After finishing sixth in the Central Coast Section last year and third in the league last season, the Palo Alto High School girls’ cross country team is looking toward its first meet at 3 p.m. today at Gunn High School.

Heading into CCS last season, injuries from over-training and sickness to top runners hindered Paly’s chances. Coach Paul Jones wants to move past last years’ injuries, with new goals for the upcoming season.

“This year I want everyone to contribute for a good team wide experience,” Jones said. “For varsity we’ve always wanted to go to states [California Interscholastic Federation State Championship].”

Senior captain Katie Foug, while not making it to states last year, hopes that she will return to states this year, along with the rest of her team.

“For varsity we’ve always wanted to go to states,” Foug said. “Which means qualifying for first or second at CCS.”

After only graduating 2014 senior Audrey Debruine, the team believes they can still build on the success of last season, according to junior Portia Barrientos.

“This year we only lost one senior so our team is mostly returning runners,” Barrientos said.  “I think the experience from last year will lead to improved performance.”  

Girls’ cross country will compete at 3 p.m. today at Gunn High School.