The Suffolk Scene: Centereach wins in spite of "forfeit"

Ariana LaPuma was 2-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs and Emma Agostini went 2-for-3 with four RBIs as Centereach (10-8) beat Newfield, 12-0, clinching a playoff spot in League IV. This is the second year in a row Centereach has made the playoffs after a 10 year absence.

This is the first time Centereach has won back-to-back playoff berths since the mid-1980's, according to coach Sal Santoro. Cassie Martinez struck out nine in a two-hitter.

"We won seven out of nine after that Riverhead debacle," coach Sal Santoro said. "The kids got mad."

"That Riverhead debacle" refers to a forfeited game by Centereach due to a lack of players (they were attending a religious service at game time). The day was originally an off-day, but because of rescheduling, the religious conflict left the team undermanned, making necessary the forfeit (see a few posts down for a more in depth look).

Centereach was 4-6 after the game and looked to be in danger of missing the playoffs. A month later, the team is running on all cylinders and primed for a playoff run.