For the first time in over 20 years, Walpole’s Girls Track Team defeated Wellesley by a final score of 53-42. In addition to the girls reaching 19 PRs, this narrow win marked the first Rebel victory over Wellesley in Conor Cashman’s coaching career.
To start the meet off, senior Christina Freiberger stepped up big to steal second place in the mile with a respectable time of 5:55. Slightly behind Freiberger, freshmen Lauren Hirshom PR’ed with a time 6:13. Following Hirshom, senior Joanna Garry finished with a time of 6:15, a new personal record for her. Freshman Kathryn Lawton and sophomore Casey Ganshirt pack ran in the mile, receiving PR’s of 6:20 and 6:21. In the high jump, the Walpole girls swept the event to take a big points lead. Junior Seana Cofsky stepped up big, behind juniors Nicky Browne and Maddy Shea, to help sweep the event by reaching a height of 4’7.9″, which is a PR for her.
Junior Megan Peterson had the best race of her season, tying her PR in the 1000 meters with a time of 3:20. Peterson stole first for Walpole to make the score 17-10. Junior Michaela Barry also PR’ed in the 1000 meter with a time of 3:38. In the 600 meter, sophomore Gina Conti finished first place for the Rebels with a time of 1:43. Seconds behind Conti, sophomore Gabbi Petruzziello not only PR’ed but qualified for States for the first time in her high school career, with a time of 1:48 and a third place spot.
To help keep the Rebels in the lead, senior Erin McCarthy took third in the 300 meter. Also, Shea scored a total of 11 points this meet in her three events—high jump, long jump, and 55 meter dash. In the long jump she took first, jumping a distance of 4.9 meters. Shea PR’ed in the 55 meter dash and took second with a time of 7.71. Wellesley took the lead, however, after the two mile because sophomore Kristen Coyne was the only one to place; she placed third for one point. But the Rebels fought back, and tied the score to 36-36 in the hurdles. Juniors Nicole Browne and Seana Cofsky stepped up to take first and third; Cofsky broke 10 for the first time with a PR of 9.99.
In shot put, the Walpole girls clinched the win by sweeping the event. Seniors Natalie Doyle and Lizzy Almeda took first and second for the Rebels by throwing distances of 26’3″ and 25’7″ inches. To complete the sweep, junior Jamie Dalton stepped up her performance by throwing a PR of 24’9″. To finish the win, the Walpole girls 4×4 team won the relay, PR’ing with a time of 4:20.
The Walpole Track Girls will compete in the Interdivisional Meet on Wednesday, February 1 against Weymouth. They will have to perform to the best of their ability to defeat this top competitor.
