GRAHAMSVILLE —The Lady Bulldogs made their way to Grahamsville on Monday night for a non-league matchup against the Lady Bears. These two squads, despite not being division rivals anymore, still play as if they are, with the signature physical style of basketball that only Tri-Valley and Sullivan West can bring. Tri-Valley was able to get the best of Sullivan West, defeating them 39-33.

Sullivan West graduated a core of players last year, and with introducing new talent with the returning starters means a grappling with a changing identity. Despite that change, the Lady Bulldogs were able to jump out to an early lead. However, Tri-Valley would answer quickly and the teams ended the first quarter in a 10-10 stalemate.

Early season hiccups combined with tough defense led to a lot of turnovers from both sides, leading to a low scoring second quarter. At the break, Tri-Valley led 15-13 after the two teams combined for just eight points in the quarter.

Tri-Valley made some halftime adjustments that worked out well for them, doubling their score in the third quarter. Sullivan West was able to keep up, albeit at a reduced rate, scoring just ten as the Lady Bears increased their lead to 30-23.

Foul shots down the stretch made things interesting as both teams hit the free throw line five times apiece in the final quarter, and Sullivan West netted six points at the charity stripe to win the fourth quarter. They outscored Tri-Valley 10-9 in the final frame but the Lady Bears’ lead was too much to overcome as Tri-Valley earned their first win of the young season.

Sullivan West’s Abby Parucki led all scorers with 12 points, with Karlee Diehl adding eight for the Lady Bulldogs.

Tri-Valley was led by Jenna Carmody with 11 points, followed closely by Jordan Dymond who scored 10. 

“Tri-Valley is a tough team and we just couldn’t connect on jumpers,” Sullivan West Coach Pat Donovan said. “We had our open looks and open shots, they just didn’t fall.”

Following their first win, Tri-Valley Coach Jason Closs said, “Playing Sullivan West is hard. They are a tough team and always play a physical game. They made some key shots and had a scrappy defense that kept up the pressure. As the game went on we found our tempo offensively to do what we needed to do. This was our first game so we will definitely take the win and prepare for a packed schedule next week.”