Palatine's in its element with win at Downers N.

A little rain and falling temperatures seemed to have no effect on the Palatine girls track team.

Senior Jocelyn Kuksa and the Pirates rose to the occasion on a sloppy Friday night, scoring 109 points in securing the title at the Ritter Invitational in Downers Grove.

Defending champion Thornton took second with 87.5, followed by Prospect (71 points), Lynons (68 points), and Glenbard West (67 points).

Kuksa won both the pole vault (10 feet, 6 inches) and 300 low hurdles (46.7) to power the Pirates.

"We practice in hail, snow, and rain so we're used to it," said Kuksa of inclement weather. "I just had to keep myself focused. We're use to everything so nothing really fazes us."

Sophomore Ruth Allen added a victory in the 800 (2:21), with freshman Sarah McIntosh taking second in the 3,200 (11:20) to aid Palatine.

Martha Sheppard took second in the shot put (39-0) and Lauren Orris added a second in the discus (133-0) for the Pirates.

"I thought they showed a lot of heart tonight," said Palatine coach Steve Currins. "We covered a lot of the events. I thought they came together tonight. We have some high hopes."

Wheeling's Amber Stack won both the 1,600 (5:19.2) and the 3,200 (11:08). The senior led the 3,200 from start to finish and then came back, holding off Lyon's Katherine Rehn (5:21.7) to win the 1,600.

"She's (Rehn) was with me for the entire last lap, it was neck and neck," said Stack. "She tried to pass me a couple times, but I just held her off and kicked it the last 100."

West Aurora's Shanice Andrews won the 100 low hurdles (15.0), took second in the long jump (16-10¾), and placed third in the 300 low hurdles (48.8).

"She's really bringing her times down this year," said West Aurora coach Teresa Towles of her sophomore, "And I think her confidence is up this year."

Jasmyn Steele, Erin Aubrey, Angie Stearn, and Bridget Flanagan combined to lead Glenbard West to a victory in the 800 relay (1:47.6). Glenbard was awarded the victory after an exchange zone violation disqualified West Aurora.

"Jasmyn really came through tonight," said Glenbard West coach Kelly Haas of Steele, who was also a part of the second-place 400 relay team. "She's money. She is on every time. You always know what you're going to get from her."

Janet Planka led Glenbard West to a victory in the high jump (5-4).

Host Downer Grove North's relays were in high gear. Bridgette Brundidge, Liz McAnnally, Emily Norco, and Kilani Gaston led the Trojans to a victory in the 400 relay.

Downers Grove North also took third in the 3,200 relay (9:44.5), third in the 800 relay (1:48.5), and second in the 1,600 relay (4:11.9).

"We're starting to pick up some steam," said Downers Grove North coach Tim McDonald. "Overall I think we ran well."

Prospect took first in the frosh/soph 1,600 relay (4:14.4) and Claire Hollis, Jeanette Wochinski, Emily Salzman, and Lucy Taylor combined to lead the Knights to second place in the 3,200 relay (9:41).

"We had a lot of nice things happen," said Prospect coach Dave Wurster. "They battled. The times may have not been great but they all fought."

Amy Abdnor took second for the Knights in the 800 (2:26.2).