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Raider cross country came home from the Central Washington B League race at Liberty Bell with a second-place finish for the girls’ squad and a third-place for the boys.

The Raiders’ times were not as good as they were two weeks ago, but, Head Coach Gary Darnold said, “It was a pretty demanding course and all worked their hardest on it.”

“With a fairly tough week of training, I expected them not to necessarily have their best races as we prepare for district and regionals,” the coach noted.

He praised the runners’ efforts.

“They ran with a huge effort, which is all I ever ask, and always what I get,” Darnold said.

Mary Ann Matheson led the Raider girls at Liberty Bell, finishing fourth with the time of 24 minutes, 4.4 seconds.

Rickyna Sam took 8th in 26:33.8.

On the boys’ side, Lukas Hermetz finished first for the Raiders, taking 13th in 19:51.48. Kendall Piccolo was not far behind, finishing 15th with the time of 20:57.51.

Charli Knight ran for a distance personal record, as her time of 29:57.81 at the 5,000-meter distance was 17 seconds faster than her previous best.

Clare Castrodale also improved her 5,000-meter PR time by nine second to 30:27.41.

Now the Raiders will prepare for this Friday’s District 5-6 race at Irene Rhineheart Park in Ellensburg.

Races will start at 1 p.m. with the girls’ varsity followed by the boys. The Raiders will be sending both teams at full strength.

The top two teams, plus the top 10 individual placers, will move on to the State B race on Nov. 3 at Pasco.