abby Sawczyn, a fourth year varsity player who can play third base, shortstop, or the outfield. Her ability to fill multiple roles gives the team valuable flexibility.
