Andover raced past Exeter en route to a 22-33 victory on Saturday, setting a high note in the race that marked the commencement of the Fall 2013 Andover-Exeter competition.
“We had already raced them once earlier in the season, so we knew that we were likely going to be the stronger team again, but it was nice to beat them again. Also, since most other teams have games against Exeter this week, it was great to be the first ones to compete against and beat Exeter,” said Qiqi Ren ’15, “Girls cross country has had a pretty consistent streak of beating Exeter, so one of the best parts about winning was knowing that we were continuing that long legacy.” Anoush Shehadeh ’15 led the race once again, finishing the race at 18:03 to cap off the season undefeated.
Following a battle with Christine Hu of Exeter, Payton McGovern ’16 finished in third place overall with a time of 20:17, two seconds behind the second place competitor. Close behind McGovern was Ren, who finished with a time of 20:40.
Sharon Ruth Platt ’15 and Sofia Barbosa ’16 finished after Ren. Anna Kramer ’16 and Gillian Cline ’16 rounded out Andover’s Top Seven.
“The most important thing in our victory over Exeter was that we had incredible pack running in both the varsity and JV races. Our top three JV runners finished within 15 seconds of each other, which is incredible, and our Varsity team finished its second through seventh runner within 90 seconds of each. It just goes to show that staying together during a race and pushing each other the whole way is really what creates a strong team,” said Kramer.
As always, the matchup against Exeter holds great significance for the team, not only because of the age-old rivalry between the two teams but also seeing as it is the final race before Interschols on November 9.
Shehadeh said, “Exeter is such a bonding day for the team because it’s our last regular season meet before we start gearing up for Interschols so it’s really important that the team works together to perform well and we did just that. I’m super pumped for Saturday because our dynamic in the Exeter race was so fantastic.”
For the Seniors, last Saturday’s race against Exeter was the final time competing in an Andover uniform on the home course. Although the real challenge will be on Saturday at St.Paul’s, many of the girls are feeling the effects of the season coming to a close.
Captain Graydon Tope ’14 said, “It was nostalgic. I remembered the times that I had done work outs on the course and the people who had been there with me. I was also excited because I knew that I would not have to run up Heartbreak Hill again. In all seriousness, though, I am going to miss the course. I don’t like to think that the season is coming to an end.”
“The XC team has been huge part of my life since I joined the team four years ago,” she continued. “I am going to miss the girls and coaches so much and I cannot thank them enough for inspiring me to be a better person and to push myself in all areas of my life.”
