It was a rainy, cold day at Riverside Park in Hammond when the girls cross-country team dominated their race at Sectionals. Sarah Hunsley (9) finished first in the race with the time of 19:52.

“It felt good leading the race. I knew Megan [Zajac (11)] could catch me within a sprint and I did not want that to happen. The weather was definitely a plus. I know my team will stay strong the rest of the season. I am really hoping that we go to State this year and I am excited to see how me and Megan push each other the rest of the season,” Hunsley said.

After earning third place at the Duneland Athletic Conference, the team had high hopes for postseason. Once postseason started, the girls only had one goal — to make it to State. The workouts changed for Sectionals in order to increase the girls’ mileage.

“We do not swim at practice anymore; we increased our mileage on our recovery days. The workouts are just as hard if not harder than they were in the regular season,” Megan Zajac (11) said.

The girls lined up at the starting line and waited for the gun to sound, giving them the signal to begin. Once they heard it, they took off and fought for the front spots. Sarah Hunsley (9) lead the race. Right behind her was Megan Zajac (11).

“I did not run as well as I should have, but that motivates me to do better next race,” Zajac said.

The Lake Central girls followed behind Hunsley in a pack. The Lady Indians had all seven of their runners in the top 10 of the race. Coach Ann Downey cheered her team on from the sidelines.

“The girls did good. They had a job to do, and they went out there and did their job.The girls are definitely a close group of girls,” Coach Ann Downey said.

The girls team got first overall to claim the Sectional Championship. The team will continue their season to Regionals on Oct. 19 at Lemon Lake.