LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — No doubt about it, the Lady Bears of Tri-Valley are closing in on their goal of making it to the upcoming girls varsity soccer sectionals. The team posted a 3-1 win over the home team Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs under the lights on October 12.

In the first frame, Sullivan West’s Viola Shami scored on an assist by Nicole Reeves to put the Lady Bulldogs up 1-0 during their senior recognition night.

But alas, it was not to last, as the visitors replied with goals by Kendall McGregor followed by Kaytlyn Ingrassia off an assist from McGregor to put Tri-Valley up 2-1 at the half.

In the final frame, it was all Lady Bears, as Ingrassia posted the final goal of the match, making it a 3-1 victory for the visitors.

Quick stats: shots (SW 21, TV 18), shots on goal (SW 16, TV 10), corner kicks (SW 0, TV 3), keeper saves (SW’s Abby Parucki 7, TV’s Emily Rusin 15).

A couple of noteworthy observations: Sullivan West’s new crop of Dawg Pounders were in full cry, cheering on the Lady Bulldogs booters. At the end of the game, the home team gave the Lady Bears’ seniors roses in a nice touch of sportsmanship.

“I thought the girls played really hard and they showed a lot of hustle,” said Megan Brockner, coach of the Lady Bulldogs (5-7).

She noted that a lot of things they have been working on in practice are showing up on the field, such as communication and “knowing when to keep the ball and when to pass it.”

Kayla Connolly, helmswoman of the Lady Bears (10-1) said of her 10-senior squad, “They are doing very well with one goal in mind—to win the sectional championship. Every day they come to practice and work very hard together for the strong goals that are carrying the team.”