WESTFIELD, Mass. - Worcester State University women's cross country team placed 24th at the James Earley Invitational, hosted by Westfield State University, on Saturday (Oct. 8) in a large field of 41 teams of all divisions.
Freshman Elisabeth Olson (Wilmington, Mass.) led the way for the Lancers, crossing the finish line at 24:24 which put her in 79th place in a field of 459 runners over a fast 6K course.
"This is her first race on an NCAA championship course and distance and I was pleased with her time and her effort," commented head coach Gary Jusseaume. "I expect her to best today's time in three weeks at the NCAA Regional Championships on this same course."
Second for the Lancers was sophomore Laura DelleChiaie (Haverhill, Mass.), finishing with a strong time of 25:04.
"Laura's race today shows continued improvement as she works her way back into top shape," stated Jusseaume. "She'll be ready for course PR (personal record) at the NCAA Regionals."
Behind DelleChiaie was Justine Murdocca (Milford, Mass,). "Justine ran a steady paced race in 25:12," said Jusseaume. "I'm pleased with her performance and know there's an even better performance on this course three weeks from today at the NCAA's."
Katerina Lucier (Portsmouth, R.I.), Emily Bumpus (Bridgewater, Mass.), and Kayley Bowen (Bedford, Mass.) followed the three to place the Lancers at 24th.
The Lancers will race next Saturday (Oct. 15) at the Western New England University Invitational.