Delsea senior Carly Nicholson, closing in 70 for her last lap and 2:29 for her last 800, recorded a big win in the 1,600 Saturday at the Cherokee Distance Invitational.
Nicholson ran a PR 5:05.40, lowering her personal best from a 5:08.45 at 2019 sectionals on her home track at Delsea.
Nicholson is within 5 1/2 seconds of becoming Delsea’s fourth sub-5 runner, along with Celine Mazzi [4:56.23 in 2014], Felicia O’Donnell [4:57.48 in 2011] and Amanda Goetschius [4:59.45 in 2007].
Cherokee junior Nicole Clifford ran 5:13.33 for second, lowering her PR from 5:17.37 at the 2019 Rowan Open in Glassboro.
Six other girls ran under 5:23: Paul VI freshman Shaelan McNally [5:19.30], Kingsway sophomore Nicole Lipieta [5:20.33], Ocean City senior Alexa Palmieri [5:20.91, Haddonfield senior Olivia Stoner [5:21.56] and Delsea sophomore Lillie Widmer [5:22.13].
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 