The women’s cross-country team won its fifth consecutive Semistate title on Oct. 20. Carmel won the meet with 44 points and are advancing to the State meet on Oct. 27 in Terre Haute.

Head Coach Mark Ellington said that the team is ready for a third consecutive State title and believes that the players are close to accomplishing that goal. He said that everybody on the team has prepared themselves well physically and mentally for this meet all season and that the girls are in their best shape. Ellington said that some important factors heading into this race is not to get nervous and stay well prepared.

“This season has been a great process to watch unfold and develop,” Ellington said. “My hope is that all members of our team recognize all that they have accomplished beyond the trophies, medals, and accolades.”

Kelsey Harris, varsity runner and sophomore, is also excited to run in the State meet. Like Ellington, she said that the team prepared well for the State meet. Harris said that she feels very confident heading into the State meet. She said that she is coming off a fourth place finish at Semistate and is ready to carry the momentum on to the State meet. Harris expects Carmel to win State for the third time in a row but said that they need to work really hard to in order to ward off top competitors such as West Lafayette.

Harris said, “We ran well all season and we are confident enough to win the State meet.”