WINTER PARK- The Lakewood Ranch High girls 3200 meter relay team was on its way to pulling off what would've been one of the biggest shockers at the Class 3A State Track Meet today at Showalter Field.
The Mustangs led from the outset of the race over top seed and defending 3200 meter state champion Pensacola Pine Forest and were in front when Kristin Zarrella took the baton for the last leg.
The sophomore ran the first lap in a blazing sub 63 seconds and her father Bill Zarrella was worried that was too fast.
Dad's fears were unfortunately warranted when his daughter cramped up about 100 yards from the finish line. The Mustangs were far enough ahead that even with her limping and struggling they were still ahead.
Zarrella's heroics took her to within about five yards of the finish line when she collapsed and was passed by Darroneshia Lott.
Zarrella managed to get up and despite being in excruciating pain limped across the line to give Lakewood Ranch a second place finish.
Trainers diagnosed her problem as dehydration. Her father said she expects to come back tonight and compete in the 800 meter run where she is the top seed and favorite.
Pine Forest was clocked in at 9:13.97 and Lakewood Ranch finished with a time of 9:22.66. Third place Fort Myers came in at 9:30.81
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