But the Patriots (14-6), were stopped by the opportunistic Owls of Bryant (36-2), which enjoyed great performances from some key players to earn the hard-fought victory. Bryant’s Tanya Banzil, the feisty junior pitcher, got the big outs when her team needed them. Banzil also had two hits, including a triple which gave the Owls a 6-2 lead. Designated hitter Stephanie Cutignola drove in two runs during a five run first inning with a solid single. The Owls then held off several Francis Lewis threats to ice the game.

The Patriots reached the second round by defeating Clinton H.S. of the Bronx 7-4 on Tuesday, May 25th. In this game, it was Francis Lewis which jumped out to a six-run lead in the first inning and held off a late charge by Clinton. The Patriots’ ace pitcher, Cindy Zimmerman, fanned 13 batters for the win. Catcher Lenore Cemiglia had three base hits in four at-bats.

But Clinton, one of the top teams in the Bronx, gave Francis Lewis a scare late in the game. Clinton, trailing by three runs, had the tying run at the plate in its last at-bat, but Zimmerman got the last out with a big strikeout. "We had a big lead. They came back. We just took for granted that we were going to win that game," Patriots Coach Judi McCleary said of the win.

Girls’ softball in the PSAL is not such an easy game. The pitchers try to throw the ball as fast as they can using the windmill delivery. Pitching is all-important, according to McCleary. In fact the top pitchers try to develop their technique by taking lessons from the noted pitching coach, Julie Buldoc.

Francis Lewis went 11-3 in the highly competitive Queens III division this season. The division features some of the top teams in the city. Van Buren, Cardozo, Bayside, and Francis Lewis all battle each other during the regular season. This year, Francis Lewis, Cardozo, and Bayside qualified for the PSAL playoffs. The Patriots tied with Bayside H.S. for second place in the league and recently met in a one game playoff to determine seeding for the playoffs. Bayside won that game. But Lewis earned the right to face Clinton and won the first-round matchup.

Before the season started, the Patriots weren’t picked as one of the stronger teams in the division. But they banded together, and led by Zimmerman, Cemiglia and Eliana Armijos, a senior center fielder, the Patriots had a strong year. Lucy Oswald, the cleanup hitter, also contributed to the team’s success. "No one thought that we’d make it to the playoffs," McCleary said. The Patriots did, and even though their season ended with a loss, McCleary was pleased with the performance of the team. "We made the playoffs. We had a good year," McCleary noted the day after being ousted by Bryant.

The Owls came into the Francis Lewis game with a 35-2 record, from Queens I, with a little something to prove. Bryant, not known as one of the powers in girls’ softball in recent years, has had a terrific season. But 19-year veteran Coach Wally Hausdorf believes his team can play with anybody. "My kids are just as talented as the others," said Hausdorf after Bryant dispatched Francis Lewis. With the win, Bryant moves into the quarter-finals for the first time since 1992. The Owls will face top seeded Port Richmond H.S. of Staten Island (24-1) on Tuesday, June 1st at Preller Field in Queens Village.

The Owls racked up their wins with steady play and the benefit of some good weather where the team was able to get in numerous double-headers. Bryant also played games during the Easter vacation and the extra work has apparently paid off well. The Owls feature Martha Zarate, the senior center fielder who has been on fire at the plate, batting a very impressive .505 for the year. Zarate leads the team with 57 runs batted in. Hausdorf thinks that Zarate is one of the top players in the borough and will recommend that she be considered as Player of the Year in Queens.

Hausdorf believes that if the Owls play just as they have been doing all season, "We can give [Port Richmond] a real show," he says.

Both Francis Lewis and Bryant have surprised some people this year. And the Owls’ season continues with the big game against Port Richmond.

Richard Kagan covers Queens sports for the Gazette.