Sept. 3, 2010
Complete Results in PDF
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Behind a first-place finish by Jess Palacio, the Navy women's cross country team took home the team title at the Lehigh Invitational on Friday evening in Bethlehem, Pa. It was the first race of the season for the Midshipmen who topped the field with 37 points. Host Lehigh was second with 45.
"Everybody ran really well today," said Navy head coach Karen Boyle. "It was the perfect opener of us and a good confidence builder to start the season. Jess ran a great race and the rest of the team did an excellent job of packing up and motivating each other through the entire race."
Palacio, who led the field the entire race, turned in a 21:35.8 - nearly one full minute faster than the second-place finisher, Katherine Pierce, of Lehigh.
"Jess ran an amazing race," Boyle said. "It was extremely hot but she maintained a pretty consistent pace. She is extremely motivated after running so well in track last season and she trained hard over the off season. She is in great shape."
Mollie Hebda (22:49.1) led the next Navy finishers across the line when she placed seventh, followed by Rachael Honrath (22:50.1) and Brigid Byrne (22:50.9), who took eighth and ninth place, respectively.
Liz Milewski rounded out Navy's top-five as she placed 12th with a time of 23:02.8.
In her first collegiate race, freshman Zatha Loewen took 17th as she clocked a 23:37.5. Katie Taylor was the seventh Mid to finish in the top 20 as she placed 19th with a 23:39.0.
The Mids will return to action next weekend on Saturday (Sept. 11) when they travel to University Park, Pa., for the Harry Groves Invitational.
Team Results
1. Navy 37
2. Lehigh 45
3. Lafayette 72
4. Kutztown 114
5. Rider 144
6. DeSales 182
7. Muhlenberg 185
8. Moravian 195
9. Cedar Crest 280
