Charlotte Molloy helps OLM soak up some of spotlight

Our Lady of Mercy's Charlotte Molloy was beaming with pride as she sat on the bleachers at Valley Stream North High School last weekend. With a large percentage of meets dominated by larger schools such as Kellenberg and St. Anthony's, it is sometimes hard for programs like hers to find the spotlight.

But, on that cold, windy day in Franklin Square, Molloy represented Our Lady of Mercy well. She won the 1,500 in 5 minutes, two-tenths of a second at the 10th annual Valley Stream Challenge.

"I love my school," Molloy said. "I love being able to get it known and do well for it."

Early in the race, Molloy had to concentrate on self-discipline. "I usually start off really fast because I don't have the best ending sprint," she said. "I started off a little slow, but I thought I should stay behind the girl in first. Then, when I thought I could take it, I sped up."

Molly knew, that in order to cross the finish line a winner, she might have to adjust her normal race pattern.

"In other races, I would start out really fast, loose it a little, and they'd end up passing me," she said. "My coaches would tell me to stay right behind [the leader], wait until you're ready, then go. It's hard. You have to not get excited and get in first right away."

As she approached the final straightaway, Molloy was worried that she had taken the lead too early.

SEE PHOTOSValley Stream Challenge track meet

She hadn't.

"I thought they were right behind me, so I didn't think I would win. I thought they would catch me" she said. "At a certain point, I felt like I could go faster, so I went for it. I wasn't sure if I should, but I was glad I did."

Molloy sees the victory at Valley Stream as a perfect jumping off point to reach her goals for the rest of the spring season.