Trio works wonders for U-Hi boys cross country
Enough of this Three Musketeers “all for one, one for all” stuff.
“We hang in for the first 2 miles and in the last mile it’s every man for himself,” University cross country runner Patrick Miranne said, talking strategy about the three-runner cluster that has the Titans perfect so far in the Greater Spokane League.
It was Miranne’s turn to lead the way for the Titans’ Athos, Porthos and Aramis equivalent that placed first, third and fourth Wednesday afternoon in knocking off host Central Valley 28-29.
The trio swept the first three places to assure victory in the GSL season opener. They went 2-3-4 in their second league meet. At CV, their performance, coupled with a ninth-place effort by Andrew Mirrane, secured a victory even though the Bears had seven of the top 11 finishers.
The victory set up what will likely be a three-team showdown of unbeaten teams when U-Hi, North Central and Mt. Spokane meet in the final race of the GSL season.
U-Hi coach Mike Barbero knew he had a strong, confident class that has improved.
“Last year (CV) went 1-2-3 on us,” he said. “We were going to control the pace. We knew our three would go out and their three would go with us and then, let the cards fall where they fall.”
That was the case with Barville taking it out and Miranne, Simpson and CV’s Briton Demars in pursuit. Miranne roared away to win by nearly 13 seconds over Barville, followed by Demars and Simpson.
“After that race, I might be a 3-miler,” said Miranne, a track 800-meter state placer. “I wouldn’t consider myself the front-runner, I just help out.”
In the girls race, CV’s Gabrielle Ford led a pack that took seven of the first eight spots less than a minute apart to beat the Titans 18-45. Both Valley schools topped Rogers.
Elsewhere, Mt. Spokane boys remained unbeaten with a win over host Mead and the girls also prevailed. Mt. Spokane’s John Dressel and Micaela Kostecka were individual winners. … Ferris won both races against Shadle Park at Comstock Park. Ferris’ Liam Cossette won the boys race and Shadle’s Lauren Dunnell won among girls. … Tanner Anderson and Justin Janke both ran 17:01 to lead North Central’s boys over Lewis and Clark and Gonzaga Prep at Manito Park. First-place Katie Thronson (20:11) and third-place Abby Smith (20:37), both freshmen, led LC’s girls to two wins.
• West Valley’s boys had the first seven finishers during a 15-50 Great Northern League win over Clarkston at Plantes Ferry. Clarkston’s girls won 22-37. WV’s Skyler Ovnicek and McCall Skay were individual victors. … East Valley’s boys and host Pullman’s girls both won 21-34. EV’s Scott Kopczynski and Brittany Aquino won individually.
Girls soccer
Julia Adair netted the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute to lift University (7-0, 3-0 GSL) to a 3-2 win over visiting Ferris (6-2, 1-2). U-Hi struck first with Morgan Crosby’s goal in the 23rd minute, but Bria Bowton’s goal tied it for Ferris. In the 63rd minute, Sydney Weiler gave the Titans their second lead, but Ferris’ Caitlin Prothe responded the following minute. … Also in the league, Jackie Hamby and Sarah Curran scored on left-footed shots and freshman Maddie Collins added a goal as Lewis and Clark (7-1, 3-0) posted a 3-0 win over visiting Shadle Park (3-4, 1-2) at Hart Field. Emma Marshall had four saves for her third league shutout. … Whitney Weaver recorded a goal and an assist, and Maddy Boyd and Annie Shellerud both scored goals as Mt. Spokane (7-2, 3-0) posted a 3-0 win over visiting North Central (1-5, 0-3). … Kelsey Turnbow recorded a goal and an assist, including the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute, as host Central Valley (7-1, 2-1) rallied in the second half for a 2-1 win over Gonzaga Prep (4-3, 1-2). … Mead (4-5, 1-2) picked up a forfeit win over Rogers (1-4, 0-3).
Boys basketball
Mark Bjerkestrand has been named Reardan’s coach, landing his first head coaching job.
Bjerkestrand played for three seasons at Mead (1982-85). He has worked at Mead, Mt. Spokane, Whitworth and Reardan.