The Taft girls’ cross country team traveled to Avon Old Farms for the New England Championships on Saturday, November 10th. Fresh off of a 3rd place finish at the Founders League Championship, the team was a little beat up, and ultimately only 12 of the 19 team members were able to complete the race. Nevertheless, those who did finish the race turned in excellent individual performances, despite high winds, lots of mud, and a little bit of snow! In the varsity race, co-captain Michelle Lian led the way for Taft with a 21:46, with Annabel Pick hot on her heels to finish 2nd for Taft in a PR of 22:00. Co-captain Katie Bootsma (22:26, 3rd for Taft) and Mare Gandarela (22:34, 4th for Taft) finished close together and nearly tied their season PRs. Seniors Katilyn MacDonald (23:11, 5th for Taft) and Caroline Shea (23:40, 6th for Taft) both earned big PRs on the day -- even after just one year on the team, we will miss them dearly next year! In the JV race, Maggie Robertshaw (24:45, 1st for Taft) and Lilly Izmirlian (24:46, 2nd for Taft) ran once again side by side and dueled to the finish line, with both girls earning their best times of the season. Arguably the breakout race of the day, Bojana Drca came in 3rd for Taft with a time of 25:02, over a minute faster than her previous best time! Kunchok Palmo (30:49, 4th for Taft) and Catherine Zhao (30:54, 5th for Taft) traded places over the last half mile and pushed each other to strong finishes, while Coco Zhang (35:59, 6th for Taft) earned her lifetime best time over a 5k course as well. Michelle Lian 21:46 Annabel Pick 22:00 Katie Bootsma 22:26 Mare Gandarela 22:34 Kaitlyn MacDonald 23:11 Caroline Shea 23:40 Maggie Robertshaw 24:45 Lilly Izmirlain 24:46 Bojana Drca 25:02 Kunchok Palmo 30:49 Catherine Zhao 30:54 Coco Zhang 35:59