NMAA State Cross Country Championship Preview: 3A Girls

DATE - March 26 - 27, 2021

Boys: A/2A Rankings I 3A Rankings I 4A Rankings I 5A Rankings

Meet Previews 

Boys: A/2A I 3A I 4A I 5A

Girls: A/2A I 3A I 4A I 5A 

Cottonwood Classical looking for perfect score

If there was a team that is looking to challenge Cottonwood Classical for the 3A title we haven't seen them yet. The defending champions led by top returner Sophia Lopez (5th) return just about every girl that scored including Aubrey Lozoya(7th), Liza Cardinale(9th), and Ellie Merhege(17th). This squad was a challenge in 2019 but with the addition of Taos' Alyx Mastor the 4A girls 3rd place finisher, they are one of the most complete teams heading into state. The absence of schools like Laguna Acoma, Wingate, Santa Fe Indian, Robertson, and Zuni will be felt as other teams look to fill in the gap. Crownpoint comes to mind as a team that could be competitive for a podium finish as well as Bosque School and Tohatchi. 

Alyx Mastor (photo by Jaren Brooks)

Individuals

A state contender at 4A ranks making the step down to 3A, Alyx Mastor is certainly a key figure to watch out for right alongside her new teammates, Sophia Lopez, Liza Cardinale, and Ellie Merhege.  Without a huge list of runners from schools that have opted out outside of Cottonwood Classical, it will be up to runners like Tyra Tsosie and Bosque's Ella Adams to make it competitive. Adams does have the advantage of having run the state championship course only two weeks prior.