Cross country: Freshman Lila Copeland of Palisades wins City Section Division I girls’ title

There’s a new star in City Section cross country, and her name is Lila Copeland of Palisades.

The 14-year-old freshman won the City Division I girls’ individual title on Saturday at Pierce College, finishing in 18:45.88 to lead the Dolphins to the team championship.

Copeland started the season at a small Southern Section school in Los Angeles, Wildwood, then was given a hardship waiver to compete for Palisades. She finished second at last week’s prelims, collapsing near the finish after being overheated.

But the temperature was perfect for running on Saturday, a little chilly, and Copeland ran away with the title.

“I felt a lot better,” she said. “My lungs felt a lot better. I had a picture of me in my head winning before the race.”

El Camino Real won the Division I boys’ title behind junior Justin Hazell, who won the individual title in 14:57.87.

Santee won the Division II girls’ title. Patricia Sanchez triumphed in 18:45.93. Daniel Morales of Bravo took the Division II boys’ title in 15:56.09. Bravo won the team title.

Belmont won the Division III boys’ title. Fulton College Prep took the girls’ title. USC CAE won the Division V boys and girls titles.

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