HERSHEY – Bradford High junior Sarah Lonzi placed 12th to lead
the Lady Owls at the PIAA Class AAA cross country championships
Saturday.

Lonzi ran the 3.1-mile course in 18:48 (career best) and earned
a medal as the Lady Owls placed 19th overall. Radnor of District 1
won the team title.

The last medalist in cross country was Megan Mitchell (19th) in
1989.

“For Sarah to place 12th is a true credit to her intestinal
fortitude,” BAHS coach Bob Macfarlane said. “Sarah ran a very
tactical race. She posted her best first mile time to get herself
in the lead group of runners. She knew that was the first key in
the race.

“The middle part was to her liking due to the hills involved.
She was able to stay with the lead pack by the end of the second
mile, thus giving herself a great chance to medal.

“The last part of the race she was able to come back with
another sub six-minute mile to garner a 12th place finish to earn a
medal as one of the top runners in the state of Pennsylvania.

“Sarah has had a fantastic season. She has worked exceptionally
hard, not only during the season, but year round. After just
missing a medal last year she was determined the entire season to
get on the medal stand this season.

“Her work ethic and determination are second to none. We are
very proud and happy for Sarah with all her accomplishments this
year.”

Placing 178th (20:50) was junior Renee Cavallaro.

“Renee also posted a career best,” the coach noted. “She has now
run in three state meets and improved each year. She has been one
of our most consistent runners this year. She proved Saturday she
can compete well at the state meet.”

Liz Keller, a senior, placed 196th in a time of 21:03, a career
best .

“Liz ran with pride,” Macfarlane added. “She always put her
heart and soul into races and ran with guts.”

Taking the 202nd spot (21:05) was junior Paige Ambrose. Taking
the 221st spot (21:31) was freshman Marissa Buchheit to round out
the top five scoring positions for Bradford.

Bradford runner Erica Pascarella placed 225th in a time of
21:36.

“This was Erica’s best time posted in a state meet two years in
a row,” Macfarlane said.

Megan Prosser placed 283rd (24:42).

“Our season was a memorable one with our girls accomplishing
their goals of being district champions and having an undefeated
season,” Macfarlane said.

“Coach Mark Kelley, coach Larry Stillman and myself would like
to thank our parents and booster club for all their help and
support throughout the season.”