Top 10 Long Island softball teams to start the 2022 season

1. St. Anthony’s

The Friars have won four consecutive Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA titles and return most of the roster from last year. Sophomores Jackie Morra (shortstop), Mila Fiordalisi (pitcher) and Casey Steinert (third base) are joined by centerfielder Bella Cruz, who played for Mepham last season. St. Anthony’s has all the firepower necessary to win its fifth straight title.

2. Bay Shore

The reigning Long Island Class AA Champions are led by reigning Newsday Player of the Year Caroline Hobbes (shortstop). Bay Shore went 19-6 and finished last season on a 12-game win streak. Senior pitcher Deanna Ebert will return as the Marauders’ ace, and middle infielder Tiffany Mendez will be back in the middle of their lineup in their quest for a repeat.

3. Massapequa

Massapequa (14-5) won eight straight games to win the program's first county title before falling to Bay Shore in the Long Island championship. Once again led by Kim Westenberg (pitcher/first base), shortstop Ryan Starr and pitcher Sophia Diaz, Massapequa has a good chance to repeat last year’s success.

4. Mepham

After winning a second straight Nassau A title, Mepham finished its 17-4 season with its first Long Island Championship win. Newsday’s Nassau Player of the Year and Hofstra commit Alanna Morse (third base) will return to lead the Pirates in her junior season, alongside Stony Brook commit Haley Guerrero (second base) and All-Long Island second team outfielder Lily Yepez.

5. Division

Led by junior pitcher Alyssa Weinberg, who struck out 200 batters in 100 innings, the Blue Dragons are looking to improve on last year’s 15-2 campaign. Both of Division’s losses were by one run, with the second coming against Long Beach in the Nassau A quarterfinals. Emma Robins (pitcher/first base) and center fielder Jordyn Pasqueralli will continue to be key contributors for Division.

6. North Babylon

Only two starters graduated from a team that started 15-0 and reached the Suffolk Class AA semifinals last season. Sophomore centerfielder and League III MVP Megan Wegel, senior pitcher Maggie Miller and junior shortstop Madison Picerno will lead the charge.

7. Miller Place

The Panthers won the Suffolk Class A championship but finished their 16-2 season with a 1-0 loss to Mepham in the Long Island Championship. Miller Place lost its star pitcher Jessica Iavarone, but senior Amelia DeRosa will step in the circle as the Panthers’ ace and continue her dominance at the plate alongside senior infielders Olivia Almodovar and Julia Lent and centerfielder Ava Zicchinelli.

8. Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK

The Hawks went 11-5 last season with four losses coming by one run, including their Nassau Class AA semifinal loss to Massapequa. Only losing one senior from last year’s roster, the Hawks will be led by junior pitcher Alexa Hospodar, leadoff hitter Rachel Krogman (shortstop) and catcher Jessica Newman.

9. East Islip

Led by All-Long Island second team pitcher Kyra Kreuscher, who posted 165 strikeouts in 79 innings, East Islip went 14-1 last season and reached the Class A semifinals. After missing last year with a torn ACL, shortstop Katelyn Nelson will rejoin East Islip’s potent offense, which features junior catcher Madison Sturtz and sophomore outfielder Kailyn Bloch.

10. Commack

Commack’s impressive 15-5 season ended with a Suffolk Class AA semifinal loss to Bay Shore. The Cougars' stellar senior infield of third baseman Claire Varghese, Hofstra commit Julianna Park at shortstop and Alabama commit Samantha Decristian at second base will lead the offense. Kayla O’Boyle was effective as a reliever last season, and the Cougars are counting on her to fill Emmi Katz’s shoes as their ace.