MANCHESTER — Bishop Guertin freshman Zoe Coler proved she was not intimidated by the “big stage,” placing 5th in the Division I girls race at the State Divisional Cross Country Championships, Saturday at Derryfield Park.
Coler was able to keep pace with the main pack, crossing the line in 20:07.67, to help the Cardinals place fourth, as a team, with 152 points.
The Cardinals advance to the Meet of Champions, Saturday at Alvirne High in Hudson. The top six teams advance, as well as any other runners placing in the top 25.
Among the individuals to advance is Nashua North junior Rosalie Neveau, who placed 10th in a time of 20:40.06. As a team, North placed 11th.
As expected, Exeter High junior Alexis Paterna destroyed the field and won the D-1 race in 18:40.11. Paterna won by nearly 54 seconds. Placing a distant second was Bedford senior Mikita Barry, in 19:36.26.
The team competition proved to be much closer. Paterna and her twin sister, Brianna, gave Exeter a 1-3 finish. But Pinkerton Academy had superior depth and claimed the team title with 55 points. Exeter was second with 58.
North placed 11th, South placed 15th, Memorial placed 16th and Central was 18th.
In addition to Coler, Bishop Guertin got strong performances from seniors Lyla Masson (24th, 21:19.80) and Anna Sinclair (25th, 21:20.36). Sophomore Annabelle Mason placed 46th in 22:45.55.
In addition to Neveau, North got terrific efforts from freshman Alaina Small (44th, 38.69) and junior Claire Hathaway Rube (62, 23:21.38).
South got a strong race from senior Ariana Marengo (34, 22:11.72).
Memorial was led by freshman Abby Coulon (71st, 23:40.38) and sophomore Alison Mejeira-Miranda (72nd, 23:45.97).
Central got good efforts from freshman Cleo Warner, who placed 69th in 23:36.52) and junior Blake Spencer (78th, 24:30.14).
In the Division III race, Derryfield placed 12th and Trinity placed 16th.
Despite the low showing as a team, Derryfield will be represented at the Meet of Champions by sophomore Annabelle Mason Fazelat, who placed 13th in 21:38.08.
Trinity was led by junior Emily Makris, who placed 46th overall in 24.26.90.