POUHGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 24, 2011) – With a strong pack of runners carried over from cross country and several additions, the Vassar College women's track program is gearing up for one of the most promising seasons of its four year existence.

“We have a strong contingent of distance runners from the cross country team that nearly reached nationals plus more talent all around,” said head cross country and track coach James McCowan.

Coming off the Spring Break training trip in Arizona that featured the Willie Williams Invitational hosted by University of Arizona, the Brewers compete against Monmouth College on Saturday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m.

Senior Zoe Carpenter and freshman Aubree Piepmeier will lead the way in the distance events. The team is also counting on a strong comeback from sophomore Kristine Olson according to McCowan.

Sophomore Kelly Holmes took 10th in the 26-runner 800-meter run in 2.23.08 at the Willie Williams Invitational and will lead the middle distance squad. Last season, Holmes won the 800-meter run at the Liberty League Championships and qualified for the ECAC 1500-meter event. “She's a very dynamic runner so she can perform a variety of events,” said McCowan.

The Brewers have two other versatile runners in the middle distance ranks in freshman Chloe Williams and senior Jenica Law. “Chloe is a strong runner in many different events and Jenica is coming off an injury but had a strong 1500 in Arizona,” said McCowan.

The sprinters are led by sophomore hurdler Kate Warrick, and freshman Olivia Iloetonma is a key addition.

Sophomore Laura Van Eerde won the javelin at the Liberty League Championships last season and will continue to improve. “Laura is a very powerful athlete and she's close to an ECAC mark,” said McCowan.

The Brewers are building for the four team Liberty League Championships on April 16 at St. Lawrence. The team has placed third in the Liberty League Championships in each of the last three seasons.

“Liberty Leagues are going to be a big event, we're looking forward to see what the team can accomplish,” said McCowan. “The team's focus is on performing well at the Liberty League Championships.”

Vassar will also compete in the prestigious Penn Relays on April 28-29. “The Penn Relays are a good opportunity for some individual qualifying marks for the ECAC Championships or the NCAAs,” said McCowan.

The young program awaits its first NCAA qualifier.