Poly Prep just fell few hits short.
That was all the kept the top-seeded softball team from claiming the private school state title in its 5–4 loss to No. 2 Fieldston in the final at Manhattanville College on May 20, according to Poly coach Mildred Piscopo.
“We were just out-hit today,” she said. “That’s just the bottom line. That was the difference in the game.”
The Eagles put together a three-run third inning to take control of the contest and win a third consecutive crown. Poly, which was making its first appearance inn the final since 2011, couldn’t muster more than two runs in any frame.
“Our coaches kept telling us to have one big moment, especially up at bat,” said Poly center fielder Morgan O’Mara. “We really didn’t pull through this game.”
Piscopo was a little upset that her team allowed a first inning run on a defensive miscue, but the Blue Devils (16–4) tied the score a 1–1 on a run-batted-in single by Blaise Behat in the second inning. Fieldston scored three times in the third, highlighted by a two-run double by Jane Leff, to grab a 4–1 advantage. The Eagles (18–1) tacked on a run in the fifth to make it 5–1 and leave Poly having to claw its way back if it wanted the crown.
The Blue Devils’ comeback attempt began in the fifth. Pitcher Ava O’Mara scored on a pass ball and Lily Seibert singled home Morgan O’Mara with two outs to pull Poly within 5–3. Morgan O’Mara was three-for-three with a run batted in. Sarah Healy added a run scored.
Ava O’Mara stranded five Fieldston runners over the sixth and seventh innings to keep he team in striking distance. She struck out the side in the final frame after loading the bases with one out. Her single to start Poly’s bottom of the seventh gave her team hope, but the Blue Devils managed just a sac fly from Honor Sankey to cut the lead to 5-4.
“We just couldn’t get the bats going,” Piscopo said.
In her and her players’ minds, this trip to he final is just the start for this group. Poly Prep graduates just four seniors, including three who see regular playing time. The majority of the team got a taste of playoff success and a championship game. The loss is only going to give them more motivation to bring home the title next season.
“I really want to make a mark when I’m here,” Morgan O’Mara said. “I thought this would be the year. I’m really confident we can do it in the next two years.”
