CEDARVILLE, Ohio – For the first time during the 2017 season the Cleveland State cross country team had three runners finish in the top-10, as the Vikings finished second as a team at the Friendship Invitational Saturday morning.
"Everyone ran very well today, to see three Vikings in the top-10 was just awesome," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "This course was a bit harder than the course last week, but everyone ran a hard and focused race, which led to some great times. We did a good job of running in packs and encouraging each other throughout the race, and I know they are only going to get better throughout the season. We were able to run against a Horizon League opponent in Wright State today, and we are slowly closing the gap between us, which is a great thing to see before the Horizon League Championship next month."
For the first time this season Karen Barrientos was the first Viking to cross the finish line, placing third overall with a time of 18:45. Anna Brandt was right behind Barrientos, finishing fourth with a time of 18:58. This marked the second straight race that both Barrientos and Brandt finished with 18-minute 5K times, while both times rank in the top-16 on the CSU Top Performances List.
Cleveland State's third top-10 finisher was Jessica Finley, who placed seventh overall with a time of 19:02. Samantha Butterbaugh (13th) and Olivia Hammons (19th) also recorded sub 20-minute 5K times for the Vikings Saturday, Butterbaugh finishing with a 19:24 and Hammons posting a 19:46.
The rookie trio of Deanna Swinerton (20:13), Kylie Scott (20:27) and Samantha Meyer (20:42) were the next Vikings to finish the 5K course, with Meyer posting a career-best with her Friendship Invitational time.
Senior Emily Marshall also finished with a 20-minute 5K time Saturday, crossing the finish line in a career-best 20:48, while Anna Beasley (21:50) and Bridget Smik (23:11) rounded out Cleveland State's lineup.
The Vikings will return to the course next week at the Lock Haven Invitational on Saturday, September 23. This will mark Cleveland State's first 6K of the season, and is slated for an 11:30 a.m. start.
Friendship Invitational Results
3. Karen Barrientos, 18:45
4. Anna Brandt, 18:58
7. Jessica Finley, 19:02
13. Samantha Butterbaugh, 19:24
19. Olivia Hammons, 19:46
26. Deanna Swinerton, 20:13
33. Kylie Scott, 20:27
43. Samantha Meyer, 20:42
46. Emily Marshall, 20:48
67. Anna Beasley, 21:50
84. Bridget Smik, 23:11