On a cold and rainy Wednesday, the Rebel runners faced former league champs, Natick, for their third home meet of the season. Unfortunately the dreary weather reflected the efforts and the results of the Walpole girls track team.  

  The meet started out positively when juniors Courtney Shea (12:49) and Jocelyn Lydon, who came in at a personal best, (12:52)  finished first and second in the two mile.  Seniors Erica Hawley (15.8) in the 100 meter hurdles and Kelly Burke in the 400 meter race were also first place finishers on the track.  In the field, first places included senior Jacey Dold (87’3) in the javelin, senior Erica Hawley (5’2) in the high jump, and junior Amanda Carney (16’) in the long jump.  Despite the four first place performances, Natick came out on top when they won 9 out of 16 events including sweeping the 800 meter, shot put, and discus.  The 4×100 meter team consisting of Hawley, Carney, sophomore Erin McCarthy, and junior Caroline Malone lost to Natick, Walpole lead the race up until the last 50 meters. Even though the end time, splits, and handoffs of the team were consistent of their past races.  

  While everyone had a tough time in the rain, throwers in particular suffered the most.  Using the lower field for throws, the amount of mud and slipping increased as the meet progressed.  Likewise, gripping any throwing implements was a nightmare.  Despite this, junior Kristan Papirio (74’5) was able to place third in the javelin behind Dold.

Similarly, jumpers also had a hard time with marking their steps and with the actual jump.  Senior Andrea Zoppo and freshman Maddy Shea and Nicole Browne tied for third jumping 4’4 in the high jump.  Snagging ten points for Walpole already Hawley (15’7) also managed second place in the long jump.  In the triple jump, Carney (32’1) was the only Walpole scorer, placing in third.

  Coming in third place back on the track were Browne (79.7) in the 400 meter race and McCarthy (28.3) in the 200 meter race.  Among other placing athletes, Carney (13.4) placed second in the 100 and junior Brigette Lawton (5:49.6) and senior Amanda Waldron (5:55) finished second and third in the one mile. 

After a disappointing loss, the Walpole girls have nothing to do but look forward.  Up next, the Rebels will be facing long time rival the Wellesley Raiders on Tuesday May 4, with hopes of a better performance.