Less than 24 hours after their singles season had come to an end at the Pioneer Valley League Tennis Championships, senior Marie Paquin and freshman Lindsey Harter were paired together for the league's doubles competition.

Though the four-year difference in age might have seemed like somewhat of an odd pairing at the time, but the decision made by Bear River coach Jeff Carrow now looks like a smart move.

The duo doubled up to take the PVL championship last week and one week later finished second in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III tournament Friday.

"What a nice run, a great run," Carrow said.

Indeed. Harter and Paquin put together quite a run in the PVL tourney, which was capped by victory over Placer's previously unbeaten tandem of Farrah Dobbas and Marissa Rodriguez in the finals.

This week, though, it was the Placer pair who emerged with first place, as Dobbas and Rodriguez downed Paquin and Harter 7-6, 6-2 for the D-III crown Friday at Oak Park in Stockton.

With the PVL title, Bear River's duo earned a first-round bye Thursday before beating Modesto Christian 6-1, 7-5 to earn a trip back for more action on Friday. Harter and Paquin pulled off a 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Central Catholic in the semifinals, before bowing out after the battle with Placer in the rematch.

"All I'd like to say is they played hard on every point, in every game, in every set," Carrow said. "They just played so well, the best tennis in both of their careers. They just elevated their play.

"It was impressive to watch."

Track & Field

Murnan runs down league title

Bear River senior Jared Murnan sprinted to first place in the 200-meter dash Friday in the Pioneer Valley League championships, clocking a time of 23.06, to earn a berth into the divisional round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Track & Field competition.

Murnan was one of four Bruins to qualify for the divisional round, including Carly Corippo who clocked a school record 59.61 in the 400 meters for second place.

"That was real exciting," said Bear River coach Chris Davis. "And it was exciting for the kids, and exciting for me, to see Jared

Murnan win the 200.

"And Madalyn's (Groulx) throw in the shot put was a personal record, at least by a foot and a half."

Groulx threw the shot 33 feet, 2 1/2 inches to take third place and qualify for the divisionals. Also qualifying for the Bruins was Justin Schuler, who took second place in the pole vault by clearing the bar set at 13 feet.

Brooke Van Fossen finished one spot short of a divisional qualification in the 300 meter hurdles, taking fourth place in 49.92. Murnan was also fourth in the 100 meters in 11.60.

In the junior varsity competition, Zach Welz finished second in the triple jump by leaping 36 feet, 11 1/4 inches.



Coaches may submit Local Roundup items by contacting The Union Sports Editor Brian Hamilton via e-mail at bhamilton@theunion.com or by phone at 477-4240. Deadline for submissions is 10 p.m.