New Palestine High School

The New Palestine boys soccer team dropped a 7-0 decision Thursday at home to No. 2 Carmel, but the Dragons finished the evening happy as they clinched a piece of the Hoosier Heritage Conference title. The Dragons, who are 8-6 overall and 6-0 in HHC play, clinched the title when Mt. Vernon defeated Pendleton Heights 2-1 in a shootout. The Dragons can win the title outright in next Thursday's regular season finale against PH. The Dragons hung with the Greyhounds early, conceding a goal from distance on a counter in the eighth minute. A minute later, the Dragons had their best chance of the night, as a strong buildup up the left side found Andon Colclazier following up a shot in the box. He forced Carmel's keeper to make a diving save and won a corner. Carmel was able to clear and spent the night on the front foot. Drew Potter made two strong defensive saves in the first half, but the Greyhounds built a 3-0 lead on goals in the 14th and 28th minutes. Carmel added four more goals in the second half. Paxton Holmes had a shot from 20 yards off a steal in the 63rd minute and Elliott Canova a header on frame off a free kick in the 76th minute to provide the Dragons' chances. The Dragons are next in action Tuesday at Franklin. The Dragons dropped the JV game 9-0.