PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Cleveland State cross country team opened up the 2016 season Saturday morning, running in the Duquesne Duals in Pittsburgh, Pa.
"This was an absolutely beautiful day to run, and overall I thought we ran pretty well for the first race of the season," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "This was a demanding course and there was some tough competition which is a great way to start off the season. It was great to see Karen finish in the top-20 and I can't wait to see what she is capable of as the season progresses. Although everyone knows they have some work to do, they are all very excited for the season and it's always good to get the first race out of the way."
The Vikings were paced by newcomer Karen Barrientos, who finished 18th overall with a time of 19:27. Barrientos, who was Cleveland State's lone top-20 finisher during the race, was followed closely by senior Ashlyn Woods who recorded a time of 20:19 to finish 39th.
Running in her first collegiate race, freshman Olivia Hammons was Cleveland State's third finisher on the day, placing 41st with a 5K time of 20:22.
The next Viking to cross the finish line was Alanna Shamrock (20:58), followed by Jessica Finley (21:33) and Emily Marshall (22:25).
The freshmen trio of Anna Beasley, Bridget Smik, and Andrea Wardeiner were also competing in their first collegiate race, Beasley finishing the 5K race in a time of 23:03, followed by Smik in 24:01 and Wardeiner in 25:08.
The Vikings will continue the 2016 season next Saturday, when they will participate in the Detroit Titan Invitational. The women's 5K race is slated for an 11:15 a.m. start.
Duquesne Dual Results
18. Karen Barrientos, 19:27
39. Ashlyn Woods, 20:19
41. Olivia Hammons, 20:22
55. Alanna Shamrock, 20:58
68. Jessica Finley, 21:33
76. Emily Marshall, 22:25
78. Anna Beasley, 23:03
80. Bridget Smik, 24:01
81. Andrea Wardeiner, 25:08
