19 softball pitchers you don't want to face in the 2024 Section 1 playoffs

There aren't many positions in sports that rival the importance of a softball pitcher.

A shutdown pitcher, who can throw for extra-inning marathons or on consecutive days if needed, will have plenty of influence on the outcome.

Whether they are strikeout machines or crafty, stingy pitchers that are tough to crack, here are 19 pitchers to watch as they begin their postseason journeys. Many of these aces are on title-contending teams, while others are capable of spoiling opposing teams' playoff plans.

Class AAA

Lyla Dwyer, Jr., John Jay-East Fishkill: After getting some experience as a sophomore last season, Dwyer handled more of the pitching duties this year, and has played a part in helping the Patriots enjoy their best season since the pandemic. Dwyer is 8-2 this season, with a 2.20 ERA, and helped the Patriots get a share of the league title.

Alyssa Ligouri, Sr., Arlington: She's been a catalyst for the Admirals since breaking through her sophomore season. After helping her team win a share of the league title in one of the toughest leagues around, Liguori aims to take her team even further through the playoffs. The hard-throwing Liguori has a 2.53 ERA, with 155 strikeouts over 98 innings. She is likely to break the 500-strikeout career milestone in the upcoming week.

Tara Murphy, So., North Rockland: Murphy took the reins as the Red Raiders' new starting pitcher and has dispatched virtually every opponent in the way. The battle-tested Murphy helped the Red Raiders triumph over numerous lohud-ranked teams and title contenders, including Clarkstown South (AA), Tappan Zee (A), and Albertus Magnus (B), the No. 1 seeds in other classes. She's proven that no moment or challenge is too big, posting a 14-2 record, with a 1.25 ERA, 132 strikeouts and 34 walks over 117 innings.

Alexis Tighe, Fr., White Plains: After earning all-state honors as a hard-hitting eighth-grader, Tighe took the reins as the Tigers' full-time starting pitcher this season and has quickly established herself as one of the top pitchers in the section. Tighe is 14-1 in the circle, with a 1.28 ERA and 198 strikeouts over 92.2 innings.

Class AA

Emily Boyle, Fr., Somers: Boyle has played a big part in the Tuskers' rebuild over the last couple of years, from going 10-10 in 2022, to back-to-back league champs. Along the way, Boyle was just named league pitcher of the year for the second season in a row. This year, she has a 1.93 ERA, with 102 strikeouts over 90.2 innings.

Sabrina Cosgrove, 8th, Eastchester: Her demeanor and poise in the circle for an eighth-grader has impressed opposing coaches. The crafty Cosgrove has played a big part in the Eagles' success this season. She has a 2.46 ERA, with 72 strikeouts over 105 innings. Cosgrove is 13-2 this season and has battled through tough situations.

Kayla Dwyer, So., Clarkstown South: She's played an instrumental part the Vikings' much-improved season, as they earned the top seed in Class AA. Dwyer is 16-3 this season, with a 2.06 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 112 innings.

Ava Lichtenberger, Sr., Mahopac: Mahopac has had its ups and downs this season, some of which is the result of playing up in a tough league filled with Class AAA contenders, but now that the Wolf Pac will be playing schools their own size, they could be a potential spoiler to watch for, especially if the Sacred Heart commit is dialed in and Mahopac can make plays behind her. She has a 1.95 ERA, with 121 strikeouts over 107.2 innings. Lichtenberger limits opponents to a .180 batting average and she is 8-2 when facing Class AA or A teams.

Gabriella Triano, Sr., Harrison: A four-year starter and consistent winner for the Huskies, Triano is hoping to help the Huskies to their deepest run yet. Harrison's all-time strikeouts leader enters the playoffs with 667 career punch-outs. This season, she has a 2.03 ERA, with 138 strikeouts and only 17 walks allowed over 107 innings. Triano is one of the top pitchers in the area and will aim to end things on a high note, before continuing to play at the collegiate level for Carnegie Mellon.

Class A

Emma Barbelet, So., Hen Hud: After a breakout freshman year, Barbelet followed up with another successful season as a sophomore. This year, she has a 1.43 ERA, with 87 strikeouts and just 16 walks allowed over 117 innings.

Sofia Haber, So., Ardsley: The jump to Class A hasn't seemed to bother Haber all that much, who is enjoying another standout season for the Panthers. A fierce competitor in the circle, she's thrown a few shutouts, including a perfect game. Haber is 15-5 this year, with a 2.09 ERA and 160 strikeouts over 114 innings.

Gianna Longo, Sr., Nyack: A returning all-state standout, Longo continues to be an impeccable hitter, and while her pitching may not be as consistent this season, she could potentially lead the RedHawks to an upset or two in Class A. While teams have hit against her more than usual, Longo still has the ability to pile up strikeouts. She has a 3.58 ERA and 147 strikeouts, and recently pitched a complete-game win over current No. 1 seed Tappan Zee, where she gave up just one earned run on three hits, while striking out eight batters and walking one.

Kiera Luckie, Sr., Pearl River: Before she heads off to Michigan as a Division I rower, Luckie will look to guide the Pirates to a deep playoff run and put the finishing touches on a decorated softball career that includes three-time all-state. Luckie has a 1.11 ERA, with 120 strikeouts and only 11 walks allowed over 94.1 innings of work.

Class B

Teagan Dwyer, Jr., Albertus Magnus: The two-time all-state standout is undefeated in the circle against Class B teams this season and continues to be a catalyst for the Falcons. Dwyer is 11-2 overall this year, with a 1.13 ERA, 160 strikeouts and just 17 walks allowed. The Falcons' ace has held opponents to a .150 batting average.

Mikaela Mammola, Sr., Pawling: The Tigers have had the luxury of having two quality pitchers that can pave the way to victory from the circle for the last couple of years. The Mercy-bound senior has a 1.50 ERA, with 75 strikeouts. The hard-throwing Mammola went the distance and struck out eight batters in a marquee road win over Rye Neck on April 30.

Josie O'Leary, Sr., Pawling: After being awarded league pitcher of the year last season, O'Leary is enjoying another great campaign in the circle. The Manhattanville commit has a 1.65 ERA, with 46 strikeouts. The other half of the Tigers' longtime pitching tandem, O'Leary has some marquee wins in the circle, including one over another Class B contender, Valhalla, where she didn't give up any earned runs.

Shelby Preisser, Jr., Rye Neck: There were some big shoes to fill following the graduation of Katie Blanch, but Preisser is making her mark on the diamond. She has provided a big boost with her bat and arm. With Preisser, the two-time reigning section champion Panthers remain a contender. This season, she is 14-3 in her first year as the Panthers' full-time pitcher, with a 1.26 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 111 innings.

Tanner Smith, Sr., Valhalla: A two-time all-state selection, Smith is closing in on 900 career strikeouts. With 52 career wins, she's been one of the toughest pitchers in Class B throughout the years. This season, she has a 1.08 ERA and 253 strikeouts. The SUNY Oneonta-committed senior has the ability to singlehandedly carry the Vikings to victory with her hitting and pitching.

Class C

Katie Attwood, Fr., Tuckahoe: Since impressing as an eighth-grader in her varsity debut season, Attwood has taken another step forward as a freshman and handles even more of the Tigers' pitching duties after sharing the workload last season. Attwood has a 1.82 ERA, with 141 strikeouts over 73 innings.

Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Softball: 19 pitchers to watch in the 2024 Section 1 playoffs