RBC harriers run well at SC championships BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer CHRIS KELLY staff Above, Red Bank Catholic's Shawn Platz runs to a seventh-place finish at Monday's Shore Conference Championships at Ocean County Park in Lakewood. Below, Ocean's Christie Gallant races to the finish in the girls' race. Round one between the two best Non-Public School girls cross country teams went to Monsignor Donovan. At Monday's Shore Conference Championships, held at Ocean County Park in Lakewood, the Griffiths pushed the state's No. 1 team, Colts Neck, harder than many expected, losing by just three points, 53-56. In the process, the Toms River school finished ahead of its Non-Public School rival, Red Bank Catholic, which was third with 129 points. Erin Lunny led the Casey effort Monday, finishing seventh in 18:42 over the 5,000-meter layout. Behind Lunny was the Caseys' solid pack of Janine Louie (19:17), Emily Rooney (19:25), Caitlin Dorgan (19:27) and Michelle Capozzi (19:48). They were 24th, 27th, 30th and 41st, respectively. The Griffiths, running on what could be termed their home course (they won the Ocean County title there), put all five of their scorers in the top 20, led by fourth-place finisher Molly Kempton (18:15). Colts Neck's Ashley Higginson was the individual champion, tying the course record with her 17:32. The mark was first set by Jackson's Jen Clausen. A month ago at the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park, the Caseys won their division over Monsignor Donovan. But since then, two transfers have become eligible for the Griffiths - Devin Slovik and Krissa Loretto - which has made the team stronger. Monday was the first time Mary Banks' team faced the new lineup. Tomorrow, the two teams will bang heads again up in Elizabeth at Warinanco Park at the Catholic Track Conference Championships. The big race will come Nov. 11 at Holmdel Park when the NJSIAA Non-Public School State Group title is on the line. Holmdel serves as RBC's home course and the Caseys have proven to be a better team on the hills. RBC's boys had a big day in Lakewood finishing fourth (137) behind Jackson (55), Colts Neck (98) and Christian Brothers Academy (103). Shawn Platz (16:06) and Nick Bond (16:07) found the flat OCP course to their liking as they finished seventh and eighth. Bobby McGann was 13th (16:21). Matt Lauletti (16:47) and James Galatola (17:25) rounded out the team's scorers in 35th and 74th. Colts Neck's Craig Forys picked up his third straight individual title, turning in a course record 15:05. Rumson-Fair Haven's girls were 14th (338) led by the duo of Sara Robinson (19:36) and Hannah Satzke (19:45), who were 34th and 38th. The Bulldog boys were 20th (523) with Ryan Krystopowicz leading the back in 82nd (17:34). Ocean Township's girls were 12th (319) with Jacki LaRusso's 48th (19:57) pacing the squad. The Spartan boys were 17th, with a 39th place by Jeff Mansfield (16:52), the top individual finish. Saturday begins the road to the Meet of Champions with the State Sectionals. This fall, the Central Jersey Groups will be held at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. The top 10 individuals and top five teams will advance out of the sectional to the Nov. 11 Group Championships at Holmdel. The MOC is Nov. 18 at Holmdel.