D1-A Girls - Team & Individuals Breakdown
- Preseason Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 1
- State Qualifying Spots For Individuals: 5
- 2020 Individual Champion: Emily Greenup (New Hope-Solebury) - 22:15
- 2020 Team Champions: Dock Mennonite Academy - 42 points
Individuals Breakdown
We could be looking at the close battle for the top spot in District 1 Class A this season. A number of girls will have a shot at the title.
New Hope-Solebury's Nina Meixler was third at the district meet during her freshmen year last year, making her the top returner based on district finish. But she will be challenged by Jenkintown's Olivia Spoerl and Delaware County Christian's Ellen Hines. Meixler was 84th at the state meet. Meanwhile. Spoerl was 36th at states after medaling in 2019 (she was 19th).
Hines holds the fastest returning 5K time -- a 20:42 from Rose Tree -- but she did not race in the postseason. With each of these girls back, the race for the D1-A title could come down to who brings their best on the right day. Dock Mennonite's Celeste Derstine and Delco Christian's Bethany Jacox and Elizabeth Lee are among the other top ten returners for this season to keep an eye on.
Team Preview
Like the individual race, it'll be a close one for the team title this year with just one team spot on the line for the state meet like usual. Dock Mennonite Academy, last year's district champions that placed seventh at the state meet, return three varsity girls. To get back to the top of D1-A this year, Dock will need to do some retooling.
So what team could seize the opportunity? Delaware County Christian School may be the team to beat. Third in the district last year, Delco Christian brings back its full varsity squad this season. Hines missed the district meet last year, and if she returns this fall, she could be the individual favorite adding another lowstick to an already deep team.
Last year's district runners-up New Hope-Solebury will look to add some depth to challenge for a high finish. Jenkintown and Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr will also be in the mix for top three team finishes this season, as well.