Team Preview
Villa Maria has not only won the last two state championships in AA, but they've done so in dominating fashion. They won by 57 points in 2014 and 67 points in 2015. They'll be in the hunt for a third straight title, but it likely won't come as easy this time around.
Villa Maria lost four of seven from last year's team between graduation and the transfer of Hannah Ricci. Despite that, the rebuild has been strong led by Grace Brown and Carlee Constable. They cruised to the win at Foundation with Brown taking the overall win. A three-peat will be a difficult task with plenty of talented teams in the fray.
Photo by Abby Huber
Their biggest challenge will likely come from Central Cambria. The perennial powers moved from A to AA this season and they have a talented group. They were upset by SJCA last season for the A state crown, so they'll be hungry this year to take home another state title. They return all but one from last years team and have a tight front pack led by Paige Wess, Sydney Gilkey, and Carly Kaschalk.
Quaker Valley has looked very strong this season. They are a deep squad, led by Anna Pawloski, but will have a number of medal contenders. They won WPIALs by a remarkable 92 points and will look to ride that momentum into states.
Danville Area will be tough as well. The District 4 champs reloaded big time coming into this year after taking second to Villa Maria last season. They were second also at Foundation and will look to continue their strong season on Saturday. Villa Joseph Marie was struggling for most of this season, but put together a great effort at District 1 to win and they could be in the mi after taking third in 2015. Northern is a strong squad, led by freshman Marlee Starliper. They edged out York Suburban for the District 3 crown and both teams can contend.
In the sleeper category is Honesdale. They ran away with the team title in District 2 and have a team that may surprise the rest of the state.