Mahopac softball preview: Youthful Mahopac hopes to build toward future

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Mahopac HS has been blessed in recent seasons, having had a stretch of at least six years with some top-flight pitching within the circle, including Notre Dame hurler Shannon Becker, the 2021 Section 1 Player of the Year, NYS Gatorade Player of the Year, and 2024 grad and Sacred Heart chucker Ava Lichtenberger. Opposing teams knew full well that their hands were full when challenged by these gifted pitchers. The Wolf Pac will also need to replace their longtime battery-mate, C Gianna Lafaro, along with Emma Behun and Caitlyn Wolf.

But 2025 presents a new era and one of the many bright spots is All-League junior SS Camdyn Wilson, who enters her fourth season on the varsity squad. To Wilson’s right will be junior 3B Alenah Gomes, who enters her third year of varsity action. Sophomore CF Bella Genovese showed a ton of promise in her freshman campaign and has put in the off-season work with the Empire State Huskies 16U squad with Wilson. Genovese will be flanked by senior LF Kiara Peralta. Senior 2B Nicole Behler, junior OF Anae Gomes, junior OF Steph Jubak, freshman Shivonne Barry, senior C Angelina Kavalieratos, junior P Ellie Gerliet and three eighth-graders — Nina Salvia (2B), Gulianna Maderna C and Reilly Collins (P) — round out the youthful roster.

Versatile All-League sophomore OF/C Samantha Ereditario hoped to return after a brilliant rookie season, but an ACL injury will keep her on the sidelines as team manager to start the campaign.

The Wolf Pac went 8-10 in the 2024 regular season before losing to Clarkstown North in playoffs.

In her second season as varsity head coach, Julia Sager is looking to build for the future.

“Our goals for the season are focused on building a strong foundation for both individual and team growth,” the coach said. “With a mix of newcomers and young players, we’re really focusing on the fundamentals of the game. Our top priority is to build a positive team culture where everyone supports one another, builds trust, and takes responsibility for their development for the betterment of the team."

Class AA Mahopac will operate out of the highly competitive League I-A, where the competition will be stiff, including Arlington, Brewster, Carmel, John Jay EF, Roy C. Ketcham, and Yorktown.

“We are in a very tough league competing with Arlington and Ketcham every year has definitely not been easy,” Sager said. “However, seeing good softball only makes our team mentally and physically stronger."

The Wolf Pac will open their 2025 season on March 31 at Fox Lane (4:30 p.m.).

“I am super excited to watch these girls perform this year,” Sager said. “We have a lot of newcomers and younger players, however, are all mentally tough and skill-wise prepared for the intensity that competing at a varsity level entails. We have a lot of work to do but luckily this group of girls is strong-willed and extremely willing to do what it takes.

“I am also looking forward to having my dad join our coaching staff this year,” she added. “It feels like a full-circle moment. He’s been my mentor and biggest supporter throughout my entire softball career. We’ve shared this love for the game for many years, and now we get to teach these young athletes the same lessons that have meant so much to us.”