The Bradford Lady Owls completed a 9-1 dual meet season with a
19-44 Senior Recognition Day win over Brookville on Tuesday.
The Lady Owls honored co-captain Sarah Trumbull.
Placing first with a time of 19:22 was Lady Owls’ Sarah
Lonzi.
“Sarah is having a wonderful season,” Bradford coach Bob
Macfarlane said. “Her times have been very consistent no matter
what type of course she runs. She’s now focusing on the district
meet and wants to have her best time of the year to repeat as
district champion.”
Brookville’s Jessica Swonger and Katie Turnbull placed second
(20:28) and third (20:53), respectively. Bradford runners then
packed well to take the next seven spots to seal the victory.
Bradford had eight of the top 10 runners in the meet. Placing in
the fourth and fifth positions were Paige Ambrose (21:48) and Renee
Cavallaro (21:54).
“Both these girls have been working very hard this season to be
one of the best runners in the district,” the coach said. “Their
mental aspect of the meet has improved greatly this season. The
team looks up to these girls and their willingness to run hard for
the team to be good.”
Placing sixth and earning Fuhrman Chiropractic Runner of the
Week was Sam Cota-Robles (22:04).
“This was Sam’s best time of the year,” Macfarlane pointed out.
“She is continuing to improve as the season progresses. She has
been a very pleasant surprise. Her attitude has been much more
focused this year and her times are proving it.”
Taking the seventh and eighth spots were Liz Keller (22:55) and
Trumbull (23:09).
“Sarah (Trumbull) has been a good leader for us this year,” the
coach noted. “She pushed every girl to get better and was
encouraging them to run their personal best. She also showed the
girls that hard work will pay off. After having knee surgery her
junior year, she came back this year with a goal to be in the top
seven of our runners. Her work ethic has paid off.”
Having another good race was the improving Kara Holsinger
(ninth, 23:59).
“I’ve been very impressed with Kara,” the coach admitted. “More
confidence and next year she’ll make a mark in the district.”
In 10th at 24:25 was Megan Foster. Placing 13th with her best
time of the season was Olivia Goble (25:13).
Kevryn Boser was 14th (25:27). Also having a personal best was
Kara Piganelli (15th, 25:56). Shannon Taylor ran the race in 26:06
and Steph Austin placed 17th (26:09).
“I’m very proud of all these young women and the dedication they
show each and every day to this sport,” Macfarlane emphasized.
“This team has worked very hard this season.”
Bradford takes part in an invitational Thursday at Slippery
Rock.
“We must stay focused and continue to work hard so we can be at
our best to win districts (Oct. 29 at Ridgway),” the coach added.
“Teams are very close in the district and all of them have good
runners. We have to be at our best to repeat.”
Fretz (3-3) closed its season with a 20-38 victory over
Brookville.
“This group of young runners really came on strong by the end of
the season,” the coach said. “They really got into it. They were a
great group of young ladies and three of them will be moving up to
varsity level next year.”
Leading the pack for Fretz was Megan Prosser with a first-place
time of 11:34. Second was (11:38) Alexandra Szczupak, fourth
(12:45) Taylor Burton, sixth (13:32) Hillary Digel, seventh (13:34)
Mihita Gajanan, ninth Steffi Stauffer (14:45) and 11th Amanda
Benner (15:56).
“This group of girls will be a great asset to the future of
Bradford cross country,” the coach concluded.
