The East Meadow 12-and-under Fillies didn’t just win games this summer, they built a legacy. Under the guidance of coaches Mike Barnwell, Chris Balbi, and Larry Barra, the Fillies captured the District 32 title, claimed the Section 4E championship, and finished 6th in New York State, marking one of the strongest Williamsport runs in program history.
Their journey began with a dominant 4–0 sweep through District 32, a performance that set the tone for a season defined by grit and growth. Sectionals brought tougher competition and their first moment of adversity, a loss to Sayville. Instead of folding, the Fillies responded with poise and determination. They rattled off three straight wins to secure the Section 4E crown and earn their place in the New York State tournament.
“It was an incredible feeling, one none of us will forget,” Coach Barnwell said. “The way they battled back after that first Sayville loss showed real character. We couldn’t be more proud of them.”
At states, the Fillies held their own against the top 12U teams in the region, ultimately finishing 6th, a milestone achievement for both this group and the East Meadow softball community.
“This is the first time this core of players has won District 32, advanced through sectionals, and competed on the New York State stage,” Barnwell added. “To do it all together, at this age, is something truly special.”
Their success was built long before the first pitch of tournament play. All summer, the Fillies trained at the EMBSA complex, practicing, scrimmaging, and building the chemistry that carried them through every high-pressure moment. The coaching staff emphasized that while standout performances emerged, the team’s strength came from unity.
“This was a true team effort from start to finish,” the coaching staff said. “We got big contributions from every single player on this roster, especially when we needed it most.”
The Fillies closed their Williamsport journey on July 9 with an 8–3 overall record, two championships, and a place among New York’s elite. With the season complete, the coaches are focused not on what’s next, but on celebrating what this group accomplished.
“Finishing 6th in New York State is something these kids will carry with them forever,” Barnwell said. “It’s a bittersweet ending, but an ending we’re incredibly proud of.”
The Fillies coaches also expressed deep gratitude to the community that rallied behind the team every step of the way.
“We want to thank East Meadow Little League for sponsoring our team, our unbelievable parents, and the East Meadow community for their unwavering support,” they said in a joint statement. “And to our girls, you represented East Meadow with class and competed at the highest level. No one can ever take that away from you.”
