THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A final look at the top girls’ cross-country teams in the Southland:

1. Sultana (SS-Div. II)

Sultans were the No. 3-ranked team in the nation by Harrier magazine after capping their season with runaway victories in the Division II races of the Southern Section and state championships.

2. Murrieta Valley (SS-Div. I)

Nighthawks moved from 11th to seventh in the final national poll after winning their first Division I titles in the section and state championships.

3. Thousand Oaks (SS-Div. I)

Lancers were ranked 14th in the nation after finishing second to Murrieta Valley in the section and state championships.

4. Dana Hills (SS-Div. I)

Dolphins failed to live up to their No. 4 national preseason ranking but finished third behind Murrieta Valley and Thousand Oaks in section and state championships.

5. Royal (SS-Div. I)

Highlanders placed fourth in state Division I final after finishing fifth in section championships.

6. Peninsula (SS-Div. I)

Panthers peaked well at the end of the season to finish fourth in the section Division I final and fifth in the state meet.

7. Ventura (SS-Div. II)

Cougars placed second in the state Division II final after finishing third in the section championships, during which two of their top five runners fell within the first 300 yards of the race.

8. Canyon Country Canyon (SS-Div. I)

Cowboys finished sixth in the Division I races of the section and state championships.

9. Long Beach Wilson (SS-Div. I)

School known for producing standout sprinters and hurdlers placed seventh in the Division I finals of the section and state championships.

10. Esperanza (SS-Div. I)

Orange County champion placed ninth in the Southern Section Division I final.

-- John Ortega