Tri-Valley Girls Clinch Division

 

   With a snowy forecast that would cancel Thursday's game against Chester the Tri-Valley Lady Bears took care of business Tuesday night cruising to an easy 59-35 victory over S. S. Seward that clinched the OCIAA Division V title.

  The first eight minutes of play proved to be the story-line for the night as Tri-Valley raced off to a 18-5 first quarter lead behind the torrential scoring of Katlynn Greffrath who poured in 11 of the 18 points with one tray, three two point plays and 2 foul shots.   

  A tough Bears defense and turnovers by S. S. Seward only allowed the visitors one three-pointer and two foul shots.

  Greffrath and Sabrena Smith continued Tri-Valley's second quarter scoring with both scoring seven points to outscore S. S. Seward 14-8 and lead at the half 32-13. 

  S.S. Seward committed 29 turnovers as a result of the strong Bear's defense.

  Tri-Valley outscored S. S. Seward 20-11 in the third quarter again being led by the individual scoring of  nine points for Smith and five points by Greffrath.

  Bears coach Jason Closs freely substituted in the fourth quarter which allowed S. S. Seward to edge Tri-Valley 11-7. 

  S. S. Seward coach Joseph DiMattina commented after the game that Tri-Valley "comes out and they run, run run and you have to slow them down and we really didn't slow them down."

  Joe said, they made their runs, we had a couple of stops and we played great in

the fourth quarter but to defeat Tri-Valley you have to make all your layups, all your foul shots and you have to slow them down and no ones going to do it."

  Coach Closs commented that this game "was fast paced like I though it was going to be as Seward is a very quick and game team."

  Closs added that Seward "clogged the lane and forced Katlynn to earn every point she got."

  Praise from Closs came to Smith "who played exceptionally well with great energy and going after loose balls and finished very well tonight." He also complemented Katlynn on her defensive play and Ashley Exner for "controlling the boards when she was in there." 

  When asked about Saturday's game against Class A Cornwall who leads their division with an 12-2 record Closs said the purpose of adding this game to the schedule was "because they are a very good team and we will have to play our best game and the purpose of the game is for us to come out better then we went in and of course we're gearing up for the sections."

  Game scolring honors went to Greffrath with 28 points, Smith added 16 and Caroline Martin had eight.. Tri-Valley with the win went to 14-0 and 5-0 in OCIAA league play.

  Leading scorer for S. S. Seward was Taylor Wierzbicki with nine. Seward is now 8-6 and 1-4 in league play.

  Saturday's game with Cornwell is at Grahamsville at 12:30.

                                                              

Tri-Valley's Katelynn Greffrath (11) soars to the basket to score two of her game leading 28 points in the Bears 59-35 win over S.S. Seward Tuesday night. Seward's Erika Straub (11) attempts to block the shot. 

OTHER PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME

                                                                           

                                                             -

  

Here & There Column 2-11-14

 World Of Sports Is Changing 

  What is going on in the World of Sports these days?

  All of  us just witnessed one of the worst Super Bowls ever.....these  memories will be so thick we'll have to brush them away from our faces.

  Covering sports has always been a great passion with me because I participated for so many years as an athlete in high school, college, the U.S. Navy and in many independent sports leagues that when I sit, witness, and write about the high school sports I cover today I sometimes have to sit back and  just shake my head. 

  There is an old adage that you never blame the official or umpires if your team loses but what we have seen the past several years is horrendous and so many simple calls being missed and not called by officials. 

  Officiating at times in many of the high school and college athletic events we have been a part of is simply something that needs great improvement.  

  Whistles have been blown as part of poor officiating for decades and now with more statistical and video evidence than ever...it easier to find evidence of referees (umpires)  making bad calls.

  Hey....we agree that referees are human and the human element is imperfect and we offer no disrespect to the refs for the tough job they have to do in sometimes very tough situations when split-second decisions have to be made. 

  Moments of head-shaking frustration toward the human elements of the game can leave us to think many thoughts about officiating today......is Instant Replay an answer here?

  From officiating we turn this discussion to high school coaches and the fact that I'm on the sidelines close to the game and its coaches all the time and we don't like what we have seen and heard from some coaches.

  We have heard coaches swearing at their ballplayers and being very degrading in their comments instead of offering suggestions for improvement and encouragement.........college coaches have been fired for swearing at their players.

  We know that schools have difficult  times filling coaching positions but these kind of situations cannot be tolerated.

  Coaches at times have to learn how to face reality and such was the case at a recent Tri-Valley Lady Bears vs. Tuxedo basketball game when following        

the Lady Bears crushing defeat of Tuxedo their coach Dave Powers refused to talk to two members of the press issuing a statement several times of "no comment."

  Really Dave you came out on the court after taking your team into the locker room so you didn't have to take the defeat your team got out on the media who were just trying to do their job. 

  Coaches who deliberately do not want to talk to the press after the game remain in the locker room and we media can then just say the coach was not available for comment. 

  Being responsible and professional is a big part of any coaches job.   

             

Bowling Highlights Column

 

  Stevens & Durland Score 300's

                                                             

  Liberty bowler Christopher Stevens and  Wurtsboro bowler James Durland are doing the family thing by keeping their 300 games connected to their families bowling history.

  Stevens, 23, recorded his first career 300 January 21 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes. His 26-year-old brother Kyle banged out his 27th career 300 while subbing in the January 6 Kiamesha Lanes Monday Men's league.

  Durland 21, scored his second career 300 January 29 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes. His 25 year-old brother Donald scored his 17th career perfect game in December 2013 at a tournament in Pennsylvania. 

  Both Stevens and Durland come from bowling families with Stevens growing up in youth and adult leagues at the former Liberty Lanes owned by grandparents Bob and Honey Fix and Durland being a part of the well-known Durland bowling family including his brother, father Paul and mother Debbie.

  James bowled his first career 300 on November 21 in the three-person Bruce Perry Mixed league in Newburgh at the Newburgh Tario Lanes while bowling for the Pogo's Family Pro Shop team with Jason and Danielle Pogozelski.

  He has no 800 series to this date.

  James is averaging 230 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha  Lanes and 212 in the Newburgh league.

  Durland has been bowling for some 16 years starting out in the Saturday Morning Youth leagues at Kiamesha Lanes and is a 2010 graduate of Monticello High School. He is currently not enrolled in college but attended and bowled for Union College in Kentucky last year.

  He noted all 12 strikes were in the pocket on lanes 13-14 using a Storm IQ Tour Pearl bowling ball with team mates Al Frangipane, Frank DiCostanza and his father Paul Durland

  Single with no children James is employed at Kaz's Wines and Liquor store in the Shop Rite Plaza in Monticello and at Pogo's Family Pro Shop at Tarsio Lanes in Newburgh. 

  The January 21 perfect game by Stevens was rolled on lanes

5 & 6 using a Brunswick Nexus bowling ball with team mates Paul Minton, Ed Blume and brother Kyle Stevens. His total series was 300, 212, 192, 704. 

  He has no 800 series in his 18-years of bowling.

  Christopher's present league average in this the only league he bowls in is 219.

  Single with no children Christopher is employed as the assistant manager of the Warwick Car Wash and Oil Express.

  Ed's Outlook

The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the bowling industry's premier trade organization, announced recently that Doug Lapp, former head of Disney's University's training team, will kick off the educational programming with a Thought Leader Session at International Bowl Expo Xtreme 2014 in Orlando, Fla. June 22-26.

  Lapp is the author of "Disney U...How Disney University Develops the World's Most Engaged, Loyal and Customer-Centric  Employees." 

  Lapp will offer first-person insight into Disney's legendary employee development program which reinforces organizational values, culture and brand that can be applied to the bowling industry and bowling centers. 

  The session, sponsored by Brunswick, kicks off two days of educational seminars and workshops designed to help enhance bowling center-customer relationships. 

  Ed Townsend, a PR consultant to the sport of bowling,  writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league scores, tournament information, score a 300 game or 800 series or even score your age, call Ed at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all of Ed's pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com. We are also on Facebook and Twitter. 

  The Bowling Tip

  By Mike Luongo

  This week's tip is for all bowlers, however, youth bowlers, new bowlers and bowlers who have not had a correctly fitted ball will benefit the most.

  Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science, although it is made out to be at times.

  A poorly fitted ball (lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy.

  A good rule of thumb when getting a custom fitted ball is to go up 2 pounds over what a poorly fitted ball weighs. You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fitted ball will feel.

  When a ball is fitted properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing you to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both fingertip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles, should control the swing. 

  For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, it is instinct to grab a ball and throw it....not roll it. If a ball is dtoo light, it is hard dto teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball.

  Second, children are still growing and you may get an extra year out of the ball before the youth bowler outgrows the weight.

  In the case of a youth bowler switching from conventional to fingertip, I would not recommend going too heavy as you do not want to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re-grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball. 

  Note: If a bowler....youth or adult....is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling, the fingertip grip is the way to go.

  Remember, there is not substitute for a properly fitted ball. 

  Parents of youth bowlers are reminded to have the fit checked at least every six months. 

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Adviser-Special Events Assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, give him a call at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

  Local Scores

  (compiled by Ed Townsend

  Kiamesha Lanes

  Monday Men's

  Rick Lake 235, 638, Mike Weiner 234, 229, 642, Kyle Giordano 246, 683, Greg Fallon 238, 227, 645, Paul Durland 234, 613, Vinnie Collura 238, 234, 657, Don Durland 279, 268, 763, Juan Lopez 244, 234, 701, Rudy Belanchia 225, 655, John Fischer 249, 244, 695, Jon Wilhelm 256, 651, Tim Totten 627, Laresko Niifa 265, 652, Ronnie Totten 279, 665, Kevin Stackhouse 637, John Hoffmann 645, Eddie Walsh 635, Pedro Agapito 258, 297, 765, Walt Edwards 225, 244, 671, Frank Scuderi 227, 607, Craig Wilhelm 236, Larry Whipple 620, Merrill Steinhilbergo 246, 299, 755, Keith  Smith 619, Dave Graham 244, 642, Armen Murad 243, 228, 685, Jody Farquhar 237, 248, 257, 742, Al Caycho 244, 225, 645, George Budd 234, 254, 701, Tim McIntyre 617, Josh Strang 267, 682, Jim VanAken 259, 236, 712. 

  Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Andrea Grossman 205, 200, 576, Carerna Collura 209, 205, 563, Mary Lee Williams 189, 202, 553, Laura Palmer 268, 552, Trasey Barres 190, 202, 538, Karen Martin 189, 183, 529, Cara Nicholson 197, 511, Paul Minton 289, 719, Eddie Walsh 257, 229, 700, Chris Stevens 254, 697, Kyle Stevens 258, 238, 697, Laresko Niifa 247, 245, 695, Tom Palmer 247, 644, Peter Nastasi 236, 635, Kyle Van Wolde 276, 634, Ed Guthrie 626, Ed Blume 226, 626, Larry Whipple 225, 622, Shane Cunningham 245, 617, Robert Yakin Jr. 246, 614, Pedro Agapito 609, Kevin Stackhouse 244, 608, Stan Gilmore 226.

Wednesday Men's

  Chris Parken 242, Charlie Tuttle 234, 643, Dennis Matthews 227, 631, Kyle Matthews 234, 254, 681, Frank Muller Jr. 246, 652, Jason Rogers 236, 246, 686, Mikey Travis232, 226, 671, Robert Beach 236, 676, Vinnie DeGraw 289, 670, Jo Jo Van Keuren 259, 659, Serafin Rodriguez 235, 600, Rick Lara 228, 235, 677, John Hoffmann 247, 671, Al Frangipone 237, Paul Durland 238, 638, James Durland 279, 686, Russell Bivins 279, 269, 714, Jim Walsh 232, 225, 661, Carlos Torres 226, Paul Minton 609, Jason Jones 609, Merrill Conner 225, Jon Wilhelm 259, 694, Kyle Stevens 236, 665, Frank Scuderi 237, 640, Edwin Rodriguez 243, 614, Tom Mitchell 267, 697, Eddie Lake 255, 236, 268, 759, Dan VanAken 248, 653, Josh Strang 226, 641, James VanAken 234, 236, 245, 715, Gene Smith 602, Robert Sze 604, Kevin Stackhouse 268, 638, Keith Smith 231, 235, 644, Tom Belgiovene 236, 232, 662, Pedro Agapito 243, 247, 677, Bradley Cottam 235, 606, Pete Nastasi 247, 266, 695, Larry Whipple 229, 667, Timmy Minton 237, 614.

King of the Lanes

  Mikey Travis repeats as the Wednesday Night King of the Lanes. He defeated Tim Minton. This tournament continues every Wednesday night at 9:45.

Thursday Ladies

  Audrey Woolard 197, Cindy Short 199, Monica Lane 207, Denise Martinez 189, Joan Lake 190, MarieFrunzi 198, T. Tuttle 193, Franny Kaiser 184, 188, 192, 564, Sue Sakell 182, 182, Mary Lee Williams 192, 227, Lisa Cartwright 184, 202, Kelly Shattuck 192, 192, 206, 590, Debbie Polin 193, 198.

Friday Mixed

  Christopher Castro 235, 605, Vic Decker 235, 660, Frank Eichenlaub III a 622, David Graham 236, 248, 255, 739, Matthew Jahn 610, Tim McIntyre 258, 239, 683, Dan Ricco 247, 246, 234, 727, Keith  Smith 649, Kevin Stackhouse 247, 227, 247, 721, Robert Sze 629, James VanAken 244, 632, Craig Wilhelm 606, Jon Wilhelm 246, 258, 228, 732, Silporah Boldii194, 501, Dori Castro 188, Tolakii Deylii 188, 532, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 214, 199, 211, 624, Anne Kaplan 183, Michelle Morris 195, 526, Debbie Polin 182, 200, 532, Antionette Rau 205, 550, Mardette Wilcox 212, 189, 195, 596.

 Callicoon Kristal Bowl

 Mon. Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 195, Lillian Zieres 193,158, 185, 535, Pat Peters 150, 156, 161, Rebecca Rhodes 150, 173, 177, 500, Mary Fitzgerald 162, 167, Maureen Schlott 188, 182, 185, 555, Marty Bogdanowitz 173, Joyce Brooks 162, Debbie Loughrey 167, Deedee Schrader 169, Barbara Pingel 152, 157, Judy Mohn 158, Mardette Wilcox 163, 209, 204, 576.

 Tues. Del. Valley Men's

  Kory Keesler 188, Bruce Rutledge 201, 213, 208, 622, Rob Bivins 188, 191, 183, Chris Marston 181, Kris Rasmussen 208, 180, Ed Leroy 213, Brian Starr 211, Troy Parucki 187, 181, Mike Gieger 185, 186, 195, Jim Kautz 188, 201, Albert Tyles 202, Tom Bisig 190, 189, Dan Brown 214, 202, Mark Yewchuck 185, 181, Bill Meyer 186, John Hubert 197, 186, Bob Cady 187, 193, Dean Shattuck 190, Russell Lyons 180, Joe Gager 184, 230, Eugene Fulton 213, Matt  Fulton  190, Brian Kitson 202, Rich Winters 189.

 Wednesday Men's

  Matt Kitson 180, Tim Sykes 192, 183, John Kline 201, Corey Hornicek 204, John Glassel 189, Robert Glassel Jr. 190, Brandon Swendsen 184, John Diehl 195, 200, Jack Diehl 200, Alby  Thony 200, 195, Mark Yewchuk 181, 201, Frank Leonardo 190, Tom Diehl 184, Roger Widmann 214.

 Liberty Bowl

 Thursday Ladies

  Billie Jo Bound 169, 162, Carly Sklar 161, 171, Tabatha Smith 183, 181, 503, Joan Fredenburg 151, Stella Schmahl 164, Shirley Townsend 155, Kathi Smith 150, Joann Bowers 153.

 Beechwood Lanes

 Monday Ladies

  Jodi Gulley 165, 154, Jamie Bertholf 175, Dot McCormack 176, Tracy Puerschner 175, 158, Diane Staves 211, Lois Erdman  178, 167.

                                             

Here & There Column 2-4-14

It's A Real Winter

  It definitely is a real winter with bitter temperatures this year and New York along with the Northeast is anchored in a deep freeze.

  Guess a lot of folks don't remember how to deal with the temperatures since we've experienced several mild winters the past few years.

  Slippery icy conditions create many injuries from falls and then there is the problem with dealing with frozen pipes.

  Hard to believe the many residents we have talked to who have experienced their water pipes freezing.

  I remember well what my grandfather told me many years ago.....flowing water will not freeze and best to let the faucets drip a little water particularly at night when no one is using any water.

  The sale of fuel oil and propane has been as brisk as the weather with everybody using more so the demand for heating fuel has now reached record levels in some regions.

  We are seeing fuel delivery trucks making increased deliveries with natural gas prices showing almost a 6 to 8 percent price increase and crude oil prices up 2 percent. 

  The Natural Propane Gas Association says the U.S. Department of Transportation has ordered the expedited delivery of propane in 33 states, as suppliers seek to work with tighter supplies, infrastructure issues and weather-related challenges.

  For many folks on tight budgets these seasonal price jumps hurt but the so called experts say the price jumps aren't unusual for the heating fuel industry. Some anti-poverty agencies are struggling to provide heating assistance during the prolonged deep freeze.

  It's cold in the southern states so right now that's not a good alternative.... hunker down folks and hopefully our deep freeze will ease up..... but just a reminder we still have February and March left.

  Not easy keeping warm.

                                                              

LPGA GOLF NEWS

Yokohama Tire Corporation to be Title Sponsor

of LPGA Tournament in Alabama

The inaugural ‘Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic’ is set for September 18-21

in Prattville, Alabama along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

           

                               

FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, February 4, 2014 – Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement with the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail to be title sponsor of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament in Prattville, Alabama, about 10 miles from the state capital of Montgomery.

The 2014 tournament – the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic – will be conducted September 18-21 on the Senator Course at Capitol Hill along the RTJ Golf Trail, which consists of 26 courses on 11 sites stretched across Alabama.

“From Lorena Ochoa winning here twice to Lexi Thompson becoming the youngest winner in the LPGA at that time, golf history has been made in Prattville. We are delighted Yokohama is bringing this great tradition back and will make it better than ever,” said John Cannon, president of the RTJ Golf Trail.

“This is an opportunity for Yokohama to get our brand in front of a new audience,” said Andrew Briggs, YTC director, marketing and product planning. “The LPGA and RTJ Golf Trail are world-class organizations. We’ll work directly with them to maximize our agreement, incorporating dealer and consumer activities throughout the year to further promote our full line of tires.”

Briggs said the LPGA sponsorship fits into Yokohama’s expanding sports marketing program, which includes partnerships with the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Clippers; the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens; and Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees.

“We are honored and excited to welcome Yokohama to the LPGA family,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “The River Region and RTJ Trail are fantastic hosts, and now together with Yokohama, we’re excited to bring the world’s best female golfers back to Prattville.”

Added Cannon: “With Yokohama as the new title sponsor, this tournament will be an even larger international event. Yokohama brings its global presence to showcase some of the premier women golfers from around the world. All eyes of the international golf community will be on America’s original golf trail.”

About Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Funded by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was built to help expand tourism, recruit industry and attract retirees, thus strengthening the state’s economy while adding to the quality of life for all Alabamians. The RTJ Golf Trail opened in 1992 and celebrated its 10 millionth round on Oct. 23, 2013. From Mobile Bay to the Tennessee River, the RTJ Golf Trail has 26 courses on 11 sites across Alabama. In 2012, the economic impact of both the LPGA events in Mobile and Prattville exceeded $30 million.

About LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Yokohama Tire Corporation

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Connect with Yokohama Tire Corporation:

www.facebook.com/yokohamatirecorp

www.twitter.com/yokohamatc

www.youtube.com/user/yokohamamotorsports

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Care & Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Scranton Yankees Baseball

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Mountain Man Appearance, Trolley Frogs Jerseys Highlight Promo Schedule

Team Plans 25 Giveaways to Celebrate 25 Seasons of SWB Baseball

Moosic, Pa. – When prompted for what would draw them to PNC Field, the people of NEPA have consistently used a familiar refrain – giveaways. Today, with the announcement of their 2014 promotional schedule, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) answered that call. The docket calls for a franchise-record 25 giveaways planned to help celebrate 25 seasons of SWB baseball.

“Our first season at PNC Field was great,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “But that was truly just the start. We are committed to enhancing our fans’ experiences every year. And we think this promotional schedule loaded with giveaways will be a big step toward just that.”

It starts with a yard sign giveaway on Opening Night, April 10, magnet schedules on April 11 and a whiffle ball & bat set presented by Montage Mountain on April 12. Some other highlight items include statues of SWB legends Jon Zuber (April 19/Montage Mountain), Dave Miley (June 7) and Derek Jeter (July 5/Geico Scranton). Every home Tuesday tilt sports a T-shirt giveaway on T-Shirt Tuesdays.

Theme nights continue to be a focus for the franchise’s goal of delivering affordable, family-friendly entertainment for all comers each and every night. Some of the most successful themes in 2013 return like Star Wars Night (May 24) and Princess & Pirate Night (July 11), while the additions are sure to draw their own interest.

The highlight new theme, Outdoors Night (April 18), will include an appearance by Mountain Man himself from the TV hit “Duck Dynasty”. The RailRiders will wear special jerseys to match the theme as well. Some of the unique pieces of the 2014 puzzle include 25^th anniversary jerseys that incorporate the colors and logos of all three SWB eras (Red Barons/Yankees/RailRiders). The team will wear those jerseys on June 7, and on Aug. 8 will don different colors altogether on What If Night. Those uniforms will give a glimpse of what might have been if Trolley Frogs won the fan vote to name the team a year ago instead of RailRiders.

Other new themes of note include Almost Halfway to Halloween Night (April 25), Anti-Bullying Awareness Day (May 7), Red Barons Night (June 5) and Wizard of Oz Night (Aug. 20). Multiple giveaways fall in line with the game theme like the dog leash giveaway for Bark in the Park (May 10/VREC) and a camouflage travel mug on Military Night (July 26).

Explosions in the sky offer sure-fire entertainment in their own right and PNC Field will host 13 post-game fireworks shows in 2014. That includes colors that go boom on Opening Night and for every Friday home game.

The full list of the 2014 giveaway and theme night schedule is attached.

The RailRiders’ 2014 season begins on Thursday, April 3 when the club kicks off a seven-game road trip at Syracuse against the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).The home slate commences a week later on Thursday, April 10 when the Chiefs visit PNC Field for a four-game series and homestand. For season ticket information or to book a ballpark group outing, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

LADY BEARS CRUSH TUXEDO

LADY BEARS CRUSH TUXEDO    

                                         

  Facing reality sometimes is difficult and such was the case Friday night following the Lady Bears crushing defeat of Tuxedo when Tuxedo coach Dave Powers refused to talk to the press issuing a statement several times of "no comment."

  Taking reality in another direction is the fact that what a difference a week makes as Tri-Valley swept Tuxedo off the court 56-25 in contrast to their 44-41 come from behind victory a week earlier at Tuxedo. 

  The two games had no resemblance and key factors in the 44-41 Tri-Valley win was the Bears ability to overcome a tight harassing Tuxedo defense, a smaller sized court that helped contain the Bears run and gun offense and an very ill Kathlynn Graffrath who was fighting a severe ear infection with a high temperature. 

  Graffrath fouled out in that game in the fourth quarter with 14 points. Sabrina Smith also fouled out.

  Friday night's home game featuring a healthy Graffrath, the larger regulation home court and the ability to return to their favorite run and gun game.

  And run and gun they did with Graffrath starting it off with a three pointer at the 6:44 mark and consecutive first quarter scoring by Smith, Graffrath, Coleen Jones, Graffath and Caroline Martin before Tuxedo with several foul shots put the score at 15-3 as the clock ticked down to 2:11. 

  Tri-Valley outscored Tuxedo 15-5 in the first quarter, 9-8 ind the second quarter and put the nails in the coffin in the third quarter by outscoring the Lady Tornadoes 21-2 with the two points coming on foul shots. 

  Graffrath left the game with a little more than two minutes left on the first quarter clock because of two fouls but returned to play at the start of the third quarter.

  Score by quarters found the Bears leading 15-5, 24-13 and 45-15.

 Tuxedo committed 25 turnovers to Tri-Valley's 22. 

  Noting the difference in the two games Bears coach Jason Closs said, "

this is important for our girls to comeback as a week ago we played down there and had to work very hard to win a game by three."

  In referencing the game at Tuxedo Closs said, "we didn't play well and up here it was important that we set the standard early in this game and the energy level today was exceptional."

  Rebounding and the lack of it at Tuxedo became a part of the Closs interview who noted the team had not done well with this aspect of the game in several games "because we were getting the inside position but were not creating the space we needed because we are still undersized so if we get in a reaching contest we lose."

  High praise was given to Ashley Exner who Closs said, "works so hard when she comes in a game and gives us quality minutes and Kayla Butler today came in today and played some good minutes."

  Junior Jessie Leszczynski saw action late in the game and received a thunderous applause from the Tri-Valley fans when she scored her first three-pointer. Tri-Valley fans were also treated to the antics of Bear-Mascot Sam Tingley who at several points in the game showed his skills doing push-ups and then just laying flat out face up  on the court.  

  Leading the scoring for Tri-Valley, 12-0 and 4-0 in OCIAA league play , was Greffrath with 20, Smith with nine and six steals,  Martin with eight points and seven assists,  Jones pulled down 11 rebounds and Sara Dertinger added 10 rebounds.  

  Alison Toscano scored nine points for Tuxedo who now posts a 5-5 record. 

                                                                   

                                                                             

Tri-Valley's Caroline Martin drives to the hoop in the Lady Bears defeat of Tuxedo 56-25 Friday night. Attempting to guard her is Tuxedo's Kathenne Purdy.

                                                        

                                                                   

Bears Mascot Sam Tingley takes a breather following push-ups and back flips to lay down on the court to the amusement of some of his fellow boys varsity team members during the Lady Bears game Friday night.

ADDITIONAL GAME PHOTOS