By Michael Letendre

FARMINGTON – The Bristol Central girls cross country team battled Farmington on Wednesday afternoon, getting a very good effort from several of its runners.

But in the end, the Indians were too tough to overcome as the Rams fell 23-38 from the course at Winding Trails in Farmington.

First place went to Central’s Natalia Popielarz – an extremely talented senior who ended the race in 20:13 over a finish that wasn’t even close.

Farmington’s Ella Szczepanski was the runner up in 21:31 while teammate Anna Weygang took third place in 22:10.

Then there was veteran Bella Crandall, making a fourth place finish for the Rams in 22:46.

The Indians took the next five slots in the challenge but to round out the top 10, the Rams’ Johannie Juarez earned tenth place in 25:58.

The Rams complete their season with the Central Connecticut Conference, Region B Postseason race from Stanley Quarter Park in New Britain next Tuesday.

Bristol Central Girls Cross Country

from Winding Trails, Farmington

Score: Farmington 23, Bristol Central 38

Individual Results

1. Natalia Popielarz (Bristol Central), 20:13

2. Ella Szczepanski (Farmington), 21:31

3. Anna Weygang (Farmington), 22:10

4. Bella Crandall (Bristol Central), 22:46

5. Cara Szczepanski (Farmington), 23:11

6. Shaila Patel (Farmington), 23:12

7. Maya Bolles (Farmington), 23:21

8. Lile Chekas (Farmington), 24:26

9. Alexa Robinson (Farmington), 25:02

10. Johannie Juarez (Bristol Central), 25:58