Girls’ XC takes 4th overall, 1st among Freedom teams at League Meet

WAKEFIELD’s Grace Brackett (left) and Lily Sallee medaled in the varsity race at the Middlesex League Championship Meet on Monday at Woburn Country Club. (Courtesy Photo)

WOBURN — The Wakefield High girls’ cross country team had a fantastic showing at the Middlesex League Championship meet on Monday at the Woburn Country Club. The Warriors took 4^th overall and 1^st among Freedom Division teams.

“We were determined to compete better than we did against Melrose in our final dual meet,” said head coach Karen Barrett. “It was a fantastic accomplishment.”

Wakefield’s 136 was behind only 1^st place Lexington (27), Winchester (67) and Arlington (136). The Warriors beat Belmont (153) and Melrose (165), exacting some revenge on their rivals after Melrose beat Wakefield in the final meet of the regular season to win the Freedom Division title.

Senior Lily Sallee was the top Warrior finisher, taking 6^th overall in a PR of 18:38. 

“She ran controlled, confident and strong,” said Barrett of Sallee. “I was really impressed with the way she raced today.”

Senior Grace Brackett was next for Wakefield, also earning a medal by taking 19^th overall in a PR of 19:16 in what Barrett called the best race of her career. 

“Grace ran with grit and determination and trusted her training,” said Barrett.  

Junior Liza Bangston was the 3^rd Warrior, taking 24^th in a PR of 20:19. 

“Liza competed great today,” said Barrett.

Up next for Wakefield was sophomore Riley Mitchell who was 41^st overall in a PR of 21:44. 

“She really stepped it up today, running a great race,” said Barrett of Mitchell.

Junior Abby Richardson finished Wakefield’s scoring with a 21:59 for 46^th overall.

“She ran a very solid race,” said Barrett.

Sophomore Lisa Letchford was Wakefield’s 6^th finisher, taking 59^th overall with a PR of 23:11. 

“Lisa had a good race and will continue on with the team to the state meet,” said Barrett. “Overall, I was very proud of the girls’ effort and attitude today.”

WAKEFIELD’s Peyton Knowles (left) and Yongyi Zhao medaled in the junior varsity race at the Middlesex League Championship Meet on Monday at Woburn Country Club. (Courtesy Photo)

Wakefield also had two medalists in the JV race as junior Yongyi Zhao earned a PR of 23:32 for 27^th and sophomore Peyton Knowles had a PR of 23:37 for 29^th. Junior Natalie Collins was 34^th with a PR of 23:54.

Lia McCarthy was the standout in the freshman meet, taking 21^st overall with a PR of 14:19. 

The Warriors will now get ready for states, which will take place on Nov. 9 in Devens.