By Rob Potter
MONTICELLO — June 11, 2002 – The Sullivan County Big League softball team got off to a winning start on Sunday.
Sullivan swept a double-header from Montgomery at Monticello High School in its first action of the 2002 season.
In game one, Sullivan scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth and five more in the sixth to post a 14-2 win. Then in game two, Sullivan put eight runs on the scoreboard in the first inning enroute to a 15-0 win.
Both games were halted early due to the 10-run rule.
Sponsored by American Legion Post #315 of Roscoe, the Sullivan County team is made up of girls from around the county. The roster currently includes Kelly Ahart (Roscoe), Leslie Bright (Sullivan West), Jamie Bowers (Livingston Manor), Ellie Dymond (Tri-Valley), Tiffany Hauser (SW), Destiny Hinkley (T-V), Rachelle Irwin (2001 Manor graduate), Heidi Manell (T-V), Alys Mann (Manor), Michelle Olson (Liberty), Tiffany Paul (T-V), Megan Roser (Manor), Jennifer Taggart (Manor) and Jennifer Wright (Manor).
In Sunday’s opener, Mann gave up only two hits and two runs to Montgomery. She struck out three and walked four batters.
Leading the way offensively for Sullivan were Dymond and Irwin. Dymond was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, while Irwin went 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
In the second game, Manell pitched a no-hit shutout. She struck out six Montgomery batters and walked four.
Dymond was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and Paul was 1-for-3 with 3 RBI.
Sullivan Coach Gene Smith noted that the squad consists of very talented players. And in Mann, Manell and Olson, the team has a trio of outstanding pitchers.
“I think we should be in every game this summer,” Smith said.
Next Sunday, Sullivan plays a double-header at Pine Bush. The following Sunday (June 23) the team will host Pine Bush at the Monticello High School softball field.