On August 4, the 11U New Paltz Knights won the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball league (GHVBL) Championship in Danbury, CT. With a regular season record of 14-4-1, the Knights entered the playoffs as the 16th seed, but their performance on the field far surpassed their ranking. Their series of dramatic victories showcased their skill, determination and team spirit.
First round — the stunning upset: In the first round, the Knights faced the top-seeded Fury, a team expected to dominate the playoffs. The Knights capitalized on their defensive prowess and secured a 2-0 victory.
Second round — a dramatic comeback: Next, the Knights faced the 9th-seeded Greenwich OGRCC Thunder Blue. The game was a nail-biter, with New Paltz trailing going into the final inning. Demonstrating their resilience, the Knights erupted for six runs in the top of the sixth inning, turning the game around and winning 10-6. This remarkable comeback solidified their reputation as a team that never gives up.
Semi-finals — dominant performance: In the semi-finals, the Knights went up against Pomperaug. Their dominant performance on both offense and defense powered the Knights to an 8-1 victory and highlighted their readiness for the championship game.
Championship game — sealing the title: The final challenge for the Knights was the Somers Red Storm. The championship game was a tight contest, with neither team committing any errors. New Paltz emerged victorious with a 5-2 win, capping off their incredible playoff run with a well-deserved championship.
A season to remember: The 11U New Paltz Knights’ playoff journey was a testament to their hard work and resilience. The players, coaches and supporters all contributed to this remarkable achievement, creating memories that will last a lifetime.