Late-Season Check-Up: Girls Cross Country

Section tournaments are just weeks away. Teams have a history that hints at their chances in the playoffs—but still have some big matches ahead.

Eden Prairie Patch talked with Jeff Lindlief, head coach of the girls cross country team, about how the season has gone so far and what challenges lie ahead for the team.

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Record: Two fourth-place finishes and a second-place finish at the team’s home meet. “We’ve run against some pretty good competition so far,” Lindlief said.

Biggest highlight: In the past, Eden Prairie had a few solid years. But last year, the team had injuries and more inexperienced runners. The Eagles appear to have emerged from those setbacks. “This year, the difference is the team is more excited. They’ve set goals as a team and become more competitive.”   

Key athletes:

• Hannah Jeter: An all-state runner last year, the junior remains an integral part of the team.
• Samantha Schnirring: The sophomore, who’s already gotten her 4K time down to 15 minutes, promises to be vital part of the team’s future.
• Brittany Platt: The senior rounds out the team’s top three runners.

Biggest challenge ahead: The team has three strong runners. It’s No. 4 and 5 runners are doing well, but they still need to close the gap between them and the frontrunners, Lindlief said.

Regular season race to watch: The Victoria Lions Invitational on Oct. 2 at the Chaska Par 30 (1207 Hazeltine Blvd., Chaska). JV girls start at 3:45 p.m. Varsity girls start at 4:45 p.m.

Section tournament: 3:45 p.m. Oct. 24 at Gale Woods Farm (7210 County Road 110 W., Minnetrista)