The Heat defeated Darchei 4-0 to seal another varsity softball title
Coaches Jackie Ashkenazi and Elliot Saka led one of the best teams in Hillel history. Hillel’s Varsity Softball team has enjoyed an incredible run, winning six varsity championships over the past 11 seasons. The 2026 team captured its third consecutive championship, beginning with a JV title in 2024. This season, Hillel finished with a perfect 8-0 record and earned the No. 1 seed after a big road win over YDE.
Hillel advanced to the semifinals with a 7-3 playoff victory over Flatbush. The turning point came on a David Levy triple that gave Hillel the lead for good. In the semifinals, Hillel faced Mesivta Ateres Yaakov (MAY), a team looking to avenge last year’s loss. The Hillel Heat offense came alive, scoring nine runs in the fourth inning on the way to an 11-1 victory. Key hits from Alfred Harary, Jonathan Cohen, and Arthur Tawil propelled the offense, while Abraham Tobias pitched a gem, holding MAY to just one run.
In the championship game, Hillel faced Darchei in a rematch of the 2018 title game. Abraham Tobias was throwing heat on the mound. He carried a no-hitter through four innings and finished with a three-hit shutout. Hillel held a 2-0 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning when Bruce Epstein singled, followed by a two-run home run from Bobby Salem. Those insurance runs gave MVP Abraham Tobias all the support he needed to secure the 4-0 championship victory.
Defense was a key factor in Hillel’s shutout. Captain David Hakim made a spectacular defensive play with two outs and runners on second and third to end a Darchei rally. Joseph “JMoney” Dweck made countless outstanding plays at third base throughout the game.
Darchei showed tremendous sportsmanship under the leadership of Baruch Noy. They also received outstanding performances from pitcher Shloimy Gordimer and shortstop Avi Berger.
Hillel Heat thanks commissioner Seth Gordon for all his efforts running the league, and the hundreds of fans who came out to support the team.
