DIVISION II
Our preseason prognostications highlighted how the overall top-end depth in Division II was stronger than Division I. The girls made us look as if we had a crystal ball as seven of the fastest 10 team times at the CIF-SS Finals came out of this group.
Heavily favored and improved, Claremont rolled to its third straight title. Freshman Maddie Coles emerged as the top runner over the last month and surprised everybody with her individual victory at the Section Final. The senior-led squad of Mission Viejo, led by Yale-bound Kelli Hines, stayed healthy and performed at their best in November with their runner-up finish. The Diablos came back a week later to earn a spot on 
the podium with their third-place finish at the State Meet. In Fresno, the section claimed five of the top seven places and all seven qualifying teams placed among the top 10.
With this freshman Class of '22 shining at the divisional finals, Tiani Goeson led Serrano to a third place finish. Always a factor, Saugus qualified for its 14th consecutive trip to the State Meet while freshman Emma Hadley led Canyon (Anaheim) to a fifth place finish. Westlake came on strong over the last month of the season to nab a sixth place while a strong El Toro squad qualified for another State Meet as well. Individually, JW North's Makayla Browne crossed as runner-up at finals while Ventura's Madeleine Locher stayed away from the big races this season to emerge with a strong November. Locher moved and impressed with her fourth-place finish at the State Meet a week later.
Surprise Teams: Canyon (Anaheim), Westlake
Surprise Individuals: Emma Hicken (Mission Viejo), Sara Paino (Canyon, Anaheim)