Freshman Amanda Goetschius (left) led the 49ers women's team with a seventh-place individual finish |
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Charlotte falls behind at Atlantic 10 Championships
Oct. 27, 2007
Philadelphia, Pa. - Overcoming heavy rain and wet conditions, La Salle defended its titles at the 2007 Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championships Saturday at Belmont Plateau behind strong performances from seniors Rachel Papin and David Alfano. The 49ers men's and women's teams finished ninth and fourth, respectively, keyed by freshman Amanda Goetschius and sophomore Chase Eckard.
"I'm hugely disappointed in our performance," head coach Brad Herbster said. "While we had a few bright spots along the course, we didn't have anywhere near enough. We need to run as a group, not as singles, which failed to happen today."
"It's extremely frustrating that we have yet to make our mark on this conference's cross country program."
On the men's side, La Salle won its second straight title and fifth in the past six years, as five Explorers finished in the top 15, bringing their team total to 37. Charlotte, who finished with a team score of 222, also fell behind Richmond (54), Duquesne (91), Massachusetts (91), Saint Joseph's (164), Dayton (199), George Washington (210) and Xavier (221).
Eckard, completing the 8K in 26:09.0 for an individual placement of 14, led the 49ers' scoring, rounded out by sophomore Jordan Rickard (26:36.0; 27th), sophomore Alan Ford (27:15.0, 49th), freshman Dakota Lowery (27:48.0; 71st) and sophomore Aaron Kauffman (28:39.0; 105th).
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On the women's side, La Salle claimed its fourth consecutive title with three top-five individual finishes, including a second-place finish by Papin, the lone three-time A-10 individual champion in conference history. With a team score of 123, Charlotte also finished behind Richmond (82) and Xavier (119).
For the first time this season, Goetschius keyed the 49ers' scoring with a time of 18:52.0 on the 5K (7th overall), picking off ten runners in the final three kilometers of the race and just missing A-10 Rookie Performer honors. She was joined by junior Aja Jackson (19:20.0; 15th) freshman Keara Thomas (20:01.0; 28th), sophomore Justine Thompson (20:11.0; 33rd) and freshman Laura McCary (20:22.0; 40th).
Charlotte returns to action on Nov. 10 in Louisville, Kentucky for the NCAA Regionals.
