Team Breakdown: PIAA District 2 Girls

Photo by Abby Huber

D2-A Girls - Team Breakdown

We talked last season about what a shame it is that the PIAA gives just one state qualifying spot to the perennial Class A powers in District 2. We looked at past results and found that Elk Lake and Holy Cross have been a mainstay near the top of the Class A state results since the classification was brought in in 2012.

This has put intense meaning on the state meet. Not only is a district title on the line, but also the only chance to make states as a team. Last year, Elk Lake beat Holy Cross 24-35 for the District 2 Class A crown. Elk Lake went on to take second at states, losing only on a dramatic tiebreaker to the state champs from Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy.

But consider that Holy Cross was without top runner and one of the favorites for the individual district win, Lexi Walsh, who suffered an injury. With Walsh in the lineup, Holy Cross may have taken the district title and thus taken the lone state qualifying team spot. Elk Lake, which nearly won the state title, may have never got that opportunity to compete as a team at states with just one spot allotted to D2-A.

Unfortunate circumstances aside, we should expect another good fight between these two squads for a berth in the state meet.

Holy Cross loses a pair of strong runners in Abby Corrigan and Abby Guziewicz, but will see the return of a healthy Lexi Walsh. Other returners Claire O'Connor, Abby Sempa, and Molly Repecki will be crucial if Holy Cross want to get back to the top of the district.

Elk Lake loses four of seven from last year's team and will need to retool a bit if it wants to get back to Hershey. Justine Johns and Keri Jones have graduated, and sophomore Sadie Bosscher and junior Shayanne Bennett will be called upon as the new team leaders. Elk Lake will need to add some depth as well.

Another close race is coming. Who will get the golden ticket to Hershey?