PITTSBURGH, Pa. – For the fourth time this season, the Cleveland State cross country team had at least three runners record sub 20-minute 5K times, as the Vikings finished fifth as a team at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational.
"We ran very well today, this was a great day for a cross country race and we really took advantage of that," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "I thought they all had great races today, and it's good for them to see that all their hard work in practice is finally paying off. All of their times are consistently dropping each time we compete, and it is great to see them improving week after week."
The Vikings were paced by Ashlyn Woods and Katie Webb, as both were honored as top-15 finishers. Woods, who led the Vikings for the fourth straight race, finished eighth overall with a time of 19:10, while Webb placed 14th overall with a time of 19:24.
"Ashlyn and Katie have been solid for us all year, they both continue to work hard in practice and have excellent performances during our races. This wasn't the fastest course, so for Ashlyn to only be 10 seconds behind her personal-best is awesome. Katie has been running very well this season, and she continues to be mentally tough on the course," Jaketic said.
Samantha Butterbaugh was the third Viking to post a sub 20-minute 5K time Saturday, as she finished 35th overall with a time of 19:53. The duo of Alanna Shamrock and Marissa Ward rounded out CSU's top-five finishers, Shamrock placing 42nd overall (20:07) and Ward placing 46th overall (20:14) in her first-ever 5K race.
Madison Scagnetti was the sixth Viking to cross the finish line, placing 67th overall (20:53), while Megan O'Keefe finished 70th overall with a personal-best 5K time of 20:57.
Also competing for the Vikings at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational were Erin Pavick (22:04), Sierra Swigert (22:09), Emily Marshall (22:15), Sarah Mallow (22:42), Ashley Lydic (23:25), and Krsitin McCarthy (24:54).
The Vikings will return to action next Friday (October 17), competing at the WC Fall Classic in Wilmington, Ohio.
Carnegie Mellon Invitational Results
8. Ashlyn Woods – 19:10
14. Katie Webb – 19:24
35. Samantha Butterbaugh – 19:53
42. Alanna Shamrock – 20:07
46. Marissa Ward – 20:14
67. Madison Scagnetti – 20:53
70. Megan O'Keefe – 20:57
105. Erin Pavick – 22:04
108. Sierra Swigert – 22:09
114. Emily Marshall – 22:15
123. Sarah Mallow – 22:42
138. Ashley Lydic – 23:25
164. Kristin McCarthy – 24:54
