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The North Andover girls gave it their best shot but couldn't quite pass Billerica at the MVC meet.

Led by Leyla Kvaternik, who was fifth and followed by Courtney Dalke and Abby Mastromoinaco, the Knights went 5-7-9 and also got an impressive 12th from Hannah Martin and a 19th from Laurem O'Connell, but Billerica — paced by standout winner Nicole Anderson went 1-2-8 to make its lead almost insurmountable.

North Andover's girls cross country team was missing No. 1 runner Abby Mastromonaco for its showdown with Billerica because of an ailing hip and it showed as the Knights fell, 25-31. Courtney Dalke was third for the Knights (9-1) with Leyla Kvaternik fourth and improving Hannah Martin sixth. 

Haverhill freshman Finleigh Simonds outkicked North Andover's Leyla Kvaternik (17:54-17:56) but the Knights remained unbeaten with the wins over Haverhill and Dracut. In the season finale Tuesday at Harold Parker, North Andover will take on fellow unbeaten Billerica for the MVC title.

The North Andover girls cross country team made a statement Saturday, finishing first at the Battle of the Border at Alvirne, defeating a strong Coe-Brown team by 16 points and Marshfield, which defeated the Knights last week at the Frank Kelley Invitational.

At the Ocean State Invitational, Haverhill freshman Finleigh Simonds had her best race of the season, placing eighth overall in the Division 2 race with a 20:01.57. Brynne LeCours was the next finisher for the Hillies, who came in 14th overall. Freshman Keegan Wipff was 19th in the freshman race.

North Andover's girls cross country team swept a quad-meet, including a win over host Lowell for the first time ever, 20-35. Leyla Kvartnik was first in 20:08 for 5K with teammates Courtney Dalke and Abby Mastromonaco following in the next two spots.

Junior Abby Mastromonaco, sophomore Leyla Kvertnik and junior Courtney Dalke went 2-3-4 to spark North Andover to a convincing 22-33 win over a strong Tewksbury club. For the Knights, Mastromonaco and Kvertnik were both clocked in 17:19 for 2.8 miles.

North Andover cross country coach Rick Dellechiaie has high hopes for his top three girl runners this fall and they certainly didn't disappoint Saturday at the season-opening Clipper Relays.