The Palo Alto High School girls’ cross-country team placed 10^th out of 27 teams in the Stanford Invitational meet’s 5-kilometer race.

Co-captain Nora Rosati (’13) maintained an average mile time of 6:28 throughout the race, finishing 31^st out of the 196 runners with a total time of 20:05. Chika Kasahara (’13) followed closely behind Rosati with a total time of 20:06.

In third place for the Lady Vikes and 46^th overall came Katie Foug (’15), with an average mile time of 6:36. Shaheen Essabhoy (’13) placed 90^th overall and fourth for the Vikings with a time of 21:31.

Kasahara was pleased with her team’s performance in today’s race and believes the girls have strong potential for the rest of the season.

“I think we have a really good chance of making states,” Kasahara said. “We have a new freshman named Emily Zhang and she’s going to contribute a lot to the team this year.”

Kasahara attributes the team’s success this season to the positive team chemistry.
“Everyone gets along really well and pushes each other,” Kasahara said. “There is a lot of competition too, but it’s beneficial and motivates people.”
The Lady Vikes will race next this Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Crystal Springs in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) Preview meet.