Final Results (.pdf)

VALPARAISO, Ind. - The IUPUI duo of Morgan Fleming and Katelyn Murphy continued to shine as both collected top-10 finishes at the Crusader Classic on Friday night (Sept. 6) at Sunset Hills Farm County Park. Fleming placed fifth overall behind a trio of Notre Dame runners, crossing the finish line of the 5K race in a time of 17:49.5 for the second-best time in program history. 

Going into the race, runners knew that fast times would be possible as temperatures hovered in the high 60s with cloud coverage making it almost ideal. In addition, the course itself is known for being fairly flat and fast seemingly every year.

Fleming, from nearby Renssalaer, was one of a number of Jaguars running in front of a contingent of family and friends.

"It was awesome to run close to my hometown and to run the race with my teammate made it that much more easier," Fleming said. "The weather was just the cherry on top."

Murphy crossed at 17:57.9, placing eighth overall and just eight seconds off her own personal best. Junior Janine Orvis shattered her own personal record with a time of 18:31.0, placing 18th overall and taking more than 23 seconds off her prior best. 

Freshmen Claire Mehling and Ashton Chase rounded out the Jaguars' top five at 19:20.5 and 19:20.8, respectively. Each set a new personal best, cutting significant time off last week's times at the Butler Twilight. 

Others posting new PR's included Kara Krol (19:37.6), Alexandra Schwartz (19:43.3), Jean Carson (19:47.5) and Rebecca Orvis (20:45.3). 

"I'm proud of how our squad competed today. We had some big mental breakthroughs and I love the fight I'm seeing from this group," head coach Antonio McDaniel said. "I saw athletes selling out trying to close our gaps up and make this team be the best it can be. This group is invested in each other and it shows on the course."

Murphy clocked a third career time under 18 minutes as her effort was the eighth best finish in school history. 

IUPUI finished third in the team standings, trailing Notre Dame and Indiana State. The Jaguars easily outpaced Loyola and host Valparaiso. 

The Jags will now turn the focus to training before the schedule ramps up with the John McNichols Invitational in Terre Haute on Saturday, Sept. 21. 

Team Standings
1. Notre Dame - 22
2. Indiana State - 50
3. IUPUI -  71
4. Loyola - 96
5. Valparaiso - 140

Individual Results
5. Morgan Fleming - 17:49.5
8. Katelyn Murphy - 17:57.9
18. Janine Orvis - 18:31.0
32. Claire Mehling - 19:20.5
34. Ashton Chase - 19:20.8
37. Kara Krol - 19:37.6
38. Alexandra Schwartz - 19:43.3
40. Jean Carson - 19:47.5
46. Mya Zajakowski - 20:13.3
51. Sydney Welch - 20:22.8
53. Rebecca Orvis - 20:45.3