The Meridian girls' soccer team is right back in the hunt for another Class 1A State Tournament berth, and Andrea Ames said there are a number of players who have made strong contributions to the Trojans' success.

It's been sophomore Janessa Murphy who has had the hot foot of late.

With Meridian's season on the line in a loser-out match against Mount Baker - which beat the Trojans 1-0 in both teams' regular season finale - in the first round of the Class 1A District Tournament, Murphy provided a clutch performance. She scored her fourth goal of the season and added an assist in a winning 3-0 score line.

"Janessa has improved tremendously over the season and since last year," Meridian coach Andrea Ames wrote in an email. "She's speedy, athletic and is developing into a really dangerous player for us."

Ames said her senior leaders along the back line, including Kelsea Clark, Leyla Marino, Trinell Carpenter and goal keeper Abbi Rautenberg, have greatly contributed to Meridian's success.

BONSEN HANDLING MULTIPLE DUTIES FOR LIONS

Another year, another Class 2A District Tournament berth for coach Angie Dallas' Lions.

Many athletes highlight coach Dallas' squad, but arguably no one has meant as much to the Lions as Brooke Bonsen.

Bonsen has consistently been Lynden's kills leader and has enjoyed match-high performances in her serve receiving. Without a libero, Bonsen has shouldered plenty of defensive work in the back row, as well.

"Brooke Bonsen is a solid all-around player in our program," Dallas wrote in an email. "She leads by example and has a work ethic unmatched by her peers. Positive and powerful - she is our kill leader and anchor or our defense."

The Lions face Cascade Conference foe Cedarcrest at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Sammamish High School in the first round of districts. Lynden will be looking to earn a trip to the Class 2A State Tournament after failing to qualify last season.

LEWIS SHINES AT B CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Northwest Conference B Championships present swimmers with one last chance to qualify for the Class 2A District Swim Meet.

Bellingham's Margot Lewis made the most of her opportunity.

The Red Raider freshman anchored Bellingham's medley relay team to a win, she swam district times in two individual event wins and she anchored the Red Raiders' 400 freestyle relay team to a second-place finish.

"Margot had a super swim meet," Bellingham coach Jeff Anderson said in an email. "She came from behind to win three of her races today. She sure knows how to pour it on at the end of the race to finish strong. Margot was today's only triple winner at the B Championships, and she is a freshman."

Now Lewis will look to turn those district qualifying times into state berths when Northwest District teams head to Fidalgo Pool Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3, in Anacortes.

VENDIOLA BECOMES FIRST LUMMI TENNIS PLAYER TO MAKE STATE

Docavie Vendiola became the first Lummi tennis player to qualify for the Class 1A/B State Tournament.

Vendiola plays for Ferndale during the season, but is a Lummi player during the postseason.

The state tennis tournament is during the last week of May 2013.

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.