J Serra is the run-away winner and the next three teams should easily reach State. However, things get interesting starting with the fifth position. Four teams separated by a mere 12 points. Looking at our girls in the 10th position, you might think we are not going to jump into that second tier. But, it all depends upon how our #4 and #5 girls handle the course. In compiling these rankings, I threw in Veronica and our #5 scorer at 21 minutes. However, we know that Veronica is capable of running considerably faster than 21 minutes, if the conditions are right. A day with no stuff in the air makes a big difference. Just for argument’s sake, say that Veronica cracks off a 20:10 on Saturday, that brings our point total down to around 190.
Of course, it is not all on Veronica’s shoulders. Sarah and Olivia need to repeat their Prelims performance and Alissa may have a faster race in her SAC pocket. Remember that she did an 18:20 at Prelims last year. There are 12 points right there. Then there is #5. That is the girl that could make a big impact. That position is currently Carlin at 21:04. Carlin turned in a 20:49 in last year’s Prelims. A 20:49 this year picks up 10 points.
Our wild card is Alejandra. It is hard to say if she is ready to deliver a big performance as a frosh. It is a tough task to run this course in this atmosphere as a unseasoned competitor. But the girl definitely has strong potential. With two SAC races under her belt, perhaps she has the course figured out. We’ll see. If it doesn’t rain.
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