Top 10 high school softball teams on Long Island for 2026

1. St. Anthony’s

Even with several cornerstone players graduating over the last two years, the Friars are still the gold standard of Long Island softball. St. Anthony’s won its fifth straight CHSAA state title and eighth consecutive NSCHSAA crown last year. Junior shortstop Makayla Martinez enjoyed a breakout season and figures to be the Friars’ biggest bat in another loaded lineup. Nina Vandernoth will take over in the circle, with the potential for freshman Olivia Feldman to see some pitching work.

2. Massapequa

Massapequa has been a model of consistency, winning four county championships in the past five years. The team had its most successful season a year ago, making its first state final appearance. Catcher Maeve Schiereck was the coaches’ Nassau County Player of the Year and is committed to Stony Brook. Infielder Samantha Dolan and pitcher Alexa O’Mallon are part of a group of eight seniors who will play collegiately.

3. East Islip

The entire roster from last year’s run to the program’s first Long Island title returns for more, headlined by first baseman Kayla Varga, who had an outstanding year and upped her performance in the postseason. Lexi Kneisel and Marisa Renganeschi make up a stellar middle infield behind pitcher Cate Ropiak. A heartbreaking loss in the Class AA state regional final will fuel East Islip this season.

4. Miller Place

The Panthers became the first Long Island public school to win a state title since 2017. The reigning Class A state champions reached the state final in 2024. Shortstop Laney Vomero and catcher Delaney Schleider will lead the charge this year after the graduation of pitcher and Newsday Player of the Year Ava Zicchinelli. Coach Matt Timmons believes that sophomore Tiffany Clasen and eighth-grader Ava Gleisberg will continue the Panthers’ run of excellent pitching.

5. Oceanside

Oceanside has made back-to-back appearances in the county final, winning it two years ago by sweeping Massapequa. The Sailors return seven starters, including top pitcher Caroline Ferchland. Coach Carlo Quagliata believes he has one of the top defensive units with players like Joanna Byrne (catcher), Karley Handleman (shortstop), Riley Brasch (third base) and Alexa Conte (centerfield).

6. Glen Cove

Glen Cove won its first county title since 1985 last season and will be right back in the mix this season. The Big Red have one of the top batteries on Long Island with pitcher Brooke Simmons and catcher Alyssa Weigand. Simmons is a Howard commit and was Newsday’s Nassau Player of the Year last season. Weigand is a Trinity College commit and will look to keep providing prolific offense after recovering from a torn ACL suffered in last year’s county championship.

7. Commack

The Cougars return most of their players from last year when they ended the regular season 18-0 and entered the Suffolk AAA playoffs as the top seed. It was the first time since 1994 that Commack went undefeated on its way to a league title. Pitcher Kate Schweitzer and shortstop Madison Johnston will look to bring Commack its first Suffolk title since 2019.

8. Syosset

Syosset features a talented trio of future Division I players in sisters Taylor (Pittsburgh) and Sienna Renny (Seton Hall) and Ella Lanza (Georgetown). Taylor Renny is one of the top players on Long Island and is described by coach David Anderson as a “true five-tool threat.” She will be the driving force in Syosset’s quest for its first county title since 1990.

9. Riverhead

The backbone of the Blue Waves’ run to their first Suffolk title — pitcher Mya Marelli — graduated, but plenty of talent returns. Outfielder Jordyn Kwasna and shortstop Adrianna Martinez were outstanding and will look to end their high school careers on a high note. When Marelli was limited to only hitting early in the season, Amber Farruggia and Braedyn MacLeod combined for 13 wins. Expect them to shoulder the load in the circle.

10. Kellenberg

The Firebirds have been knocking on the door of an NSCHSAA title for several years. Molly Silecchia enters her fourth year in the circle, alongside junior infielder Lauren O’Brien. They helped the Firebirds to wins over Massapequa, Oceanside and East Islip last season. Can Kellenberg finally dethrone St. Anthony’s?

3 teams on the cusp

Sachem North. Danielle Brennan threw a no-hitter against Commack to reach the Suffolk AAA final. With Brennan, Delaney Mathes and Brooke Giordano back, Sachem North has what it takes to get over the hump.

MacArthur. Behind the strong pitching of Alexandra Livanos, the Generals have reached the county finals the last two years. Livanos and Gianna Spaventa will look to bring the Nassau AA runners-up their first title since 2023.

North Babylon. After somewhat of a down year, coach John Egan expects the Bulldogs to be back in contention for a county title. Alexa Furman, Arianna Rodriguez and Katie Rooney headline a potent lineup.