In anticipation of the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University, Liberty’s girls cross country team treated last week’s dual meet like a practice with positive results.

“I just wanted to run the race smooth and controlled since we have a meet on Thursday,” said Hurricane junior Elizabeth McClarin who placed second (20:36.00). “I asked my coach, when I came around the corner, if it was good to open up with 100 meters to go whether I sprint in or don’t. I’m happy and our team’s doing amazing too.”

Cali Sobrinski placed eighth for the Hurricanes (22:09.9), and Alexandra Yerk placed 18th (23:16.2).

“I tried to start off strong, but we have a big race on Thursday, so I was trying to take it a little lighter today, so I kept a steady pace and tried to stay consistent throughout the whole race,” Sobrinski said. “My goal is to break 19:30.”

Sobrinski is a sophomore and Yerk is a freshman.

Cali and Alexandra continue to get better every time they race,” said Liberty coach Joe Spang. “I feel like they’re setting a new [personal record] and I think the addition of them to the top of our lineup is gonna give us a chance to compete at our league meet and districts to hopefully qualify our team to states, if possible, but they can certainly put themselves in the running for a medal.”

Remy Weagly placed 23rd (23:58.4).

In team results, Liberty lost to Parkland, 21-40.

Freedom’s Hannah Brodhead won the girls race with a time of 20:22.8, and teammate Taylor Vidumsky placed fourth in 21:22.9.

Freedom also lost to Parkland, 37-24.