With the loss of the record breaking cross country team captain, Elizabeth Tauber, class of ’11, there were many questions running through her teammates’ minds. Will the cross country team be as dominating this season? Who will step up to take Tauber’s spot?

Even though the team has only run four races so far this season, some of these questions have already been answered. The women’s cross country team has been performing soundly in all of their races. On Saturday, the team ran at Bull Run, an infamous three-mile long course loaded with hills. They finished sixth out of 22 teams, and first among the schools in Harford Country.

Among the competitors the women faced were Hereford, McDonough, and St. Mary’s, in addition to the local schools. According to cross country coach Rob Torres, Spalding will be their toughest competition this year.

“We still have a long way to go to catch Spalding. I believe that we have the talent to catch them, it comes down to whether we believe that or not,” Torres said.

Tauber’s spot as the leading runner has yet to be filled, but Torres is confident in all of his runners to step up to the challenge. He feels that they all have improved a lot since the start of the season.

According to recent race results, the runner who has stood out the most is senior Holly Cook. Cook has finished in first in all of the races thus far. At Bull Run, Cook finished in thirdoverall and beat her personal record at Bull Run by two minutes.

Right behind her is senior Taylor Battaglia, who has finished in ­second or third in all of her races. Her best time this year is 21 minutes and three seconds.

Torres is feeling very confident with this year’s team, and is looking forward to what is to come.  His only message to his team is simple.

“Keep focused.  Keep working.  The big picture is a month away at championships no matter what happens,” Torres said.

Amanda Graziano is an Opinion Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.