SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Six members of the IUPUI women's cross country program notched new personal bests as the Jaguars competed in the Gold Race of Notre Dame's Joe Piane Invitational at Warren Golf Course on Friday (Sept. 29). Senior
Ellie Cates led the way, placing 20th of 161 runners in a personal best time of 17:55.9, running the eighth-best time in program history. Sophomore
Julie Smith was just off her pace at a personal best 5K time of 17:58.9, finishing 23rd overall and placing her 13th on the program's all-time best list.
Senior
Madison Fry recorded a time of 18:16.9 to place 39th overall and
Hannah Sale clocked a time of 19:07.1. Freshman
Grace Bragg made her collegiate debut as the team's No. 5 finisher in a time of 19:21.9.
"I'm so proud of how my team persevered when we were down a man. So many of them stepped up and showed out today," Cates said. "The next week I'm excited to train and get ready for the bigger two races at Bradley and conference."
The Jaguars were without steady junior
Laci Provenzano, but made strides elsewhere as Cates, Smith and Fry consistently moved up throughout the race after solid starts against a stout field. Sale and Bragg offered solid support and
Kara Krol crossed at 19:47.6 in her second entry of the season.
"Competing today was definitely not easy. I knew I would be alright though due to my supportive teammates," Bragg said. "Without them, I'm not sure if I would've done as well as I did. I'm excited to progress from this race and slowly see my progression throughout these next four years."
Behind her, both
Sophie Reichard (20:37.3) and
Hannah Robbins (20:39.6) offered up personal best performances and
Wini Barnett finished at 21:15.4. Earlier in the day in the open race,
Julynne Spidell clocked a personal best time of 21:39.0.
Akron edged Richmond for the top spot in the Gold Division with 115 points while Richmond was second with 123. Akron's Mary Munga took the individual tape in a time of 17:02.9.
The Jaguars will run their final regular season meet of the season on Friday, Oct. 13 when they compete at the Bradley 'Pink' Classic in Peoria, Ill.
