How St. Anthony's softball continues to win state titles year after year
St. Anthony's softball won its sixth conescutive state CHSAA title. Credit: Photograph by Steve Steponaitis
While the paths it takes may differ, it seems as if the St. Anthony’s softball team always finds a way to reach its desired destination.
The Friars' 67-game winning streak against NSCHSAA opponents was snapped with a loss to Kellenberg this season. The team suffered three losses within two weeks and suddenly, one of the state’s biggest powers seemed vulnerable for the first time in years.
“A big thing for us was just honoring the legacy of this program,” senior captain Sophia Lee said. “We didn’t want this team to be the one who ended the run. We knew we had the talent and the right girls to get the job done.”
Despite the uncharted territory, St. Anthony’s responded as champions typically do. The Friars swept Sacred Heart and Kellenberg on their way to a ninth consecutive NSCHSAA title and defeated St. Mary’s (Buffalo) and Moore Catholic to earn their sixth straight state title.
St. Anthony’s youth played a large part in its success. Freshman Olivia Feldman was named NSCHSAA tournament MVP and had 51 hits this season, the most of any Friar in the past 18 years. She had a 2.16 ERA over 55 innings and pitched a complete game to close out the league championship series.
“I think being such a young group, people didn’t expect us to be able to pull it off,” Feldman said. “But we came together and worked really hard. We pushed through to prove everyone wrong.”
Sophomore Nina Vandernoth was named Catholic League Pitcher of the Year after posting a 1.64 ERA. Vandernoth earned the win in the state final. Freshman Cienna Picchioni also contributed to the Friars' run, tossing three scoreless innings in the state semifinal.
“Everyone thinks you just come to St. Anthony’s and you’re going to win a state championship,” assistant coach Steve Steponaitis said. “They don’t realize the work these girls put in and what it takes to reach these heights.”
ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
NSCHSAA final: def. Kellenberg, 6-0, 10-2
State semifinal: def. St. Mary’s (Buffalo), 8-0
State final: def. Moore Catholic, 7-3
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.
