2016 Western MA Girls XC Individual & Team Preview

Comprised off all schools west of the Quabbin Reservoir, the Western Massachusetts region has always proven to be an area that produces fierce rivalries and tough competitors. The Fall of 2016 should be no different, as from the Pioneer Valley to the top of Mt. Greylock we expect to see plenty of fast times, close team battles, and new faces looking to make their name well known throughout the state!  Below you will find a rundown on the Top Teams and Top Returners in Western Massachusetts, as well as a full list of Individual Pre-Season Rankings! 

TEAM

After taking the titles in 2014 and 2015, the Lady Blue Devils of Northampton are poised to make it three-peat this fall. They're a team that has an excellent 1-4 spread and a varsity squad made up of seasoned veteran runners. The closest team in contention will be their crosstown rivals, Amherst, who has a terrific #1 runner in Soph Jacobs-Townsley. Though the Lady Hurricanes of Amherst will really need to find some bodies to break up the tight pack running of Northampton. If all goes well for Ladies of Northampton, we could see them finish in the Top 10 at the All-State Meet at the end of November. 

Hoping to cash in for the third straight year, the Lenox Millionaires are the hands down favorite to take the D2 Team Title. Despite losing their #1 runner, Emily Tibbetts, we should still see Lenox put 3 ladies in the Top 5 and potentially go 1-2-3. 

D1 Girls Virtual Western MA Championship (FULL LIST)

Individual 

Sophi Jacobs-Townsley  SO  AMHERST HS (D1)

Only a freshman last year, Jacobs-Townsley of Amherst solidified her spot as the one to beat this year and in the years to come. Prior to attending Amherst High School, Townsley was at a local charter school and spent most of her time in the water being a competitive swimmer. Now she finds herself as the defending Western MA D1 Champ and one of the best runners in the state. After putting together a very successful first cross country season, Sophi progressed extremely on the track and flirted with a sub 11:00 2 Mile this spring. As it stands right now, Jacobs-Townsley is the 6th fastest returner among D1 runners in the state. 

Emma Jourdain  SR  Lenox Memorial HS (D2)

Taking over the reigns of the program from last year's #1 runner, Emily Tibbetts, Jourdain should have no problem leading her squad to success this fall. Finishing runner-up to her teammate last year at the Western Mass Champs Meet, Emma went on to lead the team at the 2015 All-State Meet by finishing 8th overall. As the season get underway, Emma should be one of the best in Western Massachusetts and will certainly be out to take down some top D2 competition from Eastern MA.

Magdalena Sorrentino  SR  Lenox Memorial HS (D2)

Never too far behind Emma Jourdain last year, Sorrentino of Lenox will look to do the same this fall and keep right on her teammates heels every race out. After finishing in the Top 5 at Western Mass. Champs and just outside the Top 15 at the All-State Meet, Magdalena should find herself in the Top 3 at the Western Mass. Meet and Top 10 at this year's All-State Meet. Considering Lenox is once again vying to be one of the best D2 teams in state, expect nothing but top notch racing from Sorrentino and the rest of the Lenox girls. 

Leila Markosian  SR  Northampton HS (D1)

Markosian of Northampton will take on this cross country season hoping to lead the Lady Blue Devils to their 3rd straight team title. She rode shotgun to Erica Dean for most of last fall and found herself finishing 6th at Western Mass. Champs and 54th overall at the All-State Meet. This fall, Markosian should be kept company by her teammate, Evelyn Burke, and the duo should be a tough 1-2 punch in team battles. 

Erin Dustin  SO  Agawam HS (D1)

Hoping to keep up with some tough D1 competition, Erin Dustin will be out to improve upon her 3rd place finish at last year's Western Mass. Champs race. She had previously finished a strong 7th at the PVIAC Champs and capped off her season running 20:23 at the All-State Meet. Dustin is a bit of a question mark, due to her sub-par race at All-States and zero track performances throughout the year. If she has put in the work this summer, expect Dustin to once again fighting for a Top 5 spot at Western Mass. Champs.