Graceland Women Close Regular Season at Blazing Tiger Classic

ASHLAND, Neb. — The Graceland University women's cross country team wrapped up its regular season Saturday at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic, hosted at Mahoney State Park. The Yellowjackets competed in a field of over 275 runners and 27 full teams in the final race before postseason competition.

Graceland placed 27th overall with a team score of 779. Junior Alissa Caruso led the Yellowjackets, placing 164th with a time of 25:34.64 on the 5-kilometer course. She was followed by junior Caitlin Grover, who finished 186th in 26:06.86, and sophomore Sierra Davenport, who crossed 235th in 27:39.13.

Also scoring for Graceland were sophomore Lidya Haile (247th, 28:24.57), junior Thayadorra Echavarria (253rd, 28:55.71), and sophomore Cameron Sharp (263rd, 30:37.65).

"This was a great tune-up meet before conference to give us a good idea where we are compared to some top conference schools," said head coach Tom Shore. "Everyone is hitting season-best times right now, and we are excited for the last two weeks of season."

Cross country does not compete with a traditional win-loss record, but Graceland's performance marked a strong finish to the regular season against a competitive NAIA field.

Up Next

Graceland returns to the course Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11:45 a.m. CST for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship, held at Seminole Valley Cross Country Course in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland cross country and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.