For the second time in her high school career, Arizona Blankenship is a cross country state champion.

The senior from Swain County finished the race in 18:11.69 at the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A girls cross country state championship at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville.

The last cross country state championship for Blankenship came during her freshman season in 2021 when she posted a time of 19:06.19. She is the only Swain County female runner to win a cross country state championship.

Swain County teammate Annie Lewis finished second in the individual standings with a time of 18:46.81. Nicole Alfers of Christ the King was the only other runner that finished under the 19-minute mark on Saturday, posting a time of 18:58.22 to finish third.

Shea Roche of Christ the King placed fourth with a time of 19:32.16 and Cherokee’s Dvdaya Swimmer finished fifth with a time of 19:44.21. Swimmer won the 1A state title in 2022.

Blankenship and Lewis helped lead Swain County to the team title as well. This marks the fourth straight season Swain County has won the 1A girls cross country state title.

The Maroon Devils finished with a score of 40 — its best score during this four-year run and 23 points ahead of second place, which belonged to Christ the King.

In addition to Blankenship and Lewis taking the top two spots, Angelina Lomelli placed eighth with a time of 20:13.50 and Emily Grey Stargell finished 18th with a time of 21:12.84.

Eno River Academy (159) finished third, followed by Union Academy (165), and Elkin (165).