Lady Statesmen Cross Country finishes fourth at Union Invitational
Dixie Griffin and the Lady Statesmen placed fourth Saturday at the Union University Invitational.
J.T. Webb
10/3/2009 6:07:35 PM
JACKSON, Tenn.-Senior Kristin Williams once again led the Delta State University Lady Statesmen Cross Country team Saturday, Oct. 3, as they took a fourth place finish at the Union College Invitational in Jackson, Tenn. Williams finished in the fifth position with a time of 20:49 in the 5K race.
However, Williams was not the only member of the team receiving praise following the race from Lady Statesmen head coach Doug Pinkerton. "We probably had our best meet in a long time. I'm not really worried about the place, because everyone dropped time," said Pinkerton. "It was a pretty good day, everyone is getting in better shape."
Freshman Ashley Carrillo was the second highest finisher for DSU, as she finished in 14th place with a time of 22:15. Just behind Carrillo was Dixie Griffin who finished with a time of 22:24 for 15th place. Elizabeth Fike finished in 19th place with a time of 23:13. Amanda Cornelison (21st, 23:31), Cate Rowe (23rd, 23:35), Brittany Eikner (25th, 23:40) and Hend Alboshaba (29th 25:16) rounded out the finishers for the Lady Statesmen.
Pinkerton added, "I'm extremely proud of the girls! Seven of the eight girls ran personal best times today and as a team we lowered our 5K times an average of .48 seconds. The top two were Elizabeth Fike who dropped 1:40 and Cate Rowe who dropped 1:38. Everyone seems to be getting healthier and running better, which is encouraging being that the conference meet is only three weeks away."
As the postseason looms in teh distance, Pinkerton believes his club is growing, "This team is working very hard and continuing to take one day at a time. They are really a joy to work with and have a great attitude! Everyone encourages each other and understands their role and strives to improve in every workout."
Hannah Clardy of host Union University took the individual title with a time of 19:28, while Tennessee-Martin took the team title.
The Lady Statesmen will hit the trail again on Sat. Oct. 10 as they travel to Clinton to participate in the Mississippi College Invitational which is a 6K event.