Braddock cross-country teams build momentum for postseason by sweeping GMAC meet
Miami Braddock’s cross-country teams are hoping for a big performance at this year’s state meet in Tallahassee.
With a month to go before that race, both the Bulldogs’ girls and boys teams picked up some momentum by sweeping the GMAC championship meets on Friday at Larry and Penny Thompson Park.
Senior Annabella Cardona led the Braddock girls to the team title by winning the individual crown with a time of 19:34.85. Cardona finished nearly a minute ahead of teammate Kayla Feeney, who placed second. Their efforts helped the Bulldogs finish with 27 points. Miami Coral Reef finished second overall with 63 points led by fourth-place finisher Samantha Ruiz (20:29.88).
Braddock is looking to improve upon a state runner-up finish in Class 4A last season.
On the boys’ side, the Bulldogs figure to finish better at state than their 19th place performance a year ago.
Braddock scored 21 points overall on Friday to finish ahead of runner-up Columbus, which had 48 points. Andres Canas won the individual title with a time of 16:39.95. His teammates Mauricio Escalona (16:43.28) and Michael Gongora (16:50.25) finished second and third. Daniel Garcia (16:55.23) finished fourth and led the Explorers, who were state runners-up in 4A last year.
RESULTS
Boys’ team: 1. Braddock 21; 2. Columbus 48; 3. Coral Gables 93; 4. Coral Reef 102; 5. Miami Sunset 170; Individuals: 1. Andres Canas (BR) 16:39.95; 2. Mauricio Escalona (BR) 16:43.28; 3. Michael Gongora (BR) 16:50.25; 4. Daniel Garcia (Col) 16:55.23; 5. Federico Llaguno (Col) 17:05.81; 6. Jacob Castanedo (BR) 17:11.34; 7. Diego Angel (CR) 17:11.86; 8. Anthony Fotso (CG) 17:14.81; 9. Liano Lacayo (BR) 17:20.52; 10. Axel Fink (ATM) 17:28.34.
Girls’ team: 1. Braddock 27; 2. Coral Reef 63; 3. Coral Gables 83; 4. Terra 123; 5. Ferguson 135; Individuals: 1. Annabella Cardona (BR) 19:34.85; 2. Kayla Feeney (BR) 20:16.70; 3. Mily Gutierrez (Sun) 20:21.91; 4. Samantha Ruiz (CR) 20:29.88; 5. Jasmine Trotz (BR) 20:41.59; 6. Abbigail Laine (Terra) 21:12.46; 7. Judeny Thomas (SD) 21:19.84; 8. Samantha Pinnavaia (Ferg) 21:35.54; 9. Desiree Ruiz (CR) 21:38.17; 10. Abby Hoffman (MB) 21:40.67.
