By John Kemmeter

Sophomore Maddie Hyland sprints during the last 100 meters to finish second overall and lead the Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) girls cross country team at the Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) Meet at Standing Rocks County Park Saturday, Oct. 14.
(John Kemmeter photo)

Following a second-place finish at the Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC) Meet, the Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) girls cross country team will try to earn a trip to state at the WIAA Division 1 Neenah Sectional Friday, Oct. 20.

Sophomore Maddie Hyland finished second overall to lead the Panthers at the WVC Meet at Standing Rocks County Park Saturday, Oct. 14, but Wausau West scored 41 points to edge SPASH (44) for the Conference Title.

The 14th-ranked Panthers will see West again this week at the Neenah Sectional at Lake Breeze Golf Course in Winneconne, where the top two teams will earn a trip to the WIAA Division 1 State Meet at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, Oct. 28.

“We’ve been steadily progressing until this meet,” said SPASH girls cross country head coach Mike Olson after conference. “We didn’t progress in my mind, we took a step back.

“Our goal is always to peak at the end of the season, and I have total faith that we can do that,” he said. “But what I think doesn’t make much difference, if the girls don’t believe it.”

Stevens Point Area Senior High School junior Carly Olsen heads down the final 200 meters on her way to place seventh overall at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Meet at Standing Rocks County Park Saturday, Oct. 14.
(John Kemmeter photo)

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