Key Courtney: Big win keeps Girls XC party going : Elburn Herald

Effort of top 7 nabs 1st regional crown in 20 years

by Mike Slodki

KANELAND—If you don’t have totals worthy of a sectional, your season comes to an end in girls cross country.

Luckily, KHS won’t have to worry about that matter, as their 43-point total at their own regional on Saturday morning grabbed a first-place regional plaque.

The one-point win over Crystal Lake Central sends the Lady Knight roster to the Class 2A Belvidere Sectional along with Crystal Lake and Prairie Ridge, which amassed 80 points.

Kaneland had five of the top 15 runners to put the team over the top, most notably sophomore Victoria Clinton, who ran in 18 minutes, 5.7 seconds.

“It was an excellent race by the entire top seven and an overall team victory,” KHS coach Doug Ecker said.

Next for Kaneland was Brianna Bower, who continues to make waves as a freshman with a time of 19:33.8

“(Brianna) finished sixth as she continues her steady improvement with each race,” Ecker said.

Sydney Strang finished ninth with a time of 19:55.6, while the next KHS representative was senior Abby Dodis with a time of 20:16.3, good for 12th.

Senior teammate Amanda Lesak was 15th best in the field with a time of 20:27.

The upcoming Belvidere Sectional takes place on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. for the girls, along with eligible teams from the Antioch and Belvidere North Sectionals.

A year ago, Kaneland was the fourth-best roster to advance to State, thanks to a one-two punch from Clinton (18:28) and Dodis (18:52).