Seaford softball's Rylie Betz shuts down Wantagh to force a Game 3 in Nassau championship series
Rylie Betz of Seaford celebrates after a strikeout during Game 2 of the Nassau Class A softball finals against Wantagh at Farmingdale State College on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Credit: Derrick Dingle
When Lauren LoPresti singled, it felt like a weight was lifted. Seaford had its first chance to score in the series and once it did, Rylie Betz handled the rest.
Second-seeded Seaford defeated top-seeded Wantagh, 3-0, in Game 2 of the Nassau Class A softball championship series at Farmingdale State on Tuesday.
After Lucy Olore’s perfect game in Game 1, Seaford found its first hit with LoPresti’s single in the bottom of the second. Sophia Saracco hit a deep fly ball that resulted in an error, allowing her to reach third and LoPresti to score the game’s first run.
“We knew we had to adjust after yesterday. We’re capable of hitting,” LoPresti said. “I’ve been in a bit of a slump. I was trying to simplify things.”
Wantagh (16-6) found more success offensively after being held to two hits in Game 1. The team had five hits and eight baserunners, but couldn't find the timely hit.
Betz induced a pop-up with two outs and the bases loaded in the third. With one out and the bases loaded in the fourth, Betz picked up a strikeout and Samantha Masie dropped to a knee to field a sharp liner and stepped on third for the out.
“I was just trusting my spins, my catcher and my team to field anything coming their way,” Betz said. “I didn’t have my best at certain moments, but I did everything I could to support my team.”
Gianna Gerbe hit a two-out double for Wantagh in the sixth and stole third. Morgan Pfaff fouled eight pitches, but Betz got the strikeout to preserve a 1-0 lead.
“Rylie’s demeanor and poise carry us through a lot. Even if she struggles, we know she’s going to find it,” Seaford coach Joseph Nastasi said. “We go as Rylie goes."
Madelyn Burgess walked in the sixth for Seaford (14-9). Jessica Marrazzo hit a triple that landed on the rightfield line, just eluding the dive of the outfielder to bring in Burgess. LoPresti followed with an infield single to put Seaford ahead 3-0.
“Yesterday was a lot of pressure, because I felt like I couldn’t afford to give up any more runs with the way they were pitching,” Betz said. “Getting the lead today really helped me eliminate the pressure.”
The teams will face off in Game 3 at Farmingdale State on Thursday. It will be the second winner-take-all Game 3 between the two teams in the past three seasons, following Seaford's win in 2024.
“This is the fourth straight year the team has been in the county final. We know what it takes,” LoPresti said. “We have a relatively young team, but we also have the experience we need.”
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.
