Class A Distance Preview

This week The SB Report will preview the distance races of each class for state meets this weekend. Here is the Class A girls preview 

800
           Briana Neault's record time of 2:15.60 back in 1997 could be in jeopardy this Saturday as Lawrence junior Erzsebet Nagy comes into the meet with the fastest time of all classes (2:16.27). The fate of this race will depend on Kennebunk senior Abbey Leonardi. If she decides to triple, look for her to be the favorite to capture the title, and possibly another state record. If she doesn't it opens up the door for Nagy. Don't expect Nagy to go unchallenged though. Senior Emily Tomlin of Scarborough has run under 2:20 this year. She should challenge Nagy for the win. Don't overlook Nyajock Pan of South Portland. She has had a great outdoor season thus far as we've seen her run 2:20.52.The Cheverus duo of Shannon Conley and Emily Durgin should also challenge for a high finish. Both of these girls have hovered around 2:21 for much of the spring. The 800 will be one of the premiere races of the day in Windham on Saturday, and if the weather is up to par, be sure to expect some fast times.

 Prediction (without Leonardi)
1. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
2. Emily Tomlin Scarborough
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Nyajock Pan South Portland
5. Shannon Conley Cheverus

 1600 

        The 1600 will be the most exciting race of the day as the top two seeds- Erzsebet Nagy and Abbey Leonardi- come in to the race having both broken five minutes during their brilliant racing careers. This race has the ingredients to be the fastest Maine has ever seen. Leonardi is the current state record holder with a time of 4:51 at last years state meet. These two girls have breezed through the competition this spring and have shown that they belong on the big stage. Expect these two girls to clock in well under five minutes on Saturday. Cheverus senior Emily Durgin should challenge for a top finish. Her season best time of 5:03.59 is the third fastest in Class A. A seasoned veteran like Durgin should never be counted out in big meets like this Saturday. Other girls to watch for in this race will be Fiona Hendry of Cheverus, Alex Leonardi of Kennebunk, and Charlotte Pierce of Thornton Academy.

 Prediction
1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy


3200 
         The 3200 has the potential to be one of the greatest races of all time. Abbey Leonardi, Erzsebet Nagy, and Emily Durgin all come in to the meet with times under 11 minutes. The quality of the field in this race is something we have never seen. Eleven girls come into Saturday all having run under 12 minutes. The question is what order will they place. Fiona Hendry should challenge for a top five finish. Her season best time of 11:17.71 is the fourth fastest in Class A. Other runners to watch for are Katie McMahon of Brunswick, Alex Leonardi of Kennebunk, Kelly Lynch of Mt. Ararat, and Charlotte Pierce of Thornton Academy. All of these girls have run under 11:40. With the amazing quality of competition and the fast times expect to see a race for the ages this Saturday in Windham.

Prediction
1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Katie McMahon Brunswick

The Alex Russo Award

The Alex Russo Award is given to the best female runner in the state of Maine

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. Selena Gomez has been the star of the best show on Disney channel, Wizards of Waverly Place, for the past four years. She plays Alex Russo, the sly and witty middle child of the Russo family. Throughout the entire series we have seen her use magic to get her out of trouble, which has brought out some of the funniest moments of the series. In season three, Alex is involved in a wizard competition where she eventually wins the Wizard of the Year Award. There is no doubt that Alex Russo is one of the best Disney Channel characters of all time.

And the winner is........

Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

SB: 18:05.59

There was no doubt about this choice. Abbey Leonardi has been the most dominant runner in the state ever since she first started her Freshman year. Leonardi cruised to her fourth straight Class A title at Twinbrooks running the fastest time of all classes (18:27.19). She has been unchallenged in the state of Maine since her Freshmen year. She placed first at the Festival of Champions running a time of 18:16.55 on a day where the conditions were truly awful. A few weeks later, Leonardi set the course record at Twinbrooks at the Western Regional Championships blasting a time of 18:05.59. Look for Leonardi to not only make a push for All-American in San Diego, but to contend for a top ten finish.

2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   SB:18:28.88

3. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   SB: 18:28.00

4. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

   SB: 18:56.00

5. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   SB: 18:35.00

6. Carsyn Koch Washburn

   SB: 19:11.00

The Summer and Marissa Award

The Summer and Marissa Award is given to the best female duo in the state of Maine.

And the winner is......

Brittany Bowman SO and Willow Parker FR Camden Hills

Brittany Bowman and Willow Parker led Camden Hills to a runner up finish at the Class B state meet this year with Bowman taking the individual title and Parker placing fifth. Both of these girls had tremendous years. Bowman really stepped up to the challenge in the post season as she nabbed the runner up spot at the Eastern B Regional title in Belfast. Parker was the number one runner for the Windjammers for most of the year. She was the most dominant Freshman in the state this year as evidence to her 12^th place finish at the Festival of Champions.These two will be back again next year, with Bowman being the top returner in the state, so expect them to try and lead the Windjammers to the promised land next year.

2. Abbey Leonardi and Laura Broderick Kennebunk

3. Adrienne Carmack and Mary Carmack John Bapst

4. Hannah Damron and Talia McKay Windham

5. Carsyn Koch and Carmen Bragg Washburn

Girls XC Power Rankings: Week 9

Team

1. Cheverus

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 1^st Class A

   Cheverus dominated Class A as they put four runners in the top six overall. Emily Durgin showed a ton of courage as she placed third overall running a time of 19:03.88. Look for the Lady Stags to contend for a top three finish at the New England Championships in Rhode Island on November 12^th.

2. MDI

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 1^st Class B

   MDI cruised to the victory in Class B as they were lead by Nora Hubell who placed ninth overall. Look for MDI to contend for a top ten finish at the New England Championships on November. 12^th.

3. Camden Hills

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 2^nd Class B

   The Windjammers were the runners up in Class B as they were lead by Brittany Bowman who took home the individual title. Look for Camden Hills to contend for a top ten finish at the New England Championships.

4. Mt. Ararat

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 2^{nd Class A}

   ^{Mt. Ararat placed second in Class A behind Kelly Lynch's ninth place finish. Look for Mt. Ararat to contend for a top fifteen finish at the New England Championships.}

5. Massabesic

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 3^{rd Class A}

   Massabesic just barely missed the runner up scoring 93 points to Mt. Ararat's 92. They were lead by Gabrielle Johnson who finished tenth. Look for Massabesic to contend for a top fifteen finish at the New England Championships.

6. Brunswick

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 4^{th Class A}

   Brunswick placed fourth in Class A behind Teresa Murphy's 8^th place finish. They will be one of the favorites in the KVAC next year as they bring back their number one runner.

7. Caribou

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 3^rd Class B

   The Vikings placed third in Class B behind Mackenzie Belyea's second place finish. They should be the favorite in Class B East next year as they return four of their top five runners.

8. Cape Elizabeth

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 4^th Class B

   The Capers placed fourth in Class B as they were lead by Tori Brigham who placed 20^th. Look for Cape Elizabeth to be strong next fall as they return four of their top six runners.

9. Greely

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 5^th Class B

   The Rangers placed fifth in Class B behind Eva Bate's tenth place finish. Greely will battle with Cape Elizabeth for tops in the WMC Conference next fall as they will bring back five of their top six runners.

10. Merriconeag

    Previous: UR

    Last Meet: States

    Place: 1^st Class C

    Merriconeag won their first state championship in school history as they were lead by Chace-Donahue Zoe who placed 16^th overall. They will be the favorite to defend their title next fall as they bring back their top five.

Team of the Week: Cheverus

Individual

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 1^st Class A

   Time: 18:27.19

   Leonardi took home her fourth individual title in as many years as she cruised to another easy victory running a time of 18:27.19. If Leonardi runs at the New England Championships look for her to take the indivdual title. If she decides to rest up for Footlocker's look for Leonardi to win the Northeast Region and make a push for All-American status at Nationals.

2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 18:59.82

   Nagy placed second in Class A running a fine time of 18:59.82. Nagy has decided not to run at New England's as her fine season has come to a close. She will be the favorite in Class A next year.

3. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 3^rd

   Time: 19:03.88

   Durgin showed tremendous guts as she battled to place third overall running a time of 19:03.88. With the New England championships two weeks away look for Durgin to get some needed rest and make a strong push towards a top three finish.

4. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 1^st Class B

   Time: 19:12.19

   Bowman surprised everyone as she took home the Class B title in dominating fashion running a time of 19:12.19. Look for Bowman to contend for a top twenty finish at New England's.

5. Fiona Hendry Cheverus

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 4^th

   Time: 19:25.15

   Hendry had a very strong race on Saturday as she placed fourth running a fast time of 19:25.15. Look for Hendry to contend for a top fifteen finish at New England's.

6. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 2^nd Class B

   Finish: 19:29.70

   Brown placed second in Class B running a fine time of 19:29.70. Look for Brown to contend for a top twenty finish at New England's.

7. Abby Mace Maranacook

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 3^rd

   Finish: 19:42.56

   Mace placed third in Class B running a fine time of 19:42.56. Look for Mace to contend for a top 25 finish at New England's.

8. Kiera Murray Cheverus

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 5^th Class A

   Time: 19:56.02

   Murray placed fifth in Class A as she ran a great time of 19:56.02. Look for Murray to contend for a top 25 finish at New England's.

9. Aleta Looker Ellsworth

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: States

   Place: 4^th Class B

   Time: 20:08.40

   Looker placed fourth in Class B running a time of 20:08.40. Look for her to contend for a top 30 finish at New England’s.

10. Shannon Conley Cheverus

    Previous: 10

    Last Meet: States

    Place: 6^th Class A

    Time: 19:59.55

    Conley placed sixth in Class A running a time of 19:59.55. Look for Conley to contend for a top thirty finish at New England's.

Runner of the Week: Abby Leonardi

Runners Knocking: Willow Parker Camden Hills, Carsyn Koch Washburn, Heather Evans York, Nyajock Pan South Portland, Teresa Murphy Mt. Ararat

Girls XC Power Rankings: Week 8

Team

1. Cheverus

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 1^st Class A

   The Lady Stags won the Class A Western Maine Regionals despite having their number one runner (Emily Durgin) drop out of the race. Cheverus looks like the early favorite to take the Class A title in Cumberland this Saturday.

2. Camden Hills

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 1^st Class B

   Camden Hills narrowly defeated MDI to take the Class B East title behind Brittany Bowman's runner up finish. The Windjammers will be the slight favorite to take the Class B title in Cumberland this Saturday.

3. MDI

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 2^nd Class B

   MDI placed second at the Class B Eastern Maine Regionals behind Caroline Driscoll's seventh place finish. MDI will be out for revenge at the state meet this Saturday.

4. Massabesic

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 2^nd Class A

   Massabesic placed second at the Class A Western Maine Regionals behind Gabrielle Johnson's sixth place finish. Look for Massabesic to contend for the team title this Saturday in Cumberland.

5. Mt. Ararat

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 1^st Class A

   Mt. Ararat won the Class A Eastern Regional Title behind Kelly Lynch's fourth place finish. Look for Mt. Ararat to contend for the team title this Saturday in Cumberland.

6. Brunswick

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 2^nd

   Brunswick placed second at the Eastern Maine Regional Championships behind Teresa Murphy's runner up finish. Look for Brunswick to contend for a top three finish in Class A at the state meet this Saturday.

7. John Bapst

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 3^rd Class B

   John Bapst placed third at the Eastern Maine Regional Championships behind Adrienne Carmack's fifth place finish. Look for John Bapst to contend for a top three finish in Class B at the state meet this Saturday.

8. Greely

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 1^st Class B

   The Rangers took the Class B Western Regional title behind Eva Bates's sixth place finish. Look for Greely to contend for a top three finish in Class B at the state meet this Saturday.

9. Windham

   Previous: 10

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 3^rd Class A

   Windham placed third in Class A at the Western Maine Regional Championships behind Hannah Damron's tenth place finish. Look for Windham to contend for a top five finish in Class A this Saturday.

10. Falmouth

    Previous: 9

    Last: WMR

    Place: 2^nd Class B

    Falmouth placed second in Class B at the Western Maine Regional Championships behind Madeline Robert's fourth place finish. Look for Falmouth to contend for a top five finish in Class B at the state meet this Saturday.

    
    

    Team of the Week: Greely Rangers

Teams Knocking: Mt. Blue, Cape Elizabeth, Merriconeag, York, Yarmouth, Caribou, Hampden Academy

Individual

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 1^st Class A

   Time: 18:05.59

   Leonardi broke the course record at Twinbrooks on Saturday as she cruised to an easy victory. If the weather conditions hold up, look for her to break the 18 minute barrier this Saturday.

2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 1^st Class A

   Time: 18:51.25

   Nagy blew away the competition on Saturday as she ran to an incredibly fast time of 18:51.25. Look for Nagy to try and close the gap between herself and Leonardi this Saturday.

3. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: DNF

   Time: N/A

   Durgin had to pull out of her race on Saturday. Expect her to bounce back and contend for the runner up spot in Class A.

4. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 1^st Class B

   Time: 18:59.74

   Brown dominated the field in Class B as she cruised to a fast time of 18:59.74. Expect her to contend for the individual title this Saturday.

5. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 2^nd Class B

   Time: 19:23.69

   Bowman placed second in Class B at the Eastern Maine Regional Championships running a fine time of 19:23.69. Look for Bowman to contend for the individual title in Class B this Saturday.

6. Fiona Hendry Cheverus

   Previous: 10

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 19:15.27

   Hendry placed second in Class A at the Western Maine Regional Championships running a time of 19:15.27. Look for Hendry to contend for a top five finish in Class A this Saturday.

7. Abby Mace Maranacook

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: WMR

   Place: 1^st Class B

   Time: 19:41

   Mace won the Class B Western Maine Regional Title running a fine time of 19:41. Look for her to contend for the individual title this Saturday.

8. Aleta Looker Ellsworth

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 4^th

   Time: 20:22.63

   Looker placed fourth in Class B East running a time of 20:22.63. Look for her to contend for a top five finish in Class B this Saturday.

9. Willow Parker Camden Hills

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: EMR

   Place: 3^rd

   Time: 20:09.81

   Parker placed third in Class B East running a time of 20:09.81. Look for Parker to contend for a top five finish in Class B this Saturday.

10. Shannon Conley Cheverus

    Previous: 10

    Last Meet: WMR

    Place: 3^rd

    Time: 19:53.55

    Conley placed third in Class A West running a fine time of 19:53.55. Look for Conley to contend for a top five finish in Class A this Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

Runners Knocking: Kiera Murray Cheverus, Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy, Nyajock Pan South Portland, Addie Cullenberg Mt. Blue, Teresa Murphy Brunswick, Carsyn Koch Washburn

Girls XC Power Rankings: Week 7

Team

1. Cheverus

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: at McAuley

   Place: 1^st

   The Lady Stags easily won their inner city championship behind Kiera Murray's first place finish. Cheverus will be the overwhelming favorite to take the Class A Western Regional title at Cumberland this Saturday.

2. MDI

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: PVC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   MDI edged John Bapst 36 to 39 behind Maggie Painter's fourth place finish. They look like the early favorite to take the Class B Eastern Regional title this Saturday in Belfast.

3. Camden Hills

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   The Windjammers took home the Class B title at the KVAC Championships last Saturday behind Brittany Bowman's second place finish. Look for Camden Hills to challenge MDI for the Class B Eastern Regional title this Saturday in Belfast.

4. John Bapst

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: PVC Championships

   Place: 2^nd

   John Bapst placed second at the PVC Championships behind Adrienne Carmack's third place finish. Look for John Bapst to contend for the top spot at the Eastern Regional Championships in Belfast this Saturday.

5. Massabesic

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: at McAuley

   Place: 1^st

   Massabesic will look to challenge Cheverus for the Class A Western Regional title at Cumberland this Saturday. Expect Jocelyn Acheson to have a very strong race.

6. Brunswick

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   The Dragons took the Class A KVAC title last Saturday behind Teresa Murphy's second place finish. Look for Brunswick to contend for the top spot at the Eastern Regional Championships this Saturday in Belfast.

7. Mt. Ararat

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 2^nd

   Mt. Ararat placed one point behind Brunswick as they were paced by Kelly Lynch who placed third. Look for Mt. Ararat to challenge Brunswick for the Eastern A title this Saturday at Belfast.

8. Cape Elizabeth

   Previous: 10

   Last Meet: WMC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   The Capers took home the WMC title behind Ellen Best's 8^th place finish overall. Cape Elizabeth looks like the early favorite in Class B West as they look for their 8^th Regional title in as many years.

9. Falmouth

   Previous: 7
   Last Meet: WMC Championships

   Place: 2^nd

   The Yachtsmen placed second at the WMC Championships behind Madeline Roberts's fourth place finish. Look Falmouth to try and end Cape Elizabeth's recent dominance at the Western Maine Regional Championships at Cumberland this Saturday.

10. Windham

    Previous: 9

    Last Meet: at Scarborough

    Place: 1^st

    Windham won their meet at Scarborough behind Hannah Damron's second place finish. Look for Windham to contend for a top three finish in class A at the Western Regional Championships at Cumberland this Saturday,
    
    

Team of the Week: Camden Hills

Teams Knocking: Mt. Blue, Merriconeag, Yarmouth, York, Caribou, Hampden Academy, Greely

Individual

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: at Kennebunk

   Place: Idle

   Time: Idle

   Leonardi hasn't raced in a few weeks, but that shouldn't affect her ranking. Look for her to win the Western Maine Regional title in Cumberland this Saturday.

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: at McAuley

   Place: Idle

   Time: Idle

   Durgin got some needed rest this week as she heads towards the post season. Expect her to run a very fast time of the Western Maine Regionals this Saturday.

3. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 19:55.8

   Nagy cruised to another easy victory at the KVAC Championships in Cony last Saturday. Look for Nagy to take the Class A East title in Belfast this Saturday.

4. Aleta Looker Ellsworth

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: PVC Championships

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 19:18.8

   Looker took home the PVC title as she ran a very fast time of 19:18.8. Expect her to challenge for the Class B East title this Saturday in Belfast.

5. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 1^st Class B

   Brown took the Class B title at the KVAC Championships as she ran a fine time of 20:02. Look for Brown to challenge for the Class B East title this Saturday in Belfast.

6. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

   Previous: 9

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 2^nd Class B

   Time: 20:20.2

   Bowman was the runner up in Class B at the KVAC Championships running a time of 20:20.2. Look for Bowman to contend for a top three finish at the Eastern Regional Championships in Belfast this Saturday.

7. Willow Parker Camden Hills

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 3^rd

   Time: 20:42.2

   Parker placed third at the KVAC Championships running a time of 20:42.2. Look for Parker to contend for a top five finish at the Eastern Regional Championships in Belfast this Saturday.

8. Abby Mace Maranacook

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: KVAC Championships

   Place: 4^th

   Time: 21:09.7

   Mace placed fourth in Class B at the KVAC Championships running a time of 21:09.7. Expect Mace to bounce back and contend for the top spot at the Class B Eastern Regional Championships this Saturday.

9. Kiera Murray Cheverus

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: at McAuley

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 19:47

   Murray placed first at McAuley as she ran a fine time of 19:47. Look for her to contend for a top five finish at the Western Regional Championships in Cumberland this Saturday.

10. Fiona Hendry Cheverus

    Previous: 7

    Last Meet: at McAuley

    Place: 2^nd

    Time: 19:52

    Hendry placed second to her teammate as she ran a fine time of 19:52. Look for Hendry to contend for a top five finish at the Western Regional Championship in Cumberland this Saturday.

Runner of the Week: Bethanie Brown Waterville

Runners Knocking: Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy, Nyajock Pan South Portland, Maggie Painter MDI, Kirstin Sandrueter Greely, Kristina Smith Poland, Heather Evans York, Jocelyn Acheson Massabesic

Mid Season Awards: Girls XC

Girls XC Mid-Season Awards

The Alex Russo Award- Runner of the Year

Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk SB: 18:16.55

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus SB: 18:30.00

3. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence SB: 18:28.88

4. Abby Mace Maranacook SB: 19:20.88

5. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy SB: 18:56.0

The Tyra Collette Award- Most Improved Runner

Allie McClintock Madison SB: 21:26.0

2. Laura Broderick Kennebunk SB: 20:41.0

3. Maggie Painter MDI SB: 20:23.0

4. Mary Carmack John Bapst SB:21:07.0

5. Talia McKay Windham

The Erin Hannon Award- Rookie of the Year

Willow Parker Camden Hills

2. Bronte Elias Madison SB: 20:5781

3. Gabby Johnson Massabesic SB: 19:51.0

4. Elizabeth Labun Hampden SB: 21:15.66

5. Eva Bates Greely SB: 21:02

The Summer and Marissa Award- Best Dynamic Duo

Willow Parker and Brittany Bowman Camden Hills

2. Abbey Leonardi and Laura Broderick Kennebunk

3. Adrienne Carmack and Mary Carmack John Bapst

4. Jocelyn Acheson and Mikayla Frazier Massabesic

5. Bronte Elias and Allie McClintock Madison

The Big Three Award- Best Trio

Emily Durgin, Fiona Hendry, Shannon Conley Cheverus

2. Maggie Painter, Nora Hubbell, Olivia Erickson MDI

3. Jocelyn Acheson, Mikayla Frazier, Gabrielle Johnson Massabesic

4. Kelly Lynch, Emma Wood, Lauren McNett Mt.Ararat

5. Hannah Damron, Talia McKay, Mackenzie Joy Windham

Girls XC Power Rankings: Week 5

1. Cheverus

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: at Windham

   Place: 1^st

   Cheverus easily defeated ninth ranked Windham without their number one runner, Emily Durgin. The Lady-Stags will be the overwhelming favorite in class A heading towards the post season.

2. MDI

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: at FOC

   Place: 1^st

   MDI won the FOC in Belfast on Saturday behind Maggie Painter's 11^th place finish. They will head to the Hancock County Championships this Saturday.

3. Camden Hills

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: at FOC

   Place: 2^nd

   Camden Hills was the runner up at FOC on Saturday behind Willow Parker's 8^th place finish. Look for them to go unchallenged on their home course this Friday.

4. Massabesic

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: Black Bear Invitational

   Place: 4^th

   Massabesic placed fourth at the Black Bear Invitational in New Hampshire on Saturday behind Jocelyn Acheson's 17^th place finish. Massabesic will head to McAuley on Friday.

5. Brunswick

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 4^th

   Brunswick placed fourth at FOC behind Teresa Murphy's 21^st place finish. The Dragons will face the top dogs of the KVAC this Friday at the Mt. Blue Relays.

6. Mt. Ararat

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: at Morse

   Place: 1^st

   Mt. Ararat took home an easy victory on Thursday behind Kelly Lynch's third place finish. Look for them to contend for the top spot at the Mt. Blue Relays on Friday.

7. John Bapst

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 8^th

   Bapst placed 8^th at the FOC behind Adrienne Carmack's 14^th place finish. They will head to the Pendale Invitational on Saturday.

8. Falmouth

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 3^rd

   The Yachtsmen were the surprise team on Saturday as they placed third behind Madeline Roberts' 15^th place finish. They will face a tough challenge when they head to Greely this Friday.

9. Windham

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: Home

   Place: 2^nd

   Windham placed second to number one ranked Cheverus last Friday behind Hannah Damron's fourth place finish. They will head to Kennebunk this Friday.

10. Cape Elizabeth

    Previous: 9

    Last Meet: at Fryeburg

    Place: 2^nd

    The Capers edged Merriconeag at Fryeburg on Saturday behind Victoria Brigham's first place finish. Cape will face a tough challenge when they head to Greely on Friday.

Team of the Week: MDI

Teams Knocking: Mt. Blue, Merriconeag, Caribou, Hampden Academy, Greely, York, Yarmouth

Individual

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 18:16.55

   The weather conditions on Saturday washed away Leonardi's hopes of chasing down her own meet record. She still managed to run the ninth fastest time ever on the Belfast course. Look for her to go unchallenged on her home course this Friday.

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: at Windham

   Place: Idle

   Time: Idle

   Emily Durgin rested last week to gear up for the post season. Look for her to try and close the gap between herself and Leonardi during the next few weeks.

3. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 19:02.42

   Nagy was the runner up at FOC running a fine time of 19:02.42. She has had a spectacular first year of xc and expect her to be in the front pack at the class A state meet this year.

4. Abby Mace Maranacook

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 3^rd

   Time: 19:20.88

   Mace placed third at FOC running a fast time of 19:20.88. Look for Mace to chase down her third state championship in class B this year.

5. Aleta Looker

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 5^th

   Time: 19:38.75

   Aleta Looker had a fantastic race at FOC running a time of 19:38.75. She looks like the early favorite to take the title at the Eastern Championships for class B.

6. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 6^th

   Time: 19:46.22

   Brown placed sixth at FOC running a time of 19:46.22. Look for Brown to challenge Aleta Looker for the Eastern B title in a few weeks.

7. Fiona Hendry Cheverus

   Previous: 9

   Last Meet: at Windham

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 18:32

   Hendry ran a blistering time of 18:32 at Windham on Friday as she took home an easy victory. She looks to be a lock for another top five finish in class A this year.

8. Carsyn Koch Washburn

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 7th

   Time: 19:59.66

   Koch ran a very strong race at FOC placing seventh. She will be the overwhelming favorite in class C as she heads towards the post season.

9. Nyajock Pan South Portland

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: FOC

   Place: 9^th

   Time: 20:15.69

   Pan placed ninth at FOC running a time of 20:15.69. Look fer her to go unchallenged when South Portland heads to Marshwood on Friday.

10. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy

    Previous: 4

    Last Meet: at South Portland

    Place: 2^nd

    Time: 16:18 (2.65 M)

    Pierce placed second to Nyajock Pan last Friday as she ran a very fast time of 16:18 over the 2.65 mile course. She will face a tough challenge when Thornton Academy heads to Cheverus on Friday.

Runner of the Week: Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

Runners Knocking: Shannon Conley Cheverus, Addie Cullenberg Mt. Blue, Kirstin Sandrueter Greely, Brittany Bowman Camden Hills, Willow Parker Camden Hills, Maggie Painter MDI, Jocelyn Acheson Massabesic

Girls XC Power Rankings: Week 4

TEAM

1. Cheverus

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: at Massabesic

   Place: 1^st

   Cheverus cruised to an easy victory against fifth ranked Massabesic behind Emily Durgin's second place finish. They will face eighth ranked Windham this Wednesday.

2. MDI

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: Sectional Invitational

   Place: 1^st

   MDI took home the victory at the Sectional Invitational on Saturday behind Maggie Painter's fourth place finish. Expect them to challenge for the top spot at the Festival of Champions in Belfast this Saturday.

3. John Bapst

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: Sectional Invitational

   Place: 2^nd

   John Bapst placed second at the Sectional Invitational behind Adrienne Carmack's second place finish. Expect John Bapst to challenge their conference rival for the top spot at the Festival of Champions on Saturday.

4. Camden Hills

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: at Cony

   Place: 1^st

   The Windjammers claimed victorious at Cony last Friday behind Willow Parker's second place finish. Expect them to compete for a top three finish at the Festival of Champions.

5. Massabesic

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: Home

   Place: 2^nd

   Massabesic placed second to the Cheverus Stags behind Jocelyn Acheson's sixth place finish. Expect Massabesic to contend for a top three finish at the Festival of Champions.

6. Mt. Ararat

   Previous: 6

   Last Meet: at Brunswick

   Place: 1^st

   Mt. Ararat took home a victory against their rival Brunswick behind Kelly Lynch's third place finish. They will face Brunswick again this Thursday when both teams head to Morse.

7. Brunswick

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: Home

   Place: 2^nd

   ^{Brunswick placed second on their home course behind Teresa Murphy's second place finish. The Dragons will be out for revenge this Thursday when they head to Morse.}

8. Windham

   Previous: 8

   Last Meet: at South Portland

   Place: 1^st

   Windham easily defeated South Portland and Noble last Friday behind Talia McKay's second place finish. They will have a tough challenge when they host Cheverus this Wednesday.

9. Cape Elizabeth

   Previous: 10

   Last Meet: Home vs. York, Wayneflete, Fryeburg

   Place: 1st

   Cape Elizabeth defended their home course very well as they pulled out a victory over York 36-37. Look for the Capers to contend for a top five finish at the Festival of Champions this Saturday.

10. Mt. Blue
    Previous: 10

    Last Meet: at Brunswick

    Place: 3rd

    Mt. Blue placed third at Brunswick behind Addie Cullenberg's second place finish. Expect Mt. Blue to contend for a top five finish at the Festival of Champions on Saturday.

Team of the Week: MDI

Teams Knocking: Merriconeag, Caribou, Hampden Academy, Waterville, Yarmouth, York, Falmouth

INDIVIDUAL

1. Abby Leonardi Kennebunk

   Previous: 1

   Last Meet: at Massabesic

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 18:25

   Leonardi defeated her rival-Emily Durgin- with ease last Friday as her time of 18:25 was nearly a minute ahead Durgin's. Look for Leonardi to try and chase down the course record of 17:52.50 by former Old Town runner Cassie Hintz this Saturday at the Festival of Champions.

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus

   Previous: 2

   Last Meet: at Massabesic

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 19:22

   Durgin placed second to Leonardi at Massabesic last Friday as she ran a very fast time of 19:22. Look for Durgin to go unchallenged at Windham this Wednesday.

3. Abby Mace Maranacook

   Previous: 3

   Last Meet: at Cony

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 20:09.25

   Mace cruised to an easy victory on the Cony course as her time of 20:09.25 was forty seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Expect Mace to challenge for a top three finish at the Festival of Champions this Saturday.

4. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy

   Previous: 5

   Last Meet: Home vs. McCauley, Gorham, Marshwood

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 19:33

   Pierce used her home course to her advantage as she dominated the field running an impressive time of 19:33. Look for Pierce to go unchallenged when Thornton Academy heads to South Portland this Wednesday.

5. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

   Previous: 4

   Last Meet: at MCI

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 20:55.0

   Nagy had a tough day on Friday as she battled with dehydration during the last part of the race. She still managed to finish second overall. Look for Nagy to bounce back and contend for a top three finish at the Festival of Champions.

6. Bethanie Brown Waterville

   Previous: UR

   Last Meet: at MCI

   Place: 1^st

   Time: 20:07.9

   Brown took home the victory at MCI last Friday running an impressive time of 20:07.9. Look for Brown to contend for a top five finish at the Festival of Champions on Saturday.

7. Kirstin Sandrueter Greely

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: Manchester Invitational

   Place: 3^rd (Small School Race)

   Time: 19:42

   Sandrueter has been the most dominant WMC runner thus far as evidence to her third place finish at the Manchester Invitational this past Saturday. Look for her to continue her dominance when Greely heads to York this Thursday.

8. Willow Parker Camden Hills

   Previous: 7

   Last Meet: at Cony

   Place: 2^nd

   Time: 20:49.46

   Parker placed second to Abby Mace at Cony last Friday running a fine time of 20:49.46. Expect her to contend for a top five finish at the Festival of Champions this Saturday.

9. Fiona Hendry Cheverus

   Previous: 9

   Last Meet: at Massabesic

   Place: 3^rd

   Time: 19:37

   Hendry placed third at Massabesic running a very fast time of 19:37. Look for her to try and close the gap between herself, and teammate Emily Durgin.

10. Shannon Conley Cheverus

    Previous: 8

    Last Meet: at Massabesic

    Place: 4^th

    Time: 19:43

    Conley has been one of the top sophomores in the state so far this fall. She ran a fast time of 19:43 at Massabesic placing fourth. Expect her to contend with her teammate, Shannon Conley, for a second place finish at Windham this Wednesday.
    
    

Runner of the Week: Abby Leonardi Kennebunk

Runners Knocking: Brittany Bowman Camden Hills, Nyajcok Pan South Portland, Teresa Murphy Brunswick, Addie Cullenberg Mt. Blue, Maggie Painter MDI, Adrianne Carmack John Bapst, Jocelyn Acheson Massabesic, Aleta Looker Ellsworth

Girls XC Rankings Week 2

TEAM

1. Cheverus
Previous: 1
Last Meet: Home vs. McAuley, Windham
Place: 1st
Cheverus easily defeated McAuley and Windham with a perfect score on their home course. The Lady Stags head to Noble on Friday where they should-once again- dominate.

2. MDI
Previous: 3
Last Meet: Presque Isle Invitational
Place: 1st
MDI came out on top at the Presque Isle Invitational behind Maggie Painter’s fifth place finish. They head to Orono on Friday where it looks like they will go unchallenged.

3. John Bapst
Previous: 2
Last Meet: Presque Isle Invitational
Place: 4th
John Bapst didn’t have a great day on Saturday as evidence to their fourth place finish at the Presque Isle Invitational. Expect them to bounce back this Friday as they will host four other PVC teams.

4. Camden Hills
Previous: 5
Last Meet: at Belfast
Place: 1st
Camden Hills looked dominant on the fast Belfast course on Friday as they were lead by Freshmen Willow Parker who placed first running a time of 19:56.37. The Windjammers head to Medomak on Friday where they should go unchallenged.

5. Windham
Previous: 5
Last Meet: Home vs. Biddeford, McAuley
Place: 1st
Windham was lead by Talia McKay’s first place finish on Friday. Her time of 20:46 was over a minute faster than the second place finisher. Windham heads to Deering on Friday where they will be challenged by Massabesic.

6. Cape Elizabeth
Previous: 9
Last Meet: at Freeport
Place: 1st
Cape Elizabeth looked very impressive in their win at Freeport on Saturday as they were lead by Catherine Tierney’s first place finish. Cape heads to York on Friday where they will be the early favorite to win.

7. Brunswick
Previous: 4
Last Meet: at Lawrence
Place: 2nd
Brunswick placed second out of twelve teams last Friday as they were lead by Teresa Murphy’s second place finish (20:55.39). The Dragons will have a tough test when the head to Mt. Ararat on Friday.

8. Mt Ararat
Previous: 7
Last Meet: at Edward Little
Place: 1st
Mt. Ararat obliterated the competition last Friday behind Kelly Lynch’s second place finish (22:45.92). They will receive a tough test when they host Brunswick this Friday.

9. Massabesic
Previous: 8
Last Meet: Home vs. Scarborough, South Portand
Place: 1st
Massabesic looked very impressive on their home course as they placed four runners in the top five overall. Massabesic will face off against fifth ranked Windham when they head to Deering on Friday.

10. Mt Blue
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Lawrence
Place: 1st
Mt. Blue had a very impressive showing at Lawrence as they placed first behind Addie Cullenberg’s third place finish (21:14.62). They will look to dominate once again when they head to Leavitt on Friday.

Team of the Week: Mt. Blue

Teams Knocking on the Door: Caribou, Hampden Academy, Waterville, Falmouth, Yarmouth

INDIVIDUAL

1. Abby Leonardi Kennebunk
Previous: 1
Last Meet: at Westbrook
Place: Idle
Time: Idle
Leonardi didn’t race this week, but that shouldn’t affect her rankings. She will look to dominate the competition when Kennebunk heads to Gorham on Friday.

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus
Previous: 2
Last Meet: Home vs. McAuley, Windham
Place: 1st
Time: 18:30
Durgin cruised to an easy victory on her home course running a fantastic time of 18:30. Look for her to hail victorious once again when Cheverus heads to Noble on Friday.

3. Abby Mace Maranacook
Previous: 3
Last Meet: at Lawrence
Place: Idle
Time: Idle
Mace got some needed rest last Friday as she held out of the race at Lawrence. Expect her to be ready to go on Friday when Maranacook heads to Leavitt.

4. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
Previous: 4
Last Meet: at Lawrence
Place: 1st
Time: 19:36.09
Nagy continues to dominate this season as she took home another victory at Lawrence running a time of 19:36.09. She will face a tough challenge when Lawrence heads to Medomak on Friday.

5. Bethanie Brown Waterville
Previous: 8
Last Meet: Home vs. Winslow, Messalonskee, Hampden
Place: 1st
Time: 20:32
Brown used her home course to her advantage as she dominated the field running a strong time of 20:32. Expect her to come out victorious when Waterville heads to Messalonskee on Friday.

6. Shannon Conley Cheverus
Previous: 7
Last Meet: Home vs. McAuley, Windham
Place: 2nd
Time: 19:36
Conley placed second to her teammate Emily Durgin last Friday on their home course. Look for Conley to have another strong race when Cheverus heads to Noble on Friday.

7. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
Previous: 6
Last Meet: Home vs. McAuley, Windham
Place: 4th
Time: 20:59
Hendry had a strong race last Friday as she placed fourth running a time of 20:59. Expect her bounce back on Friday when Cheverus heads to Noble.

8. Kirstin Sandrueter Greely
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at NYA
Place: 1st
Time: 19:07
Sandrueter has been the most dominant runner in the WMC thus far as evidence to her first place finish at NYA last Friday. Look for her to continue her winning ways when Greely heads to Lake Region on Friday.

9. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Portland
Place: 1st
Time: 19:48
Pierce completely thrashed the competition last Friday as her time of 19:48 was nearly two minutes faster than the second place finisher. She will get a tough test when Thornton heads to Deering on Friday.

10. Willow Parker Camden Hills
Previous: 9
Last Meet: at Belfast
Place: 1st
Time: 19:56.37
Parker clocked in a fine time of 19:56.37 on the fast Belfast course last Friday. Camden Hills heads to Medomak on Friday.

Runner of the Week: Emily Durgin Cheverus

Runners Knocking on the Door: Brittany Bowman Camden Hills, Jocelyn Acheson Massabesic, Addie Cullenberg Mt. Blue, Teresa Murphy Brunswick, Kiera Murray Cheverus, Nyajock Pan South Portland, Catherine Tierney Cape Elizabeth, Aleta Looker Ellsworth, Adrienne Carmack John Bapst

Girls XC Power Rankings Week 1

Week 2 Power Rankings

1. Cheverus
Previous: 1
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 1st
The Cheverus girls dominated the SMAA Relays on Thursday behind Emily Durgin's second place finish (8:28). The Lady Stags host Gorham and Sanford this Friday where they should go unchallenged.

2. John Bapst
Previous: 5
Last Meet: Ellsworth Invitational
Finish: 1st
John Bapst obliterated the competition at the Ellsworth Invitational behind Adrienne Carmack’s second place finish (20:43, 3 mile course). John Bapst will head to the Presque Isle invitational this Saturday where they will be challenged.

3. MDI
Previous: 4
Last Meet: Ellsworth Invitational
Finish: 2nd
MDI placed second at the Ellsworth Invitational on Saturday as they were lead by sophomores Nora Hubbell and Maggie Painter. They placed seventh and eighth respectively. MDI will head to the Presque Isle Invitational this Saturday.

4. Brunswick
Previous: 6
Last Meet: at Maranacook
Finish: 1st
Brunswick looked very impressive in their win at Maranacook on Friday behind Teresa Murphy’s second place finish (22:15). Brunswick will have a tough challenge when they head to Lawrence this Friday.

5. Windham
Previous: UR
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 2nd
Windham was the surprise team of the week as they placed second at the SMAA Relays on Thursday behind Hannah Damron’s eighth place finish (9:23). Windham heads to Deering this Friday where they will be challenged by Massabesic.

6. Camden Hills
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Oceanside
Finish: 1st
Camden Hills looked incredibly strong on Friday as they were lead by first place finisher Willow Parker (19:23.74). Camden Hills heads to Belfast this Friday where they will be the favorite to win.

7. Mt Ararat
Previous: 2
Last Meet: at Oceanside
Finish: 2nd
Mt Ararat slides down to the seven spot in this week’s power rankings due to an injury to Emma Wood. Despite not having their top runner last Friday, they still managed a second place finish at Oceanside. Mt Ararat will head to Lewiston this Friday.

8. Massabesic
Previous: 3
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 3rd
Massabesic placed third at the SMAA Relays behind Jocelyn Acheson’s third place finish (9:01). They will host Scarborough and South Portland this Saturday.

9. Cape Elizabeth
Previous: 9
Last Meet: Home vs GNG, Sacopee Valley
Finish: 1st
Cape Elizabeth had a perfect score on Friday. Leading them was Senior Catherine Tierney running a time of 20:01. The Capers will head to Freeport on Saturday.

10. Yarmouth
Previous: 7
Last Meet: at Poland
Finish: 1st
Yarmouth use a great pack to pull away from Freeport on Friday as they were lead by G Beaulieu’s fourth place finish (23:42). Yarmouth heads to Fryeburg this Friday.

Team of the Week: Windham

Teams Knocking on the Door: Falmouth, Mt. Blue, Hampden, Waterville, Caribou

Individual
1. Abby Leonardi Kennebunk
Previous: 1
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 1st
Time: 8:11
Leonardi obliterated the field at the SMAA Relays as her time of 8:11 was 17 seconds ahead of second place finisher Emily Durgin. Kennebunk heads to Westbrook this Friday where it looks like Leonardi will go unchallenged.

2. Emily Durgin Cheverus
Previous: 2
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 2nd
Time: 8:28
Durgin placed second to Leonardi at the SMAA Relays last Thursday. Expect her to win easily when Cheverus hosts Gorham and Sanford this Friday.

3. Abby Mace Maranacook
Previous: 4
Last Meet: Home
Finish: 1st
Time: 20:07
Mace cruised to a victory on her home course as her time of 20:07 was over two minutes faster than the second place finisher. Maranacook heads to Lawrence on Friday where Mace will be challenged by Erzsebet Nagy.

4. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Mt Blue
Finish: 1st
Time: 20:21.4
Nagy took home the course record at Mt. Blue last Friday as she won in dominating fashion. Nagy will have a huge test this Friday as she will face off against Abby Mace.

5. Jocelyn Acheson Massabesic
Previous: UR
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 3rd
Time: 9:01
Acheson clocked in a fine time of 9:01 at the SMAA Relays where she placed third. Massabesic hosts Scarborough and South Portland on Friday where it looks like Acheson will go unchallenged.

6. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
Previous: 3
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 4th
Time: 9:02
Hendry’s time of 9:02 on Thursday was good enough for a fourth place finish at the SMAA Relays. Look for her to try and close the gap between herself, and teammate Emily Durgin this Friday as Cheverus hosts Gorham and Sanford.

7. Shannon Conley Cheverus
Previous: 5
Last Meet: SMAA Relays
Finish: 5th
Time: 9:04
Conley looked very impressive at the SMAA Relays as her time of 9:04 was good enough for a fifth place finish. Look for her to challenge her teammate, Fiona Hendry, for a second place finish this Friday.

8. Bethanie Brown Waterville
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Bangor
Finish: 1st
Time: 16:22.40
Brown broke the course record on the Bangor course running a time of 16:22.40. Look for her to use her home course to her advantage this Friday.

9. Willow Parker Camden Hills
Previous: UR
Last Meet: at Oceanside
Finish: 1st
Time: 19:23.74
Parker looked incredibly impressive at Oceanside last Friday as her time of 19:23.74 was nearly fifteen seconds ahead of her teammate Brittany Bowman. Camden Hills heads to Belfast this Friday.

10. Carsyn Koch Washburn
Previous: 10
Last Meet: at Fort Kent
Finish: 1st
Time: 22:21
Koch dominated the field at Fort Kent as her time of 22:21 was nearly forty seconds ahead of the second place finisher.

Runner of the Week: Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence

Runners Knocking on the Door: Kirstin Sandreuter Greely, Nyajock Pan South Portland, Brittany Bowman Camden Hills, Aleta Looker Ellsworth, Adrienne Carmack John Bapst, Addie Cullenberg Mt. Blue, Catherine Teirney Cape Elizabeth

Girls Preseason XC Power Rankings

Week 1 Power Rankings

1. Cheverus
Next Meet: SMAA Relays
With Emily Durgin leading the charge, Cheverus will look to make it two state titles in a row this year, and they have all of the ingredients to do so. Following Durgin are fellow senior, and sophomore, Fiona Hendry and Shannon Conley they both had spectacular seasons last fall as we saw them both place in the top five the state meet. Cheverus looks to be the overwhelming favorite this fall.

2. Mt Ararat
Next Meet: at Oceanside
Mt Ararart decided to rest their top returner, Emma Wood, at the Laliberte Invitational on Saturday. Look for them to be at full strength come Friday when they race at Oceanside. Look for Mt Ararat to make some serious noise in the KVAC conference this year.

3. Massabesic
Next Meet: SMAA Relays
Jocelyn Acheson and Mikayla Frazier will lead the way for Massabesic this year as they try to make a push for a state title. Both Acheson and Frazier placed in the top 20 at the state meet last year, and with a solid returning cast, don’t be surprised to see Massabesic holding up some hardware come October.

4. MDI
Next Meet: Ellsworth Invitational
MDI won their home invitational behind Maggie Painter’s fourth place finish. With their solid core back, expect MDI to make a lot of noise in the SMAA conference this fall.

5. John Bapst
Next Meet: Ellsworth Invitational
John Bapst placed second to MDI at the MDI relays behind Adrienne Carmack’s second place finish. Look for John Bapst to bounce back this Saturday at the Ellsworth Invitational. John Bapst looks like the early favorite for class B this year.

6. Brunswick
Next Meet: at Maranacook
The Brunswick girls looked very strong at the Laliberte Invitational on Saturday as they placed first behind Teresa Murphy’s second place finish. Along with Kathleen McMahon, Brunswick has a very formidable 1, 2 combination which could potentially carry them to a top three finish in class A this year.

7. Yarmouth
Next Meet: at Poland
Yarmouth will be led by Junior Sara Becker this year. She had a fantastic season last year topped off with a 12th place finish at the class B state meet last year. With their entire top five back, Yarmouth looks like the early favorite in the WMC conference.

8. Cape Elizabeth
Next Meet: Home vs. Gray, Sacopee Valley
Cape Elizabeth was hit hard by graduation, but they still have enough to be a contending team in class B. Leading the way this fall for the Capers will be Junior Catherine Tierney. She placed 13th at the state meet last year.

9. Falmouth
Next Meet: Home vs. NYA, Lake Region, York
Falmouth returns four of their top five from last year’s squad which makes them one of the favorites in the WMC conference. Falmouth’s top returner, Meg Palombo, placed 33rd at the class B state meet last year.

10. Kennebunk
Next Meet: SMAA Relays
Kennebunk is led by Senior Sensation, Abby Leonardi. Although if Kennebunk wants to hang with the top dogs in class A, their 2-5 runners will have to close the gap between themselves and Leonardi.

Individual

1. Abby Leonardi Kennebunk
Besides winning the state meet and New England meet Leonardi has her eyes on another goal. Assuming she makes the Footlocker Nationals, Leonardi will look to become the first Maine girl to achieve All American status since Gladys Ganiel in the early 1990's, if she can place in the top 15. And with her 16th place finish last year at the Nationals, the odds are in her favor.

2. Emily During Cheverus
Durgin will look to continue to close the gap between herself and Leonardi. She placed second at the class A state meet last year running a time of 18:03.64. Look for her to have an outstanding fall season.

3. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
Hendry placed third at the class A state meet last year running a time of 18:34.86. Look for Hendry to try to close the gap between herself and her teammate, Emily Durgin. She looks like a lock for a top three finish at the state meet.

4. Abby Mace Maranacook
An injury last fall caused Mace to run in much pain at the state meet. Amazingly though, she placed second running a time of 19:25.64.Mace will be the overwhelming favorite to take the class B title this fall.

5. Shannon Conley Cheverus
Conley had a fantastic freshmen season as we saw her place fourth at the class A state meet running a time of 19:08.93. With a year of high school training under her belt, look for her to take her talents to another level this fall.

6. Emma Wood Mt Ararat
Wood placed fourth at the class A state meet last fall running a time of 19:11.57. Expect her to have a fantastic senior season.

7. Nyajock Pan South Portland
Nyajock Pan placed sixth at the class A state meet last fall running a time of 19:14.09. Pan will look to make a lot of noise in the SMAA conference this year.

8. Kathleen McMahon Brunswick
McMahon placed seventh at the class A state meet last fall running a time of 19:17.68. Look for McMahon to battle with Mt Ararat’s Emma Wood in the KVAC conference this year.

9. Brittany Bowman Camden Hills
Bowman placed third at the class B state meet last fall running a time of 19:31.73. She will look to challenge Abby Mace for the title in class B this year.

10. Carsyn Koch Washburn
Koch dominated the field at the class C state meet last fall running a time of 19:36.50. Look for her to dominate once again this fall.

Festival of Champions Preview

Girls Preview

Team
Cheverus and Massabesic go into the meet ranked 1 and 3 respectively in the latest poll which makes the girl’s race very interesting. Other teams who will want to make a statement this Saturday are Brunswick, John Bapst, Windham, and Falmouth. This will be a big test because we will finally see how the best teams stack up against each other. Will Cheverus run away with it? Will Massabesic finally put together and win? Or will we see an underdog come out on top a la The Mighty Ducks? We will have to wait and see.

Prediction
The Cheverus girls have looked very impressive this year, and they have been really hard to beat over the past couple weeks. The Massabesic girls have a lot of fire power with their top three runners Jocelyn Acheson, Charlotte Pierce, and Mikayla Frazier, but Cheverus has more talent and more depth. Other teams who look to contend for a top five finish will be Brunswick, Windham, John Bapst, and Falmouth. This is how the top five will play out on Saturday:

1. Cheverus
2. Massabesic
3. Brunswick
4. John Bapst
5. Windham

Individual Preview
Abby Leonardi looks like the runaway favorite in this one, and she will be looking to make history on Saturday as she looks to break Cassie Hintz’s record of 17:52.60. The top challengers for Leonardi will be Abby Mace of Maranacock and Cheverus teammates Emily Durgin and Fiona Hendry. Other runners who will be looking to make a splash are Mia Rapolla of Gorham, Kathleen McMahon of Brunswick, Dacie Manion of Old Town, Charlotte Pierce of Massabesic, and Addie Cullenberg of Mt. Blue. There is plenty of fire power in this race, and if the weather is acceptable then we could see some incredibly fast times on Saturday.

Prediction
Abbey Leonardi has to be the favorite. She has run under 18 minutes twice at distances of three miles, a feat that some fifth runners on boy’s teams haven’t even accomplished. The real question is will there be anybody to challenge Leonardi? Both Emily Durgin and Abby Mace have had very impressive seasons so far, and they could challenge Leonardi. Durgin won the New England championships last year so we know how well she can run, and Mace has won every meet so far by a considerable margin. Here is how the top ten will play out on Saturday:

1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Emily Durgin Cheverus
3. Abby Mace Maranacock
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Mia Rapolla Gorham
6. Kathleen McMahon Brunswick
7. Charlotte Pierce Massabesic
8. Alecia Palmer Presque Isle
9. Dacie Manion Old Town
10. Addie Cullenberg Mt Blue

Boys Preview

Team Preview
This has the makings of a classic meet. Eight of the top ten teams in my Week 5 Power Rankings will be attending, so the star power will be at a maximum. Scarborough will look to rebound from last week’s performance at the Southwest Classic, and Falmouth should be fully rested for a great run. Gorham won the Southwest Classic last week, so expect them to have a strong performance. Other teams that will be looking to make a splash are Cape, Massabesic, Edward Little, and Mt Blue. Will Scarborough redeem themselves and come out on top? Will Gorham continue to roll? Or will Falmouth ran past everybody with their rested legs?

Prediction
The real key in this meet will be the number five runners. Cortland Dunn of Gorham will need to have a good race if Gorham wants to have a shot of winning. Also Falmouth’s Henry Briggs will have to have a strong race if they want to come out on top. Scarborough’s number five runner Ian Morris will also have to make a big impact if Scarborough wants to win it. Watch out for Edward Little as well. Faisal Noor has had an outstanding year, and he has a very strong supporting cast behind him. Cape Elizabeth will also like to prove why they are a top team. They have had an excellent year so far, and don’t be surprised to see them catch some of the top teams. If everything goes as it should, the top five will look like this:

1. Falmouth
2. Gorham
3. Scarborough
4. Edward Little
5. Cape Elizabeth

Individual Preview
The individual race will be very entertaining to watch on Saturday as there are four possible runners that could come out on top. Jack Terwilliger of Cheverus hasn’t raced in three weeks, but that shouldn’t affect him on Saturday as he will be fully rested. Harlow Ladd of Messalonske is another favorite to watch. He has posted the fastest 5k of all classes so far with a time of 16:08, and he is also undefeated this year. Edward Little’s Faisal Noor will be with the top pack on Saturday. He has the second fastest 5k year with a time of 16:09, so look for him to challenge for the top spot. Another runner who will be looking to challenge will be Mike Tate from JH Gillis in Nova Scotia. He finished 7th at the Festival of Champions last year as freshmen running a time of 16:21.7 so look for him to challenge as well. Other runners to look out for will be Matt McClintock of Madison, Nick Morris of Scarborough, Tim Follo of Falmouth, Bryant Perkins of Sanford, Jeremy Earl of Gorham, Abshir Horor of Wayneflete,and Chase Brown of Boothbay.

Prediction
Jack Terwilliger looks like the early favorite in this one. He hasn’t raced in three weeks, but I don’t think that will affect him. The battle for the two spot between Harlow Ladd, Faisal Noor, and Mike Tate should be very exciting to watch as well. If everything goes the way it should, the top ten will be looking like this on Saturday:

1. Jack Terwilliger Cheverus
2. Harlow Ladd Messalonske
3. Mike Tate JH Gillis-NS
4. Faisal Noor Edward Little
5. Matt McClintock Madison
6. Tim Follo Falmouth
7. Bryant Perkins Sanford
8. Nick Morris Scarborough
9. Abshir Horor Waynefleter
10. Jeremy Earl Gorham