Vrhovac leads Pats

In Newport News, Zach Vrhovac’s victory in the 800-meter run paced the Albemarle boys track team to a fourth-place finish at the Group AAA meet.

Vrhovac won the race in 1:55.16, while teammate Garrett Bradley was fifth in 1:55.94. Vrhovac also finished second to Mountain View’s Thomas Porter in the 1,600, while teammate Luke Noble was seventh.

In the girls meet, Albemarle’s Liz Barclay won the 1,600 in 5:01.20. The Patriots finished tied for 21st.

Barclay and Vrhovac qualified for the national meet, set for June 18 in Greensboro, N.C. Vrhovac will also compete in the 4x800-meter relay with Noble, Mark Baucom and Garrett Bradley.