By LAURA JOHNSON

For The Beachcomber

Saturday, Nov. 7, saw the Washington State high school cross-country championships at the Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

Freshman Lucy Boyle led the Vashon High School girls’ team with a season best time of 21:30, putting her in 63rd place of 139 runners. She was followed closely by juniors Jessica Merritt (also running a season best with 22:07) in 79th and Selena Mildon in 80th place. Annie Muller, Eva Anderson and Aria Mildon all came in in the top 120.

Senior and team captain Natalie VanDevanter rounded out the Pirate team in 120th place.

The girls’ team finished 13th overall in a pool of 16 teams.

Meanwhile, representing Vashon for the boys’ team was sophomore Gianno Waller. He ran a strong race, but missed a personal best by just 8 seconds in 18:05.

He placed 77th of 150 runners from more than 16 high schools.

— Laura Johnson is the VHS cross-country coach.