From staff reports
REEDSVILLE - Wins have been hard to come by for Mifflin County's harriers this year. But on Wednesday, the boys had their biggest one.
Addison Monroe and Jon Colwell crossed the line first and second to lead the Huskies past Altoona, 27-29. It was a huge win over one of the most formidable opponents they will see in District 6.
In the girls race, Megan Becker finished first, but six Altoona runners were behind her, as the Mountain Lions won 20-42.
The boys, coach Ruth Yoder said, were able to win because Monroe and Colwell demonstrated leadership, setting a pace that pushed teammates Darien Knudsen and Cullen Russler to finish with personal bests, in the fifth and eighth spots, respectively.
"They have learned to work as a team instead of individuals," Yoder said. "It was exciting and rewarding to watch. This is one of those races they will remember for a long time."
Becker, Yoder said, looked relaxed and strong to lead the pack.
"This was a good race for her going into the champion phase in the next two weeks," Yoder said.
But only Jess Miller, who was eighth, and Makayla Pearce were in the top 10 along with Becker.
Mifflin County (Boys: 3-4; Girls: 1-6) head to the Mid-Penn championships on Oct. 13.
Volleyball
Mifflin County 3,
Upper Dauphin 2
LEWISTOWN - A brief mental lapse wasn't enough to stop Mifflin County's volleyball team Wednesday.
Coming off a tough loss a day earlier, the Huskies went into extended play mode against Upper Dauphin, downing the Trojans 3-2 in a non-league match.
It was the first home-court win for Mifflin County this year.
"Last year we only had five home matches," Mifflin County coach Matt Kern said. "We don't get the opportunity to win at home very often."
The first set went to the Huskies with a nine-point spread, but then it got closer - and Upper Dauphin won the third and fourth games to even the score and force a fifth set. Kern said the Trojans used long tallies and capitalized on his team's mental mistakes to stay in the match.
In the finale, Upper Dauphin jumped to an early lead, but with the score 7-7, the Huskies went on a rampage, winning 15-7.
Kern said he admired "the mental toughness of pulling out the fifth one and doing it so convincingly." It proves the Huskies can "close the door in that fashion."
The Huskies amassed 62 service points - 14 were aces - with Sarah Bonson (16) and Chloe Benner (15) leading the way; Bonson had the last eight to win the match.
"Those two lead the way most nights," Kern said.
Also for the Huskies, Jenna Snyder had 17 kills and Alyssa Stackpole had 13. Kelsey Barth had nine digs and Kaitlyn Dreese recorded 34 assists.
Mifflin County also won the JV match, 2-0. The Huskies (4-11) travel to State College Monday.
Field hockey
East Juniata 7, Lancaster Country Day 0
COCOLAMUS - Lydia Koser scored twice and Steph Dressler added a goal and two assists as East Juniata shut out Lancaster Country Day, 7-0, in Tri-Valley League field hockey Wednesday.
"Steph had a tremendous first half. She sent the ball into the circle a number of times," East Juniata coach Billie Haines said. "Not only did she score but Lydia and Serina (Spancake) were able to get some good tips on the ball. We had some really pretty goals."
Marissa Dunn had two assists, but the rest of the scoring was spread out.
"The second half we focused on moving the girls into different positions. I want them to be very flexible and play wherever I need them," Haines said.
East Juniata (7-4, 3-3) gets another shot at the Cougars tonight in Lancaster.
Boys soccer
Midd-West 2, Selinsgrove 1
MIDDLEBURG - After a stoppage of nearly a month fueled by bad weather - the game was 16 minutes old in September when it was delayed - Midd-West and Selinsgrove got to finish their Heartland Conference boys soccer match Wednesday.
Advantage Mustangs.
Jake Keister scored twice in the shortened first half, and the home team allowed only one goal in the second, as Midd-West handed the Seals their first loss of the year, 2-1.
"We needed a game like this, to play well against a good team," said Midd-West coach Chris Sauer, explaining that his team's confidence was perhaps lacking at times.
"I think for us mentally this game will go a long way," and not just because Selinsgrove was across the pitch."
Midd-West (7-5, 6-3) hosts Shikellamy Saturday.
Upper Dauphin 3, Juniata 2 OT
MIFFLINTOWN - It's hard to decide which goal hurt Juniata the most - an own goal that started the scoring in Upper Dauphin's favor, or Bobby Paul's second tally, an overtime effort that lifted the Trojans past Juniata, 3-2, in a Tri-Valley League boys soccer game Wednesday.
Chantz Imes had a goal and an assist for the Indians. Jose Lopez scored in the second for Juniata's only lead of the game, which lasted 12 minutes. Two sharp blasts by the Indians in the final minute were turned away.
Juniata (4-7) travels to Lancaster Country Day Saturday.
Greenwood 13, Line Mountain 0
MILLERSTOWN - You can't duck a league game, although Line Mountain might have wanted out of this one.
Josh Ferguson scored four goals and added an assist as Greenwood trumped the Eagles, 13-0, in a Tri-Valley League boys soccer match Wednesday.
Greenwood coach Tom Magill said it at least meant the team wouldn't be backed up on the schedule.
The Wildcats (9-2, 7-2) travel to West Perry for the Perry County Tournament Saturday. They face Susquenita in their early game and the host in the nightcap.
Tennis
Altoona 5, Mifflin County 0
LEWISTOWN - Mifflin County struggled on the tennis court Wednesday, dropping a non-league match to Altoona 5-0. All five matches went in straight sets; Alana Felton had the best showing on the day in a 6-2, 6-2 loss in the No. 3 spot.
District 6 singles begins Friday at Altoona; the Huskies' No. 1, Sam Hendricks, takes on the No. 2 player from State College in the first round. Michaela DeBenedetto will also take place in the competition.
Girls soccer
Midd-West 4, Milton 0
MIDDLEBURG - Allie Camp had a hat trick and assisted on another goal as Midd-West blanked Milton, 4-0, in Heartland Conference girls soccer Wednesday.
Midd-West coach Russ Goodling said the success of shifting Camp to the front line has paid off, and the team has gotten its success as she scores.
"Just overall the girls front to back played well," he said. "We're still sticking with our move putting Allie as center forward and it's still paying off."
Kenedi Moyer had the other goal for the Mustangs, who qualified for districts with the win.
Midd-West (9-3, 5-3) travels to Montoursville Monday.
Junior high
Football
9th grade: Central Dauphin 21, Mifflin County 8. Trey Hartsock threw a touchdown pass to Christian Smith; Nathan Earnest caught a pass for a two-point conversion. Mifflin County (4-2) hosts Cumberland Valley Oct. 10.
