By Katie Aponte
The Ayer Shirley Regional High School girls’ track and field team captured the MIAA Division 6 State Championship this past weekend, delivering one of the strongest all-around performances in program history.
The Panthers were led by two individual state champions. Lorelai Levy won the 100-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 15.20 seconds, while Roxanne McKenzie claimed the 100-meter dash title in 12.41 seconds. Both athletes added crucial points that helped secure the overall team victory.
Ayer Shirley also earned a state title in the 4×100 meter relay, with J’Aliyah Mayes, Roxanne McKenzie, Abby Stull, and Lauren Gaudet racing to first place in 49.94 seconds, setting a new school record. Mayes added to the team’s medal count with a second-place finish in the long jump, marking her second silver of the meet.
Following their championship performance, the Panthers returned home to a police escort back to the high school, where they were greeted by a welcoming crowd of families, friends, and supporters. Cheers, signs, and applause filled the parking lot as the community celebrated the team’s historic achievement.
The championship reflects the depth, determination, and teamwork of the entire roster, with strong contributions across sprints, hurdles, relays, and field events.
Congratulations to the Panthers on an outstanding state championship performance.