Madison Fisher's clutch two-run single gives Sachem East softball its first Long Island Class AAA title
Sachem East is thrilled after winning first Long Island Class AAA crown against Oceanside on Friday May 31, 2024. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Madison Fisher was the last chance not to waste a bases-loaded opportunity. And she was down to her very last strike.
After Sachem East loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning of a scoreless contest, the ensuing two batters failed to drive a runner in. Then it was up to Fisher, an eighth grader, to potentially deliver Sachem East its first Long Island softball championship in program history.
With two strikes, Fisher drove a pitch into rightfield for a single to drive in Angelina Cornand and Olivia DeRose for the game’s only run-producing hit as Sachem East defeated Oceanside, 2-0, in the Long Island Class AAA softball championship/Southeast Regional final at Martha Avenue Recreation Park on Friday night.
“As Coach says, pressure is a privilege and I was just looking to drive it,” Fisher said. “I knew I had a chance and I thankfully got it.”
Sachem East (20-4) advances to play the winner of Lancaster/Fairport in the state Class AAA semifinals at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Martha Avenue Recreation Park. Oceanside finished 17-9.
Gianna Montes led off the sixth inning with a double to right-centerfield. Cornand reached base safely after attempting a sacrifice bunt with no outs recorded on the play and DeRose walked to load the bases. But the bases remained loaded with no score after Sachem East’s next two batters couldn’t drive in the game’s first run.
“I felt like I really had to come through and it was my job to hit the ball where it needed to get (a run),” Fisher said. “I was really, really happy. I’m really thankful to be a part of this.”
“She had a plan, she stuck to it and I couldn’t be more proud of Madison,” coach Amanda Stallone said. “The eighth grader in a Long Island championship game comes up clutch.”
DeRose was dominant in the circle, tossing a five-hitter with one walk and eight strikeouts.
“I was a little nervous, I’m not going to lie,” DeRose said. “There was a lot of pressure but I knew I could do it. I was nervous but I was also very relaxed with myself. We had a great season so I wasn’t going to have any regrets with this team.”
Stallone didn’t sense any nerves.
“Olivia DeRose is unflappable,” Stallone said. “She’s an incredible pitcher. She never breaks, she’s an incredible athlete and I couldn’t be more proud of Olivia. I bow down to her demeanor on the mound.”