The Big Green Girl Harriers took on defending New England Girls’ Cross Country Champions Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday, and thanks to big personal or season bests from every single runner, managed to pull off convincing victories: varsity DA 18, PEA 38; junior varsity DA 24, PEA 31. Indeed, the Big Green were cooking with gas as they took the top three places in the varsity race and five of the top seven. Exeter had an amazingly deep squad but the Big Green JV likewise pulled off a victory, if through more of a dramatic squeaker. The varsity, led by 10th grader Victoria Patterson (missed the course record by just one second), took the lead quickly and pushed the pace through the first mile in 5:40. Finishing as strong as they have ever looked, the girls varsity and JV squads followed in a steady stream, including Noelle Abeyta, Erin Hudson, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Helen Downes, Esme Benjamin, Grace Russell, Gemma Bishop, Sami Dulam, Ely Burke, Jane Mallach, Erin Howe, Sofi Sintes, Nailah Barnes, Acy Cai, Nafi Sall, Jasmine Ramos, and Jerilyn Zheng. The girls have improved their focus, become stronger, and are now more confident than ever. This is clearly evident by their performances on Saturday, and specifically their kicks in the last mile and final straight away. Come join the Big Green Harrier Machine as it takes on perennial powerhouse Phillips Andover, at home on Sunday!