Although both squads posted the same five-person average of 20:22 for their scoring squads, Sachem East was outscored 68-92 to fall to Ward Melville at the Suffolk County Championships held at Sunken Meadow, with Bay Shore placing third.
The Sachem East Arrows were led by Rachel Ruggiero whose fourth place finish (19:31) qualified her for the New York State Public High School State Championships to be held at Chennengo Valley State Park on November 12.
The top team and the top five individuals at counties all qualify to represent Suffolk County at States. Lindsey Dodenhoff was the next finisher for East (7th- 19:43), followed by Melissa Merone (24th- 20:45), Shayna Arrigo (27th- 20:54), Lauren Harris (30th-20:55), Kaitlin Famiglietti (37th- 21:19), and Chelsea Benedict (46th- 21:29).
Based on their performances Ruggiero, Dodenhoff, Merone, Arrigo and Harris all were selected to the Suffolk County All-Star Team and will be honored at the All-County dinner this Wednesday.
Lauren Harris will also be receiving Academic All-County honors.
The Sachem East Arrows will find out after the completion of the State Meet whether they will receive an at-large bid to the New York State Federation Championship to be held on November 19, but they have already qualified for Nike Regionals held Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls on November 26.