Scarsdale Softball Reaches New Heights

When Scarsdale no-hit Chappaqua's Horace Greeley 10-0 in the first round of the sectional softball tournament this season, it was the third-straight year the Raiders had won a playoff game – something that's never been done in program history.

"We came out of nowhere," senior Nicole Lee said. "To come together and accomplish something that hasn't happened in Scarsdale is just amazing."

Scarsdale High School beat Mamaroneck High School in a 2008 Class AA playoff game, its first win at sectionals in 35 years.

The Raiders defeated Clarkstown High School North last season in the first round.

Scarsdale's season came to end in the next round, when the Raiders lost to Arlington High School of Lagrangeville 9-0 in the quarterfinals.

"It's a nice feather to have in the girls' cap to say they've won sectional games for three straight years," coach Dave Scagnelli said.

Scagnelli attributes the team's success to its passion for softball.

He said 75-80 percent of the team plays the sport year-round, and called this year's group the most dedicated team he's had in his 14 years.

At its core are a group of seven seniors who have been playing softball for Scagnelli since fifth grade. That includes three pitchers: Lee, Meredith Stevens and Rebecca Prager. The trio has won 75 percent of their games over a three-year span. The Raiders went 18-5 in 2008, 12-8 last year and 15-6 this season.

Lee pitched the first six innings against Greeley, striking out seven, while Stevens struck out the side in the seventh. Lee was the winner in all three playoff games, while Stevens was a four-year varsity player and Prager won more than 20 games in her three years.

"We've had a very strong, consistent pitching trio for the past three years, and they were the reason our program turned things around," Scagnelli said. "They all took pitching lessons together, and pitching is 95 percent of the game."

The senior core also includes four-year starters Chelsea LoBue, a catcher and third baseman; Kaitlin Stevens, a shortstop and centerfielder; Liz Selvaggio, a left fielder; and corner infielder Allison Rifkin.

The group has also raised Scarsdale's image around the state. After being the only team in the New York to defeat North Rockland High School last season, the Raiders were invited to the prestigious Morabito Softball Tournament in Binghamton, which includes 16 of the top teams in the state. Scarsdale beat Binghamton and lost to North Rockland, Mechanicville and Williamsville North high schools.

"We had a great four games," Scagnelli said. "It was like playing four sectional games. It was a great experience for the girls, and a great compliment to them just to be invited to that."