Girls Blue Race (2A) Preview - PIAA Foundation Invitational
- Virtual Meet
- Race Time: 9:45 A.M.
Two-time XC state champion Marlee Starliper of Northern is back on the course where she earned those two titles. Now a senior, she will lead her strong squad back to Hershey for Foundation. In her last race, Starliper went 16:30, the fastest time in state history, at Lebanon Valley College. She likely won't hit a time like that on the hills of Hershey, but she'll likely have her sights set on the course record -- 17:41 by Aislinn Devlin, which has stood since the course layout's inaugural year in 2016.
There's no shortage of talent after Starliper. North Schuylkill's Cori McCormick started well at PTXC 11 a few weeks ago. She was seventh at states last season, but looks to be in even better shape this season. The junior will go after a strong performance again at Hershey. Sharon's Gianna Labbiento, who is working her way back from a stress fracture, but still can't be counted out. She's gaining strength with every race and could once again be a factor after taking third at states last year.
Villa Maria freshman Sarah Clark earned a strong second place at the Knox-C Invite in NY last week. Now she'll have her first crack at Hershey. Her, along with the Northern duo of Katie Anthony and Allie Engle, and North Schuylkill's Ryley Schwalm will be ones to watch here.
Belle Vernon's Grace Henderson, Lake Lehman's Abby Paczewski, Shikellamy's Alyssa Keeley, and Holy Redeemer's Cameron Marcinkowski are part of a large amount of AA girls who have had impressive breakthroughs so far this season.
The team to beat in the day's second race with be Northern (PA No 5/PA-AA No. 1). Everyone knows Starliper, but it's time to get familiar with the rest of the squad. Anthony, Engle, and Madison Saltsburg all went sub-20 on the quick LVC course. This team is deep.
South Fayette, the PA-AA No. 2 squad, looks like it will be at full-strength Saturday. Look for SF to make some noise and try to make a run at the favorites from Northern. Holy Redeemer has been strong this season. This could be the week it slips into the top 5 for AA teams. Perennial power Villa Maria Academy will be a team to watch for with its freshman Clark now leading the way.
Northwestern Lehigh, Nazareth Academy, Pope John Paul II, York Suburban, and Lewisburg Area will be among the other teams to keep an eye on in this race.