It was definitely a team effort as the Xavier College Prep girls squeezed out a win over Mira Costa (CA) in the 4 x mile relay at the Arcadia Invitational in California on Friday.
Junior Daylee Burr set the tone for the team running her leg in a 5:12. "I am so happy with how we all did," said Burr after the race. Burr stayed close to the leader (Mira Costa) and was in second place when she passed the baton to Katie Penney (JR). Penney took the lead almost immediately and held on to it until the final 20 meters where Mira Costa moved slightly ahead. Penney finished her leg in 5:08. "It is so great running a relay when you have such strong runners on the back end like Sara (Fakler) and Jessica (Tonn)," Penney said with a big smile.
Freshman Sarah Fakler ran the 3rd leg and took the lead at the 100 mark and stayed on a steady even pace finishing about 6 yards ahead of Mira Costa. Fakler was at 5:07 as she passed the baton to senior Jessica Tonn. "I didn't feel as much pressure because I knew Jessica was next and knowing she's there takes the pressure off," said Fakler with a giggle.
Everyone laughed including Jessica Tonn who has been out all season with grade 3 shin splints. Even at 80% Tonn still has the confidence of her teammates and was able to pull off a 5:02 anchor leg helping the team to victory. "It feels good to be back on the track again," said Tonn about the race. "I really wanted to run to show people I am back."
The Xavier girls finished the race with a US#1 time of 20:31.00. MIra Costa finished second in 20:33.13 for a US#2.
