 |  |
Lady Hawk harriers compete in Labor Day Covered Bridge Open
By Matt Green
BOONE, N.C. -- The Shorter University women's cross country squad opened the 2011 season on Friday, Sept. 2 at the Labor Day Covered Bridge Open in Boone, N.C.
The Lady Hawks, who were receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Cross Country Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll, sent six harriers to the event that featured several NCAA Division I teams including Florida State, Wake Forest, East Carolina and Appalachian State.
Senior Sarah Massey crossed the line as Shorter's top finisher in the 5k run, turning in a time of 20:07 to place 44th overall. Junior Rachel McDaniel finished 63rd in a time of 21:10, sophomore Shea Spicher placed 66th in 21:20 and Katie Rutledge completed the race in 21:32 to finish 68th.
First-year Ashley Logan (22:45) ran well in her first collegiate event and Cassadee Ainsworth wrapped up Shorter's representatives, completing the course in 24:08.
Wake Forest's Nicole Irving took home medalist honors in a time of 18:23 -- she won the event by 17 seconds over runner-up Erin Nixon of North Florida.
The Lady Hawks return home for the Berry Invitational hosted by Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 10.
