Three Liberty and one Freedom distance runners competed in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships on Saturday in Hershey.

Patriot sophomore Lauren Charboneau finished in the highest place in 37th.

Freedom coach Bob Thear had two goals for Charboneau: to place in the top 50 and to be the first finisher from District XI.

Although a Parkland runner slipped in ahead of her, Charboneau ran a very good race on a day when the course easily played 45 seconds slower than it would have on most days because of inclement weather.

“We focused on her getting a good start to get good position,” said Thear. “Watching the race progress, Lauren was around 80th at the quarter mile, 60th at the halfway mark, and in the 40s just after two miles. The hills on the second mile was where she really picked it up.”

Charboneau continued to look strong, and even after a tough hill, moved up to the 30s.

“I think if the race was a little longer, she could have picked off even more people,” Thear said.

Charboneau’s time was 20:25.

“She ran a fantastic race, and she was happy with her race,” said Thear. “She could not have done much better.”

Liberty senior Darlyn Fermin took 43rd place in 17:09, and Cole Frank was 45th in 17:10. Emily Jobes, also for the Hurricanes, was 146th in 21:46.