Madeline Dischert became Atlantic City’s first Cape-Atlantic Conference XC champion Tuesday at Stockton.
Dischert ran 19:03 over the 5,000-meter Stockton University course in Galloway Township, followed by a pack of five Ocean City girls. Dischert finished about 90 meters ahead of Ocean City sophomore Maeve Smith, who was 2nd in 19:24.
Ocean City finished with a 20-77 margin of victory over Cedar Creek, which recorded its best finish ever. Middle Township edged Atlantic County Tech of Mays Landing 97-103 for 3rd place.
The title was the second this fall for Dischert, who didn’t begin running XC until her junior year. She beat a loaded field over 3,200 meters in the senior race at the Cherokee Challenge last month.
Ocean City packed its five scorers in 55 seconds, with junior Frankie Ritzel taking 3rd overall in 20:35, sophomore Chloe Care 4th in 20:37, senior Grace McAfee 5th in 21:16 and freshman Gabrielle Henry 6th in 21:19.
Seniors Abby Inserra and Cheryl Connell also placed in the top 10, Inserra 9th in 21:41 and Connell 10th in 21:58.
Junior Riley Lerner led Cedar Creek in 7th place in 21:26 and Hammonton sophomore Natalie Clauhs ran 21:40 for 8th.
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 