Freedom and Bethlehem Catholic's girls cross country teams split in their meets against Pleasant Valley and Stroudsburg, while Liberty lost to both the Bears and the Mountaineers last week.

Freedom senior, Shaina Palmer, won the meet with a time of 19:05 in the Patriots 26-30 victory over Pleasant Valley, and in their 27-28 loss to Stroudsburg.

Palmer said, "I changed my strategy. I wanted to stay with the front and let them pace me."

Liberty's Raisa Kochmaruk, who won last week's meet when Palmer placed second, was the biggest threat.

"I saw an opportunity when she slowed down a little at the top of the last hill, so I took that opportunity to make some space. I wasn't sure if I was going to hold her off," said Palmer.

Kochmaruk came in second with a time of 19:10, although Liberty's girls lost to the Bears, 26-30, and the Mountaineers, 23-34.

Finishing in 3rd place was Bethlehem Catholic's Kassi Yocco in 19:43. Rowan Pepe placed 6th in 20:34, Lauren Bunke was 10th in 21:25, and Samantha Kaeser placed 17th in 22:21, all for the Hawks.

Kaeser said, "I was kind of in between two packs. Usually, I just gauge myself with the Liberty or Freedom girl in front of or behind me. The girl from Freedom was right in front of me, and I tried to push it, so no one would pass me. I felt like I was more mentally prepared today."

Becahi defeated Pleasant Valley, 25-30, and tied with Stroudsburg, 29-29.