The postseason is heating up for area cross country, volleyball and girls and boys soccer teams. Several area teams have their mark already as they continue in tournament play.
Several cross country teams have advanced to the regional meet, while volleyball and soccer teams weave their way through district tournament play.
CROSS COUNTRY
Liberty Union: The Liberty Union Cross Country teams competed at the Central District Cross Country Championships at Hilliard Darby High School on October 24. The girls team placed fourth in D-IV Section 1, qualifying for regionals, and were led by Rachel Sponseller (13th, 20:25). She was followed by Emily Shultz (19th, 21:23), Norah Chaney (21st, 21:35), Ellie Spangler (24th, 21:59), Taylor Jones (35th, 23:16), Rylan Myers (36th, 23:23) and Alaina Brate (52nd, 25:24).
More: Lancaster volleyball rallies past Kilbourne to punch ticket to district final
The boys team placed third in D-IV Section 1, qualifying for regionals, and were led by William McCreery (12th, 17:05). He was followed by Levi Hendershot (26th, 19:42), Silas Kohler (29th, 19:57), William Gonzalez (30th, 20:05), Chad Valentine (31st, 20:07), Micah Fisher (32nd, 20:20) and Christopher Bisel (37th, 20:54).
Fairfield Union: The Fairfield Union boys and girls won the Southeast District Championships. For the girls, it was their 11th district title in the last 12 years.
Leading the way, Sadie Schultz was named Southeast District Runner of the Year, while Coach Rob Myers earned Southeast District Coach of the Year honors. The Falcons had four girls earn first-team all-district honors.
Individual Results: 1st Place: Sadie Schultz, 18:25.9 1st team All District; 9th Place: Ellen Morgan, 20:41.3 1st team All District; 17th Place: Ava Wilkinson, 21:14.1 1st team All District; 21st Place: Kate Springer, 21:42.6 1st team All District; 25th Place: Katherine Welsh, 22:20.9; 52nd Place: Annalese Berry, 25:34.7.
The Fairfield Union boys’ team won their fifth consecutive district title. Connor Runkle was named Southeast District Athlete of the Year, and Coach Rob Myers earned Southeast District Coach of the Year honors. Five runners earned first-team All-District honors.
Individual Results: 2nd Place: Connor Runkle, 15:21.5 1st team All District; 9th Place: Chase Myers, 16:53.8 1st team All District; 19th Place: Colin Reindle, 17:18.4 1st team All District; 21st Place: Caleb Tiller, 17:20.7 1st team All District; 25th Place: Ethan Phillips, 17:39.7 1st team All District; 35th Place: Landen Winters, 18:17.4; 50th Place: Brody Lecrone, 19:18.2
Fisher Catholic: The Fisher Catholic boys and girls participated in the Division IV district cross country meet at Hilliard Darby. The Irish boys placed third to qualify for the regional meet. Leading the Irish was the duo of Corbin Stobart and Gordon Crabtree, who ran consecutive times of 16:37.5-3rd-Pr and 16:49.3-4th-Pr. Other Irish runners were Conlan Stobart-18:35.8-18th-Pr, Nicholas Schorr-20:24.9-36th-Pr, Thomas Schorr-21:07.3-40th Pr, and Jackson Gallagher-21:24.3-43rd-Pr.
The Irish placed third to qualify for the regional meet. Leading the Irish was the senior duo of Mary Grace Crabtree and Eve Ohwofahworaye, who ran consecutive times of 19:36.6 6th-Pr and 19:44.1 (7th-Pr). Other Irish runners were Senior Allie Krile- 20:53.7- 15th-Pr. Sophomore Stella Koehler-21:36-22nd-Pr., Sophomore Hannah Slaby-24:20- 44th-Pr., and Sophomore Norina Meier-24:46.6-44th-Pr.
SOCCER
Fairfield Union headed to district championship game: The Falcons defeated Sheridan 3-1 in the Southeast District Division III district semifinal. Tyler Teal, Maddi Mitchell and Lexi Bennett scored one goal each. Lexi Bennett had two assists, and Kyla Gasser had an assist. Kaeda Miller finished with two saves.
The Falcons, seeded No. 3, advanced and will face top-seed Marietta at 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Logan High School.
The Falcons cruised in their tournament opener by defeating Hillsboro 8-0. Lexi Bennett scored three goals, and Maddie Mitchell scored two goals to lead the way. Kyla Gasser, Tyler Teal, and Peyton Hughes scored one goal each. Mitchell, Bennett, Gasser, and Hughes finished with one assist each, while Kaeda Miller had one save.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: H.S. Roundup | Local athletes shine as postseason play heats up