READING — The Wakefield High girls’ track and field team bounced back after a tough loss to Melrose with an 85-51 victory over Wilmington on Tuesday at Reading High.
“It should have been a close meet against Melrose, but I felt like most of the team came out flat with not as much mental toughness as they usually have,” said coach Karen Barrett about Wakefield meet against Melrose on April 16. “They turned it around against Wilmington with great effort and energy from everybody.”
Isabella Fusco started Wakefield’s scoring off with a PR in the 400 hurdles of 76.1 to take 2nd place.
“She looked strong the entire race,” said Barrett.
Sophomore Quin Wilcox had a fantastic day. She ran the mile for the first time, winning it with a state qualifying time of 5:26.
“She took the lead from the beginning and ran steady the whole race,” said Barrett.
Wilcox also won the open 400 and was one of the legs of Wakefield’s winning 4×400 relay.
“Quin is a tremendous competitor,” said Barrett. “Her mental toughness and positive attitude are a recipe for a fantastic future in track.”
Ella Ferrell also had a great day, placing 2nd in the mile while qualifying for states with a PR of 5:32. Ferrell placed 2nd in the 400 with a strong close and was also part of the 4×400 relay team.
“I was super impressed with her effort and attitude today,” said the coach. Senior captain Megan Clark won the 100 hurdles with a PR of 18.6 and stayed undefeated in the triple jump with a PR of 32’3″.
“Megan works really hard and is a fantastic leader,” said Barrett. “I was really happy her hard work paid off today.”
Emma Burns placed 3rd in the 100 hurdles and the high jump getting Wakefield 2 points.
Abby Hartigan had a terrific day placing 1st in the 100, 200 and anchoring the winning 4×100 relay.
“She continues to impress me with her work ethic,” said Barrett.
Freshman Talia Galante competed like a seasoned veteran against the Wildcats. She was 2nd in the 200 meter right behind Hartigan with a PR and also won the long jump on her last attempt.
“I was really impressed with her ability to perform under pressure,” said Barrett. Galante closed out her day as the lead runner in the 4×100 relay.
The Warriors got a sweep in the 800 with Lily Sallee winning, Liza Bangston 2nd and freshman Hannah Caplin running a PR taking 3rd.
Grace Brackett ran a strong race winning the two mile.
Brendia Diaz scored Wakefield’s only points in throwing getting a 2nd in the javelin and discus, throwing a PR in the discus.
Freshman Guerly Joseph had a great day at the high jump, placing 1st with a PR and state qualifying jump of 4’10”. Joseph was also the 2nd leg of the 4×100 relay.
Maya Palic jumped 4’9″ for a 2nd place in the high jump and Emma Burns finished off the sweep with a 3rd place 4’6″ jump.
“The girls competed really well today,” said Barrett. “I am proud of their effort.”
Wakefield has a busy weekend coming up with the Freshman-Sophomore Invitational as well as the Twilight meet.