Behind by a few yards, Cole kicked it into high gear, ultimately beating Chapman by three-tenths of a second. Cole finished the 5-kilometer course in 18 minutes, 46.8 seconds, and Chapman in 18:47.1.

“I was giving up in the last stretch,’’ said Cole, “but then right there I realized I could catch her if I gave it everything I had. I could tell she was slowing down and just really pushed it after the hill.’’

Franklin girls’ cross-country coach Paul Trovato did not seem surprised by Cole’s rally.

“She has been running great all season and has an outstanding kick,’’ Trovato said. “I knew she could make it a race.’’

After the first mile, Cole and junior teammate Megan Ross shared the lead. Ross, who finished third in 18:55.1, had a solid run and helped set Franklin’s pace.

“We usually run all of our races together. It’s good because we really push each other,’’ Cole said. Trovato added that, “Megan has become a really competitive runner thanks in part to Cole’s leadership throughout the season.’’

Although the win surprised many spectators, it was a rehearsed finish for Cole. Living close to Wrentham, the Franklin team previewed the course in the weeks prior to the race.

“We have been here three times in the last few weeks to practice the finish. It has been a real advantage living so close,’’ said Trovato.

Cole has high hopes going forward for her team.

“We have a lot of girls running very well. Our team is really good this year,’’ she said.

As for herself, Cole confidently proclaimed, “I am feeling good this year and hope to finish with the top runners. I had a personal best today in the 5k event.’’

Last year, as a junior, Cole finished eighth in the EMass championships at Franklin Park in 19:41.

Division 2 juniors & seniors: Dennis-Yarmouth senior Megan Barry won in 19:01.3 over Hopkinton junior Kellie Lodge (19:14.8).

Division 1 sophomores: Haverhill’s Jillian Meserve finished in 19:49.4, with Kelsey Kowal of Central Catholic second in 20:13.2.

Division 2 sophomores: Winner Haley Dyer of Danvers covered the course in 19:53.8, ahead of Sutton’s Corrine Bonder (20:08.6).