Runners finish sixth in CAAs
By Megan Syrett
Flat Hat Reviews Editor
The women's cross country season wrapped up last weekend with the CAA Championships, held in Greenville, S.C.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill won the meet with 49 points, while the Tribe claimed sixth with 170 points.
There were a total of 26 teams present at the meet. The Tribe women secured important victories over Wake Forest University, the University of Richmond, Liberty University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
"I expected us to place somewhere between fifth and 10th; maybe even 11th or 12th," Head Coach Pat Van Rossum said. "I am very happy with sixth. Plus, everyone who raced has two more years of eligibility."
While the team faced difficult competition at the race, the 6,000-meter course was also tough. Van Rossum reported that both the first mile and the third mile of the race were relatively hilly. Although mile two of the course was flat, the final 1,000m was mostly uphill, making their times considerably slower.
Junior Cheryl Bauer secured a 27th place-finish overall in 22 minutes, 29 seconds, and just missed qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Sophomore Maura McMahon followed Bauer in 22:30, for 28th place. The No. 3 and No. 4 finishers for W&M were sophomores Lara Toscani and Ali Hendersen, who claimed 40th and 41st place respectively. Toscani crossed the line in 22:44, and Hendersen was right behind her in 22:45. The final runner for the Tribe was freshman Jeannie Addison in 23:01, taking 51st place.
Freshmen Jackie Kosakowski and Nadia Baadj also turned in strong performances, placing 73rd and 117th respectively.
"They did incredibly," Van Rossum said. "They improved more than any team I've had to coach during a season. They are also easy to coach and they listen to me."
The CAA Championship was the final race of the season for the women. Now they will prepare for indoor track and field, which begins after winter break. The goal of the indoor season is for the women to qualify for the ECAC Championships and prepare for the Conference meet during the outdoor season.
"We are basically going to train through the indoor season," Van Rossum said. "They [the top six or seven girls] have the potential to get to the ECAC level."
