Sept. 27, 2008
Contact: Greg Murphy
ATHENS, Ohio - Cleveland State had three athletes run lifetime best times, including two under 20 minutes, and the Vikings finished fourth at the Ohio University Invitational on Saturday morning at the OU Golf Course.
Junior Colleen Conway led the Vikings, placing 17th in 19:12. It bettered her previous time by 50 seconds set last weekend. Freshman Brittany Elmlinger was the Vikings second finisher, running a lifetime best time of 19:28. She finished 20th overall.
Freshman Kelly Zaleski also ran her lifetime best time, finishing 30th in 20:17.
"Those three really ran tough races and pushed each other the whole time," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "They have been improving each and every week and were very relaxed the entire race today.
"I put the team through a tough week of practice and they all ran tough today. We have had a pretty good start to the season through the first five weeks and they are starting to see what they are capable of accomplishing."
Andria Bazilevich (20:55) placed 34th and Audrey Piotrowski (22:34) was 43rd, while Amy Salzman registered her season-best time, finishing 44th in 22:53.
The race also served as the first one for Julie Piotrowski, who missed the first four events of the season with an injury. She ran a 23:34 to finish 47th.
"I just wanted Julie to go out and ran and get her legs back under her," Jaketic said. "And she was able to do that. I want her to continue to get stronger and work toward the league championships."
CSU will have this coming week off before returning to action on Friday, Oct. 10, at the All-Ohio Championships in Delaware, Ohio.
"The All-Ohio event is going to be a tough test for us," Jaketic said. "There is always a deep, talented field there and it is a tough course."7. Col
CSU RESULTS
17. Colleen Conway, 19:12
20. Brittany Elmlinger, 19:28
30. Kelly Zaleski, 20:17
34. Andria Bazilevich, 20:55
43. Audrey Piotrowski, 22:34
44. Amy Salzman, 22:53
46. Melisa Mazanec, 23:16
47. Julie Piotrowski, 23:34
49. Jordan Hoile, 24:46
