Mastromatteo reigns again; Quabbin, Wachusett take team titles; Falla D1 champ.

• Author: Farley, Steve
• Position: Sports

Byline: Steve Farley

BARRE -- Despite a heavy downpour, St. Peter-Marian sophomore Gianna Mastromatteo battled the elements to capture her third straight Quabbin Invitational Division 2 title yesterday.

Mastromatteo, a multiple T&G Super Team All-Star selection, finished the 2.92-mile run in 18:35.99 before collapsing shortly after crossing the finish line.

"I'm just really tired,'' said Mastromatteo, who ran a 18:20.41 last year. "I'm glad with how I did today because of the weather. I don't think I was as fast as last year. The terrain was kind of sloppy. I couldn't see. I focus on my breathing, so it wasn't too bad.''

Quabbin held off Tahanto, 28-55, for the Division 2 team title, while Leicester and St. Peter-Marian tied for third (79 points). It was the first time the Panthers, who dropped to Division 2 last year, have won the team title in the 14 seasons of the race.

Gardner senior captain Felicia Banda, who missed last season with a foot injury, finished second in 19:05.91.

"I'm really excited,'' Banda said. "Sophomore year, I was pumped to finish in the top 30. This is a big jump for me.''

Quabbin senior Steffany Halfrey finished third (19:22.19) in her final home race.

"It was very emotional,'' said Halfrey. "When we had our last home (dual) meet, I cried the entire time.''

Halfrey was impressed to see how strong Mastromatteo has been throughout her career.

"It's kind of interesting to watch her grow as a runner,'' said Halfrey, a three-time T&G Super Team All-Star. "She's an amazing runner. I love to watch people run because it helps you get better. I never thought I'd be so competitive. I just kind of did it at first to stay in shape.''

Senior Miriam Wood and freshman Kayla Whitcomb came in fourth and fifth respectively for Quabbin while senior Chantelle Kresch took ninth.

"We were hoping this would be a good day,'' Quabbin coach Brian Young said. "We had some fun. I'm very proud of them. This was the six seniors' last home meet. They've been instrumental at keeping our program going. Without them, I'd be out wandering around in the wilderness. This was a very positive thing for the girls today and seeing them place the way they did.''

Young admitted he was disappointed there weren't more schools participating, as many teams chose to run the Bob McIntrye Twilight Meet in Falmouth on Saturday.

Wachusett freshman Jamie Falla took the Division 1 race...