Click here for complete regional results (PDF)
By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four of Tennessee Tech's six runners recorded personal best times, led by junior Purity Murray, as the Golden Eagle women's cross country team finished in 27th place at the NCAA South Regional Friday morning.
Running on the six-kilometer course of the Harry Pritchett Running Park, Murray posted a time of 22:53.93, placing her 132nd overall among the 208 runners in the race. The time bested her previous Tech best at that distance by more than half-a-minute.
"I was very pleased with our ladies performance today," said head coach Wayne Angel. "They showed a lot of guts and determination on a very difficult course. I'm very proud of them. I was hoping for a better finish but we got boxed in from the beginning. It was a valuable experience for a team that is so young. The future looks very bright for TTU cross country."
Jenna Storms and Sarah Brandt were next across the finish line for coach Wayne Angel's team. Storms covered the distance in 23:12.80 to finish 136th, while Brandt toured the circuit in 23:24.45 for 146th place.
Sonel Bezuidenhout was just five seconds back of Brandt, finishing 162nd in a personal best showing of 23:29.68. She was followed by Madison Stremler's PR of 24:01.63 and Angela Jepchirchir's 24:33.16, both personal best marks.
Vanderbilt placed first in the regional with 65 points, edging second place Mississippi State (78) by 13 points. Alabama (135), Florida State (139) and Auburn (186) rounded out the Top Five. The field included 30 teams plus a handful of individuals.
The meet wrapped up the cross country season for the Golden Eagles, who now turn their attention and training toward the indoor track & field season, which begins December 5 at the Music City Classic in Nashville.
photo by Tony Marable
