All of Juneau-Douglas High School’s six sports teams are in action this weekend around the state. Only three teams from Thunder Mountain will see action, however: softball, boys track and girls track.
Softball
Three of the four teams in the Southeast Conference last season had at least six wins last season: Juneau-Douglas (7-5), TMHS (7-5) and Ketchikan (6-6). It appears this season could be heading in that same direction.
Last weekend, in the first weekend of regional play, games were decided by an average of three runs. JDHS’ Leah Spargo pitched 16 innings in 6-4, 13-11 wins over Sitka at Moller Field. Meanwhile, after winning 11-4 on Friday against Ketchikan at Dudley Field, the Falcons gave up three runs in the sixth inning en route to a 13-12 loss.
Now, the Juneau squads trade places. The Falcons are destined for Sitka for three games — two conference, one non-conference — with the Crimson Bears’ doing the same in Ketchikan.
TMHS plays tonight at 5 and 7 p.m. and noon Saturday. JDHS plays tonight at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Baseball
The Crimson Bears hope to add to their three-game win streak in Petersburg this weekend. JDHS plays tonight and Saturday against the Vikings. It’s just one of two series Petersburg hosts at home this season. Head coach Chad Bentz called the difference in his squads’ play “night and day” from the first week to the second week of the season. JDHs went 0-3-1 in Sitka before beating Thunder Mountain three-straight times at home last week.
“That’s what makes it fun, is to see the progression — I love it,” JDHS coach Chad Bentz said.
The TMHS baseball team returns to action at home next week against Ketchikan.
Boys Soccer
Service scored two first-half goals and the Cougars beat the JDHS boys soccer team 3-1 Wednesday evening at Service High School in Anchorage. The Crimson Bears came out flat, according to coach Gary Lehnhart. Sherrod Miller scored a goal late to prevent the Service shutout. The team played Chugiak Thursday afternoon. JDHS plays Wasilla today before finishing their non-conference roadtrip on Saturday against Dimond.
Next week, TMHS travels north for games with Wasilla, Palmer and Bartlett.
Girls Soccer
The JDHS girls soccer team also lost to Service Wednesday night at Service High School. The Cougars blanked JDHS 4-0. The loss comes on the first of a three-game road trip to Anchorage. It was the second game in three days JDHS has played. The Crimson Bears tied with the Thunder Mountain Falcons 1-1 on Monday evening.
“We created a few chances, but Service is really patient and technical with the ball. They put away the chances they had,” JDHS coach Matt Dusenberry said via text.
Next week, TMHS travels north for games with Wasilla, Palmer and Bartlett.
Track
Both the JDHS and TMHS track and field teams will run in the Sitka Invitational today and tomorrow. The TMHS girls look to improve on a third place finish from Ketchikan the weekend before. The Crimson Bears will travel with 27 athletes according to coach Janette Gagnon. The Falcons have 37 attending according to coach Scott May.
• Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nolin.ainsworth@juneauempire.com.
Juneau-Douglas High School girls varsity softball head coach Lexie Razor talks with former head coach Dave Massey during practice at Melvin Park on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
