Cross country: Sullivan, Plant girls headed back to state

For the 27th consecutive year, Plant’s girls cross country team will be making a trip to the state meet.

Led by an individual victory from Bailey Sullivan, the Panthers team earned its spot at state after winning Saturday’s Class 4A-Region 2 title with 72 points, just eight ahead of runner-up and meet host North Port.

Sullivan finished the 5K course in 18 minutes, 52.30 seconds, 21 seconds ahead of the next finisher. Plant’s Anna Montgomery was fourth in 19:16.60, and Abigail Crowder was 10th in 19:57.90. The Panthers’ Shelby Gilberto and Kalen Leone finished off the outstanding effort by finishing 27th and 30th, respectively, in the team race.