The Women's Cross Country Team dominated the conference again coming in first place at the Charger Invitational hosted by Marion University's Ancilla College. Tough course conditions didn't slow the team down as 4 of the 6 runners posted personal records and season bests.
Jessica Denver was the first Skipper across the line, placing 4th overall with a time of 19:53.8 which was just 2 seconds off her PR. Grace Wessel put up a great performance, placing 6th overall with a time of 19:59.2. This is a 19 second PR for Wessel and moves her up to the number 2 spot on the SC4 All Time List. Mary Kaminski placed 13th overall at 20:44.0. Kaminski's time is a 9 second PR and moves her up to the number 6 spot on the SC4 All Time List. Elizabeth Baldwin literally ran out of her shoe (she lost one in a mud puddle) to run a 23 second PR with a time of 21:28.8. Elizabeth Sliman was just 2 seconds off her season best with a time of 21:45.9 Kayla McIntyre had a great race, posting a 41 second season best with a time of 21:47.1.
When asked what got her through the race despite the tough course conditions Baldwin responded, "We went into the race with the boys' good energy after their own race fueling us. I told the team we need to stay focused, but also have fun and I think that really helped. We have a really good team mentality during the races, as we're always saying little comments to each other when we can to push ourselves. Despite loosing my shoe halfway through the race, I was still able to push forward because of my teammates." In regard to the team capturing another conference win heading into Regionals, Baldwin states, "Heading into regionals our main goal is to stay focused and calm and I want us to keep doing what we're doing and not get caught up in the nerves and excitement. The team is really strong this season and we can only keep improving."
The Skippers will take the next two weeks to prepare for the MCCAA Conference and the NJCAA Region XII Championship. Both races are hosted by Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, October 27th at Douglas Walker Park.
Full results
