With 3 of the top 10 teams in the most recent MTCCCA poll, including #1 Cape Elizabeth, going head to head at the Western Maine Conference Championship meet Friday at Falmouth it expects to be a very competitive meet, both teamwsie and individually. Here is a look at the ranked teams as well as two that have been ranked at one point this season,
Cape Elizabeth Capers
ME #1
Cape Elizabeth has been the #1 ranked team in Maine all year and deservedly so, as they have run away from the competition at all in-state meets. They have run in two out-of-state Invitationals as well, the Hartford Riverfront, where they placed 3rd against top New England teams in Glastonbury & Newton South. They averaged a season best 20:12.5 for 5k. Last time out they ran at the Ocean State Invite, but weren't completly healthy but still ran well even without #1 Emily Attwood out sick and without a 100% healthy #2 Stressenger, and #5 Hannah Doss under the weather. Despite all this they were 7th averaging 20:37 in wet/muddy conditons. Cape is the clear faorite to repeat as WMC champions on Friday, hopefully they are 100% healthy.
Top Runners
Emily Attwood 5k-19:16
Marita Stressenger 5k- 19:39
Kelsey Barton 5k--20:15
Falmouth Yachtsmen
ME #5
Falmouth comes into the WMC Championship running at a high level, with a surprise 4th place finish at last week's Festival of Champions meet they are looking to continue their success. At the FOC Falmouth was led by Erin Morris & Maggie Parrish, and as a team averaged 21:50 for 5k. They will be looking for a top 3 finish.
Top Runners
Erin Morris 5k-21:23
Maggie Parrish 5k- 21:24
Francesca D'Alfonso 5k--21:53
York Wildcats
ME #10
York has been ranked in the top #5 teams in the MTCCCA poll most of the year, but last week fell to #10. The drop in the ranking was a bit unfair as they ran without their #2 & #3 runners last week at the FOC. They still finished 10th, with a 22:08 average for 5k. They will have #2 Molly Carl back his week, as she was taking SAT's, and hopefully #3 Reaha Goyetche can return from an injury. York has been led all year by Michaela Swiatek. Look for York to rebound at the WMC with a full complement of runners, they should challenge for a top 3 spot.
Top Runners
Michaela Swiatek 5k-20:56
Monique Boutin 5k- 21:16
Liz Ferland 5k--22:12
Freeport Falcons
ME #13
Freeport comes into the WMC Championship flying under the radar, they have been running without #1 Molly Susla most of the season due to Biathlon commitments, but she will return on Friday. Freeport is a team that could surprise a few, they have a strong team that has been led by Andrea Goodrich & Caroline Davis in Susla absence. Look for Freeport to challenge the team ranked in front of them.
Top Runners
Andrea Goodrich 5k-21:11
Caroline Davis 5k- 21:23
Kiera Berkemeyer5k--21:49
Fryeburg Academy
ME #15
Fryeburg is another team that comes in under the radar, they have quietly put together a pretty good season without a lot of notice, they come into the meet with a chance to mix it up with the teams ranked in front of them. They are led by Emily Atwood & Grace Miller, and as a team Fryeburg averaged 21:52 for 5k at a home meet on 9/12.