Washington Twp., MI - The Skippers Women's Cross Country team competed in the MCCAA Eastern Conference meet on Friday. The conference meet was hosted by Macomb Community College at Stony Creek Metropark – Baypoint Beach in Washington Twp., MI. The Eastern Conference consists of the following 7 junior colleges, Jackson Community College, Macomb Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, St. Clair County Community College and Wayne County Community College. The women placed 2nd overall amongst the 4 scoring teams. Macomb won the meet with 35 points, while the Skippers posted 42 points and Mott placed 3rd with 53 points.
Grace Wessel, the team's usual lead runner, had to sit this meet out due to injury, leaving the Skippers unable to compete as a full team. This took away the team's chance to be the MCCAA Eastern Conference Champions. However, Reise Lonnborg, a Skippers' softball player, officially joined the team to allow the Skippers to score as a team. These circumstances did not hinder the other runners' performances as Lily Lemanski led the Skippers placing 2nd overall in a time of 20:57 and earning MCCAA Eastern All Conference honors. In addition, Lemanski was the top freshman runner earning MCCAA All Freshman honors. Jenna Denver ran second for the Skippers, coming in 5th overall, earning 5th place overall and receiving MCCAA Eastern All Conference honors and MCCAA All Freshman honors. Laela Bhatti ran a season best by 1:11, finishing 6th overall in 22:01. This earned Bhatti MCCAA Eastern All Conference honors and MCCAA All Freshman honors. Next up, Olivia Crawford crossed the line in 22:25, placing 8th overall, earning MCCAA Eastern All Conference honors. Lonnborg finished in 29th place, securing the team's 2nd place finish.
Laela's take:
"I think the team did really well at the meet. Earning the All Conference honors and All Freshman honors felt amazing and game the confidence to know that I can do even better in following meets."
The women take next weekend off from racing and return to action on Saturday, October 4th at the famous Live in the Lou Cross Country Classic. The meet is hosted by the University of Louisville and will take place at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, KY.
