#MTSACXC Friday Sweeps & Varsity Previews

Division 4 Preview

Sweeps Races

UPDATE: Claudia Lane is running in the D1/D2 sweeps on Saturday.

Claudia Lane doesn't need a breakout race this weekend. The Malibu sophomore has already proven herself with big 3 Mile times this season, although she hasn't run on a course this tough. She will have competition from Trinity Ruelas (Bishop Amat), another emerging star, and Ruelas has extra motivation: she wants to lead Bishop Amat to the team title. JSerra is the team that is most likely to pull the upset in this race.

Sage Creek continues to look like the top team from the San Diego Section (they currently stand at #18 in our Saucony Flo 50 state rankings), and this is a great opportunity for the Bobcats to solidify that reputation. McFarland is in this race, though, and competing against schools its own size for once. That could make it tough on Sage Creek, and it would help if Brad Nelson could bring home the individual win.  Trent Robinett (Oaks Christian) and Anthony Grover (JSerra Catholic) should be right with him the whole race, and any of the three could win (as could a large group of runners in the chase pack).

Varsity Races

Race #32 should have a very interesting individual battle between three guys with nearly identical 3 Mile PR's coming into the meet.  Nate Hollander (Harvard Westlake) has the top time, but Isaac Acosta (Lompoc) and Cesar Nava (Covina) are right behind him. Harvard Westlake is also the top-ranked team in the non-Sweeps D4 races, with El Segundo looking like the only squad that can stay in striking range.

Mariah Moro (Notre Dame Sherman Oaks) has the fastest PR among the runners in the D4 varsity races, although Skyler Wallace (Sage Creek) should provide a serious challenge (both run in Race #31). Covina is the slight favorite, with El Segundo, La Canada, and Harvard Westlake all capable of bringing home the win with a strong performance.