North Allegheny Powers to Fifth Place Finish at NXN

For the North Allegheny Girls, Nike Cross Nationals was just another meet. At least, that's how they ran it. There, the Wexford natives lit the Pennsylvania running world on fire by finishing fifth overall against the best teams in the nation.

One major item played into North Allegheny's favor: the weather. The weather and course conditions were less than desirable. But for a team that ran PIAA Foundations and is more than used to Pennsylvania hills and mud... the challenges of today's course were an advantage for the Tigers.

FULL RESULTS | NIKE CROSS NATIONALS

A month ago, North Allegheny won its sixth state title. They did so without Wren Kucler on the line. Now, with the team at full force and a power trio out front, the Pennsylvania homers were able to capitalize and score 201 points, finishing fifth behind Air Academy, Niwot, Mountain Vista, and Lone Peak.

Thus, North Allegheny was the top team outside of the Southwest Region. They were ranked No. 17 entering NXN.

The Nitty Gritty

Wren Kucler was the top runner for North Allegheny. Her 18:29.70 finish landed her in 38th. She went out controlled and managed her race expertly. Through the opening 1K, she was in 48th. She moved up ten spots throughout the race.

Robin Kucler and Eva Kynaston went out right near each other. They were separated by two seconds and 12 positions at the 1K mark in 93rd and 105th. Yet, they made up ground at different times. Robin made up 26 positions over the next 1K compared to Kynaston's five. Over the third kilometer, however, Kynaston made up 23 spots. The results were finishes of 58th and 65th. They ran 18:40 and 18:53 respectively.

North Allegheny was separated by just 24 seconds through three runners.

Erin McGoey was NA's No. 4. She finished in 84th after opening the race in 128th. She ran 19:05.7.

Kendall Lucas made the difference for North Allegheny today as she stepped up enormously. Lucas ran 20:03 to secure North Allegheny's No. 5 stick. She finished 157th after finishing 136th at regionals, and she was only six seconds off of her personal best. 

Elizabeth Pizon and Camille Swirsding rounded out the scoring for North Allegheny. They ran 20:23 and 20:25 respectively.

North Allegheny's Lineup