The Warsaw Lady Tigers cross country team came up just short of a sectional championship Saturday at the Manchester Sectional, finishing runner-up to Columbia City with 59 points. Despite falling short of the team title, the Lady Tigers delivered a strong team performance and positioned themselves for another opportunity to advance in the IHSAA tournament next weekend. Leading the way for Warsaw was Dani Rastrelli, who finished fourth overall in 19:15.4 to pace the Tiger lineup. Matilda Granger continued her consistent season, securing the second spot for Warsaw with an 11th-place finish in 20:07.1. Cecilia Scheetz-Holland stepped into the third position for the Tigers, placing 14th overall in 20:33.0. Eden Gackenheimer crossed the line 16th overall in 20:44.3, followed closely by Savannah Purdy, who finished 18th in 20:46.1 to complete Warsaw’s scoring five. Isadora Vega added a 23rd-place finish, while Katie Robertson rounded out the Lady Tiger effort in 30th place. With the sectional meet behind them, the Lady Tigers now turn their attention to the IHSAA Regional, which returns to Manchester next weekend. The top five teams at each tournament level advance to the next round, putting another important opportunity in front of Warsaw as the postseason competition intensifies. The Lady Tigers have built their season on commitment, resilience, and teamwork, and they will need all three as they prepare for the regional challenge. With a strong group effort behind them and another opportunity ahead, Warsaw will look to put together its best performance when it matters most. As the postseason pressure rises, the Lady Tigers know their season is far from over. The road to the state meet demands belief, toughness, and a willingness to fight for every place and every point. Warsaw has the talent and determination to compete at the next level, but it will take a complete team effort to keep the season alive. "Every runner matters, every second counts, and every finish line is an opportunity to move closer to the ultimate goal," says head coach Jason Fleming. "Next weekend, the Lady Tigers return to Manchester with one mission: run for each other, compete with everything they have, and earn the opportunity to race again on Halloween." Full team and individual results are attached. The Lady Tigers will be back in North Manchester for the regional next Saturday.