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Volleyball Team Blanks Visiting Spartans

BY MONA STEINHAUER

Solanco’s volleyball team lost to Garden Spot in three sets back on September 21. Just over a month later (Oct. 14) the roles were reversed as Solanco hung a fairly convincing 25-19, 25-16, 25-23 loss on the visiting Spartans for their sixth win of the season.

“That was a huge win,” said an excited coach Dillon Costrello. “They played well and things were clicking. We worked hard on our offense and it showed. Plus our setters (Madi Davis and Kate Unger) spread the offense and our attackers put it away,” he added. “We had a 32 kill night and we limited our errors.”

Tied at 19-19 in the first set, Jaidee Beam, who finished with 11 kills on the night, had a key block and kill and Triniti Erisman added an ace to push Solanco to the early win.

Though Solanco pulled away in the second set, early on the going was nip-and-tuck and tied five different times, the last at 16-16, before the hosts took advantage of some Spartan errors and got some key serving from Marissa Cannizzaro (3 aces, 22 digs) to pull away.

Solanco’s largest lead in the third set was 20-17 before 23-19 and 24-20 led to a Spot comeback that fell just short, 25-23.

Madi Davis distributed 15 assists, Anya Fisher recorded eight kills, and Kate Unger put up five blocks and put down six kills to contribute to the victory.

“I give credit to our seniors (Anya Fisher, Jaidee Beam, Ellie Mankin, Kate Unger, Triniti Erisman, Madi Davis, Karleigh Good and Karina Shaiebly),” added Costrello. “They were good leaders the entire night.

“You have to credit the defense too. Marissa did not have a defensive mistake all night,” Costrello praised. “She was everywhere. Our setters played great defense too and Karleigh was a great DS off the bench. They all played so well and for each other. Proud coach moment for sure.”

That momentum, however, was short-lived as Solanco ran into the undefeated Bears of Elizabetown on Monday and went home with a 25-12, 25-17, 25-9 loss.

Cannizzaro led the defense with nine digs and Unger added three blocks. Erisman (1 ace) dished out five assists, six of which Beam converted to kills.

On the road two nights later, third place Manheim Central posted 25-12, 25-15, 25-13 wins, dropping Solanco to 6-10 overall.

The Barons’ Maddie Knier was a force at the net with ten kills. The hosts also served eight aces on the night, compared to three for Solanco.

Beam finished with five kills, Unger added two blocks, Cannizzaro worked nine digs and Erisman and Davis each recorded two assists.

Solanco finishes in 20th place in the District Three rankings.The top 16 advance.

For more photos see www.townlively.com.

CROSS COUNTRY

The harrier teams made their annual trek to Ephrata Middle School last Tuesday, Oct. 19 for the LancasterLebanon League Championships and came home with some solid performances. The Mules not only finished ninth out of 22 teams but punched their ticket to the District Three 3A Championships slated for Oct. 30 at Big Spring High School. Individually, both Emma Baxter and Christine Wagner also extended their seasons.

“We knew the boys were in the running for district qualification and went for it,” said head coach Andrew Musselman. “We came up with a plan and they kept themselves in the race the entire time and finished strong across the board to execute that plan. They earned that spot.”

Wyatt Tomison, a sophomore, crossed the finish line first for the Mules, clocking a 17:57.8 for 39th place. One step behind was senior Avery Jacobsen (17:58.4) while Anthony Solis rounded out the trio with a 41st place effort in 17:59.

“Wyatt, Avery and Anthony all worked together and held their own, fluctuating only a few positions over the course of the race and outkicking a few guys at the end which was necessary,” said Musselman.

Jimmy Hartigan ran fourth for Solanco and placed 84th overall in 19:06.4 while Joey Hartigan (96th, 19:24.3) rounded out the top five counters. Curtis Hills, a freshman, Michael Eisenberger and Liam Barry also competed.

“Jimmy had a gutsy race, making some big moves in the second and third miles which likely made a difference in the score,” Musselman pointed out. “Joey also raced extremely well and picked up a few guys in the final stretches that were also critical.

“Curtis ran well and continues to improve. He has many great races in his future,” the coach continued. “Michael only missed his PR by four seconds, the closest of our runners to accomplish that. Liam put forth a good effort and had a strong finish.”

Tomison’s time ties for the 22nd fastest Solanco time in the L-L League Championship race. Jacobsen’s time is tied for 24th and Solis is tied for 26th.

The Mules (5-5) finished one place ahead of McCaskey (7-3), the third place team in Section One.

The girls’ team, with just four runners, did not score as a team but competed individually to qualify for districts. Emma Baxter led the way, earning a 16th place medal with a 21:08. That time is also the 25th fastest Solanco time in the L-L League Championship race.

“Emma ran an amazing race,” lauded Musselman. “Her goal originally was to medal (top 25) but I knew she could do better and convinced her to go after top 15.”

Christine Wagner’s 22:03 was good for 40th place. The sophomore’s time is also the 41st fastest Solanco time in the league race.

“Christine fought to stay in medal contention but just didn’t quite get there,” Musselman said. “She’s young and learning quickly. This will fuel the fire in future meets.”

Nicole Dodson capped her career with a 25:13 (122nd) and Stella Woy finished in 138th place with a 26:09.

“Nicole finished her high school career with a great race and Stella seems eager for another chance next year,” added Musselman.

For more photos see www.townlively.com.

GOLF

Solanco’s Logan Wagner competed in the PIAA Championships at Heritage Hills Golf Resort last Tuesday, Oct. 19. The junior punched his ticket with a fourth-place effort at the District Three championships but this time around carded an 84.

“While that was not the score we were looking for, it was a valuable experience for Logan and he will work hard to return next year,” stated head coach Greg Minnich. “The course played tough, as usual, especially on the greens.”

Wagner’s average was 78 and captured the lowest Section Two scoring average for the third straight season.

photo by Mona Steinhauer

Solanco celebrates after knocking off visiting Garden Spot 3-0 Thursday, October 14 in Quarryville.