Wahluke girls climb to 5-1

David Miskimens/courtesy photo Wahluke High School's Linda Achelpohl nears the finish line at the recent Richland Invitational cross country meet. She has led her team to a 5-1 league record and into position to challenge for a state meet berth.

| October 23, 2011 3:15 AM

MATTAWA - The Wahluke girls improved to 5-1 in South Central A Conference cross country last week with victories over Goldendale and Cle Elum.

Wahluke blew past Goldendale, 15-50, in a double-dual meet held at Cle Elum. The Warriors edged Cle Elum, 27-28, when Mariela Nava made a late move past two Cle Elum girls.

In the boys race, Wahluke fell to 0-6. Cle Elum won, 36-20, and Goldendale won, 34-23.

The top finisher for the boys was Jose Espindola in sixth place with a time of 18:42. Brandon Cuevas and Jonathan Mendoza clocked 19:08 and 19:11 respectively.

"One of these runners has a chance to sneak into state as an individual if they continue their improvement," Miskimens said.

The Wahluke girls were in a position to lose to Cle Elum until Nava made her move. She got past Cle Elum's No. 6 and No. 7 runners in the last half mile and changed the scoring line-up.

As usual, the girls were led by Linda Achelpohl. She finished second overall with a time of 22:16 after leading most of the way.

Achelpohl was followed closely by Maria Juarez (4th overall), Thalia Quintero (5th) and Silvia Herrera (6th)

"Silvia has been getting closer to the three lead runners on the team, making a strong front pack," Miskimens said.

The Warriors will travel to Royal this Thursday for a meet with the Knights and Highland's Scotties. Miskimens is expecting a test, but he likes his girls' chances.

"So far the girls are on track for great things at district on the 29th," he said.

- Staff report