Published: September 10, 2008 11:47 pm      

PREP ROUNDUP: Panthers sweep Blue Devils

Western swept Tipton in three games, 25-14, 25-15, 25-14, in a volleyball match Wednesday at the Panthers’ Richard R. Rea Gymnasium.

Western improved to 4-8.

“We played well,” Western coach Dennis Crum said. “We hit the ball pretty well and we gave up only two [serving] aces. We are moving better on the court, and the parents were happy to see that we won in three games. It was smiles all around.”

Sable Staller sparked Western with a nice all-around performance that included 16 kills, three solo blocks and two block assists. Staller also served 23 points.

Also for the Panthers, Janel DeWitt had 17 digs and seven aces, Taylor Ruch contributed six kills and 10 digs, and Brenna Rollins had 26 assists.

Western returns to Mid-Indiana Conference play today when it hosts Hamilton Heights.

Northfield def. Maconaquah 25-19, 25-13, 25-14

Maggie Caldwell recorded eight kills and 22 digs to lead Maconaquah, which dropped to 5-5.

Also for the Braves, Claire Hammond had 10 assists and six digs and Khyrsten Chance had three kills and three block kills.

Maconaquah hosts Northwestern tonight.

BOYS TENNIS

Western 5, Eastern 0

Singles players Brad DiCarlo, Aaron Anderson and Jacob Welker cruised in their matches to highlight the Panthers’ win.

DiCarlo won 6-3, 6-0 at No. 1, Anderson won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 and Welker dropped just one game at No. 3.

In the doubles matches, Drew Mitchell and Sam Blatt won 6-3, 6-2 at No. 1 and Ben Irwin and Bryson Platt finished strong for a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 win at No. 2.

“We played well in singles and I thought the one doubles team played very well and the two doubles team showed a lot of fortitude to come back. So we’re happy all the way through,” Western coach Tom Lewis said.

Western (7-3, 4-0 MIC) hosts Carroll today. Western has MIC matches remaining against Taylor, Peru and Hamilton Heights.

GIRLS GOLF

No. 15 Western 168, No. 19 Kokomo 175, Eastern 239

The No. 15-ranked Panthers lived up to their lofty ranking against the No. 19 Wildkats and the Comets in a triangular match at Chippendale G.C.

The Panthers had four players shoot 45 or lower, while Kokomo had three players shoot 45 or lower, and that turned out to be a difference in the match.

Carlee Cossell shot 39 to lead Western. Ashley Young (41), Maggie Talbert (43) and Courtnee Cossell (45) also offered solid play for the Panthers.

“Our goal is to shoot 170 or better, and we did it again,” Western coach Steve Hoppes said. “Kokomo’s 175 is a really good score for them. It was also sort of fun to watch [Kokomo’s] Kristi Cardwell and Carlee Cossell play each hole. They scored the same on every hole except for one which Cardwell birdied, and Carlee Cossell bogeyed.”

Cardwell fired a one-over-par 37 to win individual honors. Tausha Imlay (43) was next for Kokomo, followed by Mary Kate Balsbaugh (45), Kylie Kern (50) and Lindsy Jenkins (50).

Michelle Carpenter and Kayla Elkins each shot 57 to lead Eastern. Kaylee Kingseed (60) and Emily Seagrave (65) completed the Comets’ team score.

Maconaquah 184, Logansport 188, Peru 193

Jessica Off and Chelsie Carmichael each carded a 44 to lead Maconaquah to the triangular victory at Dykeman Park G.C. in Logansport. Ariel Edwards (44) and Corinne Cutler (45) paced Peru.

Maconaquah and Peru play in the Mid-Indiana Conference tournament Saturday at Peru Municipal.

GIRLS SOCCER

Eastern 11, Maconaquah 1

The Comets took a 4-1 lead into halftime, then quickly put the Braves in a deeper hole in the second half.

“I wasn’t too happy with the first half,” Eastern coach Kevin Duggins said. “The second half, we had seven goals from six different players, so we were getting back into our controlling game. We kept the ball down the field and kept the pressure up.”

Olivia Rees scored five goals, including four in the first half, and dished an assist to lead the Comets’ charge. Stephanie Parton added two goals.

Also for the Comets, Megan Thomas, Emileigh Conwell, Zoe Wolfe and Brittney Anderson scored a goal apiece and Kelly Reed and Sarah Klennensen chipped in assists.

Chelsey Jones scored Maconaquah’s goal.

Eastern (4-2, 3-1 MIC) hosts Hamilton Heights on Saturday.

Kenny Hetzler and Bryan Gaskins compiled this roundup.