Scouting sectional girls cross country, Northwest
Schaumburg sectional
Where: Busse Woods
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday
What to know: The top five teams and top seven runners from non-qualifying teams advance to the Class 3A state meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Nov. 3.
Outlook: Palatine was back in high gear in winning the Grant regional. A healthy Cassidy McPherson proved to be the difference. The Pirates also got a big performance out of senior Tess Wasowicz, who won the individual title, and junior Jessica Lincoln. Prospect also looks back in form after winning the Hoffman regional. Senior Lauren Poplawski won the individual title, and senior Brooke Wolfe came back to add a sixth-place finish and give the Knights a much-needed confidence boost. Lake Forest placed five runners in the top 14 in winning the Libertyville regional. Barrington continues to rise, paced by standout freshman Lauren Conroy. The Fillies took second at Grant. Sophomore Caroline Kurdej paces a Schaumburg that has received a big lift from its sophomore class. Fremd, Hoffman Estates, and Mundelein will push to make the top five. Wasowicz leads a very balanced and deep individual field. Kurdej, Poplawski and Buffalo Grove freshman Kaitlyn Ko should be among the leaders. Fremd senior Kelly Breen, Hoffman Estates sophomore Alondra Aguirre, McHenry sophomore Lauren Opatrny, Libertyville sophomore Kristi Del Prato, Mundelein senior Ellie Palacios, and Schaumburg sophomore Ali Gutt will also challenge. And don’t forget about Wolfe, who even with sore hip, is capable of pulling out the victory.
Niles West sectional
Leyden finished fifth at the St. Ignatius regional to advance to the Niles West sectional, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Senior Danyle Segura paces the Eagles’ attack. Senior Mayra Velazquez advanced individually for Maine West.
Fenton sectional
FENTON CLASS 2A SECTIONAL
St. Viator swept the top five spots in winning its own regional and advancing to Saturday’s Class 2A Fenton sectional, which begins at 10 a.m. Junior Megan Carroll and senior Hanna Winter lead the Lions’ attack.