NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE MEET

Matthew Giardina, Lea Perreard Win MOC Titles; Nashua South Boys, Oyster River Girls Crowned

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Perhaps just a step behind a year ago, Bishop Guertin’s Matthew Giardina made sure he was the runner to beat this fall in the state of New Hampshire. On Saturday, at the New Hampshire Meet of Champions, Giardina won his first MOC title in a blistering time of 15 minutes 11 seconds at Alvin High in Hudson.

A year ago he was third in 15:28. The junior was coming off a Division 1 title a week ago. Runner-up went to Hanover senior Lucian Gleiser in 15:20.05. 

In the boys team race, favorite Nashua South, also coming off a Division 1 title, didn’t disappoint. Led by senior Dante Castellano’s eighth-place finish (15:36.27), Nashua South placed three in the top 15 and four in the top 20 to score 78 points. Hanover was second with 94 points. 

Led by juniors Haley Kavanagh (17:56.36) and Mackenzie Cook (18:01.62) placing second and third in the girls race, Oyster River tallied 61 points to easily win the MOC title. Hanover was second with 81 points. Oyster River had four runners finish in the top 18 in the race. 

Individually, Hanover standout sophomore Lea Perreard won the race in an impressive time of 17:50.91. A year ago, Perreard was 11th in 19:26.5.  

Next up for the top 25 individuals and top six teams is the New England Championships held Saturday in Belfast, Maine.

TEAM CHAMPIONS

Nashua South boys 78 points; Oyster River girls 61 points

CLASS DIVISIONALS (Saturday, October 28)

DIVISION I: Nashua South boys 51 points; Pinkerton girls 42 points

DIVISION II: Hanover boys 40 points; Oyster River girls 29 points

DIVISION III: Hopkinton boys 127 points; Mascenic Regional girls 78 points