By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MARTIN, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech cross country teams got their first look at a chunk of what the Ohio Valley Conference will have to offer during the league's championships in November, competing at the UT Martin XC OVC Preview in Martin, Tenn. Saturday morning.
The Golden Eagle women's team shined on the day, placing second overall while competing in the 6K at Graham Park in Union City, Tenn. The purple and gold finished just 15 points back of Southern Indiana for the title.
Freshman Rylee Wells delivered an impressive performance to lead the Tech squad, producing a superb run of 22:11.0 to finish seventh overall. Fifth-year senior Helen Pacurariu-Nagy was right on her teammate's heals, placing eight while clocking in with a time of 22:14.5.
Another rookie, Savanna Amos, made it three consecutive Golden Eagles to cross the finish line, finishing ninth overall behind a time of 22:16.9. Fellow freshman Hannah Faudi put forth an effort of 22:30.2 to rank 12th while sophomore Makaleigh Jessee rounded out the scoring five in 13th with a showing of 22:31.5.
"We saw a really impressive team run from the women today," Tech head coach Peter Dalton said. "This group is special and I'm excited to see how they grow as the season continues."
The Tech men ended the day fourth overall in the 8K, trailing just Southeast Missouri, Southern Indiana, and UT Martin. Veteran Miceal McCaul led the way for the Golden Eagles, claiming a fifth-place finish with a solid run of 24:55.9.
Senior James Hyland clocked in at 25:05 to produce a top-10 performance. Finishing off a strong top-three group for the Tech men, Carter Bradford finished 13th overall with a time of 25:37.5.
The Golden Eagles will now pay a visit to Louisville, Ky. for the Live in Lou Classic on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Photo by Tennessee Tech Cross Country
