In a dramatic showdown in the pouring rain, Jamaica’s Edwin Allen High School once again demonstrated why they are a powerhouse of girls’ sprinting, as they secured their 10th High School Girls’ Championship of America 4x100m title at the 129th Penn Relays at Franklin Field on Saturday.

Despite tough conditions, the quartet of Kerelle Etienne, Jounee Armstrong, Renecia Edwards, and Alexxe Henry delivered a performance full of grit and class, as they stormed home in a brisk 44.23 seconds to fend off a spirited challenge from defending champions Hydel High.

Hydel’s team of Shemonique Hazle, Jody-Ann Daley, Nastassia Fletcher, and Sashana Johnson fought valiantly but had to settle for second in 44.65 seconds, narrowly missing out on a historic third consecutive title.

American powerhouse Bullis School disrupted a potential Jamaican sweep of the podium, finishing third in 44.99 seconds, while Jamaica’s Holmwood Technical placed fourth in 45.51 seconds. Wolmer’s Girls finished fifth with a time of 45.57 seconds.

Completing the elite field were Union Catholic (46.66s), Archbishop John Carroll (46.91s), Woodlawn (47.09s), and St Mary High (47.18s).

Edwin Allen's clocking was not just enough for the win, but it also went down as the third fastest time ever recorded in the event’s storied history at Penn. It was also sweet redemption for the Michael Dyke-coached girls, who failed to win any of the three relay finals last year.