Class 2A Girls State Meet Preview
(contributions by Andrew Eager, Dan McCauley)
Team Race
Lovett seems to have the edge going into state after running strong in big races throughout much of the year and beating many top tier programs during the season. However, if they slip in the slightest Darlington's girls will be there to take home the big prize. This should be a great battle thru 2 miles but Lovett's depth and experience should provide the extra help needed in this big race. After #1 and #2 battle it out it seems like the power region (6) will fight it out for the last 2 spots on the Podium. After a 1 point difference at region, Wesleyan and Holy Innocents are too close to call and anything could happen (Except let's hope not like last season) Looking to break into the top 5 could be 'Flatlanders' St. Vincent's Academy will need to have an answer for the hills of Carrollton and could push for a last Podium spot if they are prepared and bring it. Pace Academy were A Champs last season and could make some noise. Bleckley County and Lamar County had a war at Region 4 and both squads had decent team avg times on the moderately challenging layout in Cochran.
Individual Race
Grace Clements Jordan Zimmerman Serena Tripodi
Stephanie Ward Lauren Hooper
Serena Tripodi of Lovett has been a front runner all year competing against the big girls and should be the favorite going into the race having placed 3rd at Coach Wood in 18:47. But, once again Darlington has Stephaine Ward that will be hot on the heels to get individual honors and keep points low for the team trophy. Others to watch for all-state honors: Jordan Zimmerman (Wesleyan), Claire Kelsey (Holy Innocents), Lauren Hooper (Darlington), Grace Clements (Bremen) and Emma Sidman (Lovett) Its highly likelyalot of Blue and Purple of Lovett and Darlington could have 3 or 4 girls each as all-state....
