Will the Clippers’ two-year win streak at the State Meet come to a close this season? According to our preseason rankings, the streak ends this year. But like the team predictions we’ve laid out over the last two weeks, it’s not a guarantee. Cumberland has talent up front and a solid supporting cast that can secure those low-scoring spots often needed to beat their rivals.
As it stands, we don’t see enough for a three-peat. Time will tell.
Cumberland is led by sophomore Cecilia Ludwig, one of our favorites to capture the individual title this fall. Ludwig is the No. 2 returnee behind North Kingstown’s Abbie Tighe after placing third at last year’s State Meet with a PR of 18:40.06. The Clippers could also land two more runners inside the top seven with senior Charli McCue and junior Anna Bianchi returning after finishing seventh and 11th, respectively, a year ago. All three are capable of breaking 19 minutes, with Ludwig projected in the low 18s. That makes this trio the best in the state right now.
The Clippers also bring back senior Gabby Stoothoff, who was 23rd at the State Meet last year with a PR of 19:39.63. After that, however, there’s a big drop-off, with the next closest returnee just under 23 minutes. That will be the make-or-break point for Cumberland. If young talent develops to fill those crucial fifth, sixth, and seventh spots — and if the team avoids the injury bug — the Blue and White should still be in the mix for a top-three finish.
