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Jacobs' Van Vlierbergen picks Michigan, finishes 2nd at state

PEORIA - Jacobs senior Lauren Van Vlierbergen announced on Thursday that she will be signing a letter of intent with University of Michigan.

On Saturday at the Class 3A state girls cross country meet Van Vlierbergen sealed her spot as one of the state's top runners by delivering a second-place finish in a swift 16:48 at Detweiller Park.

"I'm so happy I couldn't have asked for a better senior cross country season," said Van Vlierbergen, who has won a combined seven state medals in track and cross country, including three consecutive Top 10 finishes in Class 3A cross country.

"It was a great way to end it."

Glenbard West junior Lindsay Graham pulled away from Van Vlierbergen halfway through the race in the back loop and didn't look back in cruising to the state title in 16:23. Graham was well aware of Van Vlierbergen's closing speed and didn't want to wait until the finish to make her move.

"I knew I had to be out of reach, because (Van Vlierbergen) has great finish," said Graham of her race-changing move.

On the flip side Van Vlierbergen knew she had to have a great start if she was to have any chance at a state title and she did just that running neck-and-neck with Graham and Hinsdale Central sophomore Alexa Haff for the first mile continuing it into the back loop.

"The key was to give Lauren a chance at the end," said Jacobs coach Kevin Christian of Van Vlierbergen's start. "Graham is an awesome runner, and yes she pulled away, but Lauren still had that chance."

Van Vlierbergen then ran a solo race for the final mile battling the wind and maintaining her spot, running comfortably through the finish.

Van Vlierbergen added to her bounty of state medals, including a Class 3A state title in the 800 in track and the feeling never gets old.

"Every single time it feels like the first time," said Van Vlierbergen who finished 7th in Class 3A as a sophomore and secured a 4th place finish last season for cross country. "I get excited each time."

"And she's not done yet," said Christian of his senior star impending track season. "She is going to continue to get better and better."

And she certainly delivered on Saturday.

Naperville North placed five runners in the top 31 spots in securing the Class 3A state title; it was the Huskies' sixth state title and second in three years.

Palatine took second with 91 points edging defending Class 3A champion Glenbard West (94 points).

Streamwood senior Gabby Juarez entered the state meet with high expectations; she had been on a roll winning regional and sectional titles on back-to-back weekends. But after jumping out to strong start Juarez (17:37) faltered in the second mile finishing in 38th place.

"You could see it in her face, she just looked distressed," said Streamwood coach Dennis Lau of Juarez's second mile. "She had a flawless season; she kept progressing every single week. She was perfect this year. We wouldn't have changed anything."

Crystal Lake South senior Kiley Britten (17:48) took 50th place.

Harvard Christian Academy girl's team also rose to the occasion in its first Class 1A state appearance.

Freshman Nygia Pollard (19:00) continued her strong postseason run by taking 49th place and leading the Lions to a 19th place team finish with 454 points.

"(Pollard) has really turned it up this postseason," said Harvard Christian coach Steven Bland of his rising freshman star. "She had a strong regional race, fantastic sectional race, and capped it off today."

Images: IHSA girls cross country state finals

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