Massapequa softball team advances to state Class AAA final on Marissa Scognamiglio's grand slam
Marissa Scognamiglio hits grand slam in fourth inning for Massapequa in state Class AAA semifinal on Friday, June 13, 2025. Credit: Hans Pennink/Hans Pennink
BINGHAMTON — Two appearances in the state semifinals for Massapequa in the previous three years hadn’t gone according to plan. After suffering three losses in those games, Marissa Scognamiglio ensured that the team finally would make its grand entrance to a state final.
Scognamiglio hit a grand slam in Massapequa’s 5-3 win over Shenendehowa (Section II) in the state Class AAA softball semifinals at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park on Friday.
“I was stressed out at the plate this year, taking too many pitches,” Scognamiglio said. “The coaching staff has confidence in me, and having them in my corner made me feel I could do it in that moment.”
Massapequa will look to win the first state championship in program history when it faces Lancaster (Section VI) at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
After Maeve Schiereck led off the fourth with a double for Massapequa (22-5), Samantha Portz and Sienna Perino walked with one out to load the bases.
Annalisa Kohn reached on an error and Scognamiglio attacked the first pitch, sending it over the leftfield fence for a grand slam and a 5-1 lead.
“I knew I hit it to the left side and I lost it, then I saw the umpires twirling their finger,” Scognamiglio said. “I was actually thinking, hit a hard ground ball.”
Warm welcome for Marissa Scognamiglio at home plate after crushing a first pitch grand slam to flip the game in Massapequa’s favor.
— Christopher Matias (@chrxs_matias) June 13, 2025
5-1, Pequa in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/yyI6F3HcTY
Ava Margosian drove in a run with a fielder’s choice and Hailey Farquharson singled in the bottom of the sixth to bring Shenendehowa (19-3) within 5-3.
“You can never be too comfortable in this setting,” Massapequa coach Christina Castellani said. “I tell the girls, the game isn’t over until the final out is made.”
Farquharson homered to lead off the second inning for Shenendehowa before Shea Santiago retired the next 12 batters.
“I have so much faith in Shea, because whatever I call, 95% of the time she hits the spot exactly,” Schiereck said. “The coaches always have our defense in the right position and everyone is ready for what’s coming.”
FINAL: Massapequa 5, Shenendehowa 3.
— Christopher Matias (@chrxs_matias) June 13, 2025
Marissa Scognamiglio’s grand slam stands.
Shea Santiago retires the side in order in the seventh.
Massapequa advances to the final tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/uIMAzaqwwY
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.
