If you’re trying to figure out who the top teams are for Saturday’s girls’ Championship race at the Ocean State Invitational, don’t be fooled by what you’ve seen so far this season. Remember, it’s still early. Several squads have yet to run at full strength—whether because athletes are nursing minor injuries, dealing with some aches and pains, or simply holding back as part of a cautious, calculated plan for when the stakes rise in late October and November.
Defending champion Billerica, ranked No. 1 in the Bay State Running Power Rankings in Massachusetts, had a strong showing last weekend at the Frank Kelley Invitational, filling the front of the separated three-kilometer class races (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The Indians didn’t exactly hold back, but the meet didn’t showcase what this team can do over the full 5K distance. Plus, their top runner, Gianna McGovern—fourth at Ocean State in 2024—sat out, likely saving her energy for this weekend’s competition.
And here’s the kicker: all seven runners from last year’s squad, which edged Westford Academy, 79–90, are back at Goddard State Park in Warwick, R.I., site of this weekend’s meet. The Indians are a squad that have the potential to average at last 19 minutes their scoring runners at the fast layout. Behind McGowan, there’s twin sisters Caitlin (19:01.17)and Kylie Donahue (19:09.13), who were both flirting with sub-19 performance last fall. Others that compile this loaded squad – the Division IC champions and Meet of Champions runner-up – are Hartlie Siegal, Madelynn Larosa, Anna Rossini and Emma Ausilo – all that have run times between 19:12.37 and 20:10.51
St. Paul VI (NJ), North Kingstown (RI), Westford Academy (MA), and Lexington (MA) are among the teams that could factor into the mix this weekend. St. Paul VI was third at the NJSIAA Group Championships last year and is a perennial power with 29 conference championships in its storied history.
Westford Academy, ranked No. 3 in the recent BSR power rankings, returns most of the lineup that finished runner-up to Billerica by just 11 points. The Ghosts are led by defending champion Abby Hennessy and Emily Wedlake, both capable of top-five finishes, with Hennessy favored to make it two straight.
A healthy North Kingstown squad could also do some damage. The Skippers have been without No. 1 runner Abbie Tighe since the start of the season and have also been missing Maura Whitney since the Injury Fund Carnival. Both are entered this weekend, and if they’re healthy and ready to go, the Skippers could find themselves within striking distance of the crown. Junior Lucy Stowe also looks primed for a top-10 finish.
Lexington is another team you can’t overlook. Ranked No. 2 in the BSR power rankings, the Minutemen bring a tight-knit group that thrives on pack running. Sophomore Jane Conrad leads the charge for Lexington.
