The Considerations

Back in Black

The girls of Blacksburg (VA) are returning to Portland with something to prove.  They look more solid as a squad, than their 20th place showing in 2013 would indicate.  Their compression has been key, winning over other NXN-qualifying squads at Great American.  They returned to form at the Southeast regional, after training through a modest State Meet performance.  Could they reclaim their dominance over teams like Saratoga, and move them up into podium potentials?  It is very possible.

 

Ties To Home

Shenendehowa (NY) knew it was do-or-die come time for their Sectional race.  They were up against a resurgent Saratoga, who had shown weakness mid-season, but had been improving steadily.  Shen knew they had to strike while the iron was hot.  They put their 1-2 in first overall, and the girls followed in closely behind.  At the end of the day, they had tied the 9-time NXN Qualifiers, but lost on the tie-breaker.  If the Horseman run like that again, they could be very dangerous.  At the regional, and the Federation meet, they were off Saratoga by a decent margin, but success is relative to the competition, and they could challenge for a top 10 position at NXN.

Southwest Scramble

Three teams who have scrambled all season for dominance in a talent rich region, will approach the Nike Cross Nationals as a unified front.  American Fork (UT) and Davis (UT) share the same schedules as their male teammates, and the clashes are no less competitive here.  Both teams have something to look forward to, as Davis will be returning a Tatum Beard, who was their 3rd girl for much of the early season.  For American Fork, Maddie Bench will rejoin the fight, after suffering a tough DNF at the regional, due to a high fever.  Both members could have a significant impact should they return to form.  And what of Desert Vista (AZ), who gave Great Oak a run for their money at Nike Pre Nats.  With Dani Jones headlining their squad, they could be a team on the rise.  How will things shake out for the southwest?  Tune in Saturday to find out.