The Musketeers are back on the diamond this spring for the 2026 varsity softball season. Lianna Mills and Stevey Duval, a catcher/pitcher duo, are leading the way for the Central Islip varsity girls’ softball team.
The Central Islip varsity girls’ softball team is a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and competes in League I. The Musketeers are led by 2025 Coach of the Year, sixth-year head coach Mike Stefanowicz. He is joined by assistant coach Steve McGuire. The girls currently boast a 4-3-0 record, best for third place in League I. Central Islip has made the playoffs in three out of the last five seasons.
Prior to the season, Newsday named their Top-100 softball players, and Central Islip saw their senior captain on the list. Lianna Mills, a catcher for Central Islip, is set to head to Adelphi in the fall. Mills knows how to work the plate both ways. In addition to being named Defensive Player of the Year and earning All-County honors, she’s on the list of top-ten catchers to watch. Mills recorded 28 RBIs last season and has 13 RBIs and 3 homeruns this season. We love a player who can do both. Mills is a sixth-year starter for the Musketeers.
“Lianna is a true leader on the field and in the dugout. She has the ability to elevate everyone around her through consistency and fierce hustle. Her ability to control a game behind the plate is tremendous; she always has a plan to attack hitters in the opposing lineup and keep any runners from taking bases on her. She has extremely quick feet and an amazing arm, “ said Stefanowicz.
To every catcher, there’s a great pitcher. Stevey Duval is just that for Central Islip. Serving as the other half to Lianna Mills, Duval has proven her game on the mound. Her best game this season came in a match versus Brentwood, where she recorded 20 Ks. In total, Duval has notched 75 strikeouts so far this season. This feat ranks first in the Section XI standings. Duval also has four wins, pitching in all six games. As a freshman, she received All-Division honors in 2025.
“For Stevey to be leading the league in strikeouts is a true testament to her work ethic and competitiveness. She has the ability to shake off any mistake her defense may have made to come back stronger at the next batter to pick them up,” said Stefanowicz.
Mills and Duval have honed their craft. What’s even more special is the synchrony with which they control the game.
“Stevey Duval has the perfect mindset to be an ace in the circle. She wants the ball in her hand in a big spot. This is her third year at the varsity level, and she has matured tremendously on the field. The team always has a very high level of confidence with her controlling the game along with Lianna Mills. That combination has been enjoyable to watch over the last three years. They know what each other wants to do and execute the plan rather seamlessly each and every time out there,” said Stefanowicz.
Offense has been solid through six games this season. Central Islip has outscored its opponent 54 to 29. Through seven games, they’ve held their opponent to single-digit runs in all but one game. Their biggest offensive output came against Middle Country, where they trounced their opponent 23-7.
“The mindset of the team is to continue to put in the work to get better every day. They know every game will be hard fought and must try to match the level of play of the top teams in the league. There is a difficult stretch of games coming up on the schedule, and the goal is to learn from each one of them to bring to the field the next day to push us to be better,” Stefanowicz told the Messenger.
The Musketeers are locked in on all fronts. They’ve got an ace in Duval on the mound, their offense is rolling, and they’re putting in the work on defense to limit their opponents from crossing home plate more times than they do. The season is shaping up to be exciting!
