Lady Panthers Fall to Marlboro in State Regionals

The Babylon Lady Panthers' amazing 2013 playoff run came to an end on Wednesday afternoon at St. Joseph College after being handed a 8-3 defeat by the Marlboro Dukes.

"I thought we played very well; much better than we did last night [in the Long Island Championship game]," said head coach Rick Punzone. "I'm very proud of the girls."

Starting pitcher Madison Mungo dealt with a shaky defense behind her and a powerful lineup that drove in 8 runs during her seven innings of work on the mound.

A just-missed pop-up during the fourth inning by catcher Michelle Mangii kept the inning alive, allowing the Dukes to drive in three more runs, putting Babylon away for good.

"She pitched very well and this is a very good team," said Punzone. "No excuses – we played as good as we could play and we still got beat. It just shows you what kind of team Marlboro is."

The Lady Panthers had a tough time against Marlboro's starting pitcher Aubrey Bianco, who gave up 3 hits during seven innings pitched. Her blazing fastball had the Lady Panthers just off on their timing, causing many lined hits to go right of center fields. The opposing coaches picked up on this, pulling the defense into a right side heavy alignment, making it nearly impossible for Babylon to get on base.

Down 3-0 in the first inning, the Panthers showed that toughness that's driven them through the season. With runners on first and second, Mary Tighe drove a lined shot over the outfielders heads and to the right-center field fence for a double. The right fielder launched a throw over the cutoff man, however, and Tighe came all the way around to score on the two-base error.

Even during the bottom of the seventh down 8-3, the Lady Panthers gave it one last go.

Showing patience against the tough Bianco, two of the girls reached base with a hit and a walk, but the next two batters made sharp outs and a final pop up sealed the game.

"This is my 12th year as coach and this was the best team we've ever played," said Punzone. "We lost to a better team – no other way to say it."

The girls will head home with the season over, but Punzone said its just the beginning.

"We're the two-time defending Long Island Champs, its something we can build on. When you get to this game, everyone is good. It's always a success when you win a Long Island Championship."