New York and Northeast Regional Previews For FL/NXN

Breakdown:  New York put four girls in the Top 6 finishers at NXN last year, and all four are back.  Two of which are contesting the team title, and another, Katelyn Tuohy, isn't out of that running herself.  On her own, Tuohy is the favorite, most likely running very fast to see how her mended leg responds to a full race effort.  Expect her to win, and maybe dip under her own course record.  Brooke Rauber has been very consistent this year, and will look to be as high as possible in the finishing order, regardless of racing a team or individual opponent.

The next collection of athletes will all be looking to make their first trip to Portland.  Sarah Connelly and Olivia Morganti had an intense battle to the line at the Class B State Meet, and you can expect it to be just as close as before.  Eva Borton is looking to continue her winning streak after taking home the Class C Title at States, and make her first trip out West.

There are some wildcards here.  Sarah Trainor was only ten seconds behind that front five in the merge.  It could easily reverse.  Lily Flynn, the country's top returner in the 1000m, is also entered after a season of Soccer.  No clue what fitness is there, but she could be a factor.  And then there is Sydney Nowicki, who made the trip last year as the final individual in the best race of her life.  A similar race could snatch a spot back.  Anyone has the potential to spring a perfect race at the perfect time, so nothing is guaranteed, especially in the muddy conditions forecasted.

Note: Because of the unpredictability of the team race, we did not include Top Team Runners in contention for a slot.  The lead runner on the non-qualifying team will replace one of the Top 5 as favorite. Kelsey Chmiel (162), Claire Walters (156), and Jenna Schulz (143) make up that list.

Only Mary Hennelly is double entered in FL and NXN.