1) HOLY ANGELS- Holy Angels dominated the Season Opener Group A race with 23 points, showing there tight pack by placing 5 runners in the top 10. They were led by Frosh Jen Molke who finished 2nd in 20:11. They also had the fastest team average of the day with a 20:38. Next for Holy Angels is a trip to South Jersey at the Cougar invitational, where they will meet the US #6, Northeast #1, and defending New Jersey State Meet of Champions Colts Neck.
2) IHA - The Blue Eagles did not race this past weekend, but remain #2 with their performance at the Randolph Invitational, where they placed 3rd in the group 3 race. Senior Sarah Mellea and frosh Erin Thompson performed well there. IHA’s next invitational will be at the Bowdoin XC classic on 9/22, where IHA will go head to head with NY #5 and last year’s Nike Team Nationals runner up Hilton. Greenwich, Bronxville, Honeoye Falls Lima and Shenendehowa, New York’s 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th ranked teams are also scheduled to be there.
3) NORTHERN HIGHLANDS - Has not raced at an invitational thus far, but won dual meet vs Pascack Valley 15-50 at Garret Mountain. Return 5 of 6, Jenna Stoller and Katie Nestor are a good 1-2 punch which makes Northern Highlands dangerous and a team to watch
4) RIDGEWOOD- There varsity did not race this past weekend, but they won their dual meet on 9/11 vs Belleville. With 5 of 7 runners back from last year expect this team to improve each and every week during the course of the season and do not be surprised if they move up in the rankings as well. First invitational for the varsity will come on 9/28 at the Maroon Invite at Garret Mountain.
5) RAMSEY- Won duals over Indian Hills and Pascack Hills at Darlington on 9/10. Alexander Clinton should be a solid front runner for Ramsey.
6) OLD TAPPAN- Old Tappan defeated Ramapo at dual meet on 9/10, 20-36. After Ramapo’s Erin Mckenna won, Old Tappan put 5 straight runners in, which sealed the victory.
7) RAMAPO- Ramapo defeated Bergenfield at there first dual meet, but lost to Old Tappan 20-36 at Garret Mountain on Monday 9/10. Erin Mckenna was the top finisher in that race with a 21:37
8) DEMAREST- Won double dual over Mahwah and Wayne Hills at Garret Mountain on 9/10. Jillian Rothschild is one of the best runners in Bergen.
9) GARFIELD- A team to watch with several returnees from last year’s squad
10) PARAMUS- Placed 4th in Group A race at Season Opener, with Junior Patty Hannon placing 7th in race with a 20:42.