In a historic upset at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds, the Old Forge Lady Devils claimed their first-ever District 2 Cross Country Championship, securing a program-defining trip to the PIAA State Championships. Head coach Dave Marsico, clutching a handful of Hershey bars in a nod to the region’s chocolate heritage, expressed disbelief at the team’s resilience. Despite Holy Redeemer’s Gianna Altavilla and Leah Smith finishing first and second individually, Old Forge’s depth proved decisive, edging the Lady Royals in the team standings with a score of 65-69.
Lady Devils edge Holy Redeemer in dramatic finish to secure historic state berth
The race was defined by the emergence of new talent, particularly sophomore Gianna Altavilla, who ran her first-ever cross country meet to a stunning 20:26.9. Her performance anchored Holy Redeemer’s individual dominance, yet it was insufficient to overcome Old Forge’s collective effort. The Lady Devils demonstrated superior cohesion, with their top five finishers closing the gap in the final stages to secure the district crown. This victory marks a pivotal moment for the program, which only resumed operations 12 years ago, signaling a rapid ascent in competitive standing.
Marsico highlighted the team’s rigorous summer conditioning and spring preparation as the catalyst for this breakthrough performance. “The girls have definitely worked hard… They definitely worked together as a team,” Marsico noted, emphasizing that the result exceeded his expectations. The win not only cements Old Forge’s status as a rising power in District 2 but also sets the stage for a high-profile state appearance next week, where the Lady Devils will aim to translate their district momentum into a deeper run at the PIAA Championships.
Source: Yahoo Sports
