The Punxsy girls cross country team traveled Saturday for the first time to Grove City to compete at the 18th annual Grove City Invitational. This year’s invitational had 19 schools competing in the various races.
Vincentian Academy and Warren outran the team competition taking first and second respectively with total team points of 50 and 73. Strong teams of Altoona, Meadville, McDowell and Eden Christian Academy placed just ahead of Punxsy’s 284 point total. “I hope with racing against some stiffer competition it motivates these girls to continue to do the things necessary to compete at that level.”
Isabel Hackenberry placed a fantastic 23rd overall and finished in a seasonal best time of 21:40, earning herself her third medal of the year. “With each race she becomes more confident in her abilities and is really showing her capabilities of moving up in place as the race progresses. From the first mile to the finish Isabel was able to move up a total of 21 spots.”
Punxsy’s next three finishers came within 14 seconds of each other. “These girls worked together quite nicely, as they usually do. They have been racing super consistent and are really learning how to race to their best. Their group is normally a bit stronger with Madison Stonbraker, who too has been racing quite nicely lately. I am really hoping this group can continue to work together and within the next few weeks make the move together to close the gap between themselves and Hackenberry.”
Gabby Franklin was Punxsy’s second finisher, finishing in 63rd overall with a time of 23:55. “Gabby really looked quite good out there today. I think she is on the verge of making a big jump soon the way she finished this race. She really finished strong running her fastest split in the final mile.”
Right behind Franklin in 69th place overall with a time of 24:05 was Punxsy’s fourth runner, Hayley Dilts. “Hayley once again came through with a nice performance. Similar to Franklin, she ran her fastest split in the final mile.”
Senior Jenna Barnoff was the fourth Punxsy finisher placing 70th overall in a time of 24:09. “Jenna continues to race and train smart. She knows how important it is to be at your best by the end of the season.”
Punxsy’s next finisher was Jaci Mennetti finishing in 99th place overall with a time of 31:31. “Jaci lowered her seasonal best by another 43 seconds. She went out aggressive and continued to push the pace throughout her race. I feel that she definitely has the ability to shave off another 2 minutes to her time.”
Finishing in 100th place overall with a time of 32:53 was Sophia Lambiotte. “It was nice to see how consistent she was in comparison to her race on Tuesday.”
“The girls have been all running smart controlled races and are doing a good job at getting a feel for their paces. The closer we get to districts the more we need to look at the little things during their races that will help get us closer to competing with the other AA teams.”
Punxsy travels to Kane on Tuesday for a rematch in which Punxsy narrowly defeated Kane by two points.
Vincentian Academy and Warren outran the team competition taking first and second respectively with total team points of 50 and 73. Strong teams of Altoona, Meadville, McDowell and Eden Christian Academy placed just ahead of Punxsy’s 284 point total. “I hope with racing against some stiffer competition it motivates these girls to continue to do the things necessary to compete at that level.”
Isabel Hackenberry placed a fantastic 23rd overall and finished in a seasonal best time of 21:40, earning herself her third medal of the year. “With each race she becomes more confident in her abilities and is really showing her capabilities of moving up in place as the race progresses. From the first mile to the finish Isabel was able to move up a total of 21 spots.”
Punxsy’s next three finishers came within 14 seconds of each other. “These girls worked together quite nicely, as they usually do. They have been racing super consistent and are really learning how to race to their best. Their group is normally a bit stronger with Madison Stonbraker, who too has been racing quite nicely lately. I am really hoping this group can continue to work together and within the next few weeks make the move together to close the gap between themselves and Hackenberry.”
Gabby Franklin was Punxsy’s second finisher, finishing in 63rd overall with a time of 23:55. “Gabby really looked quite good out there today. I think she is on the verge of making a big jump soon the way she finished this race. She really finished strong running her fastest split in the final mile.”
Right behind Franklin in 69th place overall with a time of 24:05 was Punxsy’s fourth runner, Hayley Dilts. “Hayley once again came through with a nice performance. Similar to Franklin, she ran her fastest split in the final mile.”
Senior Jenna Barnoff was the fourth Punxsy finisher placing 70th overall in a time of 24:09. “Jenna continues to race and train smart. She knows how important it is to be at your best by the end of the season.”
Punxsy’s next finisher was Jaci Mennetti finishing in 99th place overall with a time of 31:31. “Jaci lowered her seasonal best by another 43 seconds. She went out aggressive and continued to push the pace throughout her race. I feel that she definitely has the ability to shave off another 2 minutes to her time.”
Finishing in 100th place overall with a time of 32:53 was Sophia Lambiotte. “It was nice to see how consistent she was in comparison to her race on Tuesday.”
“The girls have been all running smart controlled races and are doing a good job at getting a feel for their paces. The closer we get to districts the more we need to look at the little things during their races that will help get us closer to competing with the other AA teams.”
Punxsy travels to Kane on Tuesday for a rematch in which Punxsy narrowly defeated Kane by two points.