2022 NY Girls XC Preview: CHSAA

Outlook:  The Friars are strongest at the top behind Kiera Udell and Olivia Czoch and have by far the most depth, so they will begin the year as the heavy favorites for a third straight CHSAA title.

St. Joseph Hill (Hilltoppers)

Outlook: The Hilltoppers may be a bit of a stretch at the second spot for the CHSAA preview, and a big part of their speed rating score comes from Ava Gumb's high ratings. But even their 8th place last year at just 2 points away from a Feds spot was a huge improvement, and if a senior-heavy squad can pull in some young depth, Hill should be fighting for a top 5 spot.

St. Francis Prep (Terriers)

Outlook: The Terrier harriers have the second most titles in the CHSAA behind Saint Anthony's, but it's been 27 years since the last win. After a 3rd place in 2021, SFP will get the chance to shoot for the tenth title in a now-or-never opportunity on basically a senior-only squad. Grace Hughes, Cristina Stanescu, and Sydney Morgan all finished in the top 20, so there is a good core set to lead the Terrier campaign.

Sacred Heart (Lady Spartans)

Outlook: The Spartans lost three of their top 7 including lead runner Kimberly Hopkins from last year's runner-up team, so some rebuilding work is needed. Senior Brigid Byrnes will be supported by a trio of other runners from last year's top 32, so Sacred Heart has a decent chance to stay near the top of the CHSAA.

Our Lady of Mercy (Mustangs)

Outlook: The Mustangs were certainly a pack team last year as they placed four runners in the 39th to 43rd spots last year. Top runner Ashley Abraham is gone, but OLM has senough of a squad back to challenge for a top 5 spot if the junior-heavy pack moves up a bit.

Outlook:  Like a number of other teams, the Firebirds lost their top runner Kathleen Healy but have most of the rest of the crew back. Junior Kelsey Nichols had a top 25 place last year and should be leading a veteran squad.

St. Joseph by the Sea (Vikings)

Outlook:  The Vikings were not at all deep last year and still have a meager look this year, but everyone is back and senior Victoria Dziubela should be one of the CHSAA's top runners.

Archbishop Molloy (Stanners)

Outlook: The Stanners return everyone from last year's 9th place squad, so there's big room for improvement. Grace Murphy had a really strong 5th in the CHSAA last year, and younger runners behind her should help Molloy move up this year.

Nardin Academy (Gators)

Outlook:  The Gators' streak of wins at the MMAA was finally broken last year after four wins. Nardin tailed off last year after a strong showing at the Manhattan invite, and following the loss of longtime leader and 2020 champ Mary Kat Hartigan and also Heidi Khuu, there will be some work to do to fill out the squad and challenge Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart - Buffalo (Sharks)

Outlook:  (Correction update) The Sharks took a repeat title in 2021, and they are decently set for another run at a title with a balanced squad. The loss of Isabella Rajecki and Lainie Smith from their top three means the Sharks will need some runners to step up, and Veronica Bohan led the team at Federations as a freshman.

Outlook:  The Dragons earned likely their first trip to Feds when they edged out Notre Dame Academy and St. John Hill for 5th in the CHSAA race. The top two of Maggie McCabe and Anne Piscitelli are back, but the rest of the top 5 are not, so a lot of filling out is needed on this squad.