With the defending champion Abbey Leonardi (Kennebunk, ME) opting not to compete in the 75th annual New England XC Championships, the race for the title was wide open. Last year’s runner-up Emily Durgin (Cheverus), was looking to win the title that eluded her by just two seconds as a freshman. The skies opened up as the girl’s race was just about to get started, the rain was pouring down, not what you call great XC weather. The front pack was packed tight together, and was quite large. Durgin was up front with Kelsey Smith (Exeter, NH), Lauren Sara (Bunnell, CT), Heidi Caldwell (Hanover, NH) & Hannah Rowe (St. Johnsbury, VT pictured left) all in the pack.
By two miles Durgin had taken a small lead about 3 seconds up over Smith, with Sara, Caldwell & Rowe another 2 seconds back. Not much would change in the top 5 over the last 1.1 miles. “At 600m I almost started to kick, but I thought I should save something for the uphill finish.” Durgin would say after winning the New England title in a fine 18:35. Smart move as she was able to pull away from Kelsey Smith (18:42 pictured right) over the last 300m, with a strong kick to win by 7 seconds. Lauren Sara was the first CT finisher, Lauren had a strong finish as she closed well to finish 3rd, she held off 4th place finisher Heidi Caldwell by one second.. Hannah Rowe was the top VT finisher rounding out the top 5, as she battled Reid Watson (Glastonbury, CT) to the line, both athletes clocked the same time 18:52. Other girl under 19 minutes were Jacy Christensen(Mascenic, NH) 18:54 & Meg Ryan (FairfieldWarde, CT) 18:57.
Teamwise LaSalle Academy, RI ran away with the title earning a 51 point victory over fellow in-state rival Barrington, RI. Manchester Central, NH rounded out the top three. LaSalle was led by sophomore Molly Keating(19th- 19:34), other scorers were (Evie Jansen 33rd , Emily Papazian 53rd, Tiana Kibbe 68th, Victoria Beardwood 75th) With only one senior on the team, LaSalle should have a great shot to repeat in 2010. Barrington, RI was the runner-up with 184 points while Manchester Central, NH rounded out the top 3 teams with 210.
With the defending champion Abbey Leonardi (Kennebunk, ME) opting not to compete in the 75th annual New England XC Championships, the race for the title was wide open. Last year’s runner-up Emily Durgin (Cheverus), was looking to win the title that eluded her by just two seconds as a freshman. The skies opened up as the girl’s race was just about to get started, the rain was pouring down, not what you call great XC weather. The front pack was packed tight together, and was quite large. Durgin was up front with Kelsey Smith (Exeter, NH), Lauren Sara (Bunnell, CT), Heidi Caldwell (Hanover, NH) & Hannah Rowe (St. Johnsbury, VT pictured left) all in the pack.
up over Smith, with Sara, Caldwell & Rowe another 2 seconds back. Not much would change in the top 5 over the last 1.1 miles. “At 600m I almost started to kick, but I thought I should save something for the uphill finish.” Durgin would say after winning the 
With the defending champion Abbey Leonardi (