LEOMINSTER, Mass. – Four Worcester State University women's cross country runners landed in the top 10 in the Jim Sheehan Memorial Invitational, hosted by Fitchburg State at the Doyle Reservation, fueling the Lancers to a second place finish.

Sophomore runner Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) led the Lancers pack as she was the second individual to cross the finish line (behind Westfield State's Jess Cardin) in a time of 19:55, topping the runner following her by 22 seconds.

"Mia ran a tactically sound race from start to finish today," commented head coach Gary Jusseaume.  "Her 19:55 second place time was a minute faster than her winning time on this course last year - that's a significant personal best performance."

Not far behind Rogers was freshman Elisabeth Olson (Wilmington, Mass.) who came in at sixth place in a time of 20:58.

"Elisabeth's sixth place finish was a pleasant surprise.  Her training was derailed by a summer cold the last ten days," stated Jusseaume. "Though, she persevered and ran exceptionally well."

Two Westfield State runners followed Olson, and Justine Murdocca (Milford, Mass.) and Laura DelleChiaie (Haverhill, Mass.) followed in the nine and 10 slots in times of 21:14 and 21:23, respectively.

"Justine ran one minute and 30 seconds faster this year on this same course," said Jusseaume.  "Her dedicated hard work over the summer following a productive track season positively impacted her performance today."

"A week of rehab didn't prevent Laura from running a better than decent race. Once fully healthy, Laura will recover her competitive edge and I expect her race at her projected PR level," added Jusseaume.

The Lancers' fifth runner to cross the finish line was freshman Courtney Guay (Londonderry, N.H.) at the 21^st spot. Right behind her at 23^rd was Kayley Bowen (Bedford, N.H.), and then Katerina Lucier (Portsmouth, R.I.) shortly behind at 28^th. All three finished the race in the 22^nd minute.

Next up, the Lancers travel to the University of New England for their second race of the season.

Meet Results

1st place - Westfield State University - 25 pts.

2nd place - Worcester State University - 46 pts.

3rd place - Bridgewater State University - 80 pts.

4th place - Fitchburg State University - 118 pts.

5th place - UMass-Boston - 130 pts.

6th place - Framingham State University - 141 pts.