In a thrilling match, the Binghamton Rangers took the lead in the American Hockey League’s Southern Division final series against Rochester with a 3-1 victory. The game saw second-period goals from Rob Zamuner and Mike Stevens, followed by an empty-netter from Jody Hull. Goaltender Mark Laforest made 23 saves, securing his sixth win in seven playoff starts. The victory had fans buzzing with excitement as they packed the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
However, Rochester managed to mount a comeback after being down 3-1 in the series and ultimately eliminated Binghamton in a heartbreaking Game 7, with a score of 4-2. This defeat was particularly tough for the Rangers, as it was the first time in 19 seasons of professional hockey that a Binghamton team had lost a decisive Game 5 or Game 7.
On a different front, local softball teams were also making waves on the field. Johnson City’s defending state champions continued their winning streak with a 6-1 victory over Vestal, extending their streak to 16 games. Charlene Cook’s stellar three-hit pitching and Chris Dyman’s impressive hitting helped secure the Wildcats’ victory and maintain their perfect 7-0 record.
In another game, Union-Endicott’s Jennifer Fitzgerald pitched her team to a 15-0 win against Susquehanna Valley, falling just short of a perfect game. The softball afternoon showcased the pitching prowess of local teams, leaving fans excited for the rest of the season.