Coach Sachman could not have asked for a more fitting retirement gift.
On June 13, after trekking through five scoreless innings, the Floral Park Memorial High School’s girl’s softball team reeled in four points to claim the state title of Class A champions against the Pirates of Waterloo High School.
Longtime Coach Dan Sachman, Assistant Coach Brianne Maser and the Lady Knights all walked toward the field that afternoon with nervous anticipation pumping their veins. When the stalemate that stretched over the first five innings finally erupted, the crowd went wild.
Early in the sixth inning, Centerfielder Lindsay Trifon slammed a single bringing Samantha Giovaniello’s double hit off the Pirates’ starting pitcher Katie O’Flynn home. The next batter, Catcher Melissa Correa, scored Giovanniello with her single to right field. Ericka Re’s bunt moved Correa to second and Rachel Battle’s single strap to center field brought another home.
As senior Rachel Battle accepted the plaque at the game’s end, her eyes watering, she confessed, “In the beginning of the season, I thought we would do well…but to win states … You hope, but you don’t expect it.”
Among the seniors at the game that evening were Erika Re, Rachel Battle, Katie Schiffer and Catherine Nunez. In addition, freshman pitcher Samantha Giovanniello’s near flawless season clinched Floral Park’s seizure of the state title this year. Her sister, Jackey, recalls a time just three years earlier when Sam used to watch her play as the star pitcher for Floral Park.
Senior Katie Schiffer extends her congratulations and thanks to the team, and coaches for their support throughout the season. “I will miss everyone,” she warmly stated. The girls look forward to another successful season next year and wish Coach Sachman a happy and healthy retirement.
