Newtown High School’s girls’ cross country team placed third in the Class LL state championship meet, at Wickham Park, in Manchester, on October 31. The Nighthawks were led by Sarah Mawdsley, who was runner-up among 156 finishers, in a time of 19:17.

The Nighthawks, who had a trio of runners among the top six, scored 83 points. Glastonbury had 74, and Ridgefield had 78. Newtown edged out Staples of Westport for third; the Wreckers, who were paced by first-place runner Hannah Debalsi (18:14), scored 88. There were 21 teams.

Olivia Hage was fifth overall, coming across the finish line in a time of 19:43; Erin Tressler was sixth in 19:45; Emma Bayuk placed 15th in 20:06; and Madison Findley came in 56th in 21:42.

In the boys’ meet, Newtown placed 18th. Riley Rising led the Hawks by placing 50th among 178 finishers, completing the course in a time of 17:21. Also for Newtown, Joel Duval was 70th in 17:39; Ryan Escoda placed 95th in 18:06; Christian Lestik was 97th in 18:09; and Ethan Burg was 103rd in 18:15.