Jolena Quarzo started off her outdoor season with a PR in the 3,200 meters.
The Brownsville Area junior went down to NC State for the adidas Raleigh Relays this weekend and placed third against a loaded field of top distance runners from all around the country.. Quarzo went 10:27.97 -- about a three second improvement on her previous outdoor best in the event. It's also a tick under her indoor best for 3,200 meters.
Quarzo stayed with the lead pack for much of the race, even leading at times, before a top three of Quarzo, Kentucky's Ciara O'Shea, and Illinois' Scout Storms broke free. O'Shea eventually took command of the race and picked up the win in 10:25.05. Storms was second in 10:27.31 followed by Quarzo.
It's a big start to what should be a big spring for Quarzo. She went 10:30.93 last outdoor season to win the PIAA Class AA state title. That was five seconds off her sister, Gionna Quarzo's PIAA meet record of 10:25.91. Gionna is currently competing for NC State.
That record is certainly in sight for younger sister Jojo, but after a start to her season like this, she could have her sights set on much more.
Girls 3200m Run Pl Athlete Team Time 1 Ciara O'SHEA Madison Central 10:25.05 2 Scout STORMS Barrington 10:27.31 3 Jolena QUARZO Brownsville Area 10:27.97 4 Hannah Rae SHAFFER Cardinal Gibbons 10:32.33 5 Charlotte BELL Cuthbertson 10:35.76 6 Stella KERMES Cuthbertson 10:39.82 7 Ava GORDON Loudon Valley 10:47.01 8 Justine PREISANO Cuthbertson 10:49.88 9 Sarah MITCHELL Apex 10:56.54 10 Lillian NASTA Cuthbertson 10:57.87 11 Olivia BUFALINI Laney 10:59.62 12 Tiffany HERRERA Saint Mark's 11:04.47 13 Alyssa PREISANO Cuthbertson 11:05.82 14 Molly PARKER Hoggard 11:08.35 15 Carly ARRINGTON Providence Day 11:09.11 16 Joiner EVANS Mt Tabor 11:10.77 17 Natalie DONALDSON Saint Mark's 11:22.27 18 Stephanie HERRERA Saint Mark's 11:26.68