LAKEWOOD — A technicality will enable South Kitsap junior Mason Villarma to pursue his goal of qualifying for state.
The top 20 finishers during Wednesday afternoon’s Class 4A Narrows League Cross Country Championships qualified for the Nov. 2 district meet.
Villarma placed 21st in 16 minutes, 52.18 seconds. But South Kitsap coach Kathy Ballew said Villarma qualified for districts because teams are limited to bringing their top seven runners.
Gig Harbor, which is ranked the No. 1 team in the nation by dyestat.com, had the top four placers, led by first-place Wolfgang Beck (15:06.75), and nine of the top 17 runners at Fort Steilacoom Park.
“Gig Harbor is just phenomenal,” Ballew said. “Their times are just amazing.”
Ballew thinks that bodes well for Villarma when he competes at the Westside Classic meet at American Lake Veterans Golf Course. During that race, Villarma can earn a place at the Nov. 9 state meet at Pasco’s Sun Willows Golf Course.
“He should get to state as well,” Ballew said. “Our league is that tough.”
Villarma also feels the league meet should prepare him well for districts.
“Hopefully, I’ll make a good state appearance this year,” he said. “I think with that strong of a league, I’ll be able to go to state.”
Villarma is the only Wolves’ runner on both the boys and girls teams to qualify for districts. Isabelle Donovan (20:56.93), was South’s top female in 29th place.
“It’s a young team,” Ballew said. “They really had a good year.”
The Wolves’ only other opportunity to send more runners to the Westside Classic was to do so as a team. The top four boys and girls teams at the league meet advanced to districts. But South’s boys finished fifth, while its girls team was sixth.
Wolves lose in three sets against Olympia
South Kitsap coach CJ Scott said he was impressed with how his team competed during the first two sets Tuesday night against Olympia, but it was not enough as the Wolves lost 25-19, 25-20, 25-11.
Hannah Spohn and Courtney Schmidt each had five kills to lead South (7-7 overall, 4-6 league).
Tuesday
Olympia d. South Kitsap 25-19, 25-20, 25-11
South Kitsap-Hannah Spohn 5 kills; Courtney Schmidt 5 kills; Baylie Myers 7 assists; Shannon Laupola 6 blocks.
Thursday
South Kitsap d. Yelm 25-12, 25-16, 25-16
South Kitsap-Shannon Laupola 6 kills; Baylie Myers 8 assists; Shannon Laupola 3 blocks; Rachel Bauman 3 aces.
