Girls NXN-NY Individuals
Breakdown: Clear from the start, this was not to be a repeat of Feds. Kelsey Chmiel, who blew out the field a week earlier, had some competition from the word go. Jessica Lawson was right on her shoulder, as was Katherine Lee, Class B State Champion. Katelyn Tuohy, runner up from the week before, was next in line to the lead. One step behind was a herd of Manlius runners five across, in Saratoga's typical blue colors. The pressure was one.
The pack of national caliber runners ascended Bowdoin in unison. Very little separation on the pack through 2.5K. But as the pace weaved through the upper loop, Lee, Chmiel and Claire Walters began to find some room to move. Down the path, Chmiel still held the lead, but Lee was in waiting. Walters had gained ground through the hills, but was now holding on to the blistering pace up front.
The two came down across the bridge together. That's when Lee could sense an opening. Chmiel was beginning to slow her surges. With that, Lee took off on another gear, breaking the race wide open. She held the surge through the line, opening up a ten second gap to continue an undefeated season.
Video Highlight
