Calhoun Softball Wins First County Championship in Program History

For the first time in school history, the Calhoun High School girls softball team captured the Nassau County Class AA Championship, defeating MacArthur High School in two straight games at Farmingdale State College.
"This group has worked incredibly hard to reach this point," said Coach Mike Pisano. "They believed in one another from the first day of practice and embraced the idea that success comes when everyone contributes. To see them make history and bring home the first county championship for Calhoun softball is something they'll remember forever."
The Colts opened the series with a hard-fought 4-2 victory behind a dominant performance from sophomore pitcher Sophia Nicastro. Nicastro threw a complete game, allowing just two runs while striking out 10 batters. She also contributed offensively with an RBI double.
Madison Martins led the offense with two RBIs, while Megan Hobdy added a key double and another hit. Captain Katie DiPaola guided the pitching staff from behind the plate, and fellow captain Ruthie Small anchored the defense at shortstop as Calhoun secured a 1-0 series lead.
The Colts completed the championship sweep with a 7-4 victory in Game Two.
Martins continued her standout play, collecting three hits to finish the series with five overall. Calhoun took control in the third inning when Nicastro tripled, Kaitlyn DiPaola singled and Martins delivered an RBI single to help build a 3-1 advantage.
Nicastro once again rose to the occasion, pitching her second consecutive complete game to secure the county championship. The sophomore standout capped an impressive postseason that included a no-hitter against Bethpage in the semifinal round.
DiPaola added two hits and continued her strong work behind the plate, while Small contributed a double and aggressive baserunning. Hobdy reached base twice and played stellar defense in center field, and Selma Radoncic delivered timely RBI singles to help power the offense.
One of the defining moments of the championship came in the sixth inning when Alexa LaBarbara made a spectacular running catch on a line drive deep into the gap. The highlight-reel play prevented a potential two-run hit and preserved Calhoun's lead on the way to victory.
"Our motto this season was 'Rise Together,' and that's exactly what this team did," said Coach Alyssa Sieber. "Every player embraced her role and supported her teammates. The trust, chemistry and resilience they've built throughout the season made this accomplishment possible."
The championship run was fueled by a veteran roster featuring seven returning starters whose experience and leadership helped shape a season centered around the team's "Rise Together" theme. The motto followed previous team mantras of "Unfinished Business" in 2024 and "Heart and Hustle" in 2025, reflecting the program's steady climb toward championship success.
The coaching staff also includes David Stern, a Mepham graduate. As the Colts prepare for the Long Island Championship, the team remains focused on continuing its historic postseason run.
"This team has already accomplished something special, but they're not finished yet," Pisano said. "They've earned the opportunity to compete for a Long Island championship, and we're excited for the challenge ahead."
With the victory, the Colts advance to the Long Island Championship game on June 6 at 2 p.m. against East Islip at the Martha Avenue Field Complex in Bellport.
