East Meadow, Pierson/Bridgehampton and Sayville in softball states

Three Long Island softball teams head to the state tournament, each with a different story line: East Meadow's debut, Pierson/Bridgehampton's return, Sayville's repeat.

If the Jets advance: State final, vs. Cicero-N. Syracuse or Brockport, 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kerri Shapiro has had one thing on her mind since last season ended.

"States . . . States . . . States," she said last Tuesday.

SEE PHOTOSSayville vs. Island Trees Class A championship

Now that she has guided the Jets there by tossing one-hitters in the county clincher and Long Island championship, she'll look to give them their first state title.

Shapiro is joined by catcher Madison West, a master at framing pitches and blocking the plate. Marisa San Antonio is the catalyst atop a deep lineup. She's followed by six-year shortstop Danielle Cutuli, a dangerous line-drive hitter and smooth fielder.

Union-Endicott, in its first Final Four since 1999, is led by pitcher Rachel Mouillesseaux, who has tossed three straight shutouts.

SEE PHOTOSEast Meadow vs. Longwood Class AA championship

If the Golden Flashes advance: State final, vs. Hamburg or Tappan Zee, 2 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday marks the anniversary of Kerry Keenan's game-tying single and Cindy Griffin's go-ahead single that gave Sayville the state championship. Now the Golden Flashes get another chance to celebrate in Queensbury.

Emily Sellitti leads a group that won three do-or-die games in the playoffs, capped with a five-run rally in the seventh inning of the county final.

Julia Simpson has kept hitters off balance and developed a rapport with talented young catcher Olivia Kaczmarek. Kristen Bricker is a formidable power hitter with seven home runs.

Troy qualified for its first Final Four behind eighth-grade pitcher Hunter Levesque and freshman second baseman Kaitlin DelSignore.

If the Whalers advance: State final, vs. Sandy Creek or Greenwich, 2 p.m. Saturday.

In a game that ended with football-like final score of 24-7, it was the "quarterback of the team" who delivered.

That's what coach Melissa Edwards calls shortstop Kasey Gilbride, who went 4-for-5 with eight RBIs in the win over Haldane to help the Whalers advance to Queensbury for the second consecutive season. Pierson/Bridgehampton, which fell to eventual champion Greenwich in the semis last year, has scored in double digits seven times behind Sam Duchemin, who was 4-for-5 with five RBIs against Haldane, and Emma Romeo.

Frewsburg makes a third straight state Final Four appearance with pitcher Sam Mott.

With Jason Stromberg