Warriors prevail in a tight meet by the same exact score they did in ’16
Published in the April 12, 2017 edition
GILLIAN RUSSELL, a junior (right), leads the pack of runners in Wakefield’s scrimmage meet against Woburn last week. Russell took third in the mile against Stoneham with a time of 6:04.3 in the season opener on Monday at SHS. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
STONEHAM — On its way to winning the Middlesex League Freedom division title last year, the Wakefield Memorial High girls’ outdoor track team had to overcome a tough Stoneham squad as it prevailed by a 72-64.
The Warriors experienced deja vu Monday afternoon in the season opener against the Spartans at Stoneham High School as they won by the same exact score as they did a year ago.
The difference, however, was the location (last year’s meet was run in Wakefield) and the fact that the Warriors didn’t clinch the win yesterday until after the 4×100 relay. Wakefield wrapped up the win a year ago after the two mile.
“I knew going into this meet it was going to be tight,” said head coach Karen Barrett. “We won by the exact same score as last year.”
Abby Harrington, a senior captain, started it off with a state qualifying time of 69.3 seconds to win the 400 hurdles. She continued her winning ways getting a first in long jump and winning the triple jump with a personal best distance of 33’3”.
“That was the first time she competed in the triple,” said Barrett. “(It was an) Outstanding meet for Harrington.”
Olivia Lucey, a freshman, fought hard in the mile and placed second with a time of 5:37.9. Junior Gillian Russell ran strong with a third, running the mile in a time of 6:04.3.
Ana Lucas, a junior, had a great day winning the 100 meter dash, getting second in the long jump, and earning a third in the 200 meter dash. Lucas clocked in at 13.3 seconds in the 100 and posted a time of 28.6 seconds in the 200. The junior distanced 14-8 in the long jump.
“She is really stepping it up this season,” said Barrett.
Freshman Olivia Fetherston had an amazing day in the high jump. She cleared 5’0 on her last attempt to place first. The height was a state qualifying, personal best for her.
Sam Nimblett, a junior, was second in the shot, with a 26’6” toss. Nimblett also scored a point placing third in the discus with a throw of 67-0.
Alex Rollins, a senior captain, won the discus with a personal best throw of 81’0. She also took second in the javelin with distance of 95’0.
“We really needed the throwers to step up and they did,” said Barrett.
Senior captain Christina Freni scored Wakefield’s only point in the 100 hurdles placing third at 18.7 seconds.
Sophomore Ava Vaughn ran a fantastic 100 race. She placed second earning her varsity letter, with a time of 13.5 seconds.
Allee Purcell, a junior, had a good day winning the 200 meter dash and 400 meter run. Purcell ran times of 27.4 seconds and 62.7 seconds.
“We really needed those points and she came through for us,” said Barrett.
Cassie Lucci, a senior captain, and Isabella Kehoe, a sophomore, ran a great 800 meter race pushing each other for first and second place. They clocked in at 3:35.0 and 2:39.9.
Jordan Stackhouse, a senior captain, earned a win in the two mile with a time of 12:36.0. Stackhouse ran steady and got the job done said Barrett.
Wakefield then took first in the 4×100 relay in a time of 56.7 seconds for its final five points of the meet. Stoneham’s 4×100 relay team ran a faster time of 54.8 seconds, but was disqualified for a violation resulting in the five points going to Wakefield.
Stoneham won the 4×400 relay in a time of 4:26.8 to Wakefield’s 4:36.9.
“We also had a lot of very promising JV girls. They are really working hard and Im sure it will pay off,” said Barrett. “We will face Wilmington at home on Thursday.”
The Warriors will hope to go to 2-0 when they host Wilmington on Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Shaun Beasley Track and Field facility.
