Heading into the last game of the season with a 13-6 record, there was no question that East Hampton’s softball team would be heading to the playoffs, but they ended the regular season with a bang: a 4-3 walk-off win against Westhampton Beach on May 15. The Bonackers charged the field and “New York, New York” — the Yankees’ victory song — started blaring on the speaker system.
The additional win moved them into the fourth seed. They’ll host Eastport-South Manor Thursday at 4 p.m. in the first game of the first round of the playoffs, which is double elimination. If East Hampton wins, they’ll play at Westhampton Beach at 10 a.m. on Saturday. If they lose, they’ll play the loser of Smithtown West versus Hauppauge on Monday.
Home field advantage is tremendous for the Bonackers, who have yet to lose a game in East Hampton this year, going 7-0 in league play. They split two games with Eastport-South Manor, winning 10-3 at home and losing 12-8 on the road.
On May 15, the Bonackers were trailing the Hurricanes 3-0 in the sixth inning, but a wild pitch brought them within one. Small ball and another mistake from Westhampton allowed Taylor Rade to slide home and tie the game 3-3, before Alexa Schaffer hit the game-winning R.B.I single.
“All year long, we knew we’re always in it with our bats,” said Jason Menu, Bonac’s head coach. “So Ella [Abran] came off the bench and had a great at-bat. After sitting the whole game, she came in and did her job. She did a great job. We’ve talked about hitting line drives, getting under it, and they finally hit some line drives.”
Prior to becoming East Hampton’s athletic director, Kathy Masterson spent 16 years as the athletic director at Westhampton Beach, but there was no question about her allegiance in this matchup. “Beating Westhampton Beach was huge. Great team. We are a great team. We have a lot to be proud of, and people should be afraid. Here comes Bonac, baby.”
Masterson asked Menu and Kathy Sarlo, his assistant coach, to take over the varsity softball program this year, setting them up with an exceptional roster. “He and Kathy have done an excellent job. They were together last year as our J.V. coaches and have done an amazing job with our kids and are two really great people,” Masterson said.
“I’m super lucky,” Menu said. “I inherited 10 seniors who have been together since they were 9 years old. Everybody’s making good choices around here. You see the environment. It’s just a fun time. It’s good stuff.”
Seeding for the playoffs took place Monday, matching the Bonackers against the Sharks. But Coach Menu said the opponent didn’t really matter. “They’re all strong, they’re all tough, they’re all ready to step up. You can’t make mistakes. It’s about not making errors. It’s about hitting the ball and pitching the ball and staying in that mind-set where you can come out on top.”
