Massapequa softball's bid for spot in state final unravels in 6-run sixth inning
Massapequa's No. 8 Nola Trovato stands at the plate as rain begins to fall during the NYSPHSAA Class AAA softball state semifinal against Pine Bush at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton, N.Y., on Friday, June 12, 2026. Credit: Nicholas Soccocio
BINGHAMTON — It felt as if Massapequa was in control of the game after taking a two-run lead and getting the first two outs of the top of the sixth inning.
The dreams of a second straight state final appearance were beginning to materialize, but an offensive explosion from Pine Bush soon turned those dreams into a nightmare.
Pine Bush (Section IX) scored six runs in the sixth inning to defeat Massapequa, 7-3, in the state Class AAA softball semifinals at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park on Friday.
Pine Bush (20-3) will face reigning state champion Lancaster (Section VI) in the state final at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Massapequa (20-10) got the first two outs of the top of the sixth before Pine Bush dunked two singles into centerfield and hit a slow roller up the third-base line to load the bases.
“The momentum seemed like it shifted their way,” senior catcher and team captain Maeve Schiereck said. “They hit the ball really well and there wasn’t anything we could do.”
Payton Croce fouled off four pitches before hitting a three-run double to give Pine Bush a 4-3 lead. Avery Ogden singled home a run and Emma Boffalo crushed a two-run homer to extend the lead to 7-3.
“They had some clutch bloop hits as we were trying to prevent any doubles,” Massapequa coach Christina Castellani said. “They strung hits together, then hit a rocket over the fence and it was a tough sequence.”
Massapequa was at the plate during two separate rain delays in the fourth inning that combined to last over two hours. When play resumed, Marissa Scognamiglio was at the plate with one out and drew a walk to load the bases. Massapequa hit two pop-ups as the game remained tied at 1.
Massapequa loaded the bases again in the fifth with one out. Avery Pilla had an RBI single and Nola Trovato hit into a fielder’s choice and an error brought in a run to give Massapequa a 3-1 lead.
“We came back from the buses and we didn’t find the rhythm,” Schiereck said. “After they had their turn and we came back out to hit, then it felt like we built some momentum and we took advantage of it.”
Massapequa won its second straight county title this season, coming back from a 1-0 series deficit against Oceanside. It was the team’s fifth county title over the past six seasons.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt the kind of adrenaline rush I did after that series,” Schiereck said. “We had faith in each other to pull through and carried that over to the LIC. I know this team will be great next year.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
