Binghamton hockey fans experienced both joy and heartbreak during the American Hockey League’s Southern Division final series. The Binghamton Rangers took a 2-1 lead in the series by defeating Rochester 3-1. The game saw second-period goals from Rob Zamuner and Mike Stevens, as well as an empty-netter from Jody Hull. Goaltender Mark Laforest made 23 saves to win his sixth playoff start. However, Rochester rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate Binghamton in Game 7 with a score of 4-2. This was the first time in 19 seasons of professional hockey that a Binghamton team lost a decisive Game 5 or Game 7.

On a pitching-rich softball afternoon, Johnson City’s defending state champions continued their winning streak with a 6-1 victory at Vestal. The Wildcats, who were ranked as Class B No. 1, extended their win streak to 16 games. Charlene Cook’s three-hit pitching and Chris Dyman’s strong hitting led the team to victory and a 7-0 record. In another game that day, Union-Endicott’s Jennifer Fitzgerald pitched her second consecutive shutout, nearly achieving a perfect game, in a 15-0 win against Susquehanna Valley.