Sports

Hoot Owl is one of the oldest vineyards in Alexander Valley, but for the past seven years it’s been the training and competition course for Healdsburg’s cross country team. Known as the Top of the World for its expansive vineyard views, the 3.1-mile course provides an aerobic hill workout for runners—a challenge not only for Greyhounds but for visiting teams as well.

The scoreboard showed a tie game, 14-14, which reflected the two touchdowns each the scored in the first half. But with Healdsburg's star player out with a twisted ankle, the second half was a disappointment.

“As far as securing a win, we just really need to maintain focus and take care of the little things,” said coach Taylor Tappin. “Most of our games have been lost because we lose focus on defense or special teams, and give up too many big plays. If we can lock in and do our jobs, then we should be able to play with anyone in our league.”

With just three regular-season matches remaining, the team’s focus is beginning to shift toward the NCS Championship at Baywood Country Club in Arcata on Oct. 27, where they’ll look to finish their remarkable season in style.

With the coming of October the school year is well underway, and with it the exploits of the student athletes in the Greyhounds sports programs. Here’s a rundown of some action on our courts, fields and trails...

“This opening league win sets the tone for a season of growth and high expectations,” said coach Todd Au following the Sept. 16 match in Ukiah.

If nothing else the final score, 69-34, shows the Greyhounds were in the game, even after a forfeit the previous week kept them off the field. For the first time this year, they started with a full roster as the early season suspensions expired, giving the team a chance to get a tough game under their belt before the NBL-Mountain league debut this Friday in San Rafael.

With the football Greyhounds taking a break this past weekend (their Sept. 12 game against Santa Rosa forfeited due to injuries and suspensions), sports fans turned up at Frost Gym on Thursday to see the girls volleyball teams take on Montgomery High in not one but three games: freshman, JV and varsity teams all competed for a full evening of action in the close quarters of the former East Gym on the high school campus.

The Healdsburg girls tennis team is off to another strong season with several match victories already. Last year’s No. 1 player, Meher Dhiman, is back as a senior in the top slot, followed in order by Amelia Wickersham, Claire Berry and Sana Katsuki.

One quarter into last Friday's Healdsburg football game against Lower Lake, the word in the press box was that the two teams – then tied, 6-6 – were pretty evenly matched. “It’ll take a mistake or a lucky break for somebody to win,” said a long-time Boosters member. Then the breaks started...