Fillies cruise to track victory over Albert Gallatin
The Fillies had too much depth for visiting Albert Gallatin Tuesday as Laurel Highlands cruised to a 118-28 Section 2-AAA home victory. Albert Gallatin was also handicapped by the annual senior trip, further depleting a small roster.
With another section meet against Yough on Thursday, and the annual Hempfield Invitational on Saturday, Laurel Highlands coach Ron Morris rested some of his regulars while giving underclassmen a chance to perform.
“We knew Albert Gallatin had kids missing because of a trip. We thought they’d be more competitive,” said Morris. “We changed our approach. We held most kids to two events and put the younger kids in three events.
“It’s an extremely busy week. We don’t want to stretch our luck with the kids.”
The Fillies had a lot of quality in that quantity, led by a pair of victories by Breehana Jacobs. The senior won the 100 in 12.2 seconds and the 400 in 1:00.0 on a cold day better suited for distance runners than sprinters.
“Aleesha Washington tied a personal best in the 100 and won the 200 in 26.1 seconds. That’s under the PIAA qualifying standard,” said Morris. “Casey Conn won two events, and tied the school record of 10 feet in the pole vault.
“Jessica Zavatchen cleared 5 feet in the high jump and Demi Phillipy won the javelin (with a throw of 118-7). Cassie Wallace ran well. She won the 3,200 in 12:30 and the 1,600 in 5:54. I was impressed with the individual marks today.”
Heather Andaloro won the discus for the Fillies with a throw of 88-5. Melanie Medvitz (triple jump, 31-61/2), Malleri Hardison (300 intermediate hurdles, 56.7), Hanna Yauger (800, 2:40), and Carrie Villegas (shot put, 29-1/2) also finished first. The Fillies also swept the relays.
Jordan Reagan had the lone first-place finish for the Lady Colonials, winning the long jump with a top effort of 14-81/2. She also had two second-place finishes, placing in the 200 (27.5) and 400 (1:04.8).
According to Albert Gallatin coach Joe Thomas, his Lady Colonials are still in the process of getting meet ready.
“Quite a few found out they’re not in shape,” said Thomas. “We’re still looking for places, finding out who is going to be in the relays.
“We want to do well in the county meet. It’s the showpiece.”