The 2026 season came to an end for Hendrick Hudson’s varsity softball team (No. 3) on Tuesday, May 26, as the Sailors fell to No. 6 Tappan Zee, 7-0, at home in the Class A sectional quarterfinals.
It was a difficult evening for Hen Hud, which struggled against Tappan Zee pitcher Haley Arvidson, who went 1-for-3 at the plate while tossing a complete-game shutout. Arvidson struck out 10 batters over seven innings and allowed just four hits. The Dutchmen advance to the sectional semifinals, where they will face No. 2 Pearl River on Thursday, May 28.
“They knew hitting — the approach to hitting, finding the spots,” Hen Hud head coach Dennis Wolownik told the Sailors Sports Network in an interview following the loss. “They were practicing for it. Just the gaps they were finding with their hits… They’re a very, very good team. Well coached.”
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Hen Hud vs Tappan Zee on May 26. Hen Hud’s Bella Booth.
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Hen Hud’s Angelina Carbone.
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Action from Hen Hud vs Tappan Zee on May 26.
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Hen Hud team huddle.
Despite the loss, Sailors senior pitcher Emma Barbelet reflected positively on the team’s season and chemistry.
“I think we had a great season as a team. We played really well together, and a lot of people tried new positions,” Barbelet told the Peekskill Herald. “I think we all clicked well as friends and not just as a team. It was more than just a sport for us.”
Barbelet also praised Wolownik in his first season as head coach.
“Mr. W is one of the sweetest coaches I’ve ever had,” she said. “He always made sure that we were all okay, we all knew what we were doing.”
Looking ahead, Barbelet expressed confidence in the program’s future.
“I hope they can carry on the legacy and keep winning,” she said. “I’ll definitely come back and watch when I’m home from college.”
Despite the postseason exit, several Sailors earned recognition from local coaches this season, including Barbelet, who was named All-Section Pitcher of the Year. Angelina Carbone earned All-Section honors, while Emma Johannsen and Stella Krebser received All-Section Honorable Mention recognition. Lillian Tomlinson, McKenna Silverman, and Bella Booth were named All-League selections.
Hen Hud finishes the 2026 campaign as league champions with an overall record of 18-4.
