GREENVILLE, S.C. - Paced by sophomore Olivia Gardner's 19th-place effort, the Anderson University women's cross country team finished 16th overall and ninth among non-Division I teams at the second annual Furman Cross Country Classic on Saturday at the Furman University Golf Course in Greenville, S.C.
"Today was sort of a mixed bag for us," said Anderson head coach Randy Greer. "It was the first 6K and 8K for the freshmen and the course was much more difficult than last year. I think we had some people that had really good days and others that did not have as good a day as last week. Overall, I feel we are moving in the right direction we just need to keep working."
The 6K event featured nine Division I schools and 16 non-Division I squads, including four from the South Atlantic Conference. Emory, a D-III institution, won the event, outpacing the rest of the field, with Wake Forest capturing second overall.
North Georgia was second among non-Division I teams, while Wingate, Mt. Olive and King followed. West Florida was next, followed by Mars Hill, USC Beaufort, Anderson, Converse, Brevard, Limestone, North Greenville, Life, Erskine and Spartanburg Methodist.
Gardner captured 19th in a time of 23:53.29, while freshman Alex Dixon (24:54.36) brought home 40th and sophomore Amber Worthy claimed 59th in a time of 25:29.92. Sophomore Bari Robinson (25:31.37) crossed the line in 61st, with fellow sophomore Mia Swiersz crossing the line in 67th in a time of 25:38.24.
Sophomore Grace Gerlock garnered 88th with a time of 26:38.47, while freshman Allison Halperin was just behind, taking 89th in a time of 26:43.52. Another newcomer, Taylor Morris (27:16.29) finished 101st and redshirt junior Devan Fisher placed 106th in a time of 27:32.77.
Following a two-week layoff, the Trojans return to action at the Charlotte Invitational on Friday, Sept. 26.
