Lakewood runners win regional crown

The Lakewood Ranch High girls cross country team scored 44 points to capture the Class 3A-Region 3 Championship Nov. 12 in Estero.

The Lady Mustangs finished ahead of Fort Myers (57) who finished second and Braden River (289), which finished 11th.

Olivia Ortiz led the way for Lakewood, finishing second in 19:35.68. Natalie Novak finished seventh in 20:09.40 followed by Devin McDermott (ninth) in 20:14.09; Kristin Zarrella (10th) in 20:50.05; and Ashley Platt (19th) in 21:27.16.

Madison Daunt led the way for Braden River, finishing 32nd in 22:40.69.

The Lady Mustangs will now advance to the FHSAA Finals Nov. 20 at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.