LYNDONVILLE, Vt. – The Southern Vermont College women's cross country competed in the 2012 Vermont Cross Country Intercollegiate Championship on Saturday at Lyndon State College, and the Mountaineers pushed through a tough course with sloppy conditions.
SVC was led by freshman Haley Omasta (Danbury, Conn.) who finished 23rd with a time of 25:05.7. Senior captain Loni Masierso (Wallkill, N.Y.) was a touch over two minutes behind, placing 31st at 27:13.3. Nationally-ranked Middlebury College (4) won the meet with seven of its runners crossing the finish line at the head of the pack. Panthers sophomore Katie Carlson (Princeton, Mass.) took the top placing, finishing the 5K in 20:21.6
Morning rain caused the course to be very wet, laced with puddles which the runners had to negotiate. Along with sharp corners, steep climbs and a narrow single track, it was not forgiving to their times and made for a rough race.
Head coach Maria Stuber said of the championship, "I was very proud of my athletes for being tough and staying positive in the sloppy conditions. Next week is a much needed weekend off for us. We will focus on volume and recovery."
In addition to Middlebury, the quality field was comprised of a good Lyndon State team and Division II-Saint Michael's College. "This is the best competition we will see until the NCAA Regional," said Stuber.
The Mountaineers next compete at the Western New England Golden Bears Invitational in Springfield, Mass. on October 13.