GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — On Thursday, May 24 the Lady Spartans of S.S. Seward (9-5) defeated the Tri-Valley Lady Bears 2-1 to win the Section IX Class C semifinal softball game.

Tri-Valley (4-7) drew first blood in the opening frame in the wake of a walk and a hit by Jordan Carmody.

Seward replied in the top of the fourth with a couple of runs, the result of a trio of triples by Paige Lee, Josely Medina and Sophia Augustyn.

It was a game in the fast lane, and although the scoring wasn’t the most electrifying in the world, the game moved along to the finish line as one of the quickest contests of the season.

Lady Bears coach Claire Moore said her team practiced hard all week, gearing up for the game,

“We were set to go… it was the most [evenly] matched game of the year; the perfect game.”

Well, except for the final score that sent the Lady Bears back to their seats.

Moore sang the praises of her senior co-captains Morgan Shamro and Taylor Cox, players she has coached on varsity for the last four seasons.

“They are leaders, and what they’ve done for the team and the younger athletes was just great.”

Jordan Costa of Tri-Valley got tagged with the loss.

“We played pretty well, but didn’t have it at the plate… we brought everything we had,” said the 14-year-old freshman pitcher.

Samantha Houghtaling, a 15-year-old 10th grader, anchored the plate for the Lady Bears.