September 12, 2009

Complete Results

NEW MARKET, Va. -- Longwood University women's cross country totaled 209 points to finish seventh among 10 teams Saturday at the JMU Invitational in New Market at the New Market Battlefield.  Duke University took first place with 18 points, while Blue Devil Emily Schwitzer won the individual 5100 meter race in 18:09.  The Lancers will compete again on Saturday, September 26, at the Inter-Regional Challenge hosted by the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

"This women's squad is impressive," said third-year head coach Catherine Hanson.  "We were so close to beating George Mason with our crew of eight.  The challenge of running 250 meters farther than a 5k was embraced by everyone.  Take off about 1:30 and I have my top runners sitting in the low 19's for 5k which is tremendous for this time of year and the first time in Longwood's young program's history to have this many running as a pack.  I am so excited to see what these women can accomplish this year working together as a team.  The scarface award goes to Megan Short who finished fourth for us and just built each mile today and finished on the heels of Natalie Auble.  This is what a coach wants and needs to see.  The women had such a strong presence out and it was noted by many coaches."

In New Market, Longwood was led by sophomore Jessica Alley/New Castle (Craig County) who finished 45th among 119 runners with her time of 21:14.  Alley was followed by senior Jacquelyne Chantry/Williamsburg (Lafayette) (21:26, 53rd), junior Natalie Auble/Fairfax (Fairfax)?(21:50, 60th), freshman Megan Short/Erial, N.J. (Timber Creek) (21:55, 61st), along with senior Laura Bland/Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde) (22:29, 73rd).  Also competing were senior Melinda Lackore/Virginia Beach (First Colonial) (22:50, 82nd), freshman Jenna Sprinkle/Buchanan (James River) (23:08, 87th), as well as junior Lauren Kuhns/Fredericksburg (Riverbend) (24:22, 102nd).