In their last league match of the season, and on their home course (Tanglewood), Solanco's golf team capped a 28-1 Section Two record, securing their fifth section title since 2012 and first since 2015. It's their best record since a 42-0 mark in 2013.

The Mules ran away from the competition, besting second place finisher Elizabethtown by 21 strokes (345-366). Garden Spot (374), CV (378), Manheim Central (393), and Ephrata (415) rounded out the section.

"It was a satisfying season to capture the section title," said head coach Greg Minnich. "Logan Wagner also captured the Section Two scoring title for the third consecutive year with a 78 average."

Wagner's 81 was second to Ephrata's Jett Patel whose 78 was the low score of the day. Brayden Herr (83), Nathan Tucker (90) and Andy Teaman (91) rounded out the scoring.

"All year our top three (Wagner, Herr and Teaman) were there for the team," he added. "The fourth score came from any one of five players. This time it was Nathan Tucker who shot his best round in competition by seven strokes, carding a 90. Anna Sexton (93) played well in preparation for the league tournament and Hudson Brown (96), a freshman, played in five of our six tournaments. Also contributing to the championship throughout the year were Jeffrey Martin and Wyatt Landis."

TENNIS

The racket club moved to 3-5 overall with their first Section Two victory, a 7-0 shutout over visiting Lebanon Thursday, Sept. 16.

Grace Pursel and Adrienne Dolan worked an 8-3 win at No. 1 doubles and then posted straight set wins at No. 1 and 2 singles, respectively.

Kara Armstrong, playing No. 3 singles, and Ava Peiffer (No. 4) added an 8-2 doubles win and also won straight set singles matches with Peiffer recording a shutout.

Wendy Lehmann and Ava Spangler's 8-1 win at No. 3 doubles secured the shutout.

One day later at Oxford, with another juggled lineup, the girls lost 5-2 a result.

"Oxford plays three singles, four doubles and no repeats," said head coach Annie Hammel. "We did not have enough players for this format, so their 3 and 4 doubles won by default.

"The girls had to be flexible this week as our lineup shifted due to players being out," she continued.

Pursel, with a 6-3, 6-3 win, and Dolan, winning 6-3, 6-4, provided Solanco's team points.

GIRLS' SOCCER

The girls' soccer team hit a rough patch during fair week, losing 2-1 at Cocalico Sept. 16 and then 4-1 to Penn Manor two days later. Last Monday, however, they forced a 3-way tie for first place with a double overtime win over Elco.

Despite a 6-4 edge in corners and an 8-6 advantage in shots on goal, Solanco was down 2-0 at the half against Cocalico. Arianna Sieberlich's second half goal cut the lead in half, but it wasn't enough.

Against the Comets on Saturday, Manor ran off three straight scores to break a 1-1 tie. Josie Janssen's goal in the 15th minute knotted the score.

Visiting Elco, looking to take sole possession of first place, went home with a double OT loss to Solanco last Monday. "The girls rose to the occasion and played two great overtime periods," praised Yoder.

With solid defense, Solanco survived five corners over the last ten minutes to force the extra period.

Alyssa Harpe, from 20 yards out, sent the game winner over the keepers' head in the 96th minute. "It wasn't a perfect game but just what we needed after that loss to Penn Manor," said Yoder.

FOOTBALL

Solanco took an early lead Friday, Sept. 17 in Lampeter, scoring on the game's opening drive when Robert Castagna threw a 22-yard scoring pass to Elijah Cunningham, capping a 64-yard drive. But it was the Pioneers that rose to the top, scoring three straight touchdowns and four over the last three quarters to pull away with a 28-14 victory, and retain the Milk Jug trophy.

L-S took the lead for good with two second quarter touchdowns. A 13-yard strike with 6:40 left in the half and a one-yard plunge at the 2:24 mark for a 14-7 lead at the break.

The hosts extended the lead on a 12-yard TD run early in the third, but Josiah Forren's (46 yards rushing, 10 tackles) 17-yard score closed the gap to 21-14with 24 seconds left in the period.

L-S gained distance in the fourth with an 8-play scoring drive that resulted in Mellinger's second TD of the game.

Elijah Reimold rushed for a game-high 89 yards on 20 carries and hauled in three receptions.

CROSS COUNTRY

Wyatt Tomison (17:30) secured his first win of his varsity career, Anthony Solis-Morales (17:35) finished in second place and Avery Jacobsen (17:52) followed as the Mules topped Elizabethtown 24-33 last Tuesday.

Jimmy Hartigan (6th) and Joey Hartigan (12th) rounded out the top five.

"Wyatt had a great race with a PR, Anthony continues to be a top runner and Avery made some gutsy moves in the last mile to move up," said head coach Andrew Musselman. "Jimmy continues to solidify his spot as our fourth man and Joey overtook a few runners over the final 400 meters.

"Curtis Hills PR'd today, and Michael Eisenberger and Liam Barry continue to drop their times.

"This wasn't a guaranteed win for us, but the guys showed up and did what they needed to do," Musselman added.

The girls' suffered a 23-38 loss to the Lady Bears but got an outstanding effort from Emma Baxter, winning by almost 25 seconds (20:37). Christine Wagner took fourth in 21:29, Stella Woy (24:47) and Nicole Dodson (24:48) were 13th and 14th respectively and Olivia Singleton rounded out the scorers in 18th place (26:42).

"Emma ran the race of her career (so far), and Christine did a good job to stay close," said Musselman. "Stella ran a career best and Nicole added a season best and Olivia shows great determination to improve. Lots of individual progress that will translate into team success as we move forward."

VOLLEYBALL

Solanco slipped to 1-3 with losses to Ephrata (Sept 16) and Garden Spot (Sept. 21). The 5-1 Mounts held the upper hand, winning 25-16, 25-12, 25-12. Triniti Erisman recorded the top stats with six digs and seven assists.

Garden Spot worked hard for their 25-20, 25-22, 25-19 win. Jaidee Beam, Kate Under (5 blocks) and Martha Weaver all recorded four kills, Alaina Herr added 10 digs, and Madi Davis dished out six assists.