Orange Lutheran Girls
Orange Lutheran may be one of the most underrated teams in the state. The Lancers grade out as the 8th-best returning team in the Southern Section using 5K times, putting them right behind some of the state's D1 and D2 powers - but this is a Division 4 team. If it weren't for the bad luck of being in the same classification as Sage Creek, we would be talking about an overwhelming favorite to be the best team in the division state-wide this winter.
Lutheran may still earn that honor, although their path is difficult. There are a lot of factors in their favor, starting with a loaded senior class that should be strongly motivated to close out their careers with the best possible performances. Sophia Gutierrez and Nicole Meyer lead the Class of 2021 for the Lancers, who could have 4 seniors in their top 7 this winter. Juniors Lauren Landrith and Sophia Gibson round out a strong top 4 pack separated by only 45 seconds if you're looking at 3 mile times, it's a top 5 that includes Ishani Hansji). Behind that lead group, though, there is a significant gap back to the depth runners, who will need to step up to give this squad a chance to unseat the defending champs.
Recent years indicate that the Lancers will improve significantly from their 2019 returning times, which would help close that gap and make them a formidable opponent. This team ranks 6th for year-to-year progression over the past 3 seasons (using 3 mile times), once again putting them on par with some of the top D1 & D2 programs in the state in that metric.
After failing to make the state meet in 2018, Lutheran burst onto the scene with a 3rd-place finish last fall. With 6 of their top 7 returning from that race, the experience is in place to have similar success this year. The Lancers would really benefit from discovering or developing one more top 5 caliber runner and an infusion of youth (their top returning sophomore is #12 on the team). If they can find that final piece and continue to develop their depth as they have been, they can set their eyes on a virtual upset.