During last season’s softball playoffs, an upstart team from Albertus Magnus dashed Rye Neck’s high hopes, handing the No. 1 seed a stunning defeat in the opening round. On May 23, in the Class C quarterfinals, Rye Neck returned the favor, rallying late to top the Falcons 4-1.
According to Rye Neck head coach Joan Spedafino, although the Panthers tried their best to treat Tuesday’s matchup like any other playoff game, her team came into the contest with something extra to prove.
“I think because we have so many girls returning and they knew they didn’t play well [against Magnus] last year, they were definitely motivated,” Spedafino said. “But also, it was just good to get a win in a playoff game.”
The two teams were tied at 1-1 heading into the sixth inning when the Panthers came to life, scoring three runs on RBIs from Alexa Garcia and Sam Yannuzzi. That would be all the support needed for hurler Olivia Dunn—who finished with seven strikeouts—to close the door.
“[Dunn] was throwing well, but most importantly, she was hitting her spots,” Spedafino said. “She’s so calm on the mound and that really helps her in big situations.”
Spedafino was also impressed with the way her hitters—especially Yannuzzi—hung tough against the Falcons’ ace Kelly O’Brien. In the bottom of the first inning, Yannuzzi put together an impressive 10-pitch at bat which ended in a strikeout, but the catcher saw the ball well and was able to pick up hits—including a big double—in her next two at bats.
“I know she was disappointed with the first at bat, but she picked it up in between innings,” Spedafino said. “And then the next time, she got on base.”
After the emotional win, the Panthers will face a quick turnaround as they host Putnam Valley in the Class C semifinals on Wednesday, May 24, after press time. The Tigers are coming off a 9-2 victory over Dobbs Ferry, led by a terrific day at the plate for Allie Dick, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs. The winner will play either Valhalla or Westlake for a section title this weekend.
For Rye Neck, the emphasis is all about continuing to play fundamental softball and keeping the win streak alive.
“We enjoyed the moment and I told the team that we were very proud,” Spedafino said. “And we just need to come back and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
