Westwood Cross Country Wins State Championship

By: Tom Leyden

The Westwood Girls Cross Country team won the Division 2 MIAA State Championship on Saturday, November 16, the first time a Westwood team has won the state title.

Westwood scored 123 points, defeating second-place finisher Amherst Pelham Regional, who scored 154, by 31 points. Boston Latin Academy finished third with 191 points.

Tea Pagnotti was Westwood’s top performer, finishing the 5K route in 19:32:12 in fifth place. Susannah Rockers was close behind at 20:41:04 in 20th place. Maeve Gavin was the Wolverines third finisher at 20:48:65 in 27th place, followed by Hailey Cashman in 47th (21:30:96), Ciara Chi in 62nd (21:53:69), Cara Sullivan in 81st (22:18:31), Delia Kelly in 100th (22:50:67).

“This is a fantastic moment for our program,” said head coach Jennifer Teahan. “The girls have put in a tremendous amount of effort throughout the season, and we are thrilled to see their dedication pay off at the highest level. The exuded confidence, poise and enthusiasm as they showcased their impressive combination of strength and speed.

“We have Tea Pagnotti at the helm – our consistent low stick – and then the double trouble of Susannah Rockers and Maeve Gavin,” Teahan continued. “Followed closely by our pack of four. That’s what makes us so strong- the depth of our team is incredible. And the way they work together; they bring out the best in each other. They rally around each other- celebrating individual successes and consistently have their best each and every day. Always with a smile!”

The team was welcomed home with a police escort as sirens blared and lights flashed, with the sun setting in the distance beyond Westwood High School. The state championship team was led by Teahan and her assistant coaches, Christy McKenney and Meg Hughes.