Vikings begin title defense Saturday

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Two-time defending state champion Geneva on Saturday begins its quest for a third state title when it headlines the Class 3A West Aurora Regional at Waubonsee Community College.

The Vikings are led by junior Kelly Whitley, who has finished second individually in both of her state appearances.

She will be joined by teammates Kelly Shogren, Liza Tauscher, Megan Brady, Tess Ehrhardt and Rachel Hammond -- all who have state experience.

Host West Aurora continues to improve and recently finished fourth in the tough DuPage Valley Conference meet. Led by Elisia Meyle and Rachel Cavender, the Blackhawks should be in line for a sectional berth.

The top five teams and top five individuals who are not on a qualifying team advance to the sectional races.

Led by Alexis Sampson, Batavia has the inside track on the No. 2 spot at the regional. Waubonsie Valley, West Chicago, East Aurora and Metea Valley likely will jockey for the fifth slot.

Sophomore Ariel Michalek will lead Oswego East in the difficult Class 3A Bolingbrook Regional.

In Class 2A, Yorkville is the favorite in the Sandwich Regional. Led by sophomores Ali Hester and Esther Bell, the Foxes are eyeing a team berth to state.

Sandwich and Oswego will be racing to survive, with the Indians being led by Laurel Skorup and the Panthers by Alyson Fisher and Tatiana Anaya.

The Class 2A Aurora Central Catholic Regional will be a barn-burner, with several of the state's top teams vying for a sectional spot.

"If we can put it together, we have a good shot at going downstate," Chargers coach Troy Kerber said.

Aurora Central is led by all-Suburban Christian Conference runners Jenna Koerner, Bailey Shemenski and Anna Sestak.

Rosary and IMSA will compete against Wheaton Academy and Crystal Lake Central for the final spot.

Aurora Christian and sophomore runner Sarina Oleson plan on defending their Class 1A regional titles when they compete at Seneca on Saturday. Teammates Anna Pape and Amy Berger should join Oleson in the top 10 at that meet.

Somonauk's Emily Paull and Jaimie Towle pace a talented Bobcats squad and could help the school earn its first sectional appearance as a team.