Islip softball led by Lauren Hofmann's 12 strikeouts in win over Mount Sinai

Lauren Hofmann has big shoes to fill.

The junior has taken over in the circle for Lauren McSweeney, who graduated from Islip last spring after spending several years proving herself as one of the best pitchers on Long Island.

As Hofmann works to carve out her own legacy, she showed what she’s made of Tuesday at Mount Sinai. Hofmann struck out 12 in a complete game to lead Islip to an 8-4 win over Mount Sinai in Suffolk League VI softball.

Hofmann walked eight batters, but allowed just two hits and made big pitches when she needed them most.

“Lauren McSweeney was an elite pitcher,” coach Chris Accardi said. “Hofmann is coming along. When she has her control, she’s very good. She’s very tough to beat. She didn’t have her best stuff today, but she battled against a team that can hit. It was a gutsy win.”

McSweeney was a three-time Newsday All-Long Island selection and plays softball at Mercy University. Her uncle, Dennis McSweeney, was Islip’s head coach for the last 17 years. He died at 55 in September.

“It’s definitely a little nerve- wracking going into every game,” Hofmann said. “We also are playing for our coach who passed away. We obviously want to win every game, but as long as I’m trying my hardest, I feel positive.”

Hofmann helped her own cause with a two-run double in the first inning, driving in Peighton McKenna and Ava Mirenda to give Islip a 2-0 lead.

McKenna went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs. The senior, who will play soccer at Mercy, robbed Ava DeMarco of a leadoff single in the sixth when she charged in to make a sliding catch in shallow center.

“She’s one of the best athletes on the field, game in and game out. You saw her in centerfield. She’s a beast,” said Accardi, who last coached at Riverhead in 2023.

Alex Audia’s two-run homer to center drove in Josie Alfano in the fifth for Mount Sinai (3-5, 3-5).

Ava Sirico, Cali Addeo and Jessica Santiago each had an RBI single for Islip (4-2-1, 4-2).

Islip reached the Suffolk Class A final last year and, despite losing several key pieces, the Buccaneers are optimistic about what this year has in store.

“I’m feeling very confident in our team, especially now that our bats are going,” McKenna said. “I feel like everything in the field is pretty much taken care of. I don’t think we have a weak spot anywhere on the field.”

“Coach McSweeney left me with a really good team,” Accardi added. “This is his team. He developed these girls, he coached these girls . . . This is all a tribute to him.”