UPDATE: The 2025 Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park has delivered unforgettable moments as several runners achieved historic times in the girls’ races. With three runners breaking the 18-minute mark, the competition showcased major upsets and remarkable performances that will be remembered for years to come.
In a stunning display, Blair Bartlett from Lawrenceville made headlines by winning the Girls Varsity F race with an impressive time of 17:23, marking the fourth-fastest time in Holmdel Park’s history. Bartlett’s ability to adapt her race strategy on the fly proved pivotal as she crossed the finish line, solidifying her status as a standout athlete.
On the team front, Pingry, ranked No. 16, defended its title effectively, led by Sari Berman, who finished 10th with a time of 20:09. The team’s consistent pack running saw them secure victory, with several runners finishing closely together, demonstrating their strength and strategy.
In another highlight, Union Catholic made a remarkable showing in the Girls Varsity E Division, overcoming the absence of two top runners. Junior Paige Sheppard clinched her third consecutive Shore Coaches title with a time of 17:37.44, edging out competition from nationally-ranked Shenendehowa (NY).
The Girls Varsity D race saw Leah Starkey of Ocean Township join the elite ranks of runners finishing under 18 minutes. Her stunning time of 17:59.16 secured her first Shore Coaches title, a significant achievement considering her previous personal record was 18:40.
In a surprising turn, Voorhees emerged victorious in the Girls Varsity D team competition, pulling off an upset against No. 5 Paul VI with a score of 47-72. The team showcased exceptional depth, with multiple runners finishing in the top 15.
Furthermore, Molly Domurat from Hunterdon Central made headlines as she slashed her Holmdel PR by a remarkable 40 seconds, clocking in at 18:38 and finishing second in the Girls Varsity A race. Her journey back from injury has been inspiring, as she continues to impress with each race.
In an unexpected upset, Ridgewood defeated the No. 2 ranked Princeton in the Girls Varsity B race, led by All-State runners Natalie Knowles and Katherine Keating. Ridgewood’s performance, finishing with a score of 53 against Princeton’s 70, signals a potential shift in Group 4 standings for the season.
Finally, Allison Lee of West Windsor-Plainsboro North secured her second Shore Coaches title in the Girls Varsity B race, finishing with a time of 18:36. She emphasized the importance of this victory in building her confidence heading into the championship season.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 Shore Coaches Invitational has set a high bar for upcoming competitions. Stay tuned for more updates and standout performances as we continue to follow the season’s developments.
