Alivia Bear hit her goals at the right time.

The Catasauqua junior ran the DeSales University 3.1-mile course in a time of 21:49 and finished in 18th place from a field of 89 girls at the Colonial League Cross Country Championships Oct. 19.

“By running a 21:49 and placing 18th, I reached two of my goals,” said Bear. “I set out to run under 22 (minutes), and place in the top 20. I also wanted to beat a couple of girls who I will see at districts.

“I went into the race not feeling great, but I was able to push myself, especially in the last mile when I had to push myself to pass a few girls who I was with the whole race. I then led them to the finish.”

Bear was the top girls’ finisher for the Rough Riders. She was followed by senior Kaylee Weidaw, 45th, 24:07; junior Ava Smith, 56th, 25:32; sophomore Caroline Rodriguez, 62nd, 26:38; and senior Madelyn Gonzalez, 73rd, 28:01. The girls’ team placed seventh overall.

Senior Gavin Cunningham was the top boys’ finisher, placing 68th from a field of 91 in a time of 22:17. He was followed by senior Trevor Rigits, 70th, 22:31; junior William Aguirre, 73rd, 23:07; senior Jayden Reynolds, 82nd, 24:37; freshman Jack Brubaker, 83rd, 24:38; and sophomore Jonathan Rizzo, 84th, 24:40.

Bear saw the league meet as a personal measuring stick.

“For me, leagues were a chance to gain confidence for districts,” she said. “I think I can run better at districts, and I am in a good position to qualify for states.

“The girls ran very well, and we will do even better at districts. All of us girls were able to surprise ourselves.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock expects Bear to have a good district outing.

“Alivia ran a great league meet, and we’re hoping that momentum takes her into next week’s district tournament. Finishing 18th in the league meet is awesome.

“She bettered some girls that beat her earlier in the year, so it seems that she is peaking at the right time.”

The district meet takes place after this week’s Press deadlines.