Depth on Display as Saline Runners First at Woodhaven, Second at Bath

At two separate meets Saturday, the Saline girls’ cross country team showed the depth of its talent.

The Hornets’ fastest seven runners ran at the Bath Invitational, placing second against some of the top teams in the state. Meanwhile, the Saline “B” team went to Woodhaven and took first.

At Bath,  the Hornets finished second with 51 points, five more than the winners from Hudsonville.

Hudsonville’s team featured an impressive set of triplets who placed third, sixth and seventh to lead them to victory.

Saline was led by sophomore Elianna Shwayder, who finished the race in 18:53 to take fourth. Shwayader knocked 12 seconds of her best time and now moved into fifth all-time in times for sophomores, and seventh overall. She became the eighth the Hornet to crack the 19 minute mark.

Senior Amy Creutz took 10th in 19:30. Junior Alyssa Cummings placed 11th in 19:45. Rounding out the top five for Saline were freshman Lauren Green (12th, 19:46) and sophomore Gloria Park (14th, Gloria Park). Freshman Abby Rentschler (15th, 19:55) and junior Kelly Hall (19th, 20:29) also ran for the Hornets.

Creutz, Cummings, Green and Rentschler posted season-best times.

All seven Hornets won medals.

Meanwhile at Woodhaven. The Hornets took first place with 42 points, 16 better than second place Divine Child.

Amy Frauhammer was the fastest Hornet. She finished fifth in 20:57. Lindsey Water finished seventh in 21:24. The Hornets swept the 9-12 positions. Samantha Szuminski, Kristin Green, Mara VanSickle and Danielle Rathfon came in from 21:51 to 22:08. Alexis Ammon finished 15th in 22:26.

In all, seven Saline girls won medals in the race.

The Hornets looked great winning the junior varsity race, too. Saline swept the top 12 places in the race. Kaileigh Keller’s winning junior varsity time of 22:20 would have earned a medal in the varsity race.

Saline is in action again Sept. 13 at the first SEC Jamboree at Willow Metropark.