Lauren O'Brien's home run, two RBIs power potent Massapequa softball in win over MacArthur

Massapequa continues to find ways to impress in every aspect of the game, despite playing in Nassau’s toughest conference.

Lauren O’Brien had three hits, including a home run and two RBIs as Massapequa defeated host MacArthur, 14-1, in five innings in Nassau Conference I softball Tuesday. Massapequa had 12 hits.

“We’re all seeing pitches well and the offense is coming together pretty nicely,” O’Brien said. “We’re doing a good job situationally, moving runners over and getting them across the plate."

Emily Balducci’s double plated O’Brien in the first inning for the game’s first run. Balducci would come home on Maeve Schiereck’s ensuing single for Massapequa’s second run. Four batters later, Gabby LaSpisa hit an RBI double and came home on an error in the next at-bat to make it 6-0.

O’Brien continued the offensive fireworks in the second inning, leading off with a home run to right center field to increase the lead to 7-0.

“I was looking for a pitch to drive and it felt good off the bat,” O’Brien said. “I try to hit gap shots and it felt like a nice line drive, I wasn’t sure it would get over.”

MacArthur (4-3) got its only run in the fourth inning. Alexandra Livanos doubled and scored on a  groundout by Nicole Stuckenschneider.

In the fifth inning, Samantha Portz hit a one-out double and scored on O’Brien’s single to put Massapequa ahead, 11-1.

That offense was more than enough for Mikayla Buckley, who allowed three hits and one run over five innings. The senior mixed her pitches well and hit her spots, routinely producing soft contact.

“I was throwing two-seams and mixing in some changeups to not be too predictable,” Buckley said. “Towards the middle of the game, they started to hit the ball a bit harder and I had to start changing my sequence.”

Buckley has been impressive thus far, with more responsibility on her plate. She is the full-time starter after splitting time in that role last season and shares the pitch-calling duties with Schiereck, her catcher. Coach Christina Castellani had handled the pitch calling in previous seasons.

“It’s a nice change, now I feel like I have more freedom,” Buckley said. “I know what’s working and sometimes if I get too predictable, I know I need to switch things up."

Buckley has allowed less than four runs in each of her four starts this season. Massapequa’s (4-0) offense has produced 14 or more runs in three games.

“We essentially have 18 players that could be starters and be successful anywhere,” Castellani said. “It’s a team effort and everyone is hitting the ball well.”

By Christopher Matias

christopher.matias@newsday.comchrxs_matias

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.