Photo by Patty Morgan
Team Preview
Vincentian Academy, led by Abdalah will look to add a team title in what they hope can be a double win day. The Foundation Invite White Race champions did so without their leader, so they should be even stronger than their 7 point September victory over Elk Lake would indicate. After Abdalah, Katherine Fedko and Marissa Canzian have proven to be valuable pieces. They ran away with the D7-A title and are the likely favorites for Saturday.
But the defending champions know a little something about knocking off favorites. Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (SJCA) didn't even win District 6 last year before upsetting perennial power Central Cambria in Hershey last year. Central Cambria is now in AA and SJCA will enter Saturday with its first-ever district title. Led by Sera Mazza and Julia Cusatis, can the Wolves find some more magic to repeat. Depth may be the question for this team.
Marion Center fell to SJCA by just a point in District 6. They have Taya Whitfield and Alyx Cornetto, a pair of strong runners with individual medal hopes. They, too, will look to find some depth to challenge for a win on Saturday.
Photo by Bill Shearn
Elk Lake won the District 2 sweepstakes. They beat out Holy Cross for the lone Class A state qualifying spot for states (the district formerly allotted two spots for both strong programs). Now the Foundation runners-up will look to be a factor once again in Hershey. They were sixth last year. Justine Johns and Keri Jones lead this squad.
Country Day of the Sacred Heart has some low stick potential with Emma Seifried and Kayleigh Doyle, but can they have a good enough day from their four and five runners to contend up front? Union City, Fairview, and Northern Potter are other teams that will have a shot at the podium.