GRAHAMSVILLE – Softball success is about execution that starts on the pitcher’s mound. For the 3-1 (1-0) Tri-Valley Lady Bears, that hurling responsibility falls squarely on the able shoulders of junior Jenna Carmody. The fiery hurler limited Sullivan West to just five hits while striking out five in a complete game outing. 

At the plate, she accounted for three RBI with a pair of singles. She also stole three bases. Her travel team pedigree shows itself in all aspects of the game. But softball is a team effort, and the Lady Bears proved that with their hitting. Daniella Bell had a pair of doubles and a triple knocking in two runs, while Emily Rusin and Sierra Mickelson had four RBI each fueled by two singles apiece. Riley Kelly added a double and an RBI.

Sullivan West got on the board in the top of the first as Carmody yielded a game-opening walk to Kearston Knapp and a single to Liz Reeves followed by an RBI from her twin sister Nicole. 

That 1-0 lead was short-lived as Carmody opened the Bear’s inning with a single and promptly stole second and then third. Clare Verbert knocked her in with a single. Emily Rusin and Daniella Bell followed with singles off SW hurler Liz Reeves. Bell’s hit brought in the second run. A bases-loaded walk plated the third run. SW got a double play to end the inning. 

The Lady Westies tied it up in the top of the second sending seven batters to the plate and getting RBI from Georgianne Cardona who hit a two-run double after a run scored on a passed ball. What followed was four straight innings of non-scoring by the Lady Bulldogs while T-V put up six in the third and three in the sixth. SW did score a run in the top of the seventh before falling to 1-3 (1-1). 

All-in-all it was a competitive game between the league rivals, but T-V’s efficiency and chemistry held the day. The Lady Bears only loss came against Monticello in a game they had an 11-1 lead in before things went south. Assistant Coach John Rusin used the occasion to point out the elements that had led to the non-league loss. 

Rusin and head coach Kim Costa understand the value of such experiences as teachable moments. Similarly, Sullivan West veteran coach Anthony Durkin is constantly teaching and directing his squad. It’s still early in the season with plenty of softball yet to play. 

Tri-Valley made it to sectionals last year and seem to have the elements to get there again. Time will tell. Sullivan West faces a busy week with games against Chapel Field, Seward (league) and Eldred. Tri-Valley faces Eldred, Burke (league) and Fallsburg.