TERRA HAUTE, IN - Running in their second race of the year, the Kentucky Wesleyan cross country teams ran strong at the Nike XC Town Twilight event at Rose Hulman on Friday night. The women ran extremely well, taking three of the top six spots and coming in second as a team.
"We had a fantastic race tonight," stated
Abigail Lesniak. "Everyone went into the race with confidence, and we left that race proud of what we accomplished due to the hard work and effort that was put into it."
Lesniak ran fantastic in the race, taking second overall in the 6K with a time of 23:42. Placing third and coming in just behind her was junior
Karlee Hoffman, who ran a 23:52. Senior
Emery Crume came storming in for a sixth place finish and a new personal best of 24:32.
Sarah Vanderhoof took 14th with a time of 25:47, and
Jaiden Davis rounded out the top five for the Panthers with a time of 26:01, good for 17th overall.
Lucy Knutson finished just behind Davis with a 26:16 and
Abby Greene finished in 31st with a 27:38.
"We just scratched the surface of our capabilities tonight," said head coach
Sol Stephens. "Lesniak seems to be rounding into her fitness, and Crume followed her plant to perfection to run a lifetime best, while Karlee recovered well after letting them get away in the first half of the race. Our 4-5-6 has to tighten up but I'm encouraged to see what we can be when everyone laces them up.
The men only had two individuals run, so they were not able to record a team score. Sophomore
Tanner Hayes ran a 28:22 to take 29th in the 8K, while senior
James Loi finished in 39th with a 29:20.
Coach Stephens stated that "Tanner and James both ran better races than two weeks ago. Tanner was more consistent throughout so there's progress there. James took a tumble which kept him from scratching the 28s but he finished well. We just have to continue to take care of our bodies while doing the little things to keep us prepared for competition."
Both cross country teams will stay close to home this week as they compete at the Brescia Invitational, which will take place at Yellow Creek Park.
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