Sept. 16, 2006
Contact: Josh Rattray
TOLEDO, Ohio - Four CSU runners posted season-best times and freshman Caitlan Ebner led the Vikings for the third time in as many meets as Cleveland State finished seventh out of eight teams at the Toledo Invitational on Saturday morning.
Ebner's time of 20:10 was not only good for a 24th place finish, but was also her best effort this season for the Vikings.
"Everyone ran really tough," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "I was happy with our effort and Caitlan was really running hard, challenging the leaders. She's finished first for us every week. She is a very tough competitor and she continues to be our best runner."
Sophomore Madeline Singer finished with a season-best time of 22:14, good for 41st place. Senior Sherri Douglas was third for the Vikings, running a 22:38.
Freshman Colleen Conway, running in just her second collegiate meet, ran a season-best 23:03, and senior Shannon Graves clocked in with a personal-best 23:10. Sophomore Melisa Mazanec, in her first collegiate race, rounded out the Vikings lineup, finishing the 5K course in 25 minutes exactly.
The Vikings shorthanded once again, were without sophomores Audrey and Julie Piotrowski for the second straight meet, who were both out with injuries. Junior Christina Swierz, a two-sport athlete, also did not participate in the race, instead taking part in CSU's 5-4 softball win over Notre Dame (OH).
"Our team was a little short-handed today, and I knew it would hurt us," Jaketic said. "With the twins and Christina out, that's three of our top five runners not in the race. When that happens, it's important that everyone steps up.
"I feel that we're improving with every race. The times our runners had today were great. I was happy with everyone's individual effort."
Northwestern finished first in the team standings with 49 points.
