Despite the record-breaking heat, the Cazenovia girls cross country team turned in a perfect race as a team to beat visiting APW 15-51 and remain unbeaten atop the OHSL Liberty National division at 4-0. All 11 of the Lady Lakers crossed the line before their first opponent from the Rebels as the team continues to grow stronger each week.
Clara Rowles and Meggie Hart led the team as they have throughout the season, coasting to a one-two finish in 21:31. Pacing off the leaders, the Lakers’ pack turned in its most cohesive performance of the fall. Isla Stover led the remaining scorers, earning a personal best performance of 22:00 on their rugged home course in Fenner to place third. Kelly Frost (fourth in 22:44) also ran a personal best with Jackie Gamlen close behind to cap the team’s score at a perfect 15 points.
Isabel VanTassel (sixth, 24:47) and Eleanor Wester (seventh, 25:05) also ran their fastest times of the season on the course to displace all of the APW scorers. Most impressive for the team was the strong finish posted be the rest of the Laker squad as runners eight to 11 all finished within the following minute for a Cazenovia sweep in the race. Jenna Steinberg (25:43), Eva Gagnon (25:50), Chloe Smith (25:56) and Allison Raymond (25:57) all earned season-best times to top off the superb team performance.
Cazenovia will host league rival Skaneateles on Oct. 3 as they near the culmination of their league season and travel to the Auburn Invitational on Oct. 7.
