Ranked at No. 4 in Class 3A, the Pella girls cross country team is in the mix for yet another finish on the top three podium in Fort Dodge at the state meet Saturday.

Finishing just one point behind conference rival No. 3 DCG, Pella would likely have to outrace the Fillies to earn their fourth consecutive top three finish. Head Coach Doug Cutler tells KRLS Sports the field is deep in 3A, and while the ultimate goal is to try and grab the girls’ first ever state cross country title, he’s focused on making sure the girls run their best race, regardless of the end result.

“We know what it means to be in a very tough race,” he says. “Heelan has been running very confident this year, both Harlan and Glenwood are running really well from down in the southwest, and of course, the defending champions are not going to be taken lightly–Dubuque Wahlert is a wonderful team, and they have the experience of winning a championship.”

“We know we’re going to run our best race, so if we’re going to be beat, someone else is also going to have to run their best race.”

Stay tuned to 92.1 KRLS for coverage of the Lady Dutch and the Pella boys when they head to state this Saturday.