The afternoon session began with some improvements to the conditions: the rain had stopped, the skies were brighter (though still cloudy), and the Kernereville Parks & Rec folks had worked hard to try to solidify the course during the break. That set the stage for what promised to be one of the most exciting races of the day, with three close contenders for the team title in the pre-meet projections. Although the virtual meet predicted South View for the low score, you had to consider three-time defending champion Broughton the favorite until beaten. There was also Mount Tabor to consider; the Spartans had taken a big leap forward with an outstanding regional performance, and therefore moved themselves into the conversation about potential champions. This would not be a coronation race, as nobody was going to simply roll over and let Broughton take the title by default - the Caps were going to have to earn it on the course.