Jay County boys place sixth at Bellmont

DECATUR — Jay County’s boys cross country team opened its season Tuesday by finishing sixth at the Bellmont Invitational.
The host Braves won with a score of 32, less than half that of runner-up Leo with 66. New Haven totaled 75 points for third. Jay County finished with 171.
Skyler Myers was the top Jay County runner, finishing in 21st place with a time of 19 minutes, 10 seconds. Alex LeMaster crossed the finish line in 19:36 for 26th, while Tayler Smeltzer (46th) and Mason Winner (59th) had times of 21 minutes and 21:30 respectively. Freshman Ben Strausburg was the No. 5 runner, placing 63rd in 21:52.
Erika Kunkler was the top runner for the JCHS girls, who did not qualify for a team score. Kunkler was 15th overall with a time of 25:15. Her cousin Gabby Kunkler was 21st in 25:27, and Kiara Walter finished 51st in 31:27. Vivienne Kunkler had a time of 33:45 for 53rd.
Also running for the JCHS boys were Candler Hedges (76th – 23:15), Dustin Bricker (84th – 24:21), Nathanael Day (86th – 21:31), Matthew Minnich (92nd – 25:47) and Rob Garringer (105th – 20:41).

Boys fall 6-1
Jay County High School’s soccer team fell to 1-4 on the season Tuesday with a 6-1 loss to the visiting New Castle Trojans.
New Castle scored nine minutes into the game and pushed its lead to 2-0 midway through the first half. The Trojans later took a 3-0 lead on a set play from a free kick.
Jay County sophomore wing Darrian Riojas scored the only goal for the Patriots, finding twine late in the first half on an assist from senior Zach Chaney.
The Trojans scored another three goals in the second half for the lopsided victory.
Jay County’s junior varsity team also lost, 2-1. John Gierhart scored the only goal for the Patriots.
The Patriots return to the pitch at 5 p.m. Thursday when they host sectional rival Delta.

SA sweeps Panthers
MARION — The South Adams High School volleyball team disposed of Eastbrook in three sets Tuesday, defeating the Panthers 25-14, 25-13, 25-12.
Junior Madi Wurster led the Starfires (6-1) with nine kills. She also had five digs. Caralie Farlow followed with seven kills to go with her team-high 17 digs. Morgan Alberson recorded five kills, five aces and 11 digs while Shania Neal tallied 10 digs.
Julia Grabau matched Alberson with five aces, and she also totaled 28 assists.
The Starfire junior varsity team also won, 25-20, 25-9.
Isabella Bailey led the way with eight kills. She also had a half dozen assists and four digs.
Shaelynn Bowman had six kills, Hannah Dull tallied 10 digs and Lydia Loshe recorded 10 assists.