Scouting Report: Ocala Vanguard Girls

(Photos by Donald Lamb)

After a two year drought of not qualifying for the Cross Country Finals the ladies of Ocala Vanguard won a regional championship (3A-2) and finished 9th at the state meet in 2013. For many of the girls it was their first experience running. Another year experience should give their top five the boost they need to improve and finish in the top five or higher. The Knights have a potent 1-2 punch in seniors Audrey Carpenter and Elizabeth Mulford. 

The duo placed 29th and 31st respectively last year and have the 9th and 14th fastest times coming into the season. Both have had success on the track this outdoor season with Carpenter finishing 9th at the state meet in the 1,600m (5:14.25) and Mulford's strong showing at the Florida Relays; 5:13.58 (12th in the 1600m), and 11:02.97 (third in the 3200m). Junior Taelor Davis, as well as, Hannah Evans and Stephanie Hansen make up the top five. All three  have all run under 21 minutes giving the team a 1-5 split of 1:27.86.

This summer, the Vanguard girls attended the Appalachian State Cross Country team camp. In addition to getting experience with hills, logging miles, and team bonding, the girls finished third overall in the camp race with Carpenter and Mulford finishing first and second overall individually. 3A won't be as competitive as it has been in year's past, but that doesn't mean a podium spot will be easy to come by. Sarasota and Seabreeze are the top two teams according to our 3A rankings based on returners. Last year, the Knights defeated Seabreeze by one point at the 3A Region 2 Championship. A top two finish might be a reach, but top five is definitely doable.  Vanguard is ranked as the third best team in 3A with Ft. Walton Beach, Creekside, and Fort Myers all withithin striking distance.

In addition to our top five look for Morgan Engel an incoming 9th grader and Alexandra Daley a 10th grader first year runner to contribute to varsity. Our goals are a top five finish at the state meet. We are also excied to be hosting our first invitational, the Vanguard Horse Park Invitational.

2014 Returner's Top Times

 

Girls 5,000 Meter Run (XC)
18:55.94	Carpenter, Audrey	6th Alligator Lake XC Invitational Presented by Half-Mile Timing	2013-09-21
19:07.50	Mulford, Elizabeth	FSU Invitational (Pre-State)	2013-10-11
20:18.57	Davis, Taelor	FSU Invitational (Pre-State)	2013-10-11
20:22.68	Evans, Hannah	FHSAA Cross Country State Finals	2013-11-09
20:23.80	Hansen, Stephanie	FHSAA Cross Country State Finals	2013-11-09

 

Girls 3,200 Meter Run
11:02.97	Mulford, Elizabeth	Pepsi Florida Relays	2014-04-03
11:38.72	Carpenter, Audrey	Lake Brantley Classic	2014-03-08

 

Girls 1,600 Meter Run
5:13.58	Mulford, Elizabeth	Pepsi Florida Relays	2014-04-03
5:14.25	Carpenter, Audrey	FHSAA Outdoor State Finals, Saturday	2014-05-03
5:35.69	Hansen, Stephanie	Lake Brantley Classic	2014-03-08
5:44.61	Evans, Hannah	7th Annual Deltona Invitational	2014-03-14