NORTH HUNTERDON
The Lions may very well challenge Hunterdon Central for the most balanced lineup in terms of top scorers. Seniors Carla Faust and Emma Mikitiuk, juniors Ellie DiMarcello and Gabrielle Beneducci and sophomore Fiona Letko return from all-county seasons.
North is dangerous when it comes to distance. DiMarcello, second in the outdoor Meet of Champions 1,600, returns as the state’s second-fastest miler with a 4:51.44 from the Group 4 meet, behind only Mainland’s Alyssa Aldridge (4:51.43). She also is No. 5 in the state in the 3,200 (10:49.26) and No. 6 in the 800 (a county-best 2:12.25).
Sophomore Chloe Gonzalez, the Hunterdon County Democrat cross-country Runner of the Year last fall, is one of the state’s top underclassmen in the mile (5:08.81), while junior Emily Nugent owns a top 3,200 time of 11:03.79.
Mikitiuk is not only one of the county’s top 100 hurdlers (15.37), she provides all-around points for coach Sean Walsh with scoring potential in the long jump (17-3 ¼) and triple jump (36-8). Sophomore Jill Paciga is another 100 hurdles threat (15.18).
Beneducci is the county’s top bet in the 400 intermediate hurdles (1:04.83) and No. 2 in the conference. Letko adds depth to the throws, as she logged a 115-5 in the javelin last season.
Source: Lion Athletic News Hunterdon County girls track preview 2018: Team capsules, dates to keep Hunterdon County girls track preview 2018: Team capsules, dates to keep
