The WRA Girls Cross Country team returned to Laurel on Saturday with determination and spirit, making good on a promise to race after injuries forced last year's cancellation. Though the meet coincided with Family Weekend and Mid-Fall Break, limiting the squad to just three runners, the Pioneers made the most of the opportunity—delivering both individual success and team pride.

With Laurel resting their top three runners, sophomore Kobi Marsden '28 and junior co-captain Caroline West '27 dominated the race, claiming the top two overall finishes. Both ran their best times of the season despite taking unintended detours on the course. Marsden crossed the line in 22:19, a performance that would have landed in the high 21s had she not briefly veered off course. West finished close behind in 23:41, also losing some time to the confusing route but still clocking a season best.

While Coach Warner couldn't help but point out the importance of walking a course beforehand, he also noted that the markings left much to be desired. Still, the highlight of the day belonged to freshman Sabrina Maksimova '29, who ran her first-ever cross country race. She finished in 28:26, dropping more than three minutes from her best time trial on WRA's challenging home course—an impressive debut that hints at great potential for the seasons ahead.

With only three runners, WRA was officially listed as "Incomplete," giving Laurel the team win. However, the Pioneers finished their season series knowing they had defeated Laurel in two earlier invitationals, reinforcing their competitive edge.

Next up, the Pioneers will close out their season on Friday, October 17, at the Northwest PA Championships in Girard, Pennsylvania, just west of Erie—ready to cap off the fall with another strong showing.