The St. Margaret's girls cross country team successfully defended their 2023 CIF Championship with a decisive 38-point win over second place Cantwell Sacred Heart on Saturday at the CIF-SS Finals at Mt. SAC. It was their 4th title in 6 years and the second time the team has won it in consecutive years.

Freshman Heidi Beshk made her name known in the section with a third-place finish, while senior teammate Coco Johnson was close behind in sixth. Both were recognized as First-Team All-CIF for their efforts. 

The Tartans took control of the race early, leading the team standings at the mile mark, but a late charge from the field forced a sense of urgency in the second mile. Freshman Megan Mohler put the race away in the team standings by passing 15 runners in a late charge over the final 1200 meters. 

"This team has overcome more adversity than any group in my 25 years of coaching. We felt they were certainly battle-tested and ready for this moment, but I could have never imagined it would happen like this," said head coach Patrick Bendzick. "This is one incredibly tough group, and I couldn't be more proud of them."

The boys team also had a very successful day, finishing as the runner-up and securing two All-CIF spots. Zach Causee had a masterful second-half effort to finish 7th, while fellow sophomore Samarth Wadhwa finished 12th. 

"The progress the boys team made from last year is nothing short of miraculous," remarked Bendzick. "It's a very young group overall, but they train and race like absolute veterans. Their tenacity today was extraordinary, and their future is incredibly bright." 

Both squads qualified for the California State Championships that will take place on November 30 in Fresno. It is the eighth consecutive year the Tartan cross country program has accomplished the feat.