Ranch girls make history

The Lakewood Ranch High girls cross country team made history this morning, capturing the school’s first regional title.

The Lady Mustangs finished with 32 points — 25 points ahead of Fort Myers who finished second — to win the Class 3A-Region 3 cross country meet at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte.

Freshman Kristin Zarrella crossed the finish line first for Lakewood, finishing third overall in 19:15.63. Freshman Olivia Ortiz finished fifth in 19:25.19 followed by sophomore Devin McDermott (sixth) in 19:35.17; freshman Ashley Platt (ninth) in 20:02.21; and freshman Natalie Novak (11^th) in 20:12.42. Junior Emily Wray finished 35^th in 21:42.54.

Braden River freshman Bridget Lanier led the way for the Lady Pirates, finishing 18^th in 20:39.78, followed by freshman Madison Daunt (21^st) in 20:57.57. The Lady Pirates finished 11^th overall with 255 points.

Lakewood will return to action Nov. 21 in the FHSAA Cross Country Finals at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.