Cross Country Posts Top-Three Finishes at Capital Cross Challenge

Posted: Sep 28, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis cross country program won the Frosh/Soph race title for Division 1-2, placed third in the varsity unseeded and second in the Open race in an impressive day at the Capital Cross Challenge held at the Haggin Oaks Golf Course on Saturday.

Sophomore Nora Smith had the top individual finish on the day in the Frosh/Soph race. She placed fifth in 12:55 over the two-mile course to lead the Troubadours to a first-place team title with 40 points with a spread of just 20 seconds among their top five. She tied her career-best finish, placing fifth for the second consecutive week (Woodbridge Invite).

"We basically tried to just start out well and stay together and focus on the last mile," said Smith. "We wanted to keep a consistent pace. We went out a little fast but it is a good course and not too many hills."

Sophomore Audrey Felsted was ninth overall (13:07), the best individual finish of her career.

"The weather was pretty cloudy at the start but it cleared towards the end of the race," said Felsted. "Nora and I tried to stay together and build off each other especially toeards the end of the race. It was a good finish for both of us.

Freshman Oliva Huerta was 11th overall (13:10) with sophomore Abbie Rexroad in 13:13 for 17th and freshman Anna Harrison 17th (13:16).

St. Francis started in the varsity unseeded race, finishing third overall led by sophomore Claire Silva in 19:41 in the 5K race. Freshman Paige Quigley was 21st overall in her varsity debut in 19:54.

Sophomore Peyton Carson was 35th overall in 20:23 in her varsity debut.

"I felt good about my race," said Carson. "My plan was to stick with the team and run together to finish strong."

Senior Emma Hollenbach was the fourth Troubie across the line in 20:36, while classmate Audrey Reyes was 49th in 20:38.

Freshman Remi Vrilakas was the top finisher in the Open race, helping the team to a second-place finish in 13:39. Sophomore Irene Hales was 13th (13:46) with freshman Ava Ellis (13:58), Izabel Quackenbush (14:00) and Erin Ayotte (18:01) finishing consecutively to round out the top five.

The Troubadours were represented by three alumnae in the collegiate races at the Capital Cross Challenge including Alana Reyna '18 (Sonoma State), Sydney Vandergrift '18 (Cal) and Chase Worthen '16 (Cal Poly). Peyton Bilo '15 (Cal Poly) missed the meet but was among the crowd at Haggin Oaks Golf Course.

St. Francis returns to racing at the Clovis Invitational on Oct. 12.

Capital Cross Challenge

Haggin Oaks Golf Course

Varsity Unseeded Team Results (Top 5)

1. Davis 103; 4. Piedmont 104; 3. St. Francis 163; 4. Cosumnes Oaks 184; 5. Lodi 221.

Varsity Unseeded Individual Results (Top 5)

19. Claire Silva, 19:41; 21. Paige Quigley, 19:54; 35. Peyton Carson, 20:23; 44. Emma Hollenbach, 20:36; 49. Audrey Reyes, 20:38.

Frosh/Soph Division 1-2 Team Results (Top 5)

1. St. Francis 40; 2. San Ramon Valley 92; 3. Vista del Lago 123; 4. Franklin 166; 5. Davis 179.

Frosh/Soph Division 1-2 Individual Results (Top 5)

5. Nora Smith, 12.55; 9 Audrey Felsted, 13:07; 11. Olivia Huerta, 13:10; 15. Abbie Rexroad, 13:13; 17. Anna Harrison, 13:16.

Open Team Results (Top 5)