HOLMDEL — Kelly Janokowicz and Mallory Drake knew they had an inexperienced group with them, but the seniors were determined to keep standards high for the Hillsborough High School girls cross country program.

   ”I think it actually made it more exciting,” Janokowicz said. “I can talk to them about what I remember it was like when I was a freshman and kind of give them words of wisdom. Then they can pass that down to people when they’re upperclassmen. It’s just going to continue a strong running program at Hillsborough. If I can help carry something on to the future, that’s what I’m aiming for.”

   The senior duo helped the Raiders remain among the state’s elite. Janokowicz finished second to High Point’s Sarah Disanza in a new Somerset County record 17:59 and the Raiders — with just three returners from last year’s top seven — found it in themselves to follow suit with several personal records of their own as they finished second to Voorhees for the MOC team title.

   ”We ran great,” said Hillsborough head coach Rich Refi. “That’s our fastest this year. It’s around the record.

   ”It’s five years in a row in the top three,” he added. “I think that’s a pretty good accomplishment. No one thought that much of us in the beginning of the year. It’s pretty awesome.”