Local Sports

Cross-country results Christiane Bilodeau of the St. Albert Skyhawks finished the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association cross-country championships as the fourth-fastest U19 female last Saturday in Vermilion.

The Esso Cup champions have embraced their role as the team to beat with open arms. “We know everyone is going after us but it gives us a good challenge and it helps us get better,” said netminder Brianna Sank of the St.

The Bellerose Bulldogs ride the wave of momentum into the playoffs as winners of three in a row. The opening-round clincher was 41-7 over the Jasper Place Rebels on Friday as Bellerose finished 3-3 for sixth place in the division one Carr conference.

Sturgeon football The Sturgeon Spirits huddle up against the Beaumont Bandits in Thursday’s division three Gilfillan conference semifinal. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Clarke Stadium.

Merchants slipping The fourth loss in five games for the St. Albert Merchants was Sunday’s 5-1 setback against the Fort Saskatchewan Hawks at JRC Arena.

The St. Albert High Skyhawks have a chip on their shoulders in Friday’s rematch with the Leduc Tigers.

Jack McBride did it again. The only Canadian racquetball player to win the Triple Crown repeated as the winner of his age group at nationals, world senior championships and the U.S. Open.

Raiders at home The St. Albert Nektar Data Systems Raiders start a stretch of six games against south division teams during this weekend’s homestand at Akinsdale Arena. The Raiders (4-2) host the Red Deer Chiefs (5-1) tonight at 8 p.m.

Riders undefeated The St. Albert Riders streak into the Tier I playoffs without a loss in the Capital District Minor Football Association. The senior varsity peewee team is averaging a whopping 45.5 points scored and a minuscule 4.

The Bellerose Bulldogs are playing their best football when it matters the most.