By Ann Reed and Emma Saley – Staff Reporters

The Law girls track team conquered the competition this season, ending the year with a division title.

After winning the SCC Hammonasset division last year, the team’s main goal was to defend their title this season, which they accomplished. Senior captains Jess Centore, Kailee Frank, and Tori Nabors, and junior standouts Kiara Smith and Olivia Steiner have led the team to a stellar record of 12-7.

(UPDATE: The girls track team finished 3^rd at the Class MM State Championships on June 1. Steiner won the long jump and Smith won the 200 meter. Both are now two-time state champions in both indoor and outdoor track.)

“The highlight of our season by far was winning the SCC Hammonasset division for the second year in a row,” sophomore Cassandra Soda said. “It took a lot of hard work from everyone on the team, and it really shows how teamwork is essential to any victory. If everyone hadn’t come together as one, this would not have been possible.”

In order to win the SCC Hammonasset division, the girls had to overcome a number of strong competitors, including Guilford.

“Guilford was our biggest competition to win our division, so we knew we had to give it everything we had when we competed against them,” freshman Sammi Franzman said. “Beating them was a huge step forward towards winning our division and was a huge accomplishment for our team.”

The victories this season did not come without a few roadblocks, however, including injuries which affected sophomore Morgan Macey and others.

“Getting injured was very frustrating because I worked so hard to better myself and my injury held me back from competing,” Macey said. “I love hurdling, and to have to sit on the sidelines for even just a week was horrible.”

“The captains this year were great, and really helped motivate us when we faced obstacles. Without them, I do not think we would have been as successful as we were. ” Junior Sage Russell said. “It was their confidence and leadership that allowed us to grow to our full potential, not only as a team, but as individuals.”

Russell finished her third season on the team running the 300 and 100 meter hurdles.

“During the offseason, I will be training my hardest in order to be ready for next season,” Russell said. “By winning our division two years in a row, there is a lot of pressure going into next season to continue our streak. I believe that if we all put our best foot forward, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.”

Only four of the current team members are seniors, making it easier to carry the positive momentum from this year into coming seasons. There is also a large amount of talent within the rising senior class, creating vast opportunities for upcoming states wins.

Running track requires both mental and physical strength, paired with perseverance. Since individual scores affect the entire team, running track involves a great amount of trust within the team, creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

“Being a part of the track program here at Law has made me a stronger person outside and in,” Macey said. “I have accomplished things I never thought would be possible all because of what I have learned from being a part of this team. If it weren’t for track, I definitely wouldn’t be as strong of an athlete as I am now.”

After a long and successful season, the girls track team has high hopes for the future, and is confident that next season will be full of victories.