Northwest/ Scouting the MSL girls cross country meet
By Michael Eaken
Daily Herald Correspondent
Where: Busse Woods
When: 10 a.m., Saturday
Host: Elk Grove
What to watch: Palatine is a slim favorite to win the Mid-Suburban League title, but Hoffman Estates, Prospect and Barrington will challenge. Prospect junior Brooke Wolfe is looking to win a second consecutive MSL individual title.
Teams to watch: Palatine won the 2009 state title and finished second at state last year but has not won an MSL title since 2008 — and it figures to be just as tough Saturday. Junior Tess Wasowicz and sophomore Jessica Lincoln pace a Pirate squad that has been solid this season. Palatine nipped Hoffman Estates 28-29 for the MSL West title Sept. 28 as sophomore Cassidy McPherson and senior Ellen Smith help key the Pirates attack. Prospect started slowly this season, finishing fifth at the opening Fenton Invitational on Sept. 3, but has stormed back and took first at the Peoria Invitational two weeks ago. Wolfe and senior Laura Maibuecher have pushed the Knights attack. Junior Lauren Poplawski missed the early part of the season due to mono; she has made progress and finished 29th at the Peoria Invite. If she keeps moving up the Knights are in good shape to win their second MSL title in three years. Senior Haley Goers and Haley Worman have powered Hoffman Estates this season. If the 3-4-5 runners close the gap on the front two Hoffman will secure its first MSL title since 2007. Barrington is also in this powerful foursome as junior Becca Batliner showed promise by winning the Wheeling Invitational last Saturday. Senior Ella Tracy also adds to a Fillies' attack that cannot be overlooked for a title drive. Junior Kelly Breen has helped power a late-season charge by Fremd.
Key runners:
Brooke Wolfe, Prospect — The defending MSL champion has come on strong after somewhat of a slow start. Wolfe has re-entered the state title conversation and will be looking to make statement Saturday.
Haley Goers, Hoffman Estates — The senior has had a sensational season. She has never finished lower than third in any race and will be a major threat on Saturday. Goers defeated Wolfe at Fenton but Wolfe finished ahead of Goers at Peoria. Saturday's rubber match should be fun.
Tess Wasowicz, Palatine — The junior took first at the Metamora Invitational last Saturday and is ramping up for a big finish.
Kelly Breen, Fremd — The junior finished second to Oswego East senior Ariel Michalek, the defending Class 3A champion, at the West Aurora Stampede last Saturday. Breen has quietly entered the mix of elite runners.
Haley Worman, Hoffman Estates/Jessica Lincoln, Palatine — Worman and Lincoln have had solid seasons. The Hoffman senior has emerged as one of the top runners in conference and the Palatine sophomore has steadily risen this season and finished second at the Metamora Invitational last weekend.