It was fitting last Saturday’s Long Island Class A softball championship game ended with a strikeout delivery from Wantagh’s Lucy Olore.
The junior pitcher fanned 12 and provided all the offensive support she’d need with a two-run single in the top of the first inning of the Warriors’ 3-0 victory over two-time defending champion Miller Place at Martha Avenue Park in Bellport.
“I’m just so happy we were able to do it,” said Olore, who allowed just three hits and walked none. “We watched Miller Place’s county championship game and knew today was going to be a battle,” she added. “I felt comfortable out there and used my rise ball a lot.”
It’s Wantagh’s third L.I. title and first since 1990 — also won on June 6 that year. It will take a record of 18-6 to Binghamton Friday where it faces Pearl River in a state semifinal at 10 a.m. The winner will play for the state Class A title Saturday at 10 a.m.
“I believe sometimes the universe just shifts for you, so to win this on the same date as the 1990 team is pretty cool,” Wantagh coach Christine Moran said. “We knew Miller Place was wildly athletic and we did a great job keeping them off the bases. Lucy was locked in and so was the defense. Everyone did an amazing job.”
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Freshman Gianna Gerbe made two spectacular catches in right field and junior Veronia Familio had four putouts in center for the Warriors, who were five days removed from their first Nassau County title in 36 years as well.
“I always know my teammates have my back,” said Olore, who recorded multiple strikeouts in five innings and whiffed the side in the fifth. “We can’t wait for next week.”
Sophomore catcher Scarlett Bartilucci had the best seat in the house for Olore’s dominance.
“Lucy always pitches to the best of her ability and I love catching her,” said Bartilucci, who walked and along with freshman Megan Martone (2-for-4, two runs) scored on Olore’s single to left. “All of us became really close this season and I think that helped us push through,” she added.
Leading off the third, sophomore Emily Polarolo padded Wantagh’s advantage with a homer over the fence in left. The 3-0 lead was in doubt for about 15 minutes as umpires gathered and then flipped through a rules book. Polarolo missed home plate while celebrating with teammates before circling back to step on it.
Miller Place had a runner in scoring position to open the bottom of the frame, but a pair of Olore strikeouts and a dazzling catch by Gerbe diffused the threat.
The Panthers failed to advance a runner to third base until they were down to their final out when Sadie Bryant doubled and took third on a wild pitch.
Junior Morgan Pfaff added two hits for the Warriors, who are two wins away from the first state title in program history.
“I’m so excited to go to states with all of these girls because I know we’re going to do amazing,” Bartilucci said.
