Apr 27, 2006 By Jim Downey 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The sun was shining brightly and a pleasant breeze swept the field Wednesday, in stark contrast to Tuesday’s miserable weather, making the Section 2-AAA season finale between Albert Gallatin and Connellsville a nice day to close the regular season. The Lady Falcons also had a nice close to the regular season, winning for the first time with a 109-37 decision over the Lady Colonials.

Albert Gallatin didn’t have its normal complement of athletes due to other extracurricular activities at the school, but the Lady Colonials’ Joe Thomas was pleased with the effort of those present.

“We were trying to get a feel where they will do the job in the county meet,” said Thomas, alluding to Saturday’s FCCA Track & Field Championships at Laurel Highlands. “I wanted to find out what we have. I just want them to go and do their best.”

Albert Gallatin (1-5, 1-7) mustered three first-place finishes out of the 18 events. Leah Epps took first in the high jump with a jump of 4 feet, eight inches and Gabby Calloway sped down the track to win the 100 in 13.8 seconds.

The 1,600 relay team also came away in first place with a winning time of 4:36.5.

The wealth was shared around the Lady Falcons with 10 different girls finishing first and five others sharing top finishes in the 3,200 and 400 relays.

Mary Beth Giles had a busy day, winning the 1,600 (6:01) and 3,200 (13:39) plus she ran a leg on the victorious 3,200 relay. Relay mate Gabby Carbonara won the 800 (2:36.10).

Five different Lady Falcons won field events, including Lesli Odroneic (shot put), Heather Zelinsky (javelin), Kayla Barkley (discus), Amanda Villaneuva (long jump), Shauna Staranko (triple jump) and Alex Bigham (pole vault).

Heather King won both hurdles while Misty Herbert held off the field populated by her teammates to win the 400. Julie Burns and Leah Williams filled the other two legs of the 3,200 while Britany Simpson, Courtney McClain, Bigham and Kati Naugle won the 400 relay.

“I’m happy for the girls. The girls took a step in the right direction,” said Connellsville coach Jeff Galand. “I saw our kids talking about a PR in this, a PR in that. You just go do what you can do.

“All of our kids contributed today. Hopefully, down the road it will pay off.”