Sept. 3, 2011
Results
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Senior captain Jess Palacio posted a 17:41.49 to lead all runners and help the Navy women's cross country team take the Hampton Inn/UMES Lid-Lifter Invitational title on Saturday. Palacio led a Navy sweep of the top-five spots as the Mids won the eight-team meet with 15 points. West Virginia finished second with 52 points.
"Today was a great start for everyone," said Navy head coach Karen Boyle. "It was good to learn a course that we'll come back to for the NCAA Regional Championship."
Three newcomers finished in the top five for Navy, including: Shannon Cuthbert (second, 18:09.18), Annie-Norah Beveridge (fourth, 18:20.05) and Christina Blair (fifth, 18:22.11).
Junior Brigid Byrne placed third with a time of 18:14.57.
Senior Katie Taylor (18:25.57) finished seventh and Maria Arnone (18:47.35) placed 10th to round out the top 10.
"We focused on racing steady and packing throughout the first four 4k and then really racing hard in the last 1k," said Boyle.
Palacio's individual title was the fifth of her career.
"Jess held with the pack as long as possible and then finished really strong," said Boyle.
Navy will be back in action next Saturday at the James Madison Invitational.
"It was a good start and we're very optimistic about being in such good shape this early in the season," said Boyle.
Team Scores
1. Navy 15
2. West Virginia University 52
3. University of Delaware 69
4. Hampton University 123
5. Maryland Eastern Shore 152
6. Norfolk State University 167
7. Delaware State University 180
8. Morgan State University 190
