By Ilana Dubrovsky
June 25, 2004 – Overall Record: 8-11

League Record: 3-6 OCIAA Division V

Team Leaders: Maria Jeltsch led the team with a batting average of .373 in 19 games. Jeltsch scored 27 runs and recorded 25 hits. Throughout the season, she had eight stolen bases and 12 walks. Jeltsch’s many skills were utilized as she played various positions, such as outfielder and catcher.
Lacey Moore, a junior outfielder, was another team leader. Moore had a total of 19 runs and 23 hits – seven of which were extra-base hits. She had 17 RBIs and her batting average for the season was .333.

Season Highlight: The team went to Florida for spring training and came out of the session with great experience. They put in some quality practice time, playing six games overall. As soon as they returned home, the season was ready to begin.
“It was great for team cohesiveness,” said Coach Mary Feusner.

Season Lowlight: Playing Eldred at the Lady Bears’ home turf was the lowlight of the season. In the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded, lightning struck, forcing the game to end early.
“It took us out of the game since the field conditions were not great,” Feusner said.
The Lady Bears ended up losing the game since they were unable to finish the seventh inning.

Additional Comments: The Lady Bears played fellow Division V team Chester in a tough three games.
“We played them tough, and played our best,” Feusner said.

Other: At Tri-Valley’s recent athletic banquet, Lindsey Nuzzo was named the Most Improved Player.
“She led as our pitcher for the majority of our games. She had an outstanding year, and has made vast improvements,” Feusner said.
Senior shortstop Tiffany Paul was named the Most Valuable Player for the season.
The Lady Bears will be losing four players due to graduation: Jeltsch, Jessica Lake, a first baseman and sometimes pitcher, Moore and Paul, who has been a part of this team for five years.
“I am definitely going to miss their defensive playing and their hits,” Feusner concluded.