Paul VI senior Shaelan McNally ran the 6th-fastest time in DREAM Park history and won her 2nd straight Olympic Conference title Wednesday in Logan Township.
McNally, who won last year’s race in 18:13.17, lowered her time to 18:09.58 this year to become Paul VI’s first ever repeat winner in an Olympic Conference XC championship meet. Her time is fastest in the Olympic Conference meet since it was moved to DREAM Park in 2018.
Cherokee, led by senior Kerry O’Day, junior Megan Meglio and junior Grave Wojciechowski all in the top 10, won a close three-team battle for the team title.
O’Day placed 2nd in 18:28.0, her fastest 5,000 on any course [18:27.94 to 18:28 at Battle at Ocean County Park in Lakewood last month]. Niglio was 5th in 19:12 and Wojciechowski 10th in 19:59.
Cherokee also had senior Alaina Bromley 16th in 20:35 and senior Olivia Parkinson 18th in 20:42 and edged 2nd-place Paul VI 51-62, with Cherry Hill East 3rd at 70 points.
Paul VI sophomore Giovanna Mantuano finished 3rd in 19:08 and Bishop Eustace senior Anya Kazemi 4th in 19:12. Also in the top 10: Camden Catholic junior Nilaa Ponnappan [6th in 19:22], Eastern freshman Theresa Albertson [7th in 19:30], Cherry Hill East junior Cate Feudtner [8th in 19:37], Cherry Hill East sophomore Shaelea Conway [9th in 19:41].
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 