Oceanside softball's Lily Chiofalo is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Oceanside softball player Lily Chiofalo. Credit: Oceanside School District
Lily Chiofalo is only a sophomore and is already writing her name in the Oceanside softball program’s history books.
Chiofalo tossed a complete-game, five-inning no-hitter, striking out five in No. 1 Oceanside’s win over No. 8 Port Washington in Game 2 of the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals last Thursday. She is the first Oceanside player to throw a no-hitter in the playoffs, according to coach Carlo Quagliata.
“The game went so fast,” Quagliata said. “Once it happened, I told the whole crowd, and it was exciting to see everyone’s reactions.”
She then followed up, pitching 4 2/3 innings, striking out three and allowing one earned run on Wednesday as Oceanside took a 6-2 lead over No. 4 Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK in Game 2 of the semifinals before the game was suspended in the top of the seventh because of rain and lightning.
Chiofalo earned Newsday’s Athlete of the Week honors.
“It was a great feeling, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Chiofalo said. “I’m really proud of the team effort as a whole.”
Chiofalo got called up to varsity last year during the playoffs, and Quagliata says he immediately knew he had a rising star.
“She’s got good control of her pitches,” Quagliata said. “She doesn’t get rattled. We got to put her up against better hitters, and she answered the call.”
Chiofalo backs up the Sailors’ star pitcher, Caroline Ferchland. Quagliata says Chiofalo learning behind Ferchland has been a great help for her development.
“(Ferchland) is the best pitcher in Nassau County hands down,” Quagliata said. “Lily is only going to get better. She’s going to be more dominant. The kid works nonstop in everything she does.”
“She’s a great inspiration,” Chiofalo said. “She always knows how to light up a room she walks into, and getting to play behind her has taught me so much.”
In addition to her performances on the field, Chiofalo maintains a weighted GPA of 101.2. She is the president of the Art Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society.
“Even though I love softball, I know my academics come first,” Chiofalo said. “It could be a little difficult at times, but I do find balance. It’s all about having a routine.”
On her off days, Chiofalo is in Oceanside’s orchestra playing the viola.
“I take pride in being a part of the orchestra,” Chiofalo said. “My grandfather gave it to me for my birthday, and after he passed, it was my inspiration to keep playing.”
Quagliata says he is excited for the future of the Sailors’ softball program, especially with Chiofalo at the helm.
“She’s such a smart kid, she’s going to get used to everyone else her age, and who she’s facing,” Quagliata said. “Lily’s potential is sky high. She’s going to be someone you read about next year.”
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
