DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Worcester State women's cross country team came in 9^th place out of 40 teams of all divisions (DI, DII, DIII) in the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Saturday, improving on a 16^th place finish that they marked last season.

THE BASICS
September 16, 2017
UMass Dartmouth Invitational

TOP-10 TEAM SCORES
1^st Place: Assumption (56)
2^nd Place: Trinity (87)
3^rd Place: Brandeis (99)
4^th Place: Holy Cross (153)
5^th Place: New Paltz St. (251)
6^th Place: Salisbury (264)
7^th Place: Salve Regina (302)
8^th Place: Springfield (324)
9^th Place: Worcester State (334)
10^th Place: Connecticut College (10)

WORCESTER STATE TOP-7
6^th Place, Mia Rogers (18:40)
53^rd Place, Justine Murdocca (19:45)
59^th Place, Elisabeth Olson (19:50)
110^th Place, Shaylee Puleo (20:35)
121^st Place, Kelsey Bedard (20:43)
150^th Place, Olivia Morin (21:18)
189^th Place, Kyra Siano (22:01)

RECAP
New England College's Abby Shafer earned the individual honors as she completed the 5K run in a time of 17:54. Worcester State's Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) was just five spots behind as she came in 6^th in a time of 18:40 for a seventeen second course record. Justine Murdocca (Milford, Mass.) was the next Lancer to cross the finish line, coming in 53^rd place while Elisabeth Olson (Wilmington, Mass.) followed at 59^th. Head coach Gary Jusseume was very happy with his team after this weekend's meet as this is the highest team finish ever by a Lancer team in this meet.

COACHES CORNER
"I'm pleased with this team's overall performance," said Jusseaume. "That a runner ran a personal best time (PR) on this course is indicative of the dedicated work ethic these ladies have put into their training to date."

 "Mia looked much stronger than she did in last week's race," said Jusseaume.  "With the coming adjustments to distance and speed work interval training, Mia will realize significantly better performances leading to the NCAA Regionals."

 "Justine's first sub-19-minute race of the season was a stellar effort," mentioned Jusseaume.  "She nailed a 46-second best ever performance on this course.  Her final 250 meters to the finish line was the best final kick I've seen her execute"

 "Elisabeth ran a 23-second best today, and I am pleased with her progress this season," commented Jusseaume.  "She's stronger and more sure of herself.  She sets realistic race goals and attacks them.  She definitely has more PR's to come this season."

 Commenting on two-time MASCAC rookie of the week honoree, Shaylee Puleo, ""Shaylee continues to develop as the top MASCAC freshman runner.  She's runs with purpose and an intense focus on running her best time."

UP NEXT
Next Saturday (Sep. 23), Worcester State University will host the Worcester City Meet at Moore State Park in Paxton, Mass.

GET SOCIAL
Follow Worcester State Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube