The Livingston High School girls’ cross country team wrapped up its dual meet season at Newark’s Branch Brook Park (BBP) against multiple opponents. Facing American Division foes Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA), Nutley, and three cross division opponents, the team was able to finish the dual meet season undefeated.
Sophia Paparsenos was challenged along the way by Nutley and MKA’s top runners, but for the third time this year, she crossed the line first in 20:07. Next in was Sophie Schumacherwith apersonal best, takingfifth in 20:45. Following her were Sarah Nidhan (22:39; 6th) and Lila Maru (23:31; 7th). Taking over a minute offher previous best, Kiera D ’ Souza crossed in 13th at 23:18. Not far behind was Anne Ferrans (23:45; 15th), who also ran a personal best. Avery Lerman came in at the #17 spot. Continuing the trend, Emma Xing (24:40; 23rd), Lexis Chen (24:43; 24th) and Jordyn Fersko (24:52; 25th) all ran seasons best times. Freshman Ava Gelfenshteyn, in her first varsity race, ran a personal best of25:44 for 30th. Carolina Romero Vasquez had to momentarily pull off the course, but managed to rejoin the race and finish in 36th.
The girls bested MKA and Nutley by identical 38-21 scores, finishing the American Division 10-0. The team also won the three cross division matches, to go 21-0 against Liberty and Colonial opponents. They reduced their top five split to 3:11, their tightest this season. The 21:50 average is also the seventh best team average for LHS runners on this course.
The rest of the team ran the junior varsity 5K at the meet. Kaya Bhansali ran in her first high school 5K race, clocking 25:19 for sixth place. Next for LHS wasYolanda Cheung (26:15; 7th).Also competing for the Lancers were Kacey Law (27:03; 10th), Summer Levy (27:41; 11th),Allison Zhou (28:37; 15th), Michaela Liu (29:43; 20th), Kayla Greenfeld (30:29; 22nd), Ioanna Gliati (30:41; 24th), Sofia Iskold (32:41; 31st), Samridhi Sharma (33:44; 32nd), and Richelle Lederman (37:33; 39th).
Upcoming matches for the girls’ team include the Essex County Track Coaches Inviational on Saturday, October 19, the Essex County Championship on Friday, October 25, and the first leg of the State Tournament, Group Four North One Championship on Saturday, November 2.
