For Dorothy, there's no place like the Valley

This year's tournament produced a record donation of $455,000 to Mahoning Valley Sports Charities.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
VIENNA -- Dorothy Delasin and the children's and educational charities in the Valley were the big winners at the 2001 Giant Eagle LPGA Classic, which came to an end Sunday at Squaw Creek Country Club.
Delasin, of San Francisco, battled from four strokes behind to finish at 13-under par (203), and successfully defended her 2000 title.
The 20-year-old Delasin, who as a rookie last year became the youngest winner on the LPGA tour in 25 years, fashioned a 7-under par 65 over the final 18 holes.
Charities: Mahoning Valley Sports Charities, which operates the Giant Eagle LPGA Classic, received a record check from the tournament, which will be dispersed among the area's charities.
Tom Hollern, president of MVSC, accepted a check for $455,000 from volunteer chairman Jim Brutz after the conclusion of the tournament.
The tournament has been able to increase its charitable contribution. Last year the tournament produced a check to charity for $450,000 and has now reached nearly $3 million in total contributions over the nine years of the event.
"I'm just so very pleased with this entire week," said Hollern. "The crowds today were outstanding, especially the huge group that lined the 18th fairway for that final group."
Emotional victory: Delasin, who suffered a nose bleed last year during the trophy presentation over the excitement of winning her first tournament, couldn't contain her emotions again Sunday.
"I'm so happy and glad to have won this tournament again," she said. "I only wish my parents were here again to see this. I love this tournament and all the people who made this possible."
Delasin had to come from behind to overtake second-round leaders Se Ri Pak and Tammie Green.
Green, a Somerset native, near Zanesville, and one of the favorites, finished second at 12-under par (204). Pak faltered on the final round for the second year in a row and finished third at 11-under par (205).