Newtown’s girls’ cross country team placed sixth in the 81st New England High School Interscholastic Cross Country Championship, at Thetford Academy’s 5K course, in Thetford, Vermont, on November 14. There were 30 teams and several other individuals representing their schools in the race.

Sarah Mawdsley, Newtown’s top runner, placed 24th overall (16th on the list of runners representing teams) among 250 finishers. Mawdsley came across the finish line in a time of 19:51.4. She earned All New England accolades for being among the top 25 participants. Staples High of Westport’s Hannah Debalsi was first overall, in a time of 18:20.9.

Newtown’s Erin Tressler was 26th (17th among team participants) in 19:51.7, Olivia Hage placed 68th (46th) in 20:35.8, Emma Bayuk finished 70th (47th) in 20:38.7, Madison Findley was 171st (126th) in 21:58.9, Kelsey Miller came in 203rd (157th) in a time of 22:39.5, and Willow Pears was 225th (179th) in 23:11.1.

The Nighthawks scored 252 as a team, and La Salle Academy of Rhode Island was first with 60 points.