Nikki Merrill, Portsmouth
Merrill is entered in the Emerging Elite mile and the Championship 800m. Her primary race will be the two-lapper on Sunday. The fastest in the field is Victoria Vanriele of Berkeley Height (NJ), who is ranked No. 3 in the country with a best of 2:06.68. The two seed is Samantha Friborg of Acton-Boxborough (MA), who has a PB of 2:07.27. In other words, Merrill has a chance to be right in the mix at Sunday's race. The recent state champion finished second during the indoor nationals with her current best of 2:07.27. After winning her New England title this past weekend under windy conditions in 2:11. the Portsmouth junior stated she felt confident coming into this race. Merrill always comes to race and always seems to shine on the big stage. Don't be surprised if she pulls out a win this weekend, or at least a top-3 finish. The state record of 2:08.40 by former Classical star Maddy Berkson could certainly be erased after Sunday's race.