Irving, Varone lead Salve Regina into CCC Championship
NEWPORT, R.I. – Seniors Amy Irving (Bohemia, N.Y.) and Victoria Varone (Providence, R.I.) will set the pace as Salve Regina chases a Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship on Saturday.
The two have seen success in invitational meets this fall, combining for five CCC Runner of the Week Awards. Varone has been the Seahawks' No. 1 runner in four of five races, setting new personal bests at 5K and 6K and winning the individual title at the Tri-State Invitational. Irving took over the No. 1 spot at the Connecticut College Invitational, posting a top 25 finish against stiff competition.
"Victoria has been incredible this fall. She continues to impress me with her work in practice and her excellent race performances. I can't wait to see what she'll do next," said head coach Rob McGuinness. "I look to Amy for moments of brilliance, and she delivers, time and again."
A solid supporting cast kept the Seahawks in the competitive mix throughout the season and made its mark on the program record books. At Connecticut College on Oct. 15, the lineup of Irving, Varone, senior Taylor Ricker (Rocky Point, N.Y.), junior Olivia Wilson (Bethel, Conn.) and freshman Cianna Lynch (Cranston, R.I.) set a new record for combined team time at 6K. The team also captured the title at the Tri-State Invitational.
Ricker, Wilson and Lynch have been a steady presence among the varsity regulars all season, along with sophomore Alex Demeo (Burlington, Mass.). Several Seahawks have filled the No. 6 and 7 roles, including senior Alannah O'Rourke (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) junior Alexa Cipkas (Granby, Conn.) and freshmen Olivia Owen (Weymouth, Mass.) and Rachel Sandri (Milton, N.Y.).
"Our lineup is a healthy mix of experience and youth," McGuinness said. "This is a group that has tested itself against some of the best competition in the region. The team is right where it needs to be, and I'm encouraged by everything I have seen in workouts and races."
The University of New England, winner of the last four CCC championships, is a heavy favorite again this year. The Nor'easters have rolled to five invitational championships this fall, with seniors Brittney Sorbello and Tiana Thomas leading the charge. UNE fields a large, deep team, with juniors Emma Robidoux, Angel Waters and Amanda MacDonald and freshmen Mandy Graham and Emily Wasina often among the varsity regulars.
Roger Williams University is led by junior Jackie Applin and freshman Sarah Mawdsley, with freshman Hannah Kaplan and junior Brianna Hoffner also making scoring contributions.
Sophomore Abigail Keim, junior Kiera Malone and freshman Laura Pomeroy have set the pace for Endicott College, while freshman Angie Epplett, junior Louisa Dodds and sophomore Julie Drewicke have been the frontrunners for Gordon College.
Salve Regina finished second in the CCC in 2015.
"This stands to be a competitive, challenging race," McGuinness said. "I know that we have done good work to prepare. Now, it's time to trust the work. I know our team, and I know that they won't give anything less than their best on Saturday."
Western New England University hosts the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship on Saturday. The women's race is scheduled for noon on the 6K grass-and-trail course on the WNEU campus in Springfield.
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Courtesy of Rob McGuinness
