November 22, 2008

COMPLETE RESULTS

BRONX, N.Y. -- Longwood University totaled 643 points to finish 23rd of 23 teams at the 24th ECAC Women's Cross Country Championships Saturday at Van Cortlandt Park in New York City.  Columbia University won the team title with its 107 points, while the University of New Hampshire runner Elizabeth Campbell won the individual 5K race with her time of 18:29.  The Lancers were led by junior Laura Bland/Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde) with her time of 20:12 to place 80th among the 225 runners.  Longwood concluded its 2008 campaign at the prestigious event.

Bland was followed by freshman Ashley Sanders/Chesapeake (Hickory) (21:11, 158th), junior Melinda Lackore/Virginia Beach (First Colonial) (21:22, 171st), along with sophomores Lauren Kuhns/Fredericksburg (Riverbend) (22:07, 201st) and Paula Roberson/Richmond (Hermitage) (22:48, 214th).

"We use the IC4A Meet as our championship meet," said second-year head coach Catherine Hanson.  "All the training we do the whole season builds to this meet, which compared to other programs, makes it a long season going back to mid-August through November 22.  I am very happy with the the performance of the individuals I brought to this meet.  For Laura, this was a career best and to do that on the Van Cortlandt Course is truly something that garnishes respect.

"This was a tough season while struggling with injury and sickness most of the season and not really being healthy until the time trial.  This year was a huge growth year for the team as they too demonstrated an ability to run as a tighter pack.  We really are not a last place finishing team when all are healthy and competing."