October 9, 2009

MOUNT OLIVE – The UNCP women's cross country team took home a first place finish at the Mount Olive Invitational 5K on Friday afternoon, beating out six other teams for the gold

The Lady Braves were paced by Annette Sem, who placed first for UNCP and second overall in 20:52, and Catherine Shoemaker, who placed second for UNCP and third overall in 21:12. Also making appearances in the top 10 were Brianne Talob, finishing sixth in 21:37.00, Blair Long, ninth in 22:08. and Bonnie MacDonald, 10th in 22:14.

UNCP showed their strength at the invitational against 36 other runners, placing all seven Lady Braves competitors in the top 15 and were glad to bring home the Gold from Mount Olive. UNCP finished in first with just 28 points and were able to hold second place Belmont Abbey to 52 points despite a first place finish by runner Emily Boggs.

“We hit our goal of winning the meet,” explained assistant coach Jeff Moody, “We hope that this victory will give us the motivation that we need to carry us into our upcoming conference competition.”

The Braves will take a week off to train before they host the Peach Belt Conference Championship meet on their home course, Luther Britt Park in Lumberton, on October 24. The championships are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. with the men's race, and continue at 9:15 when the women take to the course.

UNCP RESULTS:

Annette Sem (2nd, 20:52)
Catherine Shoemaker (3rd, 21:12)
Brianne Talob (6th, 21:37)
Blair Long (8th, 22:08)
Bonnie MacDonald (9th, 22:13)
Woodi Jones (13th, 23:36)
Jessica McDowell (15th, 23:42)