The softball team improved to 9-0 over the last week, blanking McCaskey Tuesday, the 19th, and coming back with a 9-1 win over Ephrata the following day.

Julie Bowmaster pitched a 1-hitter in Manor's three inning win over McCaskey and surrendered just two hits the following day against Ephrata.

Offensively, Emily Riggs carried the load against the Red Tornado. The senior connected for three home runs and eight RBIs. Reagan Soboleski also cleared the bases with a two-run homer.

The Comets got off to a slow start against the Mounts, falling behind 1-0. They took the lead for good in the third, scoring twice with two outs on a Riggs base hit and an Audrey Paterson double.

The hosts scored seven runs over the last two innings to pull away. They connected for seven of their 12 hits in that span and scored four runs with two outs to cap the scoring in the sixth.

"Our seniors (Riggs and Paterson) came up big," said head coach Dave Stokes. "Together they collected five hits with two doubles and five RBIs.

"And Julie gave up one unearned run," he added. "Her pitching efficiency is unbelievable."

TRACK

With a pair of wins from Leo Medvedkin (100, pole vault) and Kaleb Kabakjian (1600, 3200) and three relay wins, the Comets earned its first win of the season with an 80-70 nod against Conestoga Valley Tuesday, April 19. Also on the track, Liam Howell was tops in the 800 while sophomore Nino Menaquale clocked a winning PR, 23.0, to take the 200.

In the field, it was Josh Doyle winning the javelin, Jaryd Kleinhaus taking the shot and Wyatt Kauffman leading the discus.

The girls' team showed its strength in the field, winning five of seven events, but it wasn't enough as the Bucks pulled away for a 93-53 victory.

The pole vault team swept the competition with Camryn Thorne, Corinne Smith and Riley Dean claiming first through third, respectively. Maddie Whited won the triple and was second in the javelin behind Cassidy McCollum. Kate Harnish won the long jump and Gertrude Moenga won the shot.

On the track, it was Annie Bibus with Manor's only win. She claimed the mile run and was second in the 3200.

VOLLEYBALL

After a tight 3-2 loss to Cedar Crest, the Comets picked up its second straight section victory, a 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-13) shutout over visiting Manheim Township, Thursday, April 14.

Coming off a season-high 26 kills at McCaskey, Derek Warfel continued to impress at the net, putting down a match-high 12 kills against the Streaks. He also served up six aces. Wyatt Rohrer distributed 32 assists while Max Bushong, with a dozen digs, and Roma Keefer, with three blocks, rounded out the stat leaders.

The volleyball team fell to 2-4 in Section One with a 3-0 loss to the 5-1 Warriors of Warwick last Tuesday, April 19.

The Comets hung tough with 25-20 losses in the first two sets, but Warwick gained momentum in the third set, winning 25-16. Warfel matched Warwick's R. Charles with 13 kills but J. Lobb added another 14 to spark the Warriors. Thomas (2 aces), Bushong (8 digs), Rohrer (29 assists) and Alex Hunsberger (2 blocks) rounded out the stat leaders.

BOYS' LACROSSE

A crossover clash against Lampeter-Strasburg, the undefeated Section Two leaders, on Thursday, April 14 went in favor of the visitors. L-S improved to 9-0 with an 11-6 win in the Backyard Bash/Whitey game.

LS jumped in front early and never looked back. They led 3-0 in the first quarter, held a 4-2 edge at the break and outscored the Comets 7-4 in the second half to remain perfect on the year.

Eli Warfel's two goals and two assists led the scoring for the home team. Benedict Flinchbaugh also scored twice with Dylan Keene and Colin Eby both adding one goal apiece.

Nick Hollinger faced 37 shots in goal and recorded 13 saves.

BASEBALL

In beating Monday's weather, the baseball hosted Lampeter-Strasburg for a noon game on the 18th and picked up its second straight win and third in four attempts. Manor pounded out 10 hits, scored four runs in the second inning and finished on top, 5-1.

"We were happy to beat the weather but couldn't have done it without the athletic director and the maintenance team," said head coach Tom Fish.

The Comets manufactured four runs on three singles, a couple of stolen bases, an intentional walk, an error, and a two-run base hit by Dalton Green. Both teams scored in the fourth inning.

"We played flawless defense which was awesome to see," said Fish, "and our catcher, Isaac Braegelman, threw out Lampeter's only stolen base attempt and had another game without a wild pitch or passed ball. He calls an excellent game.

"Offensively, we had some different guys contribute," he continued. "Jackson Swarr had two hits, scored two runs, and had two stolen bases. Brad Frey had a two-run single in the second and long double later in the game. It feels great to get those guys going."

Hunter Sipel started on the hill. He gave up one run, five hits and had eight strikeouts over six innings.

"Hunter got his second win of the season," Fish pointed out. "Noah Beach came in and set them down in order in the seventh. Those two senior pitchers have been so good for us."

Tuesday's 15-13 thriller over McCaskey featured a combined 25 hits, eight errors and one extra inning.

Despite leading 8-0, and 13-4, the Comets gave up nine runs in the seventh only to come back with a pair of game-winning solo homers by Adelman and Swarr in the eighth. Bryce Avery worked the bottom half of the inning to get three outs and earned the win.

"That seventh inning was exhausting," said Fish. "We used three pitchers, and it was a mixture of walks, hits, errors, and misplays. I was proud of the team after that inning. They rallied each other and kind of picked me up. And picked each other up."

Green and Adelman went 2-5 with three RBIs. Braegelman, Swarr and Stuart each added two hits.

Grant Fry, Gavin Switzer and Stuart combined for nine strikeouts and seven walks.

Wednesday, playing their third straight game, the Comets suffered a 9-0 loss to Ephrata.

GIRLS' LACROSSE

The Lady Comets battled the second-place team in Section One on the road Thursday, April 14. The hosting Pioneers used a 13-3 run through the first half to take control. They improved to 8-1 overall with a 19-7 victory while the Comets fell to 3-4.

Brooklyn Ayala faced 35 shots in goal and came away with 16 saves. Manor put up 10 shots on goal and managed seven goals. Leading scorer Keegan Dings along with Erin Shipley and Jarliah Ferko scored two goals each while Lillie Swanson added one.