CHS rookie runner shines at MIAA All-State Cross Country meet
By Mike Berger
Freshman Lauren Raffetto edged Nashoba’s top runner to place 4th overall. (Photo courtesy of Aidan McCloskey)
History was made on Saturday at Fort Devens as seven CHS cross country runners lined up to compete in the MIAA All-State Girls Championships.
When the results were tallied, the Bulldogs ranked 20th in the state among all participating teams, a best-ever finish powered by another historic showing from freshman Lauren Raffetto.
Right from the gun, Raffetto took off with the lead pack and blazed through the first mile in a 5:47 pace. Even as the pack started to break in the second mile, the first-year varsity runner was able to stay within striking distance, and with 200 meters to go Raffetto found herself neck and neck with Caroline Collins of Nashoba, who edged her last week for the Division 2B title. This time, however, Raffetto mustered enough energy to nip her at the line, securing fourth place overall in 18:58 — the best-ever finish for a Canton runner at All-States.
Fellow freshman Natalie Hales also ran the race of her life on Saturday, looking confident as she moved through the crowd to place 93rd with a time of 22:05. Hales was followed by classmate Sojo Dennis, who gutted out a solid performance in 22:10. Captain Klara Redquest led the secondary pack of Bulldog runners to finish in 23:24, followed by teammates Honesty Johnson (23:49), Evey Dwoske (23:53), and Libby Silvasy (24:18).
“I cannot be more thrilled for how we ran today,” said co-captain Nishka Baduamanda, one of three designated alternates at All-States along with Elena Silva and Madeline Driscoll. “Every runner gave it their all and showed great progress from where they were at the start of the season.”
The young team finished 4-1 this season in dual-meet competition before placing second at a very competitive Hockomock League Championship meet and then fifth at the Division 2B meet last week.
“I cannot be prouder of our team and how much they not only improved individually this season, but how they came together as a team and embraced the true spirit of team cross country,” said head coach Brian Gotsell.
Gotsell said he is even more excited to see what the team can do next year with the return of the top seven runners. “With all varsity runners returning for next season, the runners gained valuable experience that they can use throughout the rest of their high school careers,” he said. “The future is bright for Bulldog cross country.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=119985
Posted by Mike Berger
on Nov 24 2023. Filed under High School, Sports.
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