Rams girls, Knights boys start fast

Pennridge’s Gordon happy to be back, wins in 19:41

TOWAMENCIN » Pennridge’s Ashley Gordon came flying down the final stretch, savoring the final few strides on a particularly satisfying afternoon of racing.

“It’s great to just be competing again,” the Ram senior said with a smile after crossing the line first in the dual meet with rival North Penn. “It’s been like six months since we’ve been able to get on that line and just compete.

“Racing is a different animal, compared to time trials and stuff. So it felt really good to be running again. And I’m so proud of my team.”

Gordon led the Rams to a 23-32 victory over the Knights and the North Penn boys packed their way to a commanding 20-38 win over Pennridge in the Suburban One League Colonial Division opener.

“We came out here and people stepped up and showed what they’re gonna do this season,” said Gordon, headed for Notre Dame next year. “And I think we have a really good chance to do something.”

FRONT RUNNERS » Gordon was all by herself, winning in 19 minutes, 41 seconds. Jaime Diedel crossed second for the Knights, and then

Pennridge’s Nora Ritting and Maria Lera-Lozano pushed to third and fourth to help key the win.

Lera-Lozano and Kendall Posey (eighth) are freshmen runners for the Rams.

“What a great job they did,” Rams coach Bill Smith said. “They have been working hard, and when the lights went on, they were ready to go. And (Nora Ritting) is a sophomore who never ran before. So we had three in the top five where this was their first cross country race.

“And that’s why I knew we’d be better this year. Because our depth is different and our com