Portsmouth's Nikki Merrill and La Salle's Erin Kane
GIRLS' 1,500m
Even though she has run more than her share of outstanding races this year, Portsmouth's Nikki Merrill appeared to surprise herself somewhat at the Mount Pleasant Invitational when she clocked a nation No. 8 of 4:30.40, a more than eight-second best. Merrill is clearly the favorite, but she will be pushed throughout the race by La Salle's Emily Kane and Westerly's Randi Burr. Kane finished second to Merrill last week where she was timed in a PR of 4:33.10. Burr has a best of 4:39.70. We're guessing the Bulldog runner could be pushed too a much faster time this weekend with the quality of competition at the line. She also might have gotten boost of confidence for this week's race from the Mount Pleasant meet where she broke 10 minutes for the first in the 3K with a 9:59 best.