DIVISION II TRACK Bennett wins 400; Lewis takes discus

Girard freshman Cachet Murray won the 100 in 12.28 and Liberty's Jessica White was second in 12.51.
By MARK MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
RAVENNA -- Cierra Bennett of Ursuline High took first place in the 400-meter run in 58.32 seconds at the Division II regional championships Friday at Ravenna High Stadium.
Bennett stayed with the pack until the first turn, then went ahead and stayed in front to the tape for the win.
"It means a lot to me as a freshman to make state," Bennett said. "I'll go there and be the best I can."
Senior Heather Lewis of Lakeview won the discus with her best throw of the season -- 130 feet, seven inches.
"It's a great feeling," Lewis said. "I went to state as a freshman and it's thrilling to get to go there again."
Jen Hively of West Branch took first place in the 100 hurdles in 15.47 seconds.
About the win, Hively said, "I just run and don't pay any attention to anyone. I hit my knee and ankle on a hurdle, but it didn't slow me at all. I didn't feel any pressure and just ran relaxed."
She set the West Branch school record in 15.28 seconds during Wednesday's prelims.
Amber Miller of Ursuline was second (15.6). Miller also was third in the 300 hurdles (46.77).
East Palestine's Alex Casi will be making her fourth trip to the state meet. She won the long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 1/4 inch and the 300 hurdles (45.19). She was also third in the 100 meters (12.7).
Freshman Cachet Murray of Girard took first place in the 100 (12.28) and Jessica White of Liberty was second in 12.51.
Jasmine Smith, Brittny Humphrey, Whitney Spence and Jessica White of Liberty won the 4x200 relay in 1:45.
Gina Ortiz, Jenna Polkovitch, Anna Novosel and Lori Patrone of Mooney placed third (1:46.61) and West Branch's Amanda Scott, Jen Weingart, Bobbi Cameron and Hively finished fourth (1:47.01).
Charges down stretch
Junior Marlena Wolfe of Champion was in fifth place heading into the final 300 meters of the 1600 run and charged down the stretch for second place (5:08.76).
Amy Arnold of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy held off the late stretch to win in (5:08.71).
"I just wanted to stay with the other girls and not get lost and have enough left to be among the leaders," Wolfe said.
Karen Kemp of Champion placed third in the long jump (17-1) and Lisa Dubinsky of Southeast finished fourth in the discus (118-2).