HOOVER,Ala.- Hitting the road again to Alabama, the women’s cross country team finished in fourth place at the Samford Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Behind a second place finish by Mackenzie Howe, the team was able to run the course that will hold the NCAA South Regional competition in a few weeks.

Running against host Samford, Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham, Bellmont College and Birmingham-Southern College, the team is continually making progress as the season moves on. Having never raced on the Veterans Park course before, the ladies were given an advantage over the competition that will be running there on Nov. 13.

"The ladies ran well today as they continue to improve," Head cross country coach Stan Sims said. "Mackenzie had a good race and started off strong. It was great that we had a chance to view the course before Regionals and now, we can focus on the push towards our conference meet later this month."

Finishing in second place for the second time this season, Howe finished the difficult course in 18:02. Coming in behind Howe were Alison Wald and Stephanie Sawyer who finished the race in 24th and 28th respectively. Rounding out the top five for the Owls was Haley Carson who crossed the line 35th and Heather Morris right behind her in 36th.

“We had a steady race today,” Howe said. “For me, my goal was to tempo the course so I could be familiar with it for when it is time for Regionals. It was more of just a workout day but I was still able to finish well.”


Team Results
1. Univ. of Alabama-Birmingham-29 points

2. Samford University-42 points

3. Bellmont College- 68 points

4. Kennesaw State- 97 points

5. Birmingham-Southern College- 122 points

Individual Results

2. Mackenzie Howe (18:02)

24. Alison Wald (20:26)

28. Stephanie Sawyer (20:33)

35. Haley Carson (22:23)

36. Heather Morris (22:39)