by Kurt Wheeler
The Cazenovia girls cross country team ran a strong race against two league opponents Wednesday at the Sean Googin Sports Complex, overwhelming Bishop Grimes 15-51 but falling to a talented Christian Brothers Academy squad 22-33.
Cazenovia was able to use its exceptional depth to place nine of the first 10 runners across the line against Grimes.
Freshman Lauren McLean led the way for the Lakers, running her fastest time ever on Cazenovia’s tough 4800 meter Fenner Road course to finish in 21 minutes, 38 seconds. Junior Captain Mary Williams also ran a personal-best time on the course, claiming second in 22:29.
Claire Braaten led the next wave of finishers, improving on last week’s time by a second to cross the line in 23:13 with Captain Molly Hart just a step behind (23:14). Grimes’ Edy Livingston was their only runner to break into the top 10 (23:38) before Melanie Michael (personal best of 23:42) rounded out the top five scorers for Cazenovia.
Senior Maddie McGreevy (24:12) led a pack of Lakers to close out the top ten. Zoey Gagne (24:16), Laura Fitzgerald (season best of 24:27) and Captain Mia Chesbrough (season best of 24:38) were also among the top finishers.
The tables were turned in the race against the Brothers as Bella Cannizzo, who finished in 20:45 led all runners, with Kayla Newman (21:27) edging out McLean.
Cazenovia and CBA split the top ten places, with five finishers each, but the visitors had the advantage in places with first, second, fourth, sixth and ninth for their low total of 22.
The Lakers, now 2-1 on the season, will be back in action at home Oct. 21 in a rematch against Bishop Grimes with their Senior Meet ceremony slated for 4 p.m.in advance of the 4:30 race time.
