With a chance to win the Section One title, Penn Manor's golfers fell just short last Wednesday at Overlook Golf Course. Aiden Doyle fired a team-low 78, JP Radwanski carded an 83 and both Keegan Dings and Jesse Shue were one stroke back as the Comets finished with 329 total strokes. Township (315) and Warwick (316) earned the top two spots on the day with Warwick claiming the team title (22-2).
"We finished the season at 21-3 and in second place in the section," said head coach Tom Reustle. "I would have to look back a long time to see when PM had a record like this. I'm proud of what this young group accomplished. Our season is not over yet, with leagues and possibly districts and states ahead."
GIRLS' SOCCER
The girls' soccer team kept pace with Section One leader Manheim Township with three wins over five days. They edged CV Thursday, Sept. 17, dominated Solanco 4-1 on Saturday and last Monday posted their fourth shutout of the season, 2-0 against visiting Warwick.
In a match that was fairly even throughout, Manor scored what proved to be the game-winner when Izzy Kligge booted a direct kick over the keeper with 10 seconds left in the first half.
"We were a little sluggish and had trouble adjusting to their new turf," said head coach Keith Renner. "Our defense has been consistent and carries us on day when we have trouble finding the back of the net. Thursday was one of those days."
On a smaller grass field at Solanco Saturday, the Comets held a 2-1 first half lead and pulled away with a pair of second half tallies. Carly Keene scored once in each half to pace the attack. Anouk Landgraff added a first half goal and Lily Sugra, who had the assist on Keene's second goal, capped the scoring in the 61st minute.
"We played extremely well up and down the lineup," said Renner. "It was a team win."
Monday, with an 11-shot attack, the Comets scored once in each half to upend Warwick. Carolyn Hinkle, taking a feed from Kligge, made it 1-0 in the first half while Kerrigan Thompson, who took a pass from Keene, scored the second half goal.
FOOTBALL
On the last play of the evening, Comet QB Eli Warfel launched a pass into the end zone that Clark Wagstaff hauled in for a thrilling 30-28 non-league win at Warwick Sept. 17.
"It was a pretty amazing finish," said head coach John Brubaker. "It was a signature win. We haven't beaten Warwick in years."
And now the Comets sit at 3-1 for the first time since 2013.
"It was back-and-forth the whole game," said Brubaker. "They were called for pass interference late in the game, which gave us a first down at the 31 and two plays later Eli throws that game winner.
"We also got a big play from Jimmy Keck who took the ball after a hit inside the ten and returned it 60 yards to keep them out of the end zone" he added.
"Eli had a great game (3-for-8, 83 yards, 42-yard rushing) and Ethan Adelman rushed for 103 yards. It's been a while since we've had a running back go over 100 yards."
Adelman's 15-yard run in the first period tied the score. His 10-yard jaunt in the second put PM in front only to see Warwick knot the score. Manor had the last say of the half when Peter Skiadas booted a 26-yard field goal for a 17-14 lead.
The hosts moved ahead in the third only to see Manor fight back with Warfel's 1-yard keeper. Warwick's fourth quarter TD provided a 28-24 lead that was short-lived.
"Eric Hinkle leads the team in tackles and nose guard Sebastian Rivera has been solid in the middle of our defensive line," said Brubaker. "Damier Wesley, a sophomore, is also doing a nice job as and Mike Evans, Adam Ditmer and Will Stover are stepping up.
"Our o-line (Kyle Sullenberger, Evan Jurgensen, Jordan Martin, Peyton Witmer and Ty Miller) is also doing well."
FIELD HOCKEY
The field hockey team collected its eighth straight win and second straight shutout with a 1-0 final over Conestoga Valley Friday, Sept. 17 and remained perfect on the year with a solid 3-1 result at Hempfield last Tuesday.
A third period goal by Olivia Cox, her second of the year, proved to be the game-winner against the Bucks who managed just two corners on the day. Annie Bibus earned the assist.
In Landisville Tuesday, the Comets made the most of their opportunities to keep their winning streak alive. Tied at 1-1 in the first period, Malayna Kahl scored her second goal of the game with 12 minutes left in the third quarter and Crace Gerner's fourth quarter score was an insurance goal. Isabelle Thatcher chipped in with a pair of assists as the Comets held advantages in corners (8-6) and shots on goal (9-6).
Cecily Charles recorded a combined nine saves in the two wins.
VOLLEYBALL
Two teams battling for their first Section One win met Tuesday night in Lancaster where the Comets prevailed in a four-set match. Motivated from a 25-22 first set loss, Manor charged back to win three straight, 25-7, 25-15, 25-14.
Cassidy McCollum was a two-way force, putting down 11 kills and hustling for 11 digs. Maggie Garvey served up seven aces, Eliana Knaub set out 13 assists and Lezlie Nguyen added once block as the Comets improved to 1-2.
BOYS' SOCCER
The soccer team faced Section One leader, the undefeated Warriors of Warwick last Monday and came home with a 4-1 defeat. Despite a 6-4 edge in corners, the Comets were outshot 10-4 and fell behind 2-0 in the first half. Tyler Hostetter, with his second goal of the season, cut the lead to 3-1 with a second half goal.
CROSS COUNTRY
At Cedar Crest Tuesday (Sept. 21), the boys topped Ephrata 18-41 but suffered a 22-35 loss to Cedar Crest (5-2).
Kaleb Kabakjian (3rd, 17:55) and Jeremiah Hetrick (4th, 18:04) paced the Comets with Isaac Braegelman (7th, 18:50), Aidan Gerlach (9th, 19:00) and Carter Vinson (17th, 20:53) rounding out the top five.
Despite a fourth-place effort from Abby Ames (21:32) the girls suffered losses to Cedar Crest (19-44), with five in the top eight, and Ephrata (23-34).
Ana Martin (13th, 24:00), Mackenzie Nafziger (15th, 24:29), Zoe King (19th, 25:28) and Emma Cassel (21st, 25:46) completed the top five.
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