Runners perform well at Desert Twilight

Xavier Prep cross-country runners had a good performance at the Desert Twilight Invitational on Friday night (Sept. 30) in Casa Grande.

The Gators finished fourth in the Sweepstakes Division, the top group of runners in the meet. They trailed winner Phoenix Desert Vista, Air Academy of Colorado Springs and Peak to Peak of Lafayette, Colo.

XCP was fifth in the Large School Open Division and 10^th in the Large School Freshman Division on the 3.1-mile course at the Arizona Grande Sports World Complex.

Xavier’s top runner in the Sweepstakes Division was Sarah Carter, who finished 18^th. Last year’s Division I state champion had a time of 18:26.1.

Caroline McClelland was 21^st at 18:41.1. Other Xavier runners – Mia Olsen 29^th (18:46.1), Helen Innes 40^th (19:05.2), M.J. O’Gara 58^th (19:34.5), Carolina Liddy 73^rd (19:57.7) and Kate Straneva 78^th (20:06.0).

Xavier was well represented in the Large School Open Division with nine runners.

Karina Smith ran an outstanding race, finishing third at 20:15.2.

Other Gators – Natalia Hiler 20^th (21:18.0), Pamela Ebenroth 36^th (21:52.1), Annika Nielson 38^th (21:54.5), Katherine Thomas 72^nd (22:59.0), Josie Venezia 119^th (24:18.8), Karina Hawkins 146^th (24:56.4), Aspen Schaffer 192^nd (25:47.6) and Arden Smith 193^rd (25:47.7).

The five XCP freshman runners were led by No. 10 finisher Kristen Keeble at 21:57.4. Other Gators – Hannah Phillippi 28^th (23:51.7), Grace Valandra 58^th (25:32.6), Mikayla Chavez 125^th (28:40.7) and Isabella Risser 135^th (29:56.5).

Xavier’s next meet is Oct. 8, the Thunderbird Invitational, in north Phoenix.