By Nate Leveille
All D1 teams return to action at Plymouth State University on Sunday, February 8th, for the conclusion of the state meet, which began a week earlier at UNH with the completion of the High Jump and the 4×800.
Team Competition
Coming into the season, Pinkerton and Exeter were the preseason favorites, and their performances throughout the season did nothing to alter that trajectory. On paper, Exeter holds a double-digit point advantage entering the meet. They do the majority of their damage on the oval, boasting many high seeds and favorites in the 300, 600, 1000, 1500, and 3000. They also hold the top seeds in both relays and have 10 points in their back pocket after winning the 4×800.
Pinkerton, however, can score everywhere. Their most devastating blow comes in the hurdles, where they hold the top three seeds. If they want to make a run at Exeter, they will need to score points in the field events and outperform some of their seeds in the running events.
Those two teams are projected to score over 200 points combined, which is roughly half the meet points available. This means the race for 3rd place is wide open and may only take 30–40 points to secure. Bedford is always dangerous, thanks to Mikita Barry and their relays. Portsmouth is another team with solid relays and individuals that could propel them into the 40s. As always, it will come down to who performs best on Sunday, and there will be surprises.
Sprints & Hurdles
Defending champion Leanne Ortiz-Blanco of Salem has been on a mission in the 55m dash this season and has dominated. She is the clear favorite. Following her is a group of girls running in the 7.5s, led by Nora Brayall of Pinkerton. Others in contention for a top-three finish include Carolyn and Laura Milks of Portsmouth and Kathleen Lynch of Dover.
Typically, the 300 would include these same names, but this is a different year. Angela Cenesca of Manchester Central is the top seed in the 300 with a 41.25—more than a second ahead of Avery Carrigan (42.41) and Martelle McBride (42.75) of Exeter. Don’t sleep on Abigail Steinicker of Pinkerton, Lynch of Dover, or Allison Frye of Nashua North, who have all run fast this season.
In the final sprint event, the 55 Hurdles, Pinkerton holds the top three seeds: Steinicker, Mollie Wheale, and Rylee Robinson. Looking to break up that pack will be the 4-seed, Sydney MacVicar of Exeter. Sierra Metcalf and Molly Flynn, both of Portsmouth, round out the top 6 seeds.
Mid-Distance
It is always a guessing game knowing where athletes will end up. In the 1000, Mikita Barry of Bedford, the two-time defending champion, is the overwhelming favorite. She ran 2:52 earlier in the season, meaning her school record—which is also the state record—is not out of reach. Behind her, Madie Poteet and Eli Cross of Exeter enter as the 2 and 3 seeds, followed by Anna Sinclair of BG and Parker Knowlton of Pinkerton. For the first time, perhaps ever, most of these girls won’t be doubling back from the 4×800 earlier in the day, which should lead to faster times than normal.
I have tabbed the 600 as the race of the day on the girls’ side; it is absolutely loaded with talent. Top seed Charlotte Beaudoin of Timberlane is the outdoor 400m state champ; two-seed Izzie Bremer is part of the Exeter All-American 4×800; three-seed Sarah Rzasa of Pinkerton is the defending champ in this event; and four-seed Rosie Neveau is the outdoor 800m D1 champ. Buckle up—this should be a fun one to watch.
Distance
Alexis Paterna of Exeter enters as the top seed in the 3000. The two-seed is her twin sister, Brianna Paterna, and the three-seed is Gabrielle Bedard of Pinkerton. The three of them should separate from the rest of the pack. It just so happens that all three are also involved in the team race, so I can’t envision a state record attempt; a tactical race is more likely. Filling out the seeds behind those three are Jaylyn Paul of Bishop Guertin, Kalisan Marzolf of Pinkerton, and Sophia Parisi of Winnacunnet.
As always, the 1500 is going to be about survival. Almost every athlete is doubling back from another event, and we anticipate this meet flying right along. Some of the same names return from the 1000 and 3000. The Paterna sisters who hold the top two seeds; Bedard is the three-seed, joined by Barry (4-seed), Zoey Coler of BG, and Vera McCown of Winnacunnet. McCown will be the only athlete with fresh legs ranked in the top 6. Watch for Alexis Paterna to go right to the front and string things out.
Shot Put & Long Jump
The Shot Put has been a rollercoaster the last few years. This year might be different, as Consuelo Borico of Concord is the top seed in the event by almost 5 feet! Two-seed and defending champion Brynn Johnson of Windham always saves her best for states. Emmie Wentworth of Portsmouth, Lucille Beem of Exeter, Skylar Marzolf of Pinkerton, and Abby Craig of Portsmouth are all within a foot of each other, making the rest of the field a wildcard.
In the Long Jump, Angela Cenesca of Manchester Central enters as the top seed after finishing 3rd a year ago. The two-seed is Isabella Johnson of Timberlane, and the three-seed is Martelle McBride of Exeter. Rounding out the top 6 seeds are Amalie Ramirez of Nashua South, Sarah Witta of Nashua South, and Allie Dandeneau of Nashua North.
Relays
Exeter is the top seed in the 4×400 with an 11-second advantage over Pinkerton, Bedford, and North, who all enter with 4:17s and are separated by just .05 seconds. Those four teams make up the fast heat. Other teams in contention to score include Portsmouth, BG, Nashua South, and Winnacunnet. At this point in the meet many and/or all of the relay athletes will be doubling and tripling.
Exeter also enters the 4×200 with the top time in the state (1:27.02). Portsmouth is the two-seed (1:27.89), Pinkerton the three-seed (1:28.27), and Bedford (1:29.00) rounds out the fast heat. Nashua North, Winnacunnet, Dover, and Manchester Central will look to score in the second heat.
Good luck to all!
