Nov. 1, 2008
Contact: Greg Murphy
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Freshman Brittany Elmlinger ran the second fastest time of her career (19:39) and finished 26th overall as Cleveland State placed 10th at the 2008 Horizon League Championships on Saturday afternoon at Cofrin Memorial Arboretum Trails.
Elmlinger, who was the third freshman to cross the finish line, just one second behind the second place freshman finisher, just missed her personal best time of 19:28 that she ran at the Ohio Invitational on Sept. 27.
"Brittany was awesome today," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "She has really had a tremendous freshman season and really stepped up for us in a big way today. To be the third fastest freshman in the league is a testament to how hard she has worked all season."
Also stepping up for the Vikings was junior Colleen Conway who placed 29th with a time of 19:52, which was her second fastest time of the 2008 season. Her fastest came at the Ohio Invitational (19:12).
"Colleen was a little disappointed after the race because she thought she could have done better," Jaketic said. "But she ran her third fastest time ever and has really been a leader for us all season and today was no different."
Freshmen Kelly Zaleski and Andria Bazilevich ran together for much of the race and finished 52nd and 53rd, respectively. Zaleski ran a 20:53 with Bazilevich finishing three seconds later in 20:56.
Audrey Piotrowski was CSU's final scorer, finishing 65th in 21:39, marking her fastest time of the season by 15 seconds.
CSU finished with 224 points, just three behind ninth place Detroit (221).
"Overall, I am a little disappointed that we didn't finish ahead of anybody in the standings, but the team is really in good spirits and battled until the end today," Jaketic said. "Everyone had their heads up and ran well. We have two more weeks of practice to get ready for the regional championship."
Loyola won the team title and was followed by runner-up Milwaukee and third place Butler.
The Vikings will conclude the season on Saturday, Nov. 15, when CSU competes at the Great Lakes Regional in West Lafayette, Ind.
CSU RESULTS
26. Brittany Elmlinger, 19:39
29. Colleen Conway, 19:52
52. Kelly Zaleski, 20:53
53. Andria Bazilevich, 20:56
64. Audrey Piotrowski, 21:35
65. Jordan Hoile, 21:39
83. Amy Salzman, 22:53
87. Melisa Mazanec, 23:39
