SULLIVAN WEST — Advancing divisions [C to B], comes with its inherent trials and tribulations, no doubt, and Sullivan West’s Lady Bulldogs have done all they can to rise to the challenge.

Thursday’s game was no different, landing them in the winner’s bracket at a grueling, hard-earned 8-7 overall record with a (3-3) standing in the division league, giving them their shot in this year’s sectionals and, with a lot of effort, maybe further.

After playing to a 0-0 stalemate through the first half, the Lady Bulldogs scored four unanswered second half goals to punch their ticket to Sectionals with a 4-0 win over the Lady Comets.

 “We’ve had a couple tough games moving from Division C to Division B. Our girls have shown determination, a lot of grit, [and are] motivated to do their best - they’ve worked better each game,” said Sullivan West Coach  Megan Brockner.

“Together, this group of girls is really great to coach. They’re taking things we’ve given them - practice,  advice, or answering questions and they’ve applied that to the game. We’re happy with that because it shows they want to improve and they are willing to continue to work hard each game to make it a successful season. 

“If we win, it does put us at 8-7 (3-3) overall, and it does give us a chance to get into sectionals and these girls really deserve that. Each game is progress, and overall, we think they’ve done a great job.” 

On the other side,  the Fallsburg Lady Comets, despite their low numbers and forced forfeits this season, worked very hard to give it their all and make the Lady Bulldogs work for their win.  

“We’re definitely low on numbers for the season, so we’re struggling to keep a full squad between injury and just trying to get girls to join the program. It’s a good match up with Sullivan West. I think they were our first or second game [this season] so we definitely have improved since we last played them,” Lady Comets Coach Jordan Mootz said. 

Sullivan West had to travel to Rhinebeck on Wednesday afternoon for the opening round of the Sectionals. The No. 5 seed Lady Bulldogs struggled against the No. 4 Lady Hawks, losing 4-0 in their first Class B playoff appearance.

With a senior-heavy squad, the Lady Bulldogs will have a much different team next year as they look to return to the playoffs.