Northwestern girls cross country head coach Chris Stitzel and his runners know that someday the streak is going to end. But they’re committed to putting off that eventuality for as long as possible.

No one wants this year to be the first time in six years that the Tigers lose a meet. They have beaten 129 straight opponents and head into this year looking to increase that number.

However, the best way to keep the streak alive might be to make sure not to focus on it.

“I really didn’t mention anything to the girls this year,” said Stitzel. “I don’t want to put that extra pressure on them. If it happens it happens. If not, then we just start a new streak.”

Northwestern returns several runners from last year’s undefeated (24-0) team that won the league title and placed second at districts.

The Tigers return junior Molly Tarvin and sophomore Maddie Consuelos. That pair placed second and third, respectively, at last year’s District 11 Class 2A championship.

Also coming back from last year are junior Hannah Herzon (14th in Colonial League championships last year) and sophomore Alyssa Zach. They are likely to be the team’s consistent top four, with a pair of seniors not far behind.

Senior Brooke Devers returns after finishing 15th in last year’s Colonial League meet, while senior Elizabeth Fornauf is back after finishing 34th in the league championship run last year.

Other runners who could help the team score this season include sophomore Cayden Rex and freshmen Kristen Brown, Kathryn Tertarelli and Eliana Fitzptracik.

The Tigers will still cruise to some easy wins this season, however, unlike some of the past few years, they might need to run their very best when they meet the league’s other top teams.

“We can’t take any meets off because they’re coming for us,” said Stitzel. “We want to compete for leagues and districts again. With the girls we have, we can.

“It’s going to be a dual with Southern Lehigh. We still expect to be at the top. That’s our goal every year. It’s going to be a tougher battle to get there, but the girls are dedicated and determined enough to keep our streak going.

“I know we have the talent to do it, but it’s going to be a tougher task this year because we don’t have the depth.”