5 things to watch this week in Franklin-Fulton
As the summer weather finally starts to break, it is only fitting that Franklin County fall sports are just heating up. Make sure to check out these top five events as area teams are gearing up for some top divisional matchups.
MONDAY
Greencastle-Antrim girls volleyball at Chambersburg, 7: After a rocky start, the Chambersburg girls volleyball team has finally found its rhythm, winning three straight matches, including a narrow 3-2 Mid Penn Commonweath victory over Cumberland Valley last Thursday.
Greencastle (3-4) on the other hand, has been relatively inconsistent in the first half of the season, but the Blue Devils have had a few days off from game action since a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Williamsport last Tuesday, and will look to regroup in another non-league match against Chambersburg (5-2).
For the Trojans, Lauren Ching is right where she left off last season as a top setter, and Haylee Holsopple is the team's go-to for an emotional spark. Greencastle's Keri Gearhart pads the stat sheet, leading the team in kills nearly every set, and has power behind the service line.
TUESDAY
Chambersburg boys soccer at Central Dauphin, 3:45: Despite an 0-2 start in the Mid Penn Commonwealth the Chambersburg boys soccer team has won six of its last seven games, including five division matchups, which puts the Trojans in the race for the MPC crown.
Tuesday's game against Central Dauphin is step one for Chamberbsurg if it hopes to make a push for the division in the second half of the season. Central Dauphin (5-3-1, 5-1 MPC) sits in second in the Commonwealth just behind Cumberland Valley (8-2, 6-1 MPC), who also has just one loss on the season, while the Trojans (5-2-1, 4-2 MPC) are in third place.
Keep an eye out for Nathan Maynard, who leads the Trojans with five goals and three assists, and Ryley Reed, who netted the game-winning goal in a big MPC win over State College on Saturday.
Carlisle cross country at Chambersburg, 4:30: There's no question that the Carlisle cross country team has a stacked deck - the boys' team, specifically, with national talent leading the pack. But the Carlisle Invitational Saturday previewed what could be an interesting event for the Chambersburg girls team, which finished just one point behind Carlisle in the team results.
A win over Carlisle on Tuesday could clinch the division for the Lady Trojans, and with home-course advantage, Chambersburg looks to hold a few cards, as well.
Carlisle did not place any runners in the top 30, Saturday, but had all five finishers place in the top 70. While Chambersburg had three runners finish in the top 30, its final two place-runners crossed at 102 and 104. Chambersburg's fourth and fifth finishers of the day will be the deciding factor in what looks like a tight matchup against Carlisle. Look out for freshman Anna DeGrange, who has steadily been Chambersburg's No. 4 finisher this season, to make a difference.
THURSDAY
Southern Fulton girls volleyball at McConnellsburg, 7:30: McConnellsburg remains the only unbeaten girls volleyball team in Franklin and Fulton counties, but if we've learned anything from these two rivals, Southern Fulton loves to play spoiler to the Spartans.
The Indians are fresh off a much-needed confidence boost in a 3-0 Sideling Hill/ ICC win over Fannett-Metal after losing three straight, but will need to be on their A game against McConnellsburg, which has not lost a set so far this season.
McConnellsburg's Kacey Hann will likely be the top offensive contributor, while you should be on the lookout for Southern Fulton's Morgan Fitz and Sierra Lashley behind the service line.
Greencastle-Antrim field hockey at Big Spring, 4: Thursday the Blue Devils take on the Mid Penn Colonial division leader, Big Spring, and have a chance to make a big jump in the division rankings. Greencastle is ranked third in the Colonial heading into the week of Sept. 26, with a 4-2 record in the division. A win over Big Spring (8-1, 5-1 MPC) would move Greencastle into a tie for first, but it won't come easy. The Blue Devils have two MPC matchups before Thursday's game, which could play spoiler to Greencastle's hopes at moving up in the standings.
Big Spring's only loss of the season comes from the hands of the Blue Devils in a 2-1 defeat earlier this season. There's no question that the Bulldogs are going to want that win back, but they'll have to fend off a confident Blue Devil team, first.
The Greencastle offense is well-spread with six multi-goal scorers highlighting the starting lineup. Look for Moriah Ricker, who has made it her mission to set her team up for success, leading with six goals and eight assists. Lauren Cole also has eight helpers, and four goals.