Photo by Abby Huber
PIAA Class AA
Individuals - Parks Vs. Starliper Once Again
It's impossible to not be excited for what's to come in girls' AA in the fall.
After we watched Greencastle-Antrim's Taryn Parks and Northern York's Marlee Starliper race to the line at Hershey last year and followed that up with countless battles in the winter and expecially the spring, you couldn't help but think about the future. Both fantastic freshmen are heading into their sophomore seasons and it could be even more excited. We could see yet another dual up Poop-Out Hill.
Two other District 3 talents, Rebecca Snyder (third at states) of Oley Valley and Maddie McLain (sixth at states) of Eastern York will add even more excitement to this battle. Allentown Central Catholic's Emily Deschler is another returner from the top ten from states last year.
Two other rising sophomores, Gionna Quarzo of Brownsville Area and Naomi Hahn of Warren Area will also look to mix it up.
Teams - Plenty Looking To Spoil Villa Maria's 4-Peat Bid
Villa Maria has won three straight Class AA state titles and they'll look to make it number four this fall. It won't be easy, though as they lose three of seven from its 2016 state title squad. But they've proven that they can rebuild with the best of them and they can't be counted out.
Danville Area was third in 2016 and brings back six of seven, including its entire top six. They could be the favorites for this fall. But Northern York, led course, by individual crown threat Starliper, returns its whole top seven and should battle for the crown.
Quaker Valley, Central Cambria, Scranton Prep, Honesdale, Allentown Central Catholic, and Villa Joseph Marie make up a deep group of teams with title aspirations.