GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — It all came down to a penalty kick in overtime at the “Home of the Bears” on Thursday afternoon, October 3.

After a scoreless first half, the home team Lady Bears of Tri-Valley scored a goal off the foot of Sophia Richardson, assisted by Jenna Carmody. 

Ella Herbert of the Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs (2-9 overall, 0-7 league) replied with an unassisted goal to tie up the game 1-1, forcing the match into overtime.

At the 9:18 mark in an extra inning, Carmody stepped up to the line on a PK, and “beat the keep” on a shot into the right corner of the net to win the match 2-1 for the home team (9-1 overall, 4-1 league).

Tri-Valley’s goalie Emily Lucak posted 14 saves, while Sullivan West’s keeper Karli Kessler was credited with 10 saves.

Carmody is a 17-year-old senior who takes to the varsity girls’ soccer field playing center and defensive mid. In the wake of the “sudden death” victory, she said of the game-winning PK that was created by a handball in the box, “It was nerve-wracking, because the game was on the line.”

In a poignant moment in local high school sports, after the game the Lady Bears posed for a team photo, all wearing bright pink jerseys, while in front of them rested an athletic trainer’s bag covered with a pink towel embroidered “In Memory of Sharon.” 

The Lady Bears’ girls’ varsity soccer coach Kayla Connolly explained this was a tribute to Sharon Delmonico, OCCIA 2023-2024 Athletic Trainer of the Year, who passed away in August, “after her courageous six-year battle with breast cancer.”

“She is fondly remembered for her everlasting impact on sports, her community and anyone who had the pleasure of being in her presence,” said Connolly.