Grandview's Kaitlyn Mercer defended her title with a runaway victory.
Heat Management.
By 3:30 in the afternoon the sun was blazing overhead, and even Team MileSplit was sweating profusely.
When the gun shot off to start the girl's race it was clear how this story would go.
Pre-race favorites, Cherokee Trail's Caitlin McConnell and Grandview's Kaitlyn Mercer were out and ready for an Aurora Duel in the Sun.
Within the first mile it was burgundy and blue up front, and more burgundy chasing. And more blue chasing the burgundy.
While an early battle between the two (K)(C)aitl(y)(i)n's was brewing up front, Grandview's Anna Swanson was very quietly moving up through the field.
By the halfway point the race was in Mercer's hands. She had gradually pulled away without much of a surge, as the heat the early pace began to take its toll on McConnell.
With Mercer cruising solo up front, Swanson had moved into the No. 2 spot.
The final mile was uneventful, as the places had been set. The race had stretched the field out, and the sun and heat were putting their final touch as well.
Mercer continued to pour on the pace into the final strides, and only let a smile dash across her face after she crossed the finish line.
"I was nervous," Mercer admitted. "But more excited for the season."
She had defended her title with a 19:33 victory, which was 21 seconds ahead of the surprise of the race: her teammate, Swanson.
A year ago Swanson finished seventh at this meet, but she clearly made some huge gains. The Grandview junior finished second in 19:54.
"Anna has improved so much this year," Mercer said of her teammate.
Cherokee Trail took seven of the top-10 spots.
Behind the Grandview duo, however, was a Cherokee Trail freight train. McConnell faded hard in the final mile, leaving freshman Cameron McConnell to lead the squad on this day. Cherokee Trail went 3-4-5-6-7 (8-10), with a 33-second split between their first and fifth runner. They tallied 25 points for the win, though Grandview's 1-2 punch made the team race closer then anyone would've anticipated. Grandview went 1-2-9-12-13 to tally 37 points. Behind them Eaglecrest took third with 95 points.