From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank

Sophomore Keira Epstein, a 1^st-year runner, became the first Glassboro girl in 41 years to win a sectional title and Haddon Township won its 13^th South Jersey title Saturday morning at the South Jersey Group 1 sectionals in Logan Township.

Epstein ran 18:15.33 – the fastest time ever at DREAM Park by a Group 1 runner – and became the first girl from Glassboro to win a sectional XC title since Ruth Lockbaum, Glassboro’s valedictorianin 1986, won her 2^nd title in a row in the fall of 1985 at Pennsauken.

Her time is 16^th-fastest in course history and 3^rd-fastest by a sophomore. Epstein a minute and 22 seconds ahead of 2^nd-place Hazel Straight from Collingswood, who ran 19:37.

Audubon Emma Camm [3^rd in 19:41], Maple Shade Juliana Catalani [4^th in 20:02] and Woodstown Abby Marino [5^th in 20:05] all also crossed the line before the Haddon Township pack went to work.

Haddon Township was led by Isabella Dodd in 6^th place in 20:09 and Tanner Lajoie in 8^th place in 20:27.

Biz Maher ran 20:59 for 13^th, Chloe Lajoie 21:38 for 18^th and Reagan Maher 21:47 for 19^th for Haddon Township.

Haddon Township edged Audubon 42-45 for the team title. The three-point margin of victory is tied for 6^th-closest ever in Group 1. Also earning trips to states next weekend at Holmdel County Park were Maple Shade [73], Woodstown [76] and Schalick [108].

Haddon Township previously won sectional titles 2000, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2023 in Group 1 and in 1976, 1983, 1984 and 2004 in Group 2

Lydia Gravante led Audubon in 7^th place in 20:22 and Pennsville Peyton Michel [9^th in 20:40], Collingswood Gillian Romig [10^th in 20:42], Pitman Peyton Coyle [11^th in 20:45], Pennsville Sawyer Slad [12^th in 20:46], Schalick Emma Wilbur [14^th in 21:03] and Audubon Romina Macko [15^th in 21:23] also picked up auto qualifying spots for Group 1 states next weekend at Holmdel County Park.

Closest Group 1 meets
Tiebreaker
0 points
2001: Gloucester 47, Schalick 47 [Group 1]
1997: Haddonfield 56, Haddon Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1981: Audubon 56, Manchester Twp. 56 [Group 1]
2 points
2018: Pitman 36, Haddon Twp. 38 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
3 points
2026: Haddon Twp. 45, Audubon 3 [
2016: Haddon Twp. 58, Woodstown 61 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
1996: Schalick 49, Maple Shade 52 [Group 1]
1983: Pt. Pl. Beach 42, Haddonfield 44 [Group 1]
2001: Gloucester 47, Schalick 47 [Group 1]
1997: Haddonfield 56, Haddon Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1981: Audubon 56, Manchester Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1 points
2012: Lenape 65, T.R. North 66 [Group 4]
2003: Cherokee 63, Shawnee 64 [Group 4]
1979: Holy Cross 62, T.R. East 63 [Group 3]
2 points
2018: Pitman 36, Haddon Twp. 38 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
2006: Cherry Hill East 58, Lenape 60 [Group 4]
1997: Egg Harbor Twp. 75, Ocean City 77 [Group 3]
1992: Bishop Eustace 37, Kingsway 39 [Group 2]
3 points
2023: Ocean City 48, Mainland Reg. 51 [Group 3]
2021: Clearview 70, Mainland Reg. 73 [Group 3]
2016: Haddon Twp. 58, Woodstown 61 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
1996: Schalick 49, Maple Shade 52 [Group 1]
1986: Manchester Twp. 41, Pt. Pl. Boro 44 [Group 2]
1983: Pt. Pl. Beach 42, Haddonfield 44 [Group 1]
1976: Haddon Township 26, Gateway 29 [Group 2]