Orange Lutheran moves up to No. 1

WALNUT - After two consecutive CIF-SS Division III runner-up finishes, the third time was finally the charm for the Orange Lutheran girls cross country team.

In the highly anticipated showdown between the Lancers and Corona del Mar, five Lancers runners finished in the top 15, as Orange Lutheran (49 points) narrowly edged the Sea Kings (52 points) in a thrilling finish to claim the team title at the CIF-SS Divisional Finals on Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College.

"It was pretty amazing," said Lancers coach Jack Preus. "We knew that Corona del Mar was going to bring something special and they brought an amazing effort. We found a way to hold them off."
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Saturday's results

Click here to see girls results

Click here to see boys results

Click here to see boys story
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The Sea Kings held a small advantage after their first three runners finished in the top nine, led by senior Melanie Powers (17:30), who finished third.

But Lancers juniors Jessica Marquardt and Ava Kent helped rally Orange Lutheran to the win, as both runners nosed past Sea Queen sophomore Ashley Powers at the finish line. All three runners were credited with finishing at the same time of 18:30.

Freshman Jacquie Adams (17:36) was the top Lancers runner, finishing fourth.

"I knew this was big and I just wanted to give my best," said Adams. "Winning feels great and is something we wanted to do."

In the Division I final, Dana Hills junior Alaina Alvarez (17:09) took the lead at the two mile mark was in control the rest of the way, winning her first individual section title and posting the fastest time of the day.

"My plan was to try and pass on the backside of Reservoir Hill and push the downhill if I felt good, which I did," said Alvarez. "As a team, we haven't had our best days at the same time and hopefully that will happen next week."

The Dolphins (113 points) were highest county finisher in Division I, placing third.

Esperanza senior Teeny Adams (17:30) helped lead the Aztecs to a third place team finish in Division II, as she finished second behind Saugus junior Kaylin Mahoney (17:22).

"I had to really step it up today and go with the front," said Adams. "Next week, I have to go with that same go get it attitude, and as a team, we just have to stay mentally strong."

JSerra (91 points) finished second to Harvard-Westlake (88 points) in the Division IV final, as senior Katie DeYoung (18:44) led the Lions by finishing ninth.