Binghamton’s softball team will begin its postseason this weekend in the America East conference championship held on Long Island.

The Bearcats, seeded third overall, head into the double-elimination tournament having lost four of their final six games. However, BU captured a victory in its regular-season finale against first seeded Stony Brook.

Binghamton head coach Michelle Burrell believes that the win provided a huge confidence boost for her team.

“I liked the way we responded on Saturday to get the win [against Stony Brook] and give us good momentum going into the tournament,” she said following the weekend series.

BU will face a stiff test in its first round matchup versus senior pitcher Brittany MacFawn and No. 2 seed Albany Thursday at 3:30 p.m. MacFawn, 2013 America East Pitcher of the Year, has dominated the Bearcats in their past two postseason appearances.

As a freshman in 2011, MacFawn allowed only one run while pitching a complete, nine-inning game to send BU into the loser’s bracket. Last season, she mowed through the Bearcats, who were hosting the tournament, again throwing a complete game to earn the victory. Binghamton was eliminated the following game.

The two teams met for a doubleheader in early April, and the Great Danes coming out on top 6-0 in the opener and 4-3 in the night cap.

The Bearcats will turn to their senior leadership of second basemen Jessica Bump and pitcher Demi Laney to guide them to a championship. Both players are experienced, set to appear in their third America East tournament in four seasons.

If the Bearcats defeat Albany, they will play the winner of the game between No. 1 seed Stony Brook and No. 4 seed UMBC in the semifinal round on Friday at 11 a.m.

If the Bearcats are defeated in their first game, they will play the loser of the Stony Brook/UMBC matchup on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Binghamton swept UMBC in their three regular season meetings this season, while Stony Brook took two of three at the Bearcats Sports Complex.