Mainland Regional freshman Sofia Day ran an eye-popping 18:15 over 5,000 meters Friday at the Osprey XC Invitational at Stockton University.
Day, who had only raced over 5,000 meters once this fall, finished second to 4:53 miler Cate DeSousa of Red Bank Catholic, who ran 17:29.
DeSousa broke the course record of 18:35 set by her former teammate, Maddy Kopek, at the same meet two years ago, and Day’s time is second-fastest in course history.
Day’s only 5,000 was a batch meet against Hammonton, Bridgeton and Millville, where she ran an unpressed 20:31 at Hammonton as Mainland swept the top five spots.
Also under 20 minutes on the flat, fast course in Galloway Township were Egg Harbor sophomore Michaela Schlemo [5th in 19:15], Mainland sophomore Gillian Lovett [7th in 19:18], Wildwood freshman Macie McCracken [9th in 19:31], West Deptford senior Hope Siner [10th in 19:39], Atlantic City junior Madeline Dischert [13th in 19:43], Paul VI sophomore Shaelan McNally [13th in 19:52], Washington Township junior Allyson Wernik [14th in 19:55] and Eastern senior Lauren Kenselaar [15th in 19:59].
Toms River North won a very close three-way team battle with 64 points, with Red Bank Catholic second with 65 and Mainland third with 66.
Red Bank Catholic is ranked No. 8 in New Jersey, Mainland is No. 12 and Toms River North is unranked.
Washington Township [142], Cedar Creek [148] and Egg Harbor Township [150] placed fourth through sixth.
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 