Deep Run junior Erica Dobbs had a fairly simple, straightforward strategy for the Central Region girls cross country meet: find Midlothian’s Kathleen Lautzenheiser and follow in her footsteps for as long as possible, then win a sprint to the finish line. Executing her plan to topple the two-time defending regional champion was considerably more difficult. But as she rounded the final turn running stride for stride with Lautzenheiser, Dobbs unleashed the finishing kick that earned her all-state honors in the 1,600 meters and pulled away to win her first region title by 5 seconds yesterday at Pole Green Park.

Mitchell Perierra had 20 carries for 179 yards and a score as the Trojans defeated George Wythe. Jimmy Whitten added 11 carries for 63 yards on the ground, two touchdowns and also added 54 yards through the air and another score on 4 of 8 passing as the Trojans improved 2-7 overall and 1-6 in the Dominion District. The Trojans were led on defense by Mark Padgett’s two interceptions.

No. 1 Cosby (17-4) defeated Midlothian (10-12) in four games. Ben Morrison had 10 kills, and Cameron Rust and Cameron Vaile both had six for the Titans. Cosby advances to play the winner of James River vs. No. 2 Clover Hill. Midlothian————————————- 18 19 25 22
Cosby————————————- 25 25 18 25
Highlights: Tim Boykov (M) 7 kills, 2 aces; Will Hanson (M) 9 kills, 3 blocks, 2 aces; Nick Walmsley (M) 6 kills, 4 blocks; Ben Morrison (C) 10 kills; Cameron Rust (C) 6 kills, 4 blocks; Cameron Vaile (C) 6 kills

Tim Boykov got 17 kills and Kevin Speers acquired 39 assists as Midlothian defeated Monacan 3-1 in the semifinals of the Dominion District boys volleyball tournament. Boykov also got an assist and ace while Speers added a kill for the Trojans who improved to 10-11. After dropping the first two games, the Chiefs (8-11) won Game 3, winning by the 29-27 score. However, the Trojans outlasted Monacan by eight in the decisive Game 4 to advance to the Dominion District finals where they will face No.3 seeded James Rivers.

Valerie Carroll logged 20 kills, 2 blocks and 10 digs to lead Midlothian to victory in the quarterfinals of the Dominion District tournament. Becca Tatum contributed 27 assists to the Trojans’ effort. Midlothian, the fourth seed, plays top-seeded James River in Wednesday’s semifinals. Kaitlynn Wickersham of Manchester was credited with 16 kills, 13 digs and two blocks in last game for the Lancers.

Brandon Chiles rushed 15 times for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns as Manchester (4-2 Dominion, 5-3), swamped Midlothian (0-6, 1-7). Jamal Winston had 12 carries for 82 yards, scoring three TDs two running and one passing. Midlothian’s Mark Padgett had 3 interceptions. Manchester————————————- 20 7 14 7—48
Midlothian————————————- 0 6 0 0—6

Manchester————————————- 22 23 25
Midlothian————————————- 25 25 27
Highlights: Kaitlyn Wickersham (M) 17 kills, 4 blocks, 6 digs, 2 aces; Sam Galan (M) 6 kills, 7 digs; Lauren Gholson (M) 13 assists, 2 kills; Becca Tatum (Mid) 3 kills, 20 assists, block, 5 digs, 3 aces; Valerie Carroll (Mid) 11 kills, 4 blocks, 10 digs, 5 aces.