Our girls’ expanded rankings are here! After a thrilling weekend of conference dominance mixed with a few surprise victories, we’ve compiled our top 20 predicted state qualifiers and an additional ten athletes on the bubble to watch. Let’s dive into the standout front-runners who make this region one of the strongest in the nation!

1. Katy Zang – The undisputed leader of this list is Katy Zang, a regional powerhouse. With a personal record (PR) of 16:55 (US #23) and an undefeated season still intact, Zang has no rival for the top spot.

2. Elana Aldrink – After pulling off a stunning upset to win her conference title, Aldrink skyrockets to the #2 spot and is now projected to lead the chase pack.

3. Brooke Chapman – Despite a setback at her conference championship, Chapman slips just one spot. With her devastating finishing kick, don’t be surprised if she ends up as the regional runner-up.

4. Natalie Fouts – Consistently dominant, Fouts' worst finish this season was a 6th place at the ultra-competitive Berlin Bear Den Dash. With the second-fastest PR in the region, she’s poised for a strong postseason run.

5. Marisa Heil – Our first senior on the list, Heil has been the model of consistency. With three individual wins and a worst finish of 4th, Heil’s strong form suggests an impressive senior postseason is ahead.

6. Erica Kaulen – Though Kaulen has the slower PR of the Hilliard Davidson duo, her consistent performances and recent victory over her teammate land her higher in the rankings.

7. Bella Conforti – As part of Olentangy Orange’s dynamic duo, Conforti boasts a strong PR of 17:54 and consistently finishes between 5th and 7th. Seventh seems the perfect fit for her.

8. Cecilia Schulte – The other half of the Davidson duo, Schulte’s best performances can rival anyone’s. She’s securely in the top 10 but could challenge for a top-3 finish.

9. Lainey Fauth – After a rough season opener, Fauth rebounded with top-10 finishes in every race since, earning her spot in the rankings with a solid PR of 18:20.

10. Kaitlyn Van Zandt – Van Zandt rounds out the top 10 with a PR of 18:17 and three top-2 finishes, plus a 6th place at the highly competitive Celtic Clash Invite.

11. Marguerite Fouts – Competitive all year, Fouts made a huge statement this weekend by closing the gap on those ranked ahead of her. With an 18:30 PR, she’ll be a contender this postseason.

12. Mia Eberhardt – After winning her individual conference title, Eberhardt climbs to 12th in the rankings. Her consistent performances and 18:25 PR set her up for success at districts.

13. Grace Heitkamp – Heitkamp has moved up and down the rankings all season, slipping slightly after a shaky conference race. With an 18:00 PR, she’s proven she can compete with the best.

14. Aubrey Smith – After a surprising DNF at her conference meet, there are a few question marks, but her body of work and 18:30 PR keep her comfortably in the top 20.

15. Helen Randolph – With a PR of 18:25 and some strong races this season, Randolph is poised to break into the top 10 if she performs well on the right day.

16. Ruby Lewis – Coming off a runner-up finish at her conference meet, Lewis leads the Gahanna Lions into the postseason with momentum and an 18:34 PR.

17. Lydia Price – After an unprecedented nine straight victories, Price finally took a loss at the Marion Harding Invite. With an 18:29 PR, she’s a strong contender to watch this postseason.

18. Jillian Randolph – Though her PR of 19:10 isn’t as flashy, Randolph is peaking at the right time, coming off a standout conference race where she upset several ranked runners.

19. Addison Caudill – With four wins and an 18:39 PR, Caudill is in a strong position to secure a state berth, rounding out our top 20.

20. Bailey Gross – Rounding out our list of projected state qualifiers is Marysville's Bailey Gross. With a solid season best of 18:26 and eight top-10 finishes this season, Gross has rightfully earned the final spot in our rankings.

Honorable Mentions / Bubble Watch:

21. Miriam Rule

22. Sophia Poling

23. Josie Cox

24. Ashley Alsko

25. Leigha Kay

26. Cali Kent

27. Annie See

28. Reese Galinger

29. Kaylen Goss

30. Brooke Derringer