Hoosick Falls freshman pitcher Rachel Quackenbush jumps for joy as the Panthers defeated Duanesburg 1-0 in Friday's Class CC/C playoff at Clifton Common. The Record (and our partners at The Saratogian) sent four reporters and a photographer to five games in two towns and here is a short photo essay recapping Friday's action. Be sure to pick up Saturday's paper for the full scoop. (all photos by J.S. Carras - The Record)

Columbia's Ian Gaule (10) is congratulated by Bobby Peluso (4) at home plate after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of Friday's Section II Class AA title game at Joe Bruno Stadium, the Blue Devils hit for the cycle in the first inning and captured their first Section II title since 2004 with the victory.

Columbia southpaw Nolan Gaige pitched a complete game, striking out 11 CBA hitters in the performance. He carried a no-hit bid into the fifth inning, which Columbia head coach Chris Dedrick said helped hone his concentration in the middle innings.

Lansingburgh catcher Meg Volz displays her sweet swing during Friday's game against South Glens Falls. Tina Johnston hit a two-run double to lead the Lady Knights to a 4-2 victory over the four-time defending Section II Class A champion bulldogs.

Lansingburgh first baseman Melissa Bell snares a throw from a Knights fielder. She made a clutch catch in the sixth inning to keep Lansingburgh in the lead.

Lansingburgh second baseman Sam Woitkoski (1) and shortstop Sarah Cipperly (10) scramble for a loose ball during Friday's game. It was the Knights' first Section II championship since 2000.

Hoosick Falls pitcher Rachel Quackenbush fires a strike during Friday's game against Class C champion Duanesburg, which defeated Waterford 15-0 in the Class C title game on Wednesdsay. Quackenbush has pitched 28 scoreless innings in the postseason and struck out 10 hitters in a dangerous Duanesburg lineup in the 1-0 victory.

Hoosick Falls players celebrate their victory over Duanesburg after Rachel Quackenbush allowed only two hits to a very potent batting order.

Columbia High players celebrate their 1-0 victory over Niskayuna. Junior pitcher Jena Servidone, the 2009 Suburban Council MVP, no-hit the Silver Warriors and delivered what was the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth. Her single to left field skipped past the Niskayuna left fielder, allowing Sam Chevalier to score from first base. Servidone pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning to seal the win for the Blue Devils, with 11 Section II titles, making them the most successful large school program in Section II history.

Mechanicville players line the dugout during Friday's game against Hudson River rival Schuylerville.

Anna Arceneaux (00) worked into trouble early, allowing four runs to the Black Horses, but the Red Raiders pounded out 13 hits and scored 13 runs in a 13-4 romp for Mechanicville's seventh Section II championship.

It was a wonderful season all around in Section II and remember to check out The Record and The Saratogian on Saturday to get the full scoop on Friday's action.
We'll be keeping track of the teams as they compete next week in regional play, so stay tuned!

Updated 2009 Section II high school baseball sectionals brackets.

Updated 2009 Section II high school softball sectionals brackets.