TOP 7 FEMALE FALL SPORTS HEADLINES: CANTON OVERCOMES 3-WEEK BREAK TO WIN 4TH STRAIGHT DISTRICT TITLE (2020-12-12)

Valley Sports Report
Even with the Covid-19 Pandemic, or maybe because of it, there was a lot of competition for NTL titles in girls' Fall Sports; so much so, that the NTL girls' soccer title wasn't awarded.

7. Troy cross-country takes league title
It was a tough season for Troy as they had their season interrupted by a 3-week break due to Covid-19. Then, in their first meet back, they had Wyalusing in a dual meet, one that saw the Rams prevail. However, Troy responded with a strong NTL Invitational, taking second overall and winning the NTL Division-I title to keep their streak alive. That wasn't their only good story of the season as they saw Mckenzi Bellinger return to action less than a year after breaking her leg.

6. Towanda wins tennis league title
Coming into the season, Towanda coach Lucy Snyder felt they could win the NTL title. And, though it involved some close calls as their top player, Hannah Ryck, missed some time as she was quarantined, they pulled out the NTL title, going 6-0 in the league.

5. Athens makes D2 volleyball final
The Lady Wildcats had a strong regular season and that propelled them into a run through the District II, Class AAA volleyball bracket. As the seventh seed they edged second seed Nanticoke 3-2, including a 15-12 win in the deciding set. Then they swept sixth seeded Tunkhannock 3-0, not allowing the Tigers to get more than 19 points. Then, in the final, they lost to Berwick 3-0 but not before making history in their first ever District II tournament.

4. Wyalusing cross-country wins district title
After romping through their NTL schedule the Rams defended their District IV, Class A title. On a very wet, chilly day Wyalusing held off Troy and Southern Columbia as they saw three of their runners finish in the top 10 and all five come in the top 18. They edged out second place Southern Columbia by 13 points.

3. NEB volleyball has one of the best seasons in school history
The Panthers finished the year 12-4, winning their first six matches of the season. Their only losses were to NP-Liberty, Canton, Wellsboro and Galeton - all teams that played in district finals. They held on to beat Athens twice 3-2 and also had 3-2 wins over Towanda and Troy.

2. Parity amongst NTL girls' soccer
It was an exciting season in NTL girls' soccer as Wellsboro, Athens, Troy and Wyalusing all battled for a league championship that wasn't crowned due to interruptions from Covid-19. Wellsboro and Athens tied the first time with the Wildcats winning the second time. Troy and Athens split once the Trojans return with Wyalusing and Athens also splitting. The Rams also lost to Wellsboro and Troy but they only played each other once. Wellsboro and Troy never played while even Towanda and NEB got in on the action with rallying wins over Wyalusing and Troy. The final top four NTL standings were Wellsboro (8-1-1), Athens (9-2-1), Troy (7-2) and Wyalusing (9-3).

1. Canton wins 4th straight District IV volleyball title
Led by a strong senior class, the Warriors overcame a 3-week Covid-19 induced break to come back and win their fourth District IV, Class A volleyball title in a row. After coming off their break, Canton won seven matches in five days as their only regular season losses were to Wellsboro and NP-Liberty. They won both district matches 3-0 to clinch the title, then won their first round of states match 3-0, before falling in the elite eight to Marian Catholic 3-0.