Team Breakdown: PIAA District 1 Girls


D1-AAA Girls - Team Breakdown

After an absolutely dominating District 1 Class AAA performance last season, Central Bucks West has us all wondering what it can do for an encore this fall. Last fall, West put four girls in the top 11 of the district and scored just 60 points to runaway with win. All but one varsity girl returns and West will be the favorites to win the district and one of the state's top teams entering the 2018 season.

Julia Flood and Piper Wilson led the way last season. Along with Emmi Simon, Katie Jenkinson, and Darby Roth, West looks primed for another big season on the trails.

But as always, District 1 is jam-packed with talent and plenty of teams will be going for the win. With an extra state qualifying spot now on the line (D1 usually gets 5 spots, but it was changed to 6 now), it will be as competitive as ever.

The highest placed District 1 team at states was Unionville, which saved its best race of the season for last, placing sixth in Hershey after taking fourth in District 1. U'Ville brings back six varsity girls from a year ago and will be led by Madison McGovern and Marcella Krautzel. Expect this team to compete for the top spot in D1 this fall.

Owen J. Roberts loses some senior firepower from last year's team but the '17 district runners-up will be in the thick of it again this fall. Hannah Kopec will look to lead OJR this season, and it will rely on its depth to mix it up with the top teams in D1 again this season. West Chester Henderson will be another team to watch. The Warriors earned the fifth states spot last year and bring back five varsity girls from that team this season. Courtney Alexander will lead the way for Henderson, which should make some noise this fall.

Central Bucks East, Conestoga, Downingtown WestCouncil Rock South, and West Chester East are among a long list of teams that will be in contention for states this season. Strath Haven missed states last season, but will add Grace Forbes, a talented track runner to the XC roster this fall. That lowstick could turn Haven into contenders for a state bid. 

An extra states spot in District 1 just means more competition. Expect some flying times this fall at Lehigh.