The Marlboro Dukes got their biggest contributions from the senior and the freshman.

The second-seeded Dukes built an early 4-0 lead and senior Leah Gunsett made it stand up as they won their fourth straight section title with a 4-2 win over the top-seeded Saugerties Sawyers on Saturday at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh.

“It feels great, especially being a senior,” Gunsett said. “I want to make it as far as we can and hopefully get to the same spot. I’m so happy to be getting the achievement with this group of girls because this is the best team I’ve ever been on. I love them so much.

Gunsett did her part by throwing a complete game with six strikeouts. She allowed only two runs in the sixth inning with the Dukes leading by four runs.

Freshman Samantha Maleck, meanwhile, had three hits, a run scored and an RBI.

She helped get the Dukes on the board in the first inning when she reached on an error, scoring Taylor Castellani. She also drove in Emma Jackson with a double in the second inning, giving Marlboro a 2-0 lead. Maleck came home on an error and Kaitlyn Gordon singled home a run to give the Dukes a 4-0 lead.

Gunsett has been a part of Marlboro’s last four Section 9 championships. Maleck was stepping into the dynasty for the first time.
“I think it’s exciting,” Maleck said. “I get to show everyone what I’m made of and what I can do.”

Jackson had two hits, including a double, and a run scored. Kiera Del Salto had two hits and a run scored, and Madison Gibney had a hit and a walk.

The Dukes opened the tournament with a 5-0 win over the No. 3 Port Jervis Raiders on Wednesday. Gunsett struck out five batters and had two hits. Gordon had two hits, a run scored and an RBI, while Sel Salto had a hit and a run scored. Jackson had a hit and a stolen base.

The Dukes were scheduled to advance to Tuesday’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association regional semifinal against Section 1 champion Pearl River at Monroe-Woodbury High School. A win Tuesday would put them in Saturday’s regional final, also at Monroe-Woodbury High School.

“I feel like we need to hit a little better, but I’m hoping that we come together as a team and play for each other,” Gunsett said. “That was our motto going into it. We think about everyone we’re playing for. We play for each other, and we play for our family. I feel like that influences us to go all out, dive and do whatever we have to do to win.”