SCOTT PILLING staff Red Bank Catholic's Keely Eckberg makes her way through the course at Manalapan's Battlefield State Park during Saturday's Battle of Monmouth meet. Even when split up, Red Bank Catholic's depth can't be diminished.

If anything, Saturday's Shore Coaches Battle of Monmouth Invitational cross country meet at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, showcased just how deep and balanced the Casey girls are, and why they are ranked in the Top 10 in the state.

Mary Banks' RBC squad captured three championships in Manalapan and were runner-up in the fourth. They fielded a B team in all four divisions that placed in the Top 10.

The Caseys won the Senior, Sophomore and Freshman Divisions at the class meet that serves as the kick-off to the cross country invitational season.

In the Senior race, Erin Lunny (20:06), Caitlin Dorgan (20:44) and Annie Rooney (21:05) were third, fourth and seventh overall in the 5K race and in team points, 2-3-5 for a 10-point team total.

RBC's B team was seventh (65) led by Kristi Lippiello, who was 25th overall (25:08).

In the Sophomore Division, the trio of Katie Rochford (20:56), Keely Eckberg (21:22) and Emily Rooney (21:34) finished fourth-fifth-sixth for a team total of 15. The B team was sixth (55) with Michelle Savarese in seventh place (21:41).

RBC's individual win came in the Freshman race where Michelle Capozzi won by 24 seconds, clocking 12:48 for the 3,200 meter course. With Courtney Lunny finishing sixth (13:46) and Carolanne Chanik, 10th (14:01), RBC easily won the team competition with 30 points. RBC's B team was sixth (47) led by Mary Rooney's 11th place (14:03).

The only race the Caseys didn't win was the Junior Division where Janel Parker's first place (19:56) led Freehold Township to the victory over RBC, 13-16. The Caseys were led by Janine Louie (20:57) and Kim Hogan (21:40), who were third and fourth. The B team was sixth (45).

Freehold Township battled RBC in the Sophomore and Freshman races, finishing second to the Caseys in both. The Pats lost 15-23 in the Sophomore race despite a win by their Ali Moskal (20:31) and by 17-30 in the frosh division.

Tomorrow, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth will host the Stewart Memorial. On Oct. 7, Holmdel Park will be the site for the annual Shore Coaches Invitational, which marks the first time that teams from around the state will compete on the course that hosts the NJSIAA State Group championships (Nov. 11) and the Meet of Champions (Nov. 18).

-Tim Morris