Girls Preview - PIAA District 10 Championships
Class A
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 2
Grace Mason of Wilimington was third place in D10-A last season in just her freshman year behind a pair of Fiarview girls. With Fairview, moving to AA, the door was left open for a new champ in the district. Mason will look to seize the opportunity. She's run well this season, including a solid 19:27 on the Buhl Park course.
Other contenders include Kennedy Catholic's Dannah Javens, Lakeview's Claire Oliver, North East's Madison Hartner, and Union City's Abby Anaya.
The battle for the girls team title will likely come down to Union City Area and Lakeview. Lakeview ran to its region title last week, while Union City was second to AA's Fairview. Union City finished ahead of Lakeview at September's Sharpsville Blue Devil Invite on the same Buhl Park course they'll see Saturday.
Wilmington is a strong team that could compete with these squads for the two states spots. They were second to Lakeview at their region meet.
Class AA
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 2
Sharon's Gianna Labbiento had a terrific freshman season, but her sophomore campaign has been even better, dropping fast times at every meet she's raced at, amassing five wins this fall. Win No. 6 is likely coming Saturday as Labbiento will be the heavy favorite in D10-AA before she looks for another high states finish.
But D10-AA is loaded with talent. Meaera Shannon of Conneaut Area is one of this season's best breakthrough performers. The sophomore has run well all season, including an impressive win at Rocky Grove. General McLane's Anna Alberti, Warren Area's Naomi Hahn, and Fairview's Maddison Hayes have all picked up notable wins over the past few weeks. This will be a great duel between some of the top AA runners in the state.
The team battle will also be very fierce. Reigning champions Villa Maria Academy are strong per usual, but the VM will see a big challenge from reigning 1A state champions Fairview, who moved to AA this season, and have been hitting their stride lately.
But there are only two spots for states in D10-AA, and many other contenders. General McLane, second in D10-AA last season, will be in the mix. Oil City, Meadville Area, and Warren Area are all capable of making a push for the top two on Saturday.