WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Cleveland State cross country team returned to action at the JennaStrong Fall Classic Friday, paced by sophomore Anna Brandt who finished first individually with a Cleveland State 5K record time of 17:55.
This marks the second straight season that a Viking has captured the individual title at the JennaStrong Fall Classic, and the first top finish for Brandt during her collegiate career.
With her time of 17:55, Brandt became just the second Viking all-time to break the 18-minute mark on the 5K course, while it also put her at the top of the 5K and 6K lists at Cleveland State.
"We had a great team effort today, with most of the team running season-best times, including Anna who ran a really strong race," head coach Jason Hudson. "Anna, along with the rest of the team, is running with a lot of confidence right now, which sets up well for the Horizon League Championship that is two weeks away."
Jessica Finley tallied a top-20 finish for the Vikings on Friday, placing 16th overall with a time of 18:46, her first 18-minute 5K time of the year.
Kylie Scott and Abbey Rojeck also recorded personal-best 5K times at the JennaStrong Fall Classic, Scott finishing 35th overall in a time of 19:20, and Rojeck crossing the finish line in 20:28.
The trio of Lily Michael, Heather McArdle and Graicen Riley all bettered their season-bests on the 5K course, Michael posting a time of 19:26, McArdle finishing in 19:49, and Riley crossing the finish line in 20:06.
The freshmen duo of Korrin Spurlock and Jessica Bentley competed in their first collegiate race Friday, Spurlock finishing in a time of 21:24 and Bentley posting a 5K time of 22:11
Next up for the Vikings will be the Horizon League Championship on Saturday, October 27.
JennaStrong Fall Classic Results
1. Anna Brandt, 17:55
16. Jessica Finley, 18:46
35. Kylie Scott, 19:20
39. Lily Michael, 19:26
61. Heather McArdle, 19:49
74. Graicen Riley, 20:06
95. Abbey Rojeck, 20:28
100. Olivia Hammons, 20:32
135. Korrin Spurlock, 21:24
149. Kenzie Baker, 21:34
188. Jessica Bentley, 22:11
