Northern Nevada community and youth sports briefly

Eighth-grade team takes championship

Carson Middle School won the eighth-grade volleyball championship tournament that took place in Truckee last week.

Carson played Pa Wa Lu and won in two games, to advance to the championship match. In the finals, Carson played Eagle Valley and won in three games.

Carson finished the year 11-1 in league and 19-3 overall. This team also won last year's seventh-grade championships. The combined record for both years is 42-5.

State fair fundraiser tonight in Reno

Nevada State Fair fundraiser to support programs for rural Nevada 4H and FFA youth

The Nevada State Fair is hosting a "Carnival of Crab" fundraiser today at 5:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at the Reno Livestock Event Center.

All you can eat tri-tip and pasta for the are also available. The all-you-can-eat benefit helps support programs and competitions at the fair for more than 700 urban and rural Nevada children ages 8-19 involved in 4-H and FFA. Tickets are $50 per person, call 688-5767 or visit www.NVstatefair.com.

"The money raised helps keep admission costs down, assists with administrative costs, underwrites entertainment and grounds acts, and helps fund 4-H and FFA activities. It's also a good night to think about becoming a volunteer or member of the Nevada State Fair. With the positive changes we are making, we are charting a new course to success " we need volunteers to help us get there," said Sarah Chvilicek, President, Board of Directors.

Reserved tables for eight are available for $500 and include, preferred seating, signage, cocktail vouchers, as well as eight Nevada State Fair tickets. The Carousel of Honor table for $800 includes the above plus VIP amenities and service at your table.

In addition to unlimited amounts of food the event offers a no-host bar, silent auction and continuous live entertainment. Live auction items include flight lessons, a special tour of a TV Newsroom and watch the news produced live or sit in the studio with the Bill Manders Show on KOH or bid to drive a demolition derby car to be entered in the Nevada State Fair Demo Derby. Enter the grand prize raffle for a 10-seat box which includes drink service for the 2009 Reno Rodeo Championship Finals.

The Nevada State Fair is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. A portion of the ticket price may be tax deductible. Ticket information: Log on to www.nvstate

fair.com or call NV State Fair office at 775-688-5767 to reserve your tickets. Tickets are also available at the Nevada State Fair office, 1350 A North Wells Avenue and Lightning Auctions, 870 S. Rock, Sparks.

The 135th Nevada State Fair will take place Aug. 26 - 30.

Diamond Valley Loop bike ride March 1

Alta Alpina group will ride the Diamond Valley Loop Sunday, March 1, leaving at 11 a.m. The ride is considered easy and well be 32 miles. This ride is geared for those who normally feel the club rides are too far or too fast.

Meeting place is at the bottom of Kingsbury and Foothill roads. For more information contact ride leader Tina Keegan at tjkeegannv@aol.com. Or visit altaalpina.org/rides/

Signup for Silver Oak golf league

The Silver Oak Sunday Men's Golf Club is now accepting applications for its second season. The first event of the year takes place March 22 and events take place most Sunday mornings through the end of October. Various formats are played throughout the season. Events are handicapped with prizes awarded to the top players or teams in each event. The fee to join is $55, which includes membership in the Northern Nevada Golf Association and a discount on green fees. Application forms are available at the Silver Oak Golf Course pro shop. Call the pro shop at 841-7000 for more information.

Prowler softball registration slated

Prowler softball will be excepting signups for girls 12 and under who enjoy tournament softball. Signups will take place Feb. 21 and 28. All skill levels are encouraged. Contact Frank Perkins at 241-0128 to register.

13U Wildcats finish third at Super NIT

The 13U Western Nevada Wildcats finished third (out of 10 teams) in the Super NIT at Manteca, Calif. The Wildcats opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over the Elk Grove Bulldogs. The Bulldogs, entered the tournament as the number two ranked team in the nation for 13 and under according to USSSA for the 2008-2009 season.

Western Nevada took the lead when Austin Atkerson, with one out, laced a single, stole second, and scored on when Elk Grove committed a throwing error in the infield, allowing Zac Harjes to reach second, who stole third and scored the go ahead run on a delayed steal of home.

Gehrig Tucker, in relief of Jace Zampirro, held them scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings, with big lift from the middle of the infield, as TJ Thomsen and Josiah Pongasi turned a double play in each inning.

Thomsen pitched the final two innings, fanning three while facing the minimum, to earn the save. Zampirro earned the victory, allowing just one run on three hits with six strike outs.

The Wildcats then ripped 11 hits en route to a 13-4 win over East County of Brentwood, Calif. Austin Atkerson earned the victory in relief throwing four innings allowing four runs.

The next day, the WIldcats outslugged the Hard 90 Slam II winning 16-12. The Wildcats came back in the last inning to score six runs for the win. The win earned the Wildcats a spot in the semifinals.

In the semifinals, the Wildcats committed eight errors leading to 5 runs giving the PTown Players the win. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth and a 4-0 lead, the Wildcats seemed in control. After back to back errors in the middle of the infield, PTown finally struck with back to back doubles ending Atkerson's day and tying the game at 4-4. A base hit to shallow right field and a bobble on the relay gave PTown the lead and the game.