The Golden Eagles join the Knights at the D-II state meet Saturday, Nov. 7, at Scioto Downs in Columbus. It’s the first state appearance for Bellbrook’s girls team.
Led by freshmen Courtney Swain and Jenny Sanderson, four of the Eagles’ top five runners at the district were freshmen and the fifth was a sophomore.
Despite a state title in 2007 and runner-up last season, Alter coach Matt Sableski isn’t anticipating another run at the title.
“No, definitely not. There are some teams from the Akron and Cleveland area that are very good,” Sableski said. “In others I’ve been able to look ahead at state and say we might be one or two. This year, it was all focused on (winning) the regional race.”
• Carroll junior Chadd Kiggins, Sidney senior Aaron Dinzeo, Vandalia Butler senior Doug Norris and Fairborn sophomore Jordan Redd run as individuals in the D-I boys meet. They’ll try to keep pace with Mason’s Zach Wills, the defending state champ and state 3,200-meter champ in track.
• In D-II boys, Tippecanoe returns after finishing second in 2008. Oakwood senior Peter Hix leads the Lumberjacks and is expected to challenge in the lead pack.
• Russia returns for another run at a top-four finish in D-III boys.
• Springboro, led by junior Carly Hamilton, could challenge for a top-three finish in the D-I girls meet. Miamisburg senior Megan Wright is also a challenger in the individual race.
• Defending D-III girls champ Minster, led by senior Jessica Albers and junior Maria Dahlinghaus, goes for its eighth state title. That would break a tie with Cleveland Heights Beaumont for most state titles.
Boys soccer
Defending state champ Carroll goes for its 11th straight postseason win in the D-II regional final Saturday. The Patriots (17-1-1) will take on Columbus Bexley (16-2-2).
Beavercreek (14-2-2), which lost two straight to end the regular season, is two wins away from a second straight D-I state final. Lakota West (15-2-2) is next.
Springfield Catholic Central (20-0-1) gets a rematch with Cincinnati Seven Hills in D-III. The Irish won the season opener 1-0.
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