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Southeast Region Girls Preseason Rankings 2019Published by
Loudoun Valley Pushing To The Top On The Girls Side By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor Girls NXR Southeast Preview Blacksburg VA and Tatnall DE have been the two most accomplished girls programs representing the Southeast Region, each making seven appearances at Nike Team Nationals/Nike Cross Nationals. But for the first time since 2005, neither program is expected to advance to Portland, although Virginia and Delaware could still be prominent states at NXR Southeast. Blacksburg made its sixth consecutive trip to NXN last season, but this year it appears Loudoun Valley – winner of the past two boys national team championships – is primed to make its first girls appearance at Glendoveer Golf Course. After Lawton Chiles became the first Florida girls team to advance to the national meet since Episcopal School of Jacksonville in 2005, there could be two other programs – Pine Crest and The Bolles School – from the Sunshine State in contention for automatic and at-large berths. Since Tatnall made its last appearance at NXN in 2012, no other Delaware team has advanced to Portland. But Ursuline Academy, from the same classification as Tatnall, is an up-and-coming group that could remain under the radar until the postseason. Auburn AL and Cuthbertson NC, both returning state champions with plenty of experience up front, didn’t race last year at NXR Southeast, but could be potential sleepers if they choose to compete. 1. Loudoun Valley VA: After getting over the hump and defeating Blacksburg for the 4A state title last year, the Vikings are looking for another breakthrough at NXR Southeast this season after elevating from 15th in 2016, ninth two years ago and sixth last season. The return of junior Ricky Fetterolf and senior Elise Abbe alone would have placed Loudoun Valley in contention for the top spot, but the arrival of sophomore Ava Gordon, a transfer from Rock Ridge VA, gives the Vikings three of the top 15 finishers at last year’s regional meet to go along with several veteran role players providing significant experience. Loudoun Valley has also added Madison Smith, a sophomore from Millbrook VA, who finished 18th in the girls open invitational race at NXR Southeast last season. 2. Pine Crest FL: Although the Panthers took runner-up at the 2A state final and placed 11th last year at NXR Southeast – finishing behind The Bolles School at both meets – the biggest asset in Pine Crest’s improvement could be the return of junior Mahdere Yared, who placed in the top 20 at the regional meet in both 2016 and 2017, before being sidelined with injuries last year. Along with seniors Tsion Yared, Emily Faulhaber and Maya Beleznay, expect a healthy Pine Crest lineup to be highly motivated this season. 3. The Bolles School FL: Although the Fighting Bulldogs got the better of 2A rival Pine Crest last year, the graduation of Maeve O’Riordan for Bolles and the potential return of Mahdere Yared for the Panthers creates the initial separation between the programs. Bolles, eighth at last year’s regional meet, boasts three of the state’s most talented freshmen in Elizabeth Csikai, Jillian Candelino and Ella Mickler, along with junior Maxine Montoya and senior Helena Kummings providing important depth. 4. Hidden Valley VA: Perhaps the hidden gem of last year’s regional meet, the Titans improved from 16th at NXR Southeast in 2017 to finish third last season. Although Hidden Valley graduated top runner Emma Rogers, the return of juniors Elle Anderson, Ainsley Lester and Amelia Ballou, along with sophomore Sophia Pineda and senior Chloe Rogers could be enough to propel the 3A state champions back to Portland for the first time since 2009. 5. Ursuline Academy DE: This resilient group should have plenty of inspiration entering the season, especially after two injured seniors didn’t run last year at the state meet or NXR Southeast, not to mention the Raiders only had four athletes finish the regional race, denying a potential top-10 team finish. But the 2A state champions return juniors Emily Rzucidlo and Alaina McGonigle, along with a deep sophomore class that includes Anna Pryor, Ava Lindia and Brighid Deely, which should result in a significant improvement from its last regional team performance, a 12th-place showing in 2011. Watchlist |
