Bonac softball is racking up the wins, starting the season 4-0 with some outstanding performances, both at home and away. In the first game of the year, on March 18, the team took home-field advantage away from Rocky Point, winning 8-6. They followed that up with a thrilling 7-6 walk-off win over Hampton Bays in their home opener on March 24.
That first win at home was especially sweet. “We were very excited about our victory,” said Jason Menu, the girls’ head coach.
Alexa Shaffer, a sophomore and the team’s third baseman, went three-for-four. She tripled in the fifth inning, doubled in the seventh, and singled in the fourth with an R.B.I. Coach Menu has called her one of the most talented players in the league.
Ella Abran, a senior, pitched her first game of the season, striking out three batters and giving up five hits in four and one-third innings. Menu called it a gritty first outing.
Izzy Briand, the Bonackers’ ace, was credited with the win. She also batted in three runs.
Fallon Centalonza, a freshman, who can play catcher, outfield, and second base, collected two hits in two at-bats. Olivia Dodge, a senior and middle infielder, stole two bases. Hailey Rigby, a senior who plays outfield, went two for three with a run scored, a stolen base, and an R.B.I.
“We have been working on putting together a complete game,” Menu said. “They have definitely shown some resilience in the face of adversity over the first three games. “We are very excited to get to the league part of our schedule to see how we stack up.”
Game three was a dominant 14–0 road victory against Harborfields on March 25. Lydia Rowan, a senior, pitched a mercy-rule no-hitter, ending the game early. She also had two hits, one run, and one double in four at-bats. The other scoring came from Abran, who had one hit, one double, one R.B.I., and a stolen base. Briand had two hits and two runs, stole two bases, and batted in one run. Centalonza had two hits, two runs, two R.B.I.s, and a stolen base. Dodge and Brynley Lys each had two hits and two runs. Colleen McKee had two hits and one run. Taylor Rade had a hit and two runs. Shaffer had three hits, one run, a double, and two R.B.I.s. MaryJane Vickers also had a hit and a run.
On March 27, the girls beat West Islip 6-3 at home to extend their winning streak to four games. Briand pitched a solid game, with 12 strikeouts. Centalonza had three R.B.I. in the sixth to blow the game open and lock down another win. Coach Menu said that while the team is excited, they’re trying to stay focused. “Everyone is feeling great,” Menu said. “We’re staying humbled and focused in our preparation. Spring break will be a good rest for us — a chance to get some good work in and prepare for the grind of the rest of the season.” The girls have a two-week break until their next game, scheduled for April 15 at 4:30 p.m. at East Islip.
