SARAH DORAN
Edina • soccer
After spending the past two years dealing with a lengthy list of injuries, the junior forward is finally healthy. It has shown in her recent play.
Last week Doran scored the winning goal and added an assist in a 2-0 victory over Class 2A, No. 6 Wayzata. She scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over No. 5 Minnetonka and set up the only goal in a 1-0 victory at East Ridge.
"I've had this lingering ankle injury and I just took the brace off last week," Doran said. "In my freshman year, I broke both hips and I had knee surgery from a broken knee I hurt when I was in sixth grade. It's been a crazy two years."
It didn't take long for Doran to resume her knack for scoring, something she's accustomed to doing in club soccer.
"This year, I started two or three games at midfield," she said. "A few games in, coach [Katie Aafedt] moved me to forward, where I usually play for my club team. I scored about 30 seconds after that. Since then, I've been scoring off and on."
Doran said scoring goals is nice but the most enjoyable part of the season is simply being healthy again.
"I finally get to see who I am as a player and get the chance to reach my full potential," she said. "Being completely healthy is a blessing."
EMMA BENNER
Forest Lake • cross-country
The senior won the girls' Class 2A race at the venerable Swain Invitational at Enger Park in Duluth Saturday. Benner, the No. 3-ranked runner in 2A, turned in a 5K time of 18 minutes, 3.6 seconds, which was more than a minute ahead of runner-up Lizzy Heil of St. Michael-Albertville.
RACHEL BOYER
Mounds View • soccer
In a must-see Class 2A matchup of the No. 2 Mustangs at No. 4 Eden Prairie on Saturday, the senior forward elevated her game as well, scoring twice in Mounds View's 2-0 victory. She has a team-leading 17 goals on the season.
PRINCE OKOLIE
Fridley • football
A big reason for the Tigers' 5-2 record has been the relentless running of the junior running back. He rushed 25 times for 299 yards and three TDs in a 35-20 victory over St. Anthony. It was his second game with more than 250 rushing yards in the past three weeks.
LUKE PETERSON
Minneapolis Southwest • soccer
The senior goalkeeper made five saves in a 1-0 victory over Minneapolis Edison and eight saves in a 0-0 tie with Roseville. His five shutouts on the season move him into a tie for the third-most in a single season in team history.
CARLY QUAST
Wayzata • swimming
The junior had four first-place finishes at the Class 2A, Section 5 True Team meet Saturday. She set a meet record in 100 backstroke (56.80) and won the 200 freestyle. She also swam on the winning 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams.
ALEC RUUD
Belle Plaine • football
The junior middle linebacker made 26 tackles, 12 solo, in a 35-7 victory over St. Peter. In seven games, Ruud has 123 total tackles.
JIM PAULSEN
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