Girls track and field: Huntley edges Cary-Grove for FVC title

Dominant relays and just enough individual accolades.

That recipe produced a third Fox Valley Conference championship in 4 years for Huntley.

With 137 points, the Red Raiders edged second place Cary-Grove who scored 129 to win the 2018 FVC title Friday at McHenry's McCracken Field.

"I was extremely proud of the way our kids kept their focus tonight and have overachieved all season," said Huntley coach Shawn Nordeen. "It was nice to have some nice warm weather to compete in. Our main goal next week at the sectionals is to qualify as many kids to the state finals as possible."

The Red Raiders claimed top honors in 3 of the 4 relays winning the 400 (49.60), 800 (1:45.60) and 1,600 (4:07.70).

Huntley won 2 individual events with Katie Bessey winning the shot put with a heave of 39-8¾.

"It was nice to throw in hot weather and McHenry had a nice ringer to throw in." said Bessey. "I am a senior and this is my last chance to qualify for state."

Mary Raclawski joined Bessey in the winners circle winning the 800 meters in a clocking of the 2:20.10. It was the Huntley junior's second straight FVC title in the 800.

"I went out strong and felt good the whole race," said Raclawski. "I feel confident going into the sectionals that I can qualify for state."

Cary-Grove, led by 2 first-place efforts from Jenna Walker in the hurdles and an impressive win by Allison Drage in the 1,600, were the runners-up.

Walker won the 300 (48.10) and 100 hurdles (15.10).

"I did a good job of clearing the hurdles," said Walker. "I gave it my all and things worked out."

Drage, who competed in only her second race of the outdoor season because of a stress fracture in her shin, passed Hampshire's Sophia Oury in the last 10 yards to claim the FVC title in 5:14.70.

"I got a little closer every lap," said Drage. "I stayed on Stephanie's shoulder until the end and I believed in my kick."

The Trojans also won the 3,200 relay in a time of 10:08.40.

Jacobs, sixth with 29 points, was led by sophomore Alyson Doherty who won the 3,200 in a time of 11:28.96. The Golden Eagles sophomore also won the 3,200 McHenry County title.

"It was tricky because I went out too fast," said Doherty. "It was nice to win county and conference. I go for 3 major wins at the sectional next week."