Girls Cross Country secured an impressive victory in its meet at St. Paul’s 5-kilometer course on Saturday, competing against both St. Paul’s and Austin Preparatory School (Austin Prep). Among Andover’s top runners, Amelia Alvazzi ’26 emerged victorious in 18:45.9, and Anya Budzinski ’26 finished third in 19:10.7. Newcomers Sophie Stetson ’29 and Maddie Marshall ’29 placed fourth and fifth in 20:08.8 and 20:17.4, respectively. Running under clear skies and ideal fall weather, the team’s collective energy and determination were evident from the starting line to the final sprint.
St. Paul’s course, composed primarily of small, manageable hills, provided a refreshing contrast to Andover’s home course, known for its notoriously difficult climb dubbed “Heartbreak Hill.” Hannah Jung ’28, who earned tenth place overall in 20:31.8, elaborated on this difference.
“St. Paul’s course was really pretty because of the fall foliage, and it was different from ours in that they don’t have any major hills. It’s more rolling hills throughout, which really helped a lot of people because you’re not dreading one giant hill — you’re just taking on the next small one in front of you,” said Jung.
At this meet, 22 of the team’s athletes ran personal records (PRs). Julia Xu ’28 highlighted this achievement and celebrated her teammate and newcomer Kareena Kapoor ’29 for her outstanding performance, a personal best of 25:47.1.
“The team’s overall performance during the meet was spectacular. The girls won first overall. It was a great day for the team. My teammate Kareena Kapoor got a PR, improving by two minutes, which was really amazing. Many people on the team performed really well that day,” said Xu.
Unlike the team’s most recent home meet, during which the temperature reached 80°F, the race at St. Paul’s featured cooler weather. Nishi Amin ’28 elaborated on the favorable conditions and the less challenging course.
“I really enjoyed this course and the race in general because the weather was really nice on Saturday, and the course was a lot easier and less boring than the end of our course, which is what I’m used to,” said Amin.
Team morale was especially pronounced in this meet, shown through the athletes’ support and celebration of each other following their races. Not only was Andover’s team camaraderie high, Jung explained, but St. Paul’s athletes were also good-natured, congratulating Andover runners after the race.
“Our team’s spirit and support for each other really showed through in this away meet. After we finished, I just felt so good, and there were a lot of congratulations within the team. The St. Paul’s girls were really friendly and they approached us and gave us high fives,” said Jung.
Beyond the race itself, Xu emphasized the importance of leadership and long-standing team traditions in fostering unity and motivation. She noted how the Co-Captains’ dedication and the group’s pre-meet rituals have become a defining part of its team culture, helping runners stay confident and connected heading into competition.
“The [Co-]Captains are really amazing. They serve as role models. Chloe [Song ’26] couldn’t make it, but Zoe [von Eckartsberg ’26] was there, and they lead warmups every day and also have captains’ practices. We also have team traditions, like our chant in front of [Samuel Phillips Hall] the day before the meet and mindfulness moments together. Those really help bring everyone closer,” said Xu.
Girls Cross Country will travel to Deerfield on October 25 for its next meet.
