The Daily Reporter from Greenfield, Indiana • Page 13

SPORTS Daily Reporter Hancock County, Indiana Friday, August 17, 2012 Page B5 PREP WRAP YOUTH BASEBALL Konate hat trick fuels MV shutout All eyes in New Castle on Little League World Series Boys' soccer Mt. Vernon 6, RashviUe 0 Mouhamed Konate had a hat trick and CJ Coleman notched a goal and two assists as the Marauders moved to 2-0 Wednesday after emerging victorious in their Hoosier Heritage Ml I HI. Ml I'WW Conference opener. Konate Konate has four goals on the Staff Report grsports greenfieldreporter.com The Mt. Vernon girls' golf team continued is hot start Wednesday by defeating Delta and Shenandoah.

MV carded a team score of 176 to move to 7-0 on the season. The Marauders were followed by Delta (189) and Shenandoah (incomplete). Ellen Wuerch garnered medalist honors by shooting a 40. Other MV contributors were Kaitlyn Flood (44), Molly Yee (45), Bailey Fleming (47) and Hannah Yee (49). "They are working hard, staying positive and most importantly having fun," MV coach Caleb Zelencik said.

"Things clicked across the board (Wednesday) night. Their excitement and enthusiasm were evident by the huge smiles across their faces." MV is at the Connersville Invitational Saturday. young season, while Coleman has three goals and three assists. Kyle Cansler and Braxton Ratekin also scored for MV Wednesday. Cole Justus, Drew Kiser and Aaron Gilpin added assists.

MV hosts Delta Tuesday. Girls' soccer Franklin Central 3, Greenfield-Central 0 The Cougars dropped to 0-2 in 2012 by falling at Franklin Central. Katie Peters made nine saves in goal. G-C hosts Mt. Vernon on Monday.

UWS SCHEDULE Little League World Series Aug. 16-26 At South Williamsport, Pa. Double Elimination Weekend schedule Today Game 5 Nuevo Laredo, Mexico vs. Vancouver, British Columbia, 1 p.m. Game 6 Parsippany, N.J.

vs. San Antonio, 3 p.m. Game 7 Aguadulce, Panama vs. Lugazi, Uganda, 5 p.m. Game 8 New Castle, Ind.

vs. res ham, 8 p.m. ESPN and ESPN3 Saturday Game 9 Willemstad, Curacao vs. Game 3 loser, Noon Game 10 Fairfield, Conn. vs.

Game 4 loser, 3 p.m. Game 1 1 Game 5 loser vs. Game 7 loser, 6 p.m. Game 12 Game 6 loser vs. Game 8 loser, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Game 13 Game 5 winner vs. Game 7 winner. Noon Game 14 Petaluma, Calif, vs. Game 4 winner, 2 p.m. Game 15 Game 6 winner vs.

Game 8 winner, 5 p.m. Game 16 Tokyo vs. Game 3 winner, 7 p.m. EH By DARREL RADFORD and DAVID BOULTON The New Castle Courier-Times NEW CASTLE Thanks to some impressive community teamwork. New Castle's Little League diamond will become a field of dreams come true today when the World Series begins in Williamsport, Pa.

Those who could not make the nine-hour trip are invited to watch the game on the diamond where it all began for these 11- and 12-year-old baseball heroes. Local photographer Mike McKown has been working with a variety of community residents to have a 12-foot by 14-foot screen set up on the diamond at I Avenue and Main Street where people can gather and watch the local Little Leaguers make history together. Cinergy Metronet will be displaying ESPN's coverage of the event on Draper screens. These screens will be located in the back of the outfield and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to view the game. Some are calling the Little League World Series one of the most exciting community events in the city's history.

"This is such a bright spot for our community," McKown told The Courier-Times "It has lifted the spirits of so many people here and sends such a great message about our town." McKown said Bundy Auditorium has also been reserved in case of rain, but the current forecast shows only a slight chance of that here Friday. The idea for a community gathering to watch the game grew from a conversation McKown had with New Castle Little League President Phil Jolley and board member Jerry Walden. "Hotel rooms cost between $200 and $300 a night in Williamsport," McKown said. "It's a nine-hour drive. That really limits who gets to go.

We wanted to create something special for the people here." "This is an excellent time for our kids and our community to shine in a national spotlight," Jolley said. McKown said people could bring their blankets and gather on the field beginning at 7:30 m. New Castle plays a team from Oregon at 8:07 p.m. today. The game will be televised live on ESPN.

Like a skilled infield double play tandem, an impressive lineup of business and community members are working together to make the Friday event happen, including Draper (setting up the big screen), Cinergy (computer connections), the City of New Castle, New Castle Community School New Castle-Henry County Community Foundation, New Castle Little League, Servicepro, and Clouse Concrete. Others who would like to help are invited to a 5 p.m. meeting today at the diamond to go over final preparations. this summer and a lot of them played club volleyball. "They're all a little better, and they're also more familiar with me and my system now." As if the large contingent of varsity returnees wasn't enough, the Royals have an added bonus in senior outside hitter Frannie Stephenson, a transfer from Greenfield-Central.

Stephenson will be eligible to play for the Royals on Aug. 23, which is also the day EH visits G-C for a match. Stephenson will help make up for the loss of Taylor Mercer(110 kills) and Liz Carlton (58 kills) to graduation. "Frannie is going to be a big asset," Eastes said. Rounding out the Royals' varsity unit are junior defensive specialists Lytia Vanderptxil and Emily Reger and sophomores Katelyn Bowman, Nakayla Shelton and Annalee Witte.

First serve: The Royals downed Mid-Hoosier Conference foe Morristown 25-13. 27-29, 25-13, 25-14 Tuesday in their Harmon, Dickmander and Bedell combined for 46 kills. Best registered eight aces and 45 digs, Eastes had 53 assists, Jeffries had six blocks and Bednarski picked up 28 digs. Continued From Page B6 kills, senior setter Jordian Eastes (480 assists), senior outside hitter Beka Dickmander (87 kills), sophomore outside hitter opposite side Melissa Bedell (87 kills), senior middle back Emily Jeffries (65 kills), senior defensive specialist Tori Bednarski (295 digs) and junior defensive specialistlibero Hannah Best (251 digs). "They've all improved," said Eastes, in his second year as head coach.

"We played 30 games Papa John's will be on location with pizza for those in attendance, with all of the proceeds going toward the Henry County Community Foundation New Castle Little League Fund. Donations to the fund will be accepted at the Field, the foundation office at 700 S. Memorial Drive or online at www. henrycountycf.org. McKown said the celebration may be covered by both Indiana and national media.

New Castle Mayor Greg York says the World Series means a multitude of things to the city. "We're very excited," York said. "These youngsters have a lot of heart. They've created so much enthusiasm throughout the community and they have so many great stories to tell." York said expects at least 1,000 at the field Friday and even more eyes through media coverage. "This may sound like a very mayor thing to say, but New Castle is going to be advertised on a national scale," York said.

"As a community, we're going to get our name mentioned on national television, for free. So these kids are representing their community." Ali Tucker (middle hitter) will also get their chance this season after playing JV behind last year's talented senior group. "I'm optimistic." Saffold said. "The girls can do some good things. But the team we are now is not the team we will be in the middle of the season.

And that team is not the same team we'll be at the end of the season. "We want to progress as the season goes along." Saffold added that he expects his girls to be contend this season with the other Hancock County teams and, eventually, with the entire conference. "My A.D. (Al Cooper) has let it be known to me that the long-term goal is to be competitive in the conference," Saffold said of the HHC. which includes defending Class 3A state champ Yorktown.

"I don't know whether that will be this year or next year, but it's a goal we plan to meet." First serve: Qualkinbush (12 digs. 17 assists), Katie Morris (12 kills), Little (six aces) and Hawley (five kills, 11 digs) gave Saffold a victory in his first match as head coach, beating visiting Rushville 25-13, 25-15, 25-23 on Tuesday. The Dragons were slated to visit North Decatur on Thursday and they'll participate in the Lawrence Central Invite on Saturday. Continued From Page B6 long career as a club coach and Warren Central assistant. Seniors Katie Morris (right-sidesetter) and McKenze Qualkinbush (right-side setter) and junior Jamie Morris (outside hitters) are the varsity holdovers.

"They'll all be leaders, which is what you would expect," Saffold said. "But 1 think McKenze is a better setter than what people expect. She wasn't the primary setter last season, and I think she will surprise people. Curry had 158 kills and a team-high 413 assists last season, while Tieman led the Dragons with 171 kills and Seifert added 146 kills. The Morris girls combined for 252 kills, and Qualkinbush picked up 201 assists as the secondary setter.

Jamie Morris also had 220 digs, behind Khajenouri (307) and Seifert (224). Among the newcomers is freshman Megan Hawley, who will provide an athletic presence at outside hitter and defensive specialist, and Mikayla Little, a junior middle hitter. Seniors Cianna Speth (defensive specialist) and HANCOCK COUNTY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Prep volleyball schedule for Eastern Hancock, Greenfield-Central, Mt. Vernon and New Palestine. Subject to change.

Check school website. only senior besides Balbach, will help out at middle hitter, along with junior Lexi Reasor. Kayla Grubaugh (junior outside hitter), Abby Glazier (junior defensive specialist) and Aubri Benbow (sophomore defensive specialist) complete the varsity lineup. Most of the Mt. Vernon unit is up from last year's junior varsity team.

With an influx of new faces, Lashaway didn't make any county tourney or sectional predictions. "We're rebuilding, so everything is totally new to everybody," she said. "The hardest step to overcome is to get everyone gelling, get everything rolling in the same direction. "Onre vc overcome thrtt new ness, we'll be okay." First serve: Hamilton Heights edged Mt. Vernon 25-17, 17-25, 25-16, 27-25, 15-9 in the season-opener Tuesday.

Balbach led the way with 13 kills and 13 assists, while Ertel posted eight kills, 14 assists and five aces. The Marauders were scheduled to host Lawrence North Thursday before traveling to the Ritter Invitational on Saturday. Mt. Vernon's most reliable hitter, however, figures to be Ellie Balbach, who is joined by defensive specialist Lauren James as the only returning MV players who saw significant varsity action in 2011. Balbach will be at right-side setter in the Marauders' 6-2 offensive formation.

"No one can replace Jenna. but Ellie has really stepped up in that same role," Lashaway said. "She's going to be who we turn to when we need a big play. "And she's the only one who was been through the system all the way. So there's a lot of pressure on her to lead and bring everyone else up to speed." MV's other right-sidesetter is fresh man Mary Grace Ertel.

Emily White, a junior lihero, will also be in the setting mix, Lashaway said. Among the other newcomers is sophomore Shelby Blair, who will man an outside hitting position. "She's a lefty, and it's unusual to put a lefty (at outside hitter), but she's been making a difference there," Lashaway said. Sara Lyday, the Marauders' Continued From Page B6 before," MV coach Kris Lashaway said. "After my first year (2007), we graduated seven (players) and I only had one varsity returning, and that was Kayla Negley.

"I'm kind back in the same boat, I just don't have the same kind of players coming in as I did (in 2008)." Amundson was a freshman in 2008 and, while the current squad doesn't feature anyone with the former right-sidesetter's natural volleyball ability, there are bright spots. Freshman Sydney Shelton is all-around talent, set to star on the basketball court this winter. She'll line up at outside hitter for the spikers. "She's new to volleyball, but she's coming on strong," Lashaway said. "She's all about basketball, which is understandable.

But, she's a tremendous athlete. And now that her focus is on volleyball, she's really improving every day. "She's going to make strides throughout the season." Tuesday, September 18 EH at Indian Creek, NP at Morristown, 5:30 Wednesday, September 19 EH at Tri, MV at Rushville, 6 Thursday, September 20 GC at Scecina. NP at Pike, 5:30 Cjturdjy, September 22 EH at EH Invite, 9 a.m.; GC, MV at Cougar Challenge Tournament, 9 a.m. Monday, September 24 North Decatur at EH, MV at Hamilton Southeastern, Franklin Central at NP, 5:30 Tuesday, September 25 Wes-Del at EH, GC at Shenandoah, Yorktown at NP, 5:30 Thursday, September 27 Pendleton Heights at GC, MV at Shelbyville, NP at Triton Central, 5:30 Monday, October 1 Shenandoah at MV, 6 Tuesday, October 2 Knightstown at EH, GC at Hamilton Southeastern, MV at Noblesville, 5:30, Shelbyville at NP, 5:30 Thursday, October 4 Warren Central at MV, 5:30 Saturday, October 6 EH, GC, MV, NP at County Tournament, 9 a.m.

Monday, October 8 Edinburgh at EH. NP at MV. 5:30 Tuesday, October 9 EH at Indiana School for Deaf. 5:30: Yorktown atGC, 6 Wednesday, October 10 Beech Grove at MV, 5 Thursday, October 11 EH at WaWron. GC at Warren Central.

NP at Franklin, 5.30 Saturday, October 13 EH GC at Union County Invite, 9 a.m. Monday, October 15-Saturday, October 20 Sectionals. EH 2A Sectional 41 at EH; GC 4A Sectional 9 at GC; MV 3A Sectional 26 at Brebeuf; NP 4A Sectional 1 3 at Frankhn. Saturday, August 18 EH at Union Modoc Invite, 9 a.m.; GC at Lafayette Jefferson Classic, 9 a.m.; MV at Ritter Invite, 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 21 EH at Centerville, GC at Rushville, MV at Lapel, Brebeuf at NP, 5:30 Wednesday, Auyust 22 Anderson at GC, 6 Thursday, August 23 EH at GC, MV at Pendleton Heights, NP at Whiteland, 5:30 Saturday, August 25 NP at Lawrence Central Invite, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, August 28 Delta at GC, Zionsville at NP, 5:30 Thursday, August 30 EH at Blue River Valley, NP at GC, Delta at MV, 6 Tuesday, September 4 EH at NP, GC at Knightstown, MV at Zionsville, 5:30 Wednesday, September 5 Lutheran at NP, 5:30 Thursday, September 6 EH at Hauser. New Castle at GC, 6:30 Saturday, September 8 MV at Harrison Classic, 9 a.m.; NP at Greenwood Invite, 9 a.m. Monday, September 10 South Decatur at EH, 6 Tuesday, September 11 MV at GC, Delta at NP. 5:30 Wednesday, September 12 EH at Shenandoah, 6 Thursday. September 13 EH at Southwestern, GC at Shelbyvtlle.

New Castle at MV, Pendleton Heights at NP. 5:30 Saturday. September 15 GC at Franklin Invite. 9 a.m.; MV at Beech Grove Invite. 9 a.m.; NP at Warren Central Invite.

9 am. Monday, September 17 MV at EH, GC at Lawrence Central. NP at Knightstown, 5:30 her, and she just takes it. "I call her our Lego. She connects our offense to our defense." On that defensive side of things are the Cougars' top three diggers from a year ago.

Colclazier was an All Hoosier Heritage Conference choice after snaring a team-high 306 digs. Shepherd and fellow defensive specialist Caitey Sosnowski had 194 and 174 digs, respectively, a ear ago. How well the Cougars fare this year will depend largely on that back row. Rouse said. "Right now we are spending a ton of time on passing and defense, which is always so important in volleyball." she said.

"I think we've got the guns up front to swing if we can get the ball to them in the right places." Addison Hicks, a senior middle hitter, and Abby Fennig, a junior right-side, join Bunch. Irbe, Davis and Graham as the Cougars' spike and block force. "We have got six hitters that at any point in time can really step up and brin it." Rouse emphasized. The former Morristown coach, lio guided the Yellow Jackets to a 2003 Class A stale title, said the Cougars have acquired a championship pedigree in at least one area. "The chemistry on this team is great." she said.

"We're having a blast. These girls are gelling together about as well as any team I have had." Two of Rouse's former Morristown players. Chelsea Caldwell and Casey Gumberts have been added to the coaching staff. Caldwell is a GC varsity assistant while Gumberts is a volunteer. Deena Barton remains as the JV coach.

First serve: The Cougars will open the season Saturday at the Lafayette Jefferson Classic, taking on McCutcheon. Milan, the host Bronchos and Morristown. Continued From Page B6 includes four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and a freshman. "We're really blessed to be balanced through the classes," Rouse said. "We've got girls like Jordan (Bunch) and Megan (Bradley), who got a lot of experience last year as sophomores, along with our seniors and juniors.

"That's one of the cool things with this group. You can look ahead and know that you're not going to have that huge turnover. When it's spread out, it's easier to be consistent." G-C's veterans include seniors Shelby Davis (middle hitter), Alex Colclazier (libero) and Amelia Shepherd (defensive specialist) and junior Maddi Graham (middle hitter). Graham's responsibilities will increase following the graduation of last season's leading hitter. Shay Pope, who collected 355 kills.

"Maddie really turned it on the last couple weeks," Rouse said of the six foot 1 right hander. "About 10 days ago, I thought, 'Yeah, that's what I want to "She doesn't even realize what she can do yet." Among the Cougars' youngsters are their other hitters. Bunch, a sophomore, and freshman Rachel Irbe. The duo will handle the outside hitter responsibilities on the passing of Bradley, the Cougars' returning setter in a 5-1 offense. Bradley has come a long way since being thrust into a starting role as a freshman last fall.

"She's learned so about making decisions out there and running the offense." Rouse said. "She's being given more and more responsibility and handling it like a trooper. Her maturity and on -court awareness just keeps getting better. I can get on.