Girls: Gillis’ return just what Penn Wood needed

By Matt Smith

Xenia Gillis sat out most of the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Thursday’s game against Del Val League rival Chester, Gillis was playing in only her second game of the current season.

As a freshman, she was an impact player. She helped that Patriots team win a memorable six-overtime game against Marple Newtown in the first round of the District 1 Class 5A tournament.

Now that she has returned permanently to the starting lineup, Gillis is hoping to make up for lost time. Thursday was a great start. The talented junior forward led all players with 28 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Patriots to a 53-50 victory over the Clippers.

“My mom didn’t want me to play because of COVID my 10th-grade year, but I did come back for playoffs,” said Gillis, who shot 13-for-17 from the floor. “I’m proud of my play. I’ve put in a lot of hard work.”

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