At the last home meet of the season, the girls’ cross country team defeated Shrewsbury 25-32, ending the season with a record of 3-2.

“[The meet] went really well,” coach Patrick Galvin said. “The girls competed really well. Some girls ran personal bests and we got the ‘W’ so it was a good day.”

The girls were up against a strong team, but managed to obtain the win. 

“We ran our best and it really showed,” senior captain Caroline Freeman said. “Shrewsbury and Algonquin are evenly matched, so it was going to be a close meet regardless.”

According to Galvin, senior captain Hayley Norton was given the “gameball” as she propelled the team to victory with a season-best time, coming in second place overall.

“Olivia Kardos, Olivia Guckian and myself finished first, second and third for Algonquin, securing a well-earned win,” Norton said. “The effort and extensive training the girls have put into the team this year is remarkable, and to stand by them and support them is a truly rewarding experience. In the postseason, I hope to continue to succeed alongside my driven teammates.”

Since it was the last dual home meet of the season, the juniors and underclassmen hosted senior night as a celebration of their senior teammates, with many parents attending.

“As a senior, it was sad because it was the last meet or practice or whatever that I will have for high school,” Freeman said. “I have improved a lot during my last four years, so this is a very special season for me!”

Senior night was also significant for Galvin, as he began coaching at Algonquin four years ago and has spent that time with this year’s seniors. 

“Those girls were freshmen when I was a ‘freshman,’ so it’s been four years with them,” Galvin said. “It was a little special moment for me to see those girls compete for the last time on the home course.”

With the postseason coming up, it is important that the team stays focused and remains healthy. The girls competed in the Twilight invitational meet on 10/16 and are currently training for All-States.

“I hope that we make All-States as a team, because it would just bring it home for all of the seniors and for Galvin,” Freeman said. “We will all work hard in order to get that, and hopefully, we are successful.”