St. Michael turned in a strong performance as the Lady Cardinals swept through competition to easily win the girl's Division IV, Section III championship at Hidden Cove Golf Course in Holbrook.

St. Michael swept the top three positions. Lady Cardinal runners finished eighth, ninth, 10th and 12th places.

The Lady Cardinals garnered the state championship last year. Last year's state title was St. Michaels' fourth in school history.

St. Michael head coach Kelly Bia, who is in her fourth year, said at Saturday's state meet, the Lady Cardinals will have to run together as a team.

"The key is number two through seven runners," Bia said. "They have to be within one minute of each other and our number one leading the way. Every single runner putting in their part and using the hills to our advantage."

St. Michael senior Ali Upshaw captured the Division IV, Section III individual championship. Upshaw toured the 5K course in 18:12. Lady Cardinals freshman Amber Woody garnered runner-up, posting a 20:33. St, Michael junior Chiara Holgate claimed third place, negotiating the terrain in 20:47.

Lady Cardinals junior Ashley Phillips was clocked in 21:58 for eighth plae. St. Michael freshman Nizhoniibaa Phillips was clocked in 22:04 for ninth place for its fifth scoring runner.

St. Michael junior Auri Quintana claimed 10th place, touring the course in 22:12. Lady Cardinals Lynelle Slim garnered 12th place, posting a 22:20.

Bia said one of the Lady Cardinals' seven runners has to take the leadership role when the race begins.

"Keeping contact is key from the momth the gun sounds and running together," Bia said. "But we also can't wait for someone to lead the group. Somebody has got to take the leadership role and push the pace. I know the Phillip's (Ashley and Nizhoniibaa) are capable of pushing the pace for the group."

Bia said the key to St, Michaels' success this year is rebuilding and accountability.

"The work they put in off season is key," Bia said. "All the girls are hard workers. They can get outside their comfort zone and have confidence in each other that each young lady is working hard, so they have to work hard."

Bia said teams to watch at the state meet are Glendale Prep and Northland Prep.

"Glendale Prep and Northland Prep have good programs," Bia said. "You always have to be aware and know where you would want your runners to be in the race and who to watch."

Bia said runners to watch are Grace Tipton of North Phoenix Prep, Ani Durrel of Glendale Prep and Nizhoni James of Valley Sanders.

Bia said the Lady Cardinals are ready to race on tough hills on the course.

"We want to come and race tough on the hills," she said. "It's hilly and I believe that works with us. We work a lot of hills, so it's going to be who can race hills the best."

Bia said the team is ready to race. She noted that some of the runners have aches and pain.

"All runners are pretty healthy," Bia said. "Auri (Quintana) has been fighting a hip/quad issue that she's been working with. She seems to be coming along. We just have some nags here and there, but for most part, we are healthy coming into the state meet."

The state meet is scheduled for Saturday at Cave Creek Golf Course in Phoenix.