Stroudsburg’s girls’ cross country team proved to be the only downfall for Bethlehem Catholic, Freedom, and Liberty last week, defeating all three teams, 24-34, 15-46, and 22-34, respectively.

Each of the Bethlehem schools did gain two victories, however. Becahi defeated East Stroudsburg North 16-47 and East Stroudsburg South 17-40. Freedom defeated East Stroudsburg North 17-46 and East Stroudsburg South20-43. Liberty defeated East Stroudsburg North 15-48 and East Stroudsburg South 16-43.

Raisa Kochmaruk placed first overall for the Hurricanes, Delaney Davis placed eighth, Grace Haas was 11th, and Alicia Valladares placed 14th.

“I broke away pretty much at the beginning, but you have to listen to footsteps and the people cheering. You’re basically using your other senses. “I’m always trying to p.r., and I got it last year on this course,” said Kochmaruk. “We have some new people [on the girls’ team], and they’re really starting to get into it, especially Greta [Stuckey]. She’s really finding her ability.

Stuckey, a freshman, placed in the top 20.

Kassi Yocco, Rowan Pepe, and Lauren Bunke placed third, fifth, and seventh for the Hawks, respectively.

“I was watching the girl in second place, and I was running with the girl in fourth,” Yocco said. “Our girls look really good. We’re pushing ourselves. We have some good freshmen too who are improving every race.”

Ally Young finished first for Freedom and 14th overall. This is Young’s first year running cross country. She is a junior.

“I started running a consistent amount, and then I did workouts with the team, and I pushed myself to keep up with the other girls,” said Young. “The hill in the middle part really surprised me, but I like to be surprised because I don’t want to have to dread it. I was just running my pace and trying to catch the other girls.”