Sweet Matchups Await The PIAA Foundation Invitational In Chocolate World


PIAA Foundation Invitational - Girls' Blue Race (2A) Preview

The discussion around 2A individuals in PA this season usually revolves around Northern's Marlee Starliper and Greencastle-Antrim's Taryn Parks. Neither are entered for Saturday in Hershey, leaving the field fairly wide open in what should be an interesting and telling Saturday on the state course.

Let's start with the team battle, which will be hotly contested between the states two top-ranked 2A squads in PA---Danville Area and Villa Maria. The girls from Villa Maria have won three straight state titles, but Danville brings in a motivated group that we are yet to see in an invite this season.

Villa Maria ran exceptionally against AAA competition at the Red, White & Blue Classic two weeks ago, finishing fifth out of the 30 (mostly AAA) teams. Seniors Lexi Seifert (12th) and Grace Brown (16th) led the way for VMA. Along with junior Leah Prischak, these girls have the makings of another great squad. Danville will be led by Elaina Klinger and Marisa Maffei, both of whom are returning state medalists. Those individuals should battle for top ten finishes this weekend.

Those two are the favorites for the win, while Allentown Central Catholic, Villa Joseph Marie, and Northwestern Lehigh will all be gunning for high team places as well.


Individually, we'll get a great race, too. Eastern York's Maddie McLain opened her season with a strong 18:53 at Ben Bloser last weekend. The senior figures to be up near the front on Saturday as she previews the state course. She was sixth at states last year in 2A. Allentown Central Catholic's Emily Deschler is another returning state medalist. She was fifth at states and has a PR of 19:18 from Hershey.

But one to watch is the undefeated Gianna Labbiento of Sharon. The freshman has started her season three-for-three in meets grabbing wins at Hickory, West Middlesex, and Commodore Perry. Now she'll face her best competition yet in the Blue Race.

Others in the field to watch for include Somerset's Rosie Chan, Holy Redeemer's Lindsay Williams, and Hickory's Dannah Javens, along with the aforementioned girls from Villa Maria and Danville. It should be an interesting glimpse into how the top ten will be sorted out by state meet time.

Watch highlights from last year's race: