The Palo Alto High School varsity girls’ cross-country team qualified for CCS on Oct. 30 and is ready to race for state qualifications this Saturday.

Maryssa Sklaroff (‘13) has been happy and satisfied with the team’s performance right from the start.

“This season we’ve had a lot of success on the girls’ varsity level,” Sklaroff said. “We’ve had multiple girls step up to the plate.”

The girls’ coach Paul Jones also sees a positive future for the Lady Vikes.

“At CCS I think we will qualify for states,” Jones said. “The team that will be the toughest for us will be Menlo-Atherton High School because they have a deep team like us.”
Jones elaborated on Paly’s advantage over other schools.

“Unlike other teams, we have depth,” Jones said. “We’ve got about a dozen girls that can step up and contribute in case another is injured or sick.”

Sklaroff also sees advantages on the team.

“Our group of girls has been training really well together and can also run well together,” Sklaroff said. “Whereas other schools just have a few girls to carry their team on their back.”

Jones also spots improvement in the underclassmen.

“We’ve got the best freshman group I’ve seen in the last ten years,” Jones said.

The Lady Vikes will be running Saturday morning at Toro Park in Salinas, hoping to take the next step towards the state championship.