Grayslake Central grad Ahmed keys Carthage's big run
Carthage College recorded its highest finish (87 points) in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin cross country meet since 1977.
And the Red Men's highest finisher on Saturday in Normal was Grayslake Central graduate Suneed Ahmed, who registered a season-best mark of 26:42.6, good enough for ninth place out of 74 runners.
Ahmed, a sophomore, trimmed 14 seconds off his time of 26:58.3 at last week's AAE Invitational.
North Central took first place for the 43rd consecutive season with 15 points. The Cardinals' Zach Plank took home the CCIW individual crown with a time of 25:19.2
Women's soccer
Carroll University freshmen goalkeeper Tina O'Block (Carmel Catholic) and defender Lisa Harwardt (Carmel Catholic) have helped spark their team to a 14-4-1 record in the team's first year back in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Sophomore Delaney Pruitt (Johnsburg) leads the team with 13 goals (5 assists).
The Pioneers (14-4-1) have frustrated and surprised many opponents this year with solid defense (12 goals against), goalkeeping (11 shutouts), and quick-strike ability.
Coached by Susie Foster, they are undefeated at home (9-0) and hoping to earn a second consecutive NCAA D-III tournament invite.
Men's soccer
Carthage College senior forward Austin Bitta (Libertyville) scored 2 goals and had an assist for 5 points when the Red Men won 4-1 at Augustana.
The victory completed a perfect College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin season for the Red men, who claimed the outright regular-season title.
No. 11 ranked Carthage finished the conference at 8-0 and stands at 16-3 overall.
Women's volleyball
Rhode Island senior Layne Self (Lake Zurich) registered 13 kills, 5 blocks, 3 service aces and 3 digs as the Rams needed five sets to finish off VCU 3-2 in Richmond, Va.
It was the first time since Sept. 17, Rhode Island needed five sets to win a match.
With the victory, Rhode Island kept a lock on second place in the Atlantic 10 standings, with the top two teams earning a first-round bye for the A-10 Championship.
• Augustana senior Nicole Morrissey (Lake Zurich) shared the team lead in kills with 6 as the Vikings cruised to a 3-0 win over Rockford in the final match of both the Pumpkin Bash Tournament and the 2016 season for the Vikings.
The Vikings defeated the Regents 25-7, 25-12, 25-23 and wrapped up a 3-1 outing in the Pumpkin Bash and a 25-8 overall record for the year.
Adult basketball
There will be Adult drop‐in basketball at the Woodland Middle School in Gurnee beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 3.
This basketball program is for those 25 years and up. Program time is 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Fee is $5 per night.
Women's golf
One of the top girls golfers in Barrington history is staying in the state to play the sport she began at the age of seven.
Reena Sulkar, a two-time Mid-Suburban League individual champion as a sophomore and junior, will continue her career at the University of Illinois.
The Illini will be getting one of only six other Fillies who advanced to the state finals for four years.
She is looking forward to her next four years in Champaign.
"After visiting many colleges, I chose Illinois because I was impressed with the coaching style of coach (Renee) Slone and coach (Jenny) Coluccio," Sulkar said. "I feel they have a dynamic and organized plan for the team. I was also very impressed by their golf facilities and the amenities available to athletes."
Sulkar, who led the Fillies to their best finish (second place) in the IHSA state finals last month in Decatur, also was drawn to Illinois' academics.
"It has one of the best engineering programs," she said. "I am planning on studying bioengineering and eventually going into medicine."
Sulkar has been involved in golf for most of her life. It began when her parents used to take her to the driving range just for a fun activity.
When she was nine years old, Sulkar's parents entered their daughter in a local 'Drive, Chip, and Putt' event at their golf club.
She ended up winning the event.
"That really solidified my interest in the game," Sulkar said. "It motivated me to work harder to get better and enjoy the competitive nature of the game."
Sulkar always enjoyed playing in tournaments.
"I always knew that I wanted to play golf at a high level in college due to the heightened competition," she said. " My game is where it is today thanks to the help of my parents, high school coach, and swing coach.
"I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to Illinois' excellent golf program next year."
• Please email Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com.