Abington Heights Secures Girls AAA Title at PIAA District 2 XC Championships
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | October 23, 2024 | Photo courtesy Kevin Borrelli
Abington Heights Secures Girls AAA Title at PIAA District 2 XC Championships
The 2024 PIAA District 2 Cross Country Championships in Meshoppen, PA, were an exciting showcase of talent on October 23, 2024, at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds. The Girls AAA race was dominated by Abington Heights, who clinched the team title with a score of 32, besting strong competition from Crestwood and Hazleton Area.
Abington Heights demonstrated their strength with five of their runners finishing in the top 12, highlighted by standout performances from Anna Pucilowski (1st, 18:49.5) and Marley Gilboy (5th, 19:54.5). Their depth proved critical, with Reese Morgan (6th), Calli Gilboy (8th), and Morgan Kresge (12th) rounding out the scoring order.
Crestwood, finishing second with 41 points, was led by Kaelyn Barker, who placed 4th with a time of 19:23.1. Teammates Ella Novelli (7th) and Mollie Kozich (14th) also contributed key performances for the team. Despite their strong showing, Crestwood was unable to match Abington Heights’ consistent top placements.
Hazleton Area finished third with 77 points, led by Katie Kozich, who crossed the line in 3rd place with a time of 19:20.3. Ava Hinkle (10th) and Kiera Crowell (19th) also contributed to Hazleton’s effort, though they were unable to break into the top two positions.
Pittston Area and Delaware Valley rounded out the top five teams, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively, with scores of 106 and 128.
Girls AAA Top 5 Team Scores:
1. Abington Heights - 32 points
2. Crestwood - 41 points
3. Hazleton Area - 77 points
4. Pittston Area - 106 points
5. Delaware Valley - 128 points
Individual Top 5 Finishers:
1. Anna Pucilowski (Abington Heights) - 18:49.5
2. Milana Daiute (Abington Heights) - 19:20.0
3. Katie Kozich (Hazleton Area) - 19:23.1
4. Kaelyn Barker (Crestwood) - 19:38.6
5. Marley Gilboy (Abington Heights) - 19:54.5
The Abington Heights girls showed impressive form, setting themselves up as a strong contender for the state championship. All eyes will be on them as they aim to carry their momentum into states.
