Natasha Roetter burned up the Massachusetts courses this fall and now she comes down to New York and wins the biggest race of her life. Connecticut soph Meghan Owen also makes her mark in the Big Apple, edging Julia Pudlin PA for second.It was a sadder ending for two pre-race favorites -- defending regional champion Melissa Donais and New Jersey champion Erin Donohue -- who finished out of the money in 15th and 42nd.

First 400 meters -
Pudlin is out quickest, but Roetter lurks on right (red uniform)

Approaching mile mark on the back side of the plain

Near mile mark, closeup
From right, Pudlin, Donohue, Roetter, and Coon are top 4

Heading for the famous Van Cortlandt Park woods and hills

Mid-stretch - Roetter (red on right) is in command

Roetter's victory smile

Surprising CT soph Meghan Owen gets past Pudlin for 2nd

Julia Pudlin is a clear 3rd over Coon and Boykin

Danielle Coon, of US#1 Saratoga NY, is 4th over Boykin

New York Federation champion Nicole Boykin 5th

Angela Kudla NY 6th

Laurel Burdick NY 7th


Michelle Wale gets the 8th qualifying slot to make it�
five New York girls who are going to Orlando


Catha Mullen and Angie Saterstad are alternates

Jesse Mizzone and Lisa Stublic, 11-12

Jennifer Campbell, Hannah Oberman-Breindel 13-14

Defending NE region champion Melissa Donais
comes in 15th - "I just didn't have it today."

New Jersey champion Erin Donohue, a pre-race
favorite, finishes 42nd for her second straight disappointment in the
Northeast regional.