HEUVELTON -- State Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, welcomed the Heuvelton Lady Bulldogs basketball team to the state capitol April 29, honoring the team for their winning the New York state girls class D championship.

A graduate of Heuvelton High School, Ritchie recognized student athletes from her alma mater with a resolution during the day’s Senate session commemorating the team’s victory over South Kortright. It marked the first girls’ basketball title in school history.

“Throughout the past couple months, I’ve had the opportunity to honor some amazing high school athletes for their accomplishments, however, today is extra special, because I get to recognize a group of young ladies who are not only from my hometown, but also from my alma mater, Heuvelton High School,” said Ritchie. “The Lady Bulldogs’ capture of the Class D championship is a shining example of what can be accomplished when you work hard, and set your mind to something. I couldn’t be more proud to recognize the team, as well as their coach for this awesome achievement.”

In addition, accompanying the Lady Bulldogs on their visit to the state capitol was the team’s coach, Rob Powers, assistant coach Austin Weakfall, district athletic director David Steele and the team’s bus driver, Elson Caswell.