PURCHASE, N.Y. — The SUNY Old Westbury softball team continued its Skyline Conference postseason run on Thursday afternoon following a statement 6-2 postseason victory over No. 4 St. Joseph's University Brooklyn earlier in the week. The Panthers faced No. 1 Manhattanville University in the double-elimination portion of the Skyline Conference Softball Championship at Manhattanville Softball Field in Purchase, N.Y.
Despite striking first early in the contest, Old Westbury fell to the Valiants by a final score of 8-1.
Both teams were held scoreless through the opening two innings before the Panthers broke through in the top of the third inning.
Phylicia Cangemi came around to score after Aliya Feerick delivered an RBI single up the middle, giving Old Westbury an early 1-0 advantage. Manhattanville responded in the bottom of the fourth inning when Isabella Tansey connected on a two-run home run to left field, giving the Valiants a 2-1 lead.
The Valiants extended their lead in the fifth inning behind a solo home run from Alexa Lazur followed by an RBI single from Josie O'Leary to make it 4-1. Manhattanville then pulled away in the sixth inning, scoring four additional runs highlighted by an RBI triple from Emma Foster and another RBI single from O'Leary. Old Westbury was unable to generate a late rally as Manhattanville secured the 8-1 victory to advance in the Skyline postseason.
WHAT OLD WESTBURY DID WELL
The Panthers showed composure early in the contest and were able to strike first against one of the conference's top teams.
Old Westbury also continued to compete throughout the postseason, building momentum following their opening-round postseason victory over St. Joseph's Brooklyn.
Aliya Feerick continued her strong offensive postseason performance, recording two hits and the Panthers' lone RBI of the afternoon.
GAME LEADERS
Aliya Feerick: 2-for-3, RBI
Jessica Feerick: 1-for-3
Ashley Pierce: 1-for-2, BB
Camila Uribe: 1-for-2
Phylicia Cangemi: R
WHAT'S NEXT?
The loss concludes the Panthers' 2026 season as Old Westbury finishes with a 22-13 overall record following a strong Skyline Conference postseason run. The Panthers also finished the year with an 11-7 mark in conference play while continuing to show growth, resilience and consistency throughout the season and will look to build on that momentum heading into next year.
