Girls track: Glenbard South wins seventh straight conference title

Karyn Best skipped her specialty event Friday evening in Bensenville.

But the Wheaton Academy junior more than compensated in the three shortest dashes at the Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division girls track and field championship.

The Winfield resident swept the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes in respective times of 12.8 seconds, 26.45 and 60:31 at Fenton.

"It was really nice to win all three," said Best, who owns the top Class 2A 300 hurdle time in the state. "I came to do my best. I got a big PR in the 100. I haven't had a chance the 400 a lot this season. I really want to get a good time."

Best ended her night with a brilliant anchor leg to propel the Warriors' 1,600 relay to third.

"I wanted one last to run the 400," Best said. "It will be hurdles from here on out (in the state series)."

Glenbard South, which won its seventh consecutive conference championship with 154 points, is hosting a sectional on Thursday.

"(Best) is one of the better kids in the area," Glenbard South coach Mark Tacchi said. "We'll see her next week. I would love to see her in the state finals."

Illiana Christian was runner-up with 111.5 points; Fenton had 89, and Aurora Central Catholic (76), Wheaton Academy (73), Riverside-Brookfield (62) and IC Catholic Prep (37.5) rounded out the field.

In the sprint relays the Raiders' quintet of Gianna Anderson, Maiya Todd, Joslynn Hibbler, Suvannah Williams and India Lucas collaborated to power to championship relays at 400 and 800 meters.

Williams anchored the 400 quartet in 50.99. Williams and Todd return from state experience at the two distances.

"We just have to work hard and communicate with each other," Williams said. "Then we will be able qualify for state."

Emma Taylor captured the 100 hurdles for Glenbard South, taking advantage of Best opting out of the event.

"I went into the race not too confident," the Raiders' junior said. "I was surprised when I came out of the blocks and was in front of everyone. Finishing the race, I was really surprised that I was still in first. It was definitely a shock."

Taylor lost the high jump on criteria after both she and Aurora Central Catholic freshman Ella Englehardt cleared 5 feet, 2 inches.

The Raiders also received field wins from Sarah Robinson in the pole vault and Grayson Breen in the discus.

"I wasn't happy with my consistency," Breen said.

"We weren't sure this was going to happen tonight," Tacchi said. "We finally came together for the first time all year. We put things together and had a great night. I think everyone contributed."