GRAHAMSVILLE– The Tri-Valley Bears (6-4) utilized their home field advantage to defeat the Sullivan West Bulldogs (6-2) on Thursday in one of the closest high school softball games in the area this season. Both teams brought a solid performance at the plate and in the field, but the Bears built a tight 3-0 lead by the middle of the second inning while holding the ‘dogs to only one run scored. The Bulldogs’ Jocelyn Doyle stepped to the plate hitting a triple into left field to put Sullivan West in striking distance. On the next play a Bears’ error would allow the Bulldogs to get on the board. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to take advantage of a bases loaded situation later in the inning leaving the score 4-1 Tri-Valley advantage. Despite their efforts the Bulldogs would come up short. The Bears battled hard for the win executed by a dominant second inning.

Neversink Community Park was bustling with energy. Not only did the spectators come out to watch a softball game but for another important and pressing cause. The Tri-Valley and Sullivan West communities came together to support Coach Kurt Scheibe in his fight against cancer. Scheibe is an alum of the Tri-Valley School District, Tri-Valley Little League coach, longtime educator, and coach at Sullivan West. John Rusin was the MC for the events sharing in his speech, “What has long been a cross-county rivalry between the two schools has been put on the back burner in trade for support of someone who has given back to both communities over the years.”After Scheibe threw out the ceremonial first pitch the game was underway. 

Tri-Valley Little League was instrumental in helping to organize the fundraiser. President Larry Whipple lauded both communities and all its volunteers. “This is a very unique community; they answer the call all the time. We had more help than we needed! New volunteers continue to show up all the time!” 

Coach Scheibe, a Tri-Valley alum and long-time local Little League and varsity coach, was moved by the turnout. “It’s very nice to see,” he remarked, thanking the Tri-Valley Little League, the softball teams, and the broader community.

As for the performance on the field, Scheibe noted the competitive energy: “The game was quick and full of back-and-forth play. We had our chances to win, and both teams are full of great kids.”

Dana McCarthy, whose daughter Sage plays for Tri-Valley, volunteered her time and spoke about the vital role of parent involvement.

All throughout the afternoon announcements could be heard over the speaker about the sausage and peppers sandwiches. To which Whipple shared, “We sold 348 sandwiches.” The raffle brought over $5,000, and the event total hit $10,000. “I can’t say that I’m surprised,” shared Whipple, going on to say, “We have a great community, and I knew that they would show their support for a great cause.