Local roundup: Bellefonte cross country runners have success at PIAA Foundation Invitational

The Bellefonte cross country team traveled to Big Spring High School in Newville to compete in the PIAA Foundation Cross Country Invitational, giving the Red Raiders a key preview of the new site for November's PIAA championships. Navigating both a deep field of statewide competition and shifting weather conditions, the Red Raiders turned in standout individual and team performances across the board.

The varsity boys put together a statement performance, earning seventh place overall in a solid field of 39 teams in the Blue (AA) division.

Leading the pack was Jonathan Gasper, who delivered a blistering 16:06 performance to secure third-place overall and earn a top-finisher medal. Behind Gasper, the pack held tight with strong under-18:00 runs from Maverick Muchmore and Bowen Williams to anchor the team score.

Carson Fritchman ran an 18:30, Ethan Karmelita ran an 18:51, Wes Barefoot ran a 19:52 and Grady Stringer ran a 20:15.

In the Blue (Clas AA) division, Bellefonte’s Alissa Kyte-Yech led the way for the Red Raiders, setting the pace with a team-leading time of 22:30. She was followed closely by Haddie Lutz and Emily Moretz, who both posted sub-23:30 times to round out a strong top three for the girls’ squad.

Emma Crater ran a 26:25, Molly Showers ran a 27:20, Megan Showers ran a 28:00 and Aalynn Cernuska ran a 28:06.

• Patricio Zapata scored the go-ahead goal in the 73rd minute as Lock Haven’s men’s soccer tream rallied for a 2-1 win against Seton Hill. The Eagles scored twice in six minutes during the second half to erase a 1-0 deficit. Austin Veach tied the game when he redirected a feed from Danny Ogan.

• The Lock Haven women's soccer team battled California (Pa.) to a scoreless draw in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division match at Hubert Jack Stadium. Neither team was able to find the back of the net as the Bald Eagles and Vulcans played 90 minutes without a goal.

Lock Haven goalkeeper Devon Mason made three saves to preserve the shutout, including a pair in the first half.

• The Lock Haven volleyball team soared to a 3-1 road victory over Shippensburg, winning 25-21, 26-24, 14-25, 25-21. With the victory, the Bald Eagles improved to 9-5 overall and 2-1 in the PSAC, while also snapping a 10-match losing streak against Shippensburg, dating back to 2021. Shippensburg falls to 9-6 on the season and 2-2 in conference play.

Payton Stanton paced the Bald Eagles’ offense with a match-high 17 kills on a .393 hitting percentage, committing just six errors on 28 attempts. Madelyn Mitchell and Gracelynn Wolzen added 10 kills apiece for Lock Haven.

• Senior Nicole Carroll led the Lock Haven women's cross country team today with a time of 22:44.8, placing 21st overall at the Lock Haven Invitational. Carroll shaved nine seconds from her personal best of 22:53.

Lock Haven placed 15th out of 22 teams at the meet, with Northwood taking the overall team title at the West Branch Cross Country Course.

A few spots behind Carroll was Kaydence Strange with a time of 22:49.8, placing 25th overall. Natalie Jolley (24:05.1, 84th), Addison Farrer (25:08.2, 131st) and River Burrows (25:24.9, 134th) rounded out the top-five for the Bald Eagles.