News Summary

As the high school softball season ignites, New York showcases top contenders in the Northeast. St. Anthony’s leads the preseason Power 25 after an undefeated season. Other strong teams include Wellsville, the Bombers, and the Raiders, all gearing up for a competitive season. The finals will be held on June 8, 2024, at Martha Avenue Recreational Park, with tickets priced at $11.50. Fans can also stream the games live on the NFHS Network.

New York Kicks Off High School Softball Season with Exciting Preseason Rankings

As the high school softball season bursts into action across the nation, New York is stepping into the spotlight, boasting some of the strongest contenders in the Northeast. With exciting matchups on the horizon, fans are keen to see how their favorite teams will fare.

St. Anthony’s on Top of the Power 25

Leading the pack is St. Anthony’s, which has earned the coveted top spot in the preseason Power 25 rankings. After an astonishing undefeated season last year, finishing with a remarkable 25-0 record while only allowing 19 runs, this powerhouse team sure knows how to dominate the field. Although they graduated six seniors from last year’s roster, they are still labeled the best in the state and have every intention of proving it this season.

Strong Competitors Looming

Another team to watch is Wellsville, which faced just one defeat against St. Mary’s of Pennsylvania last season. Their current lineup remains strong and competitive, ensuring they are in the running for a title. The Dukes, despite undergoing some changes due to graduation, are counting on Samantha Maleck, a sophomore pitcher who impressed last year with a 2-0 record and a whopping 32 strikeouts.

Over at the Bombers, team dynamics remain intact as they gear up for an explosive season. Senior pitcher Ashlyn Wright returns, having boasted an incredible 0.56 ERA and a staggering 301 strikeouts last season. But she isn’t alone: freshman pitcher Ava Yahoudy also made her mark last year with an 8-0 record and a 1.03 ERA, showing great promise for the upcoming games.

The Raiders and Other Notable Teams

The Raiders will also see the return of ace pitcher Kari Graziano, who had a solid performance last season. Meanwhile, Ichabod Crane, coming off a fantastic 24-1 record last year, has dropped slightly in the rankings due to significant pitching losses. Likewise, Berne-Knox-Westerlo, last year’s champions, are grappling with the challenges of replacing key players, while their veteran presence still keeps them in the competitive mix.

Outstanding Returning Pitchers

With so many strong teams in play, it’s hard to overlook Webster Schroeder’s Liana DeValder, who achieved an impressive 18-2 record along with a 0.74 ERA and 249 strikeouts last season. Her teammate, freshman Alexis Tighe, also showcased her talent with a 16-2 record and 238 strikeouts last year, making her one to watch.

Schuylerville, after an up-and-down start last year, rebounded splendidly to end with a 19-4 record. And let’s not forget Tamarac, who brings back top pitchers Toni DeLorenzo and Erin Lee for the current season. Although the Falcons lost two seniors, ace pitcher Teagan Dwyer remains a strong asset along with Lizzie and Maddie Geary.

Looking Ahead to the Finals

The showdown for top honors is set for Saturday, June 8, 2024, where six New York high school softball teams will battle it out for the championship title. Excitingly, the state finals will take place at the Martha Avenue Recreational Park in Bellport, Long Island. For those who can’t make it to the park, worry not! The games will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, allowing fans to catch every thrilling moment right from their homes.

Tickets for this much-anticipated event are priced at $11.50, and all details for brackets and live streaming can be found online. With a lineup like this, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic season of high school softball that no fan will want to miss!

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