Alexandra Dodick's pinch-hit, three-run homer leads Massapequa softball to Long Island Class AAA crown
Massapequa players await Alexandra Dodick at home plate after her three-run home run in the Long Island Class AAA softball final at Martha Avenue Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Bellport. Credit: Joe Orovitz
Alexandra Dodick wasn’t in the starting lineup for Massapequa, but when coach Christina Castellani called her name, she delivered the game’s biggest moment.
Dodick’s three-run pinch-hit homer lifted Massapequa over Sachem North in the Long Island Class AAA softball championship/regional final at Martha Avenue Park in Bellport on Saturday. It is Massapequa’s second straight Long Island title and the team’s fourth in the past five years.
“I appreciate the confidence that my coaches show in me in those moments,” Dodick said. “My teammates have confidence in me as well and that builds me up to get the job done.”
Massapequa (20-8) will face Pine Bush (Section IX) in the state semifinals at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park in Binghamton at 1 p.m. on Friday.
Juliana Muscara singled to lead off the sixth and Nola Trovato walked to set the stage for Dodick. Dodick crushed the second pitch she saw to center field to put Massapequa ahead 7-1.
“We had to opt for a bit more power in that spot, considering the score and situation,” Castellani said. “We have full confidence in her. She goes up there with a blank slate. All she thinks about is producing.”
Dodick’s homer proved to be the difference as Sachem North scored four runs over the final two innings.
“I always put the team first. I was just trying to get on base,” Dodick said. “Obviously, it was a great outcome. By the end, it really hit me that what I did was the biggest impact on the result.”
Shannon Forgione had an RBI single in the sixth and Sachem North (22-3) loaded the bases with two outs, but Alexa O’Mallon induced a grounder on the first pitch to escape the jam.
Alexi Dutka hit a two-out two-run double in the seventh and Makayla Rimmer had an RBI single to cut Sachem North’s deficit to 7-5 and bring the winning run to the plate. O’Mallon got the next batter to pop up to end it.
“My goal is just to throw strikes and trust who I have behind me,” O’Mallon said. “The team makes a lot of great plays behind me and lessens the pressure. I don’t feel like I have to strike everyone out.”
Sienna Erker led off the game with a double and showcased great baserunning, tagging and scoring from third on a pop-up to the shortstop to put Massapequa ahead 1-0. Rimmer singled in a run to tie it in the second.
Erker drove in Marissa Scognamiglio with a single up the middle in the third. Erker scored on Katy Love’s groundout and Samantha Dolan got caught in a rundown between first and second, allowing Mia Victor to steal home and put Massapequa ahead 4-1.
“Erker is phenomenal and she’s only a sophomore. I can’t wait to see what she does over her career,” Castellani said. “I love every moment with this team and it’s always a thrill to go to states and extend the time you have with the team.”
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.
