Fillies’ Burns, Pierce, Lady Raiders’ Friend headed to states
WHITEHALL — Laurel Highlands freshman, Shelby Burns, is ahead of the pack, placing third in the high jump on Thursday at Baldwin in the WPIAL Individual Track & Field Championships.
Burns cleared a height of 5-3, and qualified for the state meet to be held at Shippensburg University Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26.
“I’m just happy that I made it to states,” Burns said after receiving her medal, “My goal there is obviously to place, but I mainly want to PR (5-5).”
Fillies teammate Maria Pierce will also be traveling to the state meet, competing in the javelin. Pierce placed third at championships with a throw of 136-4.
“This was my third year making it to finals, but it’s my first year going to states and I’m really, really psyched,” Pierce said.
Uniontown’s Julie Friend will be representing the Lady Raiders in Shippensburg in both the 1,600 and the 3,200. Friend placed fourth in the 3,200 (11:31.11) and fifth in the 1,600 (5:02.95).
“I’m more excited than I show,” Friend said after the 1,600. “I’ve never been to states for track.”
Belle Vernon’s Jessica Slagus placed seventh in the javelin with a throw of 120-7.