Sightlines

Work ethic

Sullivan West girls net first league win versus rapidly improving Liberty

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — Time is of the essence as teams are challenged to improve rapidly or face being overrun by those that do.

For the ladies of Liberty and Sullivan West, with new, young coaches at the helm, that learning curve is already four games along, and the results are telling and impressive, despite each team’s polar opposite records.

Sullivan West is now 3-1 (1-0 OCIAA) after beating Liberty 1-3 (0-1 OCIAA). Both teams have had their struggles, but meaningful progress has been made. Major work is still needed to face the daunting challenges of Division IV rivals John S. Burke Catholic and James I. O’Neill.

Getting to sectionals is based on a league record, and a Division IV team needs three wins. Thus, Liberty and Sullivan West eye each other as likely prey.

Liberty has been steadily improving under coach Ryan Baldock’s tutelage, as has Sullivan West under Patrick Donovan.

This time out, Liberty limited all-star Katrina Graby to 12 relatively quiet points. But Sullivan West prevailed, as junior Jillian Fife led all scorers with 13 points. Both teams had issues with handling the ball and turnovers were prevalent.

Sullivan West’s next encounter will be in the “Pink” fundraiser for breast cancer research to be held on their home floor against Tri-Valley on December 23.

Visit www.sportsinsightsny.com for much more on the game, to hear what coaches have to say about upcoming challenges and to view an album of photos.