Last Updated: Wed Aug 23, 2023 - 2:54AM
The Derry Area girls track and field team had an exceptional season, making history not only within the program but also in Trojans athletics overall.
After achieving their second straight section title with an undefeated record in section play, the team entered the WPIAL Class AA team playoffs as underdogs against powerhouse South Park.
Derry Area defeated Waynesburg (105-45), Freedom (98-52) and tied South Park (75-75) but edged the Eagles on a nail-biting tiebreaker to clinch a spot in the WPIAL finals.
While falling short in the team championship, their achievement stood alone as they became the first Trojans girls team to contend for a WPIAL team title using the traditional playoff bracket system.
Individually, the team had six members qualify for WPIAL championship competition including Sophia Mazzoni, Jane Huss, Reigna Taylor, Sara Bungard, Ashley Baker, and Mara Lewis.
The individual highlight of the post-season was Mazzoni's historic performance.
The sophomore captured the WPIAL Class AA javelin championship at Slippery Rock with a throw of 140 feet, 5 inches. Mazzoni followed that up by finishing second in the state tournament at Shippensburg with a school record heave of 143, 6 inches.
With many underclassmen on their roster, the future looks even brighter for the Trojans.
In recognition of their accomplishments, the Derry Area girls' track and field team will be granted the Shining Stars recognition, entailing a $500 contribution to their booster organization courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.
ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs.