Capozzi, McNamara go one-two at state meet

There was a role reversal, but Red Bank Catholic's girls still finished one-two at the State Non-Public A Cross Country Championships Saturday at Holmdel Park.MollyMcNamara andMichelle Capozzi have provided RBC with the best one-two tandem at every meet they've run this year, and the State Group Championships were no exceptions. But this time, it was Capozzi who struck gold. The senior won the group state title, posting a 19:13 over a Holmdel Park course made slick and treacherous by rain.

McNamara, who had won the Monmouth County and Shore Conference titles last month, was second (19:21).

Bergen County's Academy of the Holy Angels, however, was able to overcome RBC's one-two and win the Non-Public A crown, 56-92. The Angels offset Capozzi and McNamara by placing three runners in the top 10 and their fourth runner at 14.

Liana Marzano (21:05), MaryKate Byrne (21:14) and Lindsey Bellaan (21:15) completed the Caseys' scoring, finishing 28-30- 31.

The top 10 individual and top three teams from each of the groups advanced to the Nov. 21 Meet of Champions, which is back at Holmdel Park.

RBC's boys took a big step by qualifying for the MOC as well. Led by Kevin Byrne's ninth place (16:45), the Caseys finished third (120). Kyle Clonan was 19th (17:20) and Rob Napolitano was 23rd (17:29). Sean Gelson (17:41) and Charlie Rooney (17:51) closed out the RBC scoring in 32nd and 37th places.

In Group 11, Red Bank Regional's Matt Metlitz (16:54) and John Arnone (17:02) were ninth and 12th overall. The Bucs were fourth (162).

Rumson-Fair Haven's boys were 10th (258) paced by Michael Caracappa's 12th place (17:03).

RFH's girls were 12th (267). Molly Hellman led the Bulldogs in 14th (20:34).

Shore Regional's girls were seventh in Group II (223). The Blue Devils' top runner was Cameo Kirk, who was 42nd overall (21:20).

The Nov. 21 Meet of Champions will begin at 10 a.m. with the girls' championship race followed by the boys at 10:45.