The Bradford Lady Owls improved their record to 8-1 with dual
meet wins over Clearfield and Otto-Eldred in high school cross
country action Tuesday.
Bradford topped Clearfield 17-46 and O-E 15-49.
The Lady Owls took seven of the top 10 spots, with Sarah Lonzi
leading the pack, running in 19:25 on the 5,000-meter course.
“Sarah’s times have been very consistent this year, no matter
what type of course she runs,” praised Bob Macfarlane, BHS coach.
“She looked comfortable throughout the race. I’ve been very pleased
with her progress thus far this season.”
Taking the second position with a time of 21:10 was Paige
Ambrose. Erica Pascarella took the third spot running in 21:53.
“This is Paige’s best time of the year,” noted Macfarlane.
“She’s getting herself in good shape to be a top runner within our
district. She stepped up big today for the team.
“Erica’s time was her second best of the season. She’s
determined to be running in the 21-minute range on a consistent
base. She is mentally getting stronger each time she runs a
race.”
Clearfield’s Moriah Griest took the fourth spot (21:55) and
Bradford’s captains Liz Keller and Sarah Trumbull took the fifth
and sixth position, finishing in 22:05 and 22:14, respectively. Sam
Cota-Robles placed seventh with a time of 22:25.
“Both of these girls had another great day,” said Macfarlane.
“They are both in a zone with their running. Their contributions of
leadership and mental toughness are important to our team.
“Sam is getting stronger with each meet. She’s running with a
lot of desire and determination and is beginning to understand the
team is counting on her to continue to improve and be a force in
the district.”
Other Lady Owls runners included Ellie Imhof who placed eighth
with a time of 22:42 and freshman Kara Holsinger took 11th in
23:18. Megan Foster was 12th (23:45), Kevryn Boser 16th (24:43),
Kara Piganelli 20th (26:16), Shannon Taylor 21st (26:23), Olivia
Goble 22nd (26:23) and Stef Austin 23rd (26:44).
“Our runners did a fantastic job today,” Macfarlane stated. “I’m
extremely proud of these young ladies and it is a pleasure to coach
them. Also, to pack as well as we did today, from our number two
runner to the seventh runner within a minute of each other is
showing how hard they’re working in practice.
“They are very focused on their goals for this season. As a
coach I can’t be any more pleased with their desire and
attitude.”
In middle school action, Fretz defeated Otto-Eldred 26-32
despite a first-place finish by O-E’s Crystal Bogenschutz
(11:14).
Leading the Lady Falcons were Megan Prosser in second (11:24),
Lisa Lau was fourth (11:45), Alexandra Szucpak came in fifth
(12:00), Taylor Burton seventh (12:52), Hillary Digel eighth
(13:20), Mahita Gajanan ninth (13:27) and Steffani Stauffer 11th
(15:35).
“All our middle school runners are working hard and having fun,”
Macfarlane offered. “They enjoy the competition and a challenging
season.”
The Lady Owls travel to State College for an invitational
Saturday.
