Bethlehem Catholic cross country runner Kassi Yocco worked out the kinks on the hills at the Bethlehem Municipal Field to place eighth in the District 11 Class AA Cross Country Championships last Wednesday.

"I had more preparation for the hills, and I knew where to start pumping extra hard," Yocco said.

The Becahi sophomore finished the race in 20:38.

"I like running in the rain. What motivated me was that I could get to Hershey. I was trying to pace myself off some Northwestern girls and some Wilson girls. I passed three girls right at the end," said Yocco.

Teammate, Rowan Pepe, placed 18th in 21:00.

"I'm really excited. I tried to get out as fast as I could and work harder up the hills. I knew I had to dig in," Pepe said.

Saucon Valley senior, Elizabeth Chikotas, won the Class AA race in 18:26, setting a course record.

Moravian Academy senior, Emily Smith, placed 11th in 20:43.

Yocco will join Chikotas, Smith, and 14 others at the PIAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 2 in Hershey.