The Mathews High School cross country team returned from its extended break last Wednesday for a meet on its home course at Beaverdam Park. The MHS boys and girls were joined by Essex for the second time this season and three new opponents—Lancaster, West Point and Rappahannock.

Both the MHS boys and girls maintained their win streaks, although neither squad was able to complete a third consecutive perfect score.

The girls’ race was the first, and the Lady Devils performed well. Although the Pointers began the race with a convincing lead, Mathews closed the gap and pulled ahead before the finish line. The first runner to cross the line was from Lancaster, with a time of 21:38.

After a short time, the West Point number-one runner completed the course in 24:34. Abbie Hudgins was first across the line for Mathews, in 24:54, closely followed by teammates Brittany Ottarson (25:07) and Jaysen Hall (25:28). Another West Point runner and the Essex number-one both crossed before ...