Kate Bulger ’11 set a course record this weekend at NMH to help propel Andover Girls Cross-Country to a 17-46 victory. Bulger led the pack with a time of 20:10, more than twenty seconds faster than the previous course record at NMH, which Bulger set last year. “I set the course record last year at Interschols when I won, so it was really encouraging to see that I was even faster this year,” said Bulger. “We had a fabulous week of really tough workouts and the team definitely clicked [on Saturday].” Andover was able to overcome injuries and the extremely difficult NMH course to pull out a great overall race. “We went into this race knowing that it was a tough course, not expecting any personal or season best times, so it was great to see everyone have such a great race,” said Coach Nancy Lang. Not far behind Bulger was Kristen Faulkner ’11 in second, with a time of 20:42, followed by Kelsey Jamieson ’12 in third, with a time of 20:48. The Andover squad proved superior in fitness and determination, taking eight of the top ten spots. Along with careful pacing, an important key to the team’s success was their strategy of pack running, which gave runners the support they needed to push themselves. “The girls worked really well together in packs to keep up morale,” explained Alex Morrow ’12. As Interschols draw near, the squad will look to keep up its momentum and energy. Bulger said, “I just want to keep that spirit going from here until Interschols and at the same time let the intensity and focus build each week. It’s definitely crunch time for the team, but we’re ready for it.” As the defending New England champions, the team carries a lot of pressure on their backs but has confidence in their ability to continue their success for the rest of the season. “It is very important for us to race as many runners as possible in every race, but it will be especially important this weekend as we host Deerfield during Parents Weekend,” said Coach Lang. Under the leadership of Bulger and Captain Caitlin Kingston ’11, Andover Girls Cross Country will face off against a very deep and talented Deerfield squad at home this Saturday.
