The Binghamton Rangers took a 3-1 lead against Rochester in the American Hockey League’s Southern Division final series with a thrilling 3-1 victory. Rob Zamuner and Mike Stevens scored second-period goals, followed by an empty-netter from Jody Hull. Goaltender Mark Laforest made 23 saves, securing his sixth win in seven playoff starts.
However, Rochester managed to mount a comeback 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 another 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 near-perfect game with a 15-0 win against Susquehanna Valley. The softball afternoon showcased the pitching prowess of local teams, leaving fans excited for the rest of the season.
