* Karrie Baloga (left) won the sixth NPOTW poll for the cross country season; Leah Stephens (right) is a nominee for week seven of the season
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In astonishing fashion, Cornwall's (NY) Karrie Baloga put on a show at the Manhattan College Cross Country Invitational.
The University of Colorado commit took control of the 4K race at the historic Van Cortlandt Park from the start to set herself up for victory. She crossed the finish line as the sixth fastest girl all-time and became the eighth girl to break 14 minutes for 4K on this course.
Baloga finished in 13:55, nearly 30-seconds ahead of the rest of the field, and her performance equaled a 153 speed rating.
Throughout the week, Baloga earned the National Girls Performer Of The Week with 52-percent of the votes. Let's move on to week seven of the cross country season National Girls Performer of the Week poll.
We will recognize a winner every week in this poll, with nominations handed out on Monday. The poll will end on Friday and winners will be announced the following Monday.
VOTE: National Girls Performer Of The Week (Oct. 10 - Oct. 16)
Here are the nominations for the National Girls Performer Of The Week Poll:
Leah Stephens, Our Lady Of Good Counsel (MD): There was a tight battle between Stephens and the defending champion at the MileStat.com Invitational this weekend. The senior crossed the finish line as the fastest girl at this meet with a new course record and personal best of 16:54 for 5K.
Angelina Napoleon, Allegany-Limestone (NY): Napoleon put together another strong performance over the weekend at the Alden Bulldog Stampede. Napoleon captured the girls varsity blue title and ran the fastest time of the day on the Alden High School course in 17:53 to earn a 148 speed rating.
Avalon Mecham, American Fork (UT): In preparation for the Utah State Championships, Mecham led American Fork to the 6A Divison team title by clocking an 18:10 5K for the win.
Abbey Nechanicky, Wayzata (MN): At the Lake Conference Championships, Nechanicky put together another 150+ speed rating performance to lead Wayzata to the team title over in-state competitors. The University of Colorado commit ran a 154 speed rating performance with her 16:51.
Ava Mitchell, Arapahoe (CO): The Centennial League hosted a battle between Arapahoe and other Colorado team title contenders. Mitchell was the first girl to cross the line on the 5K course with a 17:46 to help Arapahoe solidify the team victory.
Gillian Bushee, Herndon (VA): At the Third Battle Invitational, Bushee rose to the occasion as she won the individual title and set a new 5K personal best of 17:19. The University of Virginia commit earned a 144 speed rating for her efforts.
NPOTW Winners:
- Week 1: Abbey Nechanicky, Wayzata (MN)
- Week 2: Claire Stegall, Nolensville (TN)
- Week 3: Helen Sachs, Holland West Ottawa (MI)
- Week 4: Karrie Baloga, Cornwall (NY)
- Week 5: Ciara O'Shea, Madison Central (KY)
- Week 6: Karrie Baloga, Cornwall (NY)