Women’s Cross Country Takes Third Place at University of New England Invitational

BIDDEFORD, Maine. – The Worcester State University women's cross country team recorded a third place finish out of 10 teams in attendance at the University of New England Invitational on Saturday, as Lancers' Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) was just four seconds away from first place and took second to Julianna Wesley (Beverly, Mass.) of Endicott, who won the 5K race in a time of 19:40.4.

THE BASICS
September 9, 2017
University of New England Invitational

TEAM SCORES
1^st Place: University of New England (44)
2^nd Place: Gordon (56)
3^rd Place: Worcester State (63)
4^th Place: Endicott (82)
5^th Place: Roger Williams (122)
6^th Place: Lesley (155)
7^th Place: Maine Maritime (234)
8^th Place: Mass. Maritime (249)
9^th Place: Mount Ida College (289)
10^th Place: Thomas (294)

WORCESTER STATE TOP-7
2^nd Place, Mia Rogers (19:44.4)
8^th Place, Elisabeth Olson (20:41.6)
15^th Place, Justine Murdocca (21:08.7)
17^th Place, Kelsey Bedard (21:15.7)
23^rd Place, Shaylee Puleo (21:32.1)
36^th Place, Olivia Morin (21:51.7)
41^st Place, Kyra Siano (22:03.5)

RECAP
"The University of New England meet was superbly contested, fast-paced race among the top 10-15 runners, from start to finish," mentioned head coach Gary Jusseamue. The Worcester State runners trailed early, however, by the end of the first mile, the Lancer runners began to weave their way through a tightly grouped field of University of New England, Gordon, Endicott and Roger Williams runners.

As the race pace picked up over the final 1000 meters, it was difficult for most lead runners to make major gains on University of New England's hilly course.  Worcester State runners ran a strong, up-tempo final 1000 meters of the race.

COACHES CORNER
Jusseamue commented on Rogers' race, "This was Mia's first race of the season. Despite a head cold and missing last week's season opening meet, she ran an eight-second personal best course record today. She was a little apprehensive about this race and her strength to run at best performance level. The head cold took a toll on her effective training this week, but she still ran a terrific tactical race. I harbor no doubt but a healthy Mia would have won this race. She closed the gap to just four seconds with a dynamic finishing up the final hill."

"Elisabeth ran personal course record of 20:41, sixty-two seconds better than last years' time," said Jusseamue.  "Elisabeth ran a strong, competitive race today, particularly over the course of the final mile.  Her strength and determination as a competitive runner is more pronounced this year."

Jusseaume's thoughts on Justine's race were that she ran a steady and determine race for a forty-four second personal course record. "I'm pleased with her physical strength. She is a much improved hill runner, and coupled with a strong kick she is a more complete runner this season," said Jusseaume.

"Kelsey stepped up and filled a major scoring void for us with the absence of Courtney Guay who was unable to compete today," said Jusseamue. "Kelsey's performance isn't something a coach can teach. It's running with heart and pushing beyond a personal limit. She accomplished a 1:36 second personal best performance at this meet."

UP NEXT
The cross country team will travel to Dartmouth, Mass. next Saturday (Sep. 16) to take part in the UMass Dartmouth Invitational.

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