Week 1 Power Rankings: Girls Teams

 

1. MDI

Top Returners: Isabel Erickson, Olivia Erickson, Nora Hubbell, Caroline Driscoll, Maggie Painter

Last Year’s Finish: 1^st Class B

Last year’s Class B state champs look poised to defend their title this year as they bring back their entire top five. Nora Hubbell was the top finisher for them last fall as she placed 9^th overall. Their tight pack makes them the favorite this year.

2. Massabesic

Top Returners: Jocelyn Acheson, Gabby Johnson, Marie Harrington

Last Year’s Finish: 3^rd Class A

Massabesic brings back two of the top runners in the SMAA in Acheson and Johnson which makes them the early favorite in Class A. These two should contend for top ten finished in Belfast. With a strong duo up front, and a reliable 3-5 group, Massabesic should be in great position.

3. Camden Hills

Top Returners: Brittany Bowman, Willow Parker, Emily Lopez

Last Year’s Finish: 2^nd Class B

The duo of Bowman and Parker make Camden Hills one of the favorites in Class B this fall. Both of these talented runners have legitimate title hopes. If Camden Hills hopes to contend with MDI their 3-5 runners will have to bring on a bigger role this year.

4. Greely

Top Returners: Kirstin Sandrueter, Eva Bates, Emily Mason, Jordan Ouellette

Last Year’s Finish: 5^th Class B

The Rangers will be led by junior Kirstin Sandrueter who is looking for her first individual state title. Expect Sandrueter to take the WMC by storm this fall. This isn’t just a one woman show for Greely. Sophomore Eva Bates looks poised to have an outstanding year. She placed tenth in Class B last year, and should contend for a top five finish this year.

5. Bonny Eagle

Top Returners: Samantha Cox, Mary Szatowski, Kristen Glennie

Last Year's Finish:  8th Class A

Bonny Eagle showed why they will be one of the favorites in Class A this year as they cruised to a dominating victory at the SMAA relays. Samantha Cox led the way for them as she placed second running a time of 9:58.

6. Cheverus

Top Returners: Shannon Conley, Kiera Murray, Georgia Caso

Last Year’s Finish: 1^st Class A

This is an unfamiliar spot for the Stags as for once they won’t be the favorite to defend their title. That doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive though. The bring back two of the states finest runners in Conley and Murray. Both of these girls should contend for top five finishes at Belfast. Their 3-5 will have to take a big step this year if they hope to defend their title.

7. Mt. Ararat

Top Returners: Kelly Lynch, Olivia Swan, Lauren McNett

Last Year’s Finish: 2^nd Class A

Lynch, Swan, and McNett form arguably the best trio in the state which makes them the favorite in the KVAC. Mt. Ararat has placed second in Class A for the past two years, and if they hope to improve upon their placing, their four and five runners will have to take on bigger roles.

8. Brunswick

Top Returners: Teresa Murphy, Madsy Schneider, Brooke Escoe

Last Year’s Finish: 4^th Class A

Brunswick brings back three runners from their top five which makes them one of the favorites in the KVAC. Teresa Murphy will lead the charge for the Dragons. She placed 8^th at the state meet last year and should contend for a top five finish.

9. Caribou

Top Returners: Mackenzie Belyea, Nerissa Larrabee, Robyn Larrabee

Last Year’s Finish: 3^rd Class B

Belyea and company will look to lead Caribou top a podium finish this year. Belyea had a fantastic season last fall as we saw her place seventh overall. With her leading the charge and the Larrabee sisters close behind look for Caribou to be one of the favorites in Eastern Maine this year.

10. Falmouth

Top Returners: Madeline Roberts, Abby Payson, Molly Ryan

Last Year’s Finish: 11^th Class B

Last year’s state meet finish wasn’t indicative of the type of season Falmouth had. Falmouth was the runner up at the Western Maine Regional with Madeline Roberts leading the charge. They key for the Yachtsmen will be their 3-5 runners. If they breakout this fall, watch out. They could challenge Greely in the WMC.

 

Teams Knocking on the door: Cape Elizabeth, York, Windham, Mt. Blue, Lawrence