Meet Results

BETHLEHEM, PA (October 1, 2010) – The goal for the Vassar College women's cross country team heading into the 39 team field at the Paul Short Meet at Lehigh University was to be among the top ten team finishers. While the Brewers placed in 17th position, there were positive signs that team depth and talent will bode well for the Brewers in coming weeks.

In what head coach James McCowan termed a “learning experience and not one of our strongest days running,” Vassar was paced by junior Johanna Spangler, who finished the 6K race 17th out of 385 runner in 22:26. A rain-drenched and muddy course kept times slower than normal, evidenced by Spangler's 6:02 mile pace.

“We got beat by some schools were should be running with, but we did beat some schools who were ahead of us in the past,” says McCowan of his team that competed in the Brown Division of the all-Division race. “But overall, we weren't assertive enough and allowed the race to get away from us.”

Vassar's top five contingent was Spangler, followe3d by Kelly Holmes in 73rd place (23:25), freshman Aubree Peipmeier in 78th (23:26), senior Zoe Carpenter in 149th (24:03) and junior Elizabeth Forbes in 157th (24:08). Vassar's sixth and seventh place finishers, freshman Chloe Williams and junior Hannah Ziobrowski were in 169th and 174th place respectively with 24:16 and 24:18 times.

“This was a very good learning experience for the team at this time of the season,” said McCowan of his team that earned its first-ever national ranking earlier this week, occupying the 35th position. “We knew going into a race of this size that we would be rise to the occasion and be successful, but if not, know what we have to do going forward. This is a very talented team that has great things ahead.”

McCowan noted the depth of Vassar's team was evidenced by the strong performance of team finishers six through twelve, particularly freshman Colleen Fischman, junior Samantha Creath and sophomore Arial Shogren.

The Brewers will compete next Saturday, October 9 at the James Early Invitational hosted by Westfield State (MA) College.