Apr 17, 2002 By Jim Downey 4 min read

The coaches had pencils and pads out, furiously writing down and adding scores as they became available. The quick adders figured the Connellsville-Uniontown Section 2-AAA meet would come down to the final race of the day. That’s exactly what happened Tuesday afternoon when the 1,600 relay team of Lauren McCormick, Shanielle Nobles, Marissa Leos and Christine Salandra made Connellsville’s ride home a little more joyous with an exhilarating 75-70 Section 2-AAA victory at Uniontown.

The Connellsville coaching staff now hopes the momentum built from the close dual meet will carry on to Thursday when the Lady Falcons host Laurel Highlands with first place on the line.

Salandra capped an 18-point day with her final lap of the day around the track. The junior hurdler won 10 of the points by winning both hurdles. Salandra finished the 100 high hurdles in 16.1 seconds and the 300 intermediate hurdles in 49.6. She finished second to Michelle DeShields in the long jump.

“It was hard to focus today,” Salandra said of the looming Laurel Highlands meet. “I just go out to do my personal best. I do like running today because it gets me ready for Thursday. It gets my adrenal pumping.”

Salandra’s focus is not necessary on the animate objects (the runners) on the track as much as it is the inanimate objects (the hurdles).

“I see those 10 hurdles, and run as fast as I can. I’m a little behind in the long jump, but I hit 16-feet and that’s a big goal. As the season progresses, I will get better.”

Uniontown got off to a quick start by winning the 3,200 relay with the team of Scarlett Graham, Sara Kovach, Christy Cesarino and Jill Monahan in a time of 8:51. After Salandra’s victory in the 100 high hurdles, Uniontown quickly began to dominate the track events.

DeShields took part in two of those victories, outsprinting the field in the 100 in 12.9 seconds and anchoring the trio of Teya Minor, Shequita Thomas and Jocelyn Chandler in the 400 relay.

The senior is also strong in the jumps, winning not only the long jump but also topping 5-7 in the high jump, an event she qualified for the state meet two years ago. DeShields had her hand in 20 of the Lady Red Raiders’ 70 points.

“I wanted a better time in the 100. I want the school record (of 12.5 seconds),” the soft-spoken senior said. “I good in the high jump for as much as I’ve been practicing it. If I focused on one event I’d probably do good (in that one event), but I just don’t want to focus on one event.”

Graham is back to her form as a freshman of two years ago, winning the 1,600 (5:48.5) and 3,200 (13:39). Teya Minor (200) and Jill Monahan (800) were also victorious on the track.

McCormick broke the first-place stranglehold with a win in the 400.

The huge difference in Connellsville’s favor was in the throwing events. The Lady Falcons grabbed 26 of 27 points in the shot put, discus and javelin. Christina Roadman set the pace for Connellsville by sweeping all three first places.

Connellsville coach Jeff Galand wiped the sweat from his brow from the unusually hot day, then philosophically looked towards Thursday’s showdown with the Fillies.

“I’m looking at Thursday, win or lose our season will progress into the playoffs. These kids are ready for Laurel Highlands. They’re ready to go.”

Uniontown girls coach Ed Yauger was understandably disappointed with the finish, but not in the effort of his team.

“The meet went the way we thought it would. The Connellsville girls were above exceptional in the throws,” said Yauger, whose Lady Red Raiders travel to Elizabeth-Forward on Thursday. “We were short a hurdler, but I can’t think of any changes we could have made.

“They showed a lot of heart. We gave (Connellsville) a scary meet. Complements go to our girls.”