Palatine MOC Girls Preview: DGN vs York vs Prospect Part 3

The 2022 varsity girls' entire highlight reel (deluxe) provided many sequences of the meet.

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Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Location: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve; Palatine, IL
Schedule: Course walk- 8:30a; F/S 9:25a; Varsity 10:20a; JV 11:20a
MileSplit IL rankings page: HERE
Social media: Twitter -----> @milesplitil #PALMOC23
Opening line: The top three teams will duo for the third straight week, making the stakes very important for future reference. Add in MSL foes Barrington and Hersey for additional balance. Top 10 ranked Edwardsville will have another opportunity to build their resume.

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Defending champion York was a blowout winner last year, but things have changed so far for the Dukes, who haven't won an invitational since their 28-55 victory over now #4 Barrington at the Leavey Invitational. 

Downers Grove North came out of the gates with two consecutive invitational team crowns at Lake Park and Richard Spring. In their victories, the Trojans have used strong upfront pack running, which has run as low as 22 seconds for the scorers. #2 runner Mckenzie Willard (Jr.) stepped up to lead the charges with an all-time best finish in the runner-up position in Peoria. Specifically,  in last weekend's affair at the Richard Spring Invitational, the Trojans were without the services of Lily Eddington (So.). She is expected to return this Saturday.

Back to the Lady Dukes. They have been as close as any great team has to winning. Led by seniors Katherine Klimek, Michaela Quinn, and Margaret Owens, they have produced top ten to top fifteen finishes in each outing. They will need to maintain their position at Pal Moc.

Prospect is perhaps the most dangerous team here. They have the ultimate lowstick performer in Veronica Znajda (Jr.), who has won her last two invite contests. Her teammate Meg Peterson (So.) hasn't been too far behind and could win the race if she is at her best. The third wheel happens to be Lily Ginsberg (Sr.), and she appeared to be unlocked now after a minor injury at the onset of the season had sat her down. The Knights must close better at the fourth and fifth positions to win it all.

Barrington won the FTTF Invite earlier this season on the strength of the state's top distance runner, Scout Storms (Jr.). The Fillies will need Storms to continue to be dominant, plus the 2-5 runners to step up in the pack and run with the aforementioned teams for them to win.

Hersey and Edwardsville will have an opportunity to prove they are state trophy hopefuls or at least top five to ten contenders with a good showing on Saturday. Watch also for 2A #2 Grayslake Central to try to make a counter statement to Glenwood, led by Sarah Armstrong and Bella Domier