Blacksburg VA Tops List Of Teams In Southeast

By Adam Kopet of DyeStat

Girls NXR Southeast Preview

The Southeast region sent three teams to NXN in 2017. Two of those teams, Blacksburg VA and Cardinal Gibbons NC, are in position to possibly do it again.

However, Pine Crest FL is looking to get into the action this year as well. The Panthers barely missed an invite a year ago after finishing a close fourth at NXR Southeast. And they return all seven runners from last year's squad.

Riverside SC has been a regular fixture in the regional rankings the past several years. The Warriors begin this season ranked third. This could be the year they finally break through and earn a ticket to Portland.

And look out for Auburn AL. The Tigers also return all seven runners from last year's squad. However, their experience competing after the Alabama state meet is limited. Auburn did not compete at NXR Southeast last year.

1. Blacksburg VA: The Bruins return four of their top five runners from the team that finished third last year at NXR Southeast. They are led by junior Kaitlynn Wolfe, who finished fourth at last year's region meet in 17:31.

2. Pine Crest FL: The Panthers return all seven runners from last year's squad that finished fourth at NXR Southeast. They are led by sisters Tsion (junior) and Mahdere (sophomore) Yared.

3. Riverside SC: The Warriors return six of their top seven from last year. They are led by junior Jessie Crowley, who ran 18:04 for 5,000 meters last year.

4. Cardinal Gibbons NC: The Crusaders return three of their top five from 2017. They will likely be led by senior Sloan Walter, who ran 18:10 at last year's NXR Southeast.

5. Auburn AL: The Tigers return all seven from last year's Alabama 7A championship team.  They are led by junior Samantha Rogers, who ran 18:16 for 5K last year.  

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