Madeline Tello
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Cross Country team competed in Palos Verdes High School’s mini meet at the Lunada Bay Little League course in Palos Verdes. The Mustangs raced against Palos Verdes High and Saugus High on Thursday, August 30.
“Since this was the first race of the season, I felt a bit nervous going in but I was still very excited to go out and do my best and I think everyone else felt relatively the same.” junior, Isabella Zadoyan said. “I went in thinking positively and it definitely helped me power through so that I could use this meet as an opportunity to improve.”
The Mustangs trained with workouts and drills over the summer and during regular practices in preparation for this meet and future meets. The PV course consisted of a 2 mile course complete with hills and rough terrain.
“I thought the fact that this course has a large hill makes it difficult but it also makes it fun.” freshman Harrison Sanders said. “This course was definitely a good warm up for the season and I’m excited to see how the whole team and I will improve by the end of the season.”
The meet, beginning with girls varsity, resulted in senior Brooke Inouye finishing with a time of 12:22 and coming in at second place out of thirty seven runners. Following Inouye was senior Olivia Hacohen with a time of 12:22, placing third and junior Pnina Tofler with a time of 12:43, placing seventh.
“This is the first race of the season so, everyone was excited and nervous but the team, especially the seniors, really came together to support and help the incoming freshman.” Lisa Herman, Girls’ Cross Country coach said. “They know this course well and it allowed them to finish strong as a whole team.”
Boys varsity raced after the girls team, resulting in senior Cy Chittenden finishing with a time of 10:14 and placing third out of 48 runners. Following Chittenden were senior Cole Gamble finishing with a time of 12:26, placing ninth and sophomore Cormac Carew finishing with a time of 12:38, placing 11th.
“Going into the meet, everyone got really pumped up and enthusiastic.” Sanders said. “We all went in striving to do our best and all the energy and support from the team really helped us get through the course.”
The Mustangs will next compete on Saturday, September 8th at Laguna Hills Invitational at Laguna Hills High.
“I feel very prepared for the next meet, especially after participating in this race, and I think the hard work everyone has been putting in as a team, along with experience from this meet, will definitely show at Laguna next month.” Zadoyan said.
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