Lakeland’s girls varsity cross country team had a season of growth and accomplishment in the fall 2018 season.

The girls varsity cross country team ended with a strong season, which, according to coach Damaino Conforti who took over as coach this year, is amazing due to some hurdles they had to overcome.

First, the team only had two returning athletes, senior captains Jordan Chernick and Brooke Russo. According to Conforti, both Chernick and Brooke were able to recruit incoming freshman who not only helped build a team, but put girls XC on the path for future success as well.

“Boy were we lucky,” Conforit told the Ledger. “Not only did we field a full team, but were able to compete and score in every meet.”

Coach Conforti is proud of his team’s accomplishment, and points out freshman leaders Abby Horevay and Caitlin Fahy. Horevay and Fahy are both new to the sport this season and became two of North Jersey’s best runners. He also credits captains Chernick and Brooke as key players for their incredible talents and leadership this season.

The future of the girls varsity cross country team is in good hands for next season. According to Conforti, “The future is extremely bright.”