Women race to finish at Acadia Invitational

Women race to finish at Acadia Invitational
September 13, 2014

 

On a gorgeous day in Wolfville, NS, the V-Reds women's cross country team took part in the first event of the 2014 AUS Cross Country season hosted by Acadia University. With athletes from all eight teams in the AUS represented (StFX, Dalhousie, Acadia, Memorial, St.Mary's, UdeM, STU, and UNB) it was a great opportunity to see what is in store for the AUS conference and the Varsity Reds.

 

Leading the way for the Varsity Reds was Captain Sarah Myatt who finished the race by out kicking first year Cailie McGuire in the final meters of the 5000m finishing in 9th and 10th respectively.  Fellow first year Rachel Bennet was followed close behind in 11th place.  Team veteran Roya MacDonald was not far behind finishing in 13th place, closely followed by last years AUS rookie of the year Katie Robinson in 15th and Katie Wallace in 16th.

 

The team ran as a group for most of the race and were able support each other with a pack mentality allowing them to finish 2nd in the team competition - their highest score in years.  Dalhousie won the event with St.FX finishing third.  Also of note was that in last year's season opener the top 5 UNB women averaged a time of 20:56 while this year's squad averaged a time of 19:27, a significant improvement showing how improved this team is. 

 

Veteran Coach Tim Randall was extremely pleased with how the team ran but made sure to note that this result only scratched the surface of what this team is capable of this year.

 

Sarah Myatt               9th      19:15

Cailie McGuire           10th    19:16

Rachel Bennett          11th    19:20

Roya MacDonald       13th    19:40

Katie Robinson          15th    19:45

Katie Wallace             16th    19:47

 

First years Cailie McGuire and Rachel Bennett were the 2nd and 3rd first year athletes in the conference, finishing only 9 and 13 seconds behind Dalhousie's Kayte Kowall for top rookie at the meet.

 

Next up for the V-Reds will be their co-hosted home meet with Saint Thomas University on Saturday September 20th.  The 6000m race will take place at Odell park starting at 12:00pm.  The team will be looking to use their regular practice location to their advantage as they go for a victory in front of a supportive crowd.  Your V-Reds encourage you to come out and support the team at their only event in Fredericton.  Wear your red and support your Varsity Reds!