Meet 1: The pack is back

Woodstock Academy coach Joe Banas was concerned going into the season-opening meet against Waterford and Griswold at Harkness Park in Waterford Wednesday.

He was ecstatic after it.

The Centaurs walked away with a 20-42 win over Waterford and blanked Griswold, 15-50.

"It was great," Banas said. "I was worried because we lost Linsey (Arends to graduation) and now, we have to figure out another way to win. We did."

The Lancers may have grabbed the top spot but it was all blue-and-gold thereafter.

Avery Maise came across the line first in 21 minutes, 28 seconds on her home course.

But just eight seconds behind her was Woodstock Academy senior Lauren Brule.

And then came something that Banas wanted to see.

The Centaurs pack.

Junior Leila Kwairedinord placed third in 21:41, followed by Julia Coyle (21:45), Olivia Tracy (22:02), Sydney Lord (22:21) and Kira Greene (22:24).

It made for a happy get together after the race with only technical details to discuss.

"We all sat down afterwards and wanted to see if we were all running negative splits and how it was working out. Was anyone going out too fast, for example," Banas said. "We're happy."