Team Results

Individual Results

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The SIUE women's cross country team opened the 2011 season going 1-2 in dual-scoring meets at the Ron Pynn Invitational hosted by the University of North Dakota Saturday morning.

The Cougars picked up a close 26-30 victory over Minot State but fell 20-39 to the host Fighting Sioux from North Dakota and 18-44 to the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State.

"We had a lot of positive things happen," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "Our paces were so much faster and more consistent than the opener at Illinois last year. That is a great sign. Overall, it was a great trip and good experience for an opener."

Senior Aftan Noon picked up where she left off last season leading the Cougars in the 5,000-meter race, in the team's farthest meet from home. Noon finished in fourth place in a time of 19 minutes, 26.79 seconds.

Finishing 14th overall, sophomore Claire Brown put her off-season training to good use ending the race in 19:50.97.

Sophomore transfer Kala Griffin was right behind Brown finishing her first race in a Cougar uniform in 20:01.09 for 17th place.

A trio of SIUE runners crossed the finish line next with only seven seconds separating them. Sophomore Hannah Lee (20:23.90), 5th-year Ioana Citireag (20:26.38) and sophomore Emily Conlon (20:30.20) placed 26th, 28th, and 30th, respectively.

"Claire and Hannah both ran smart races," added McAllister. "They were able to respond later in the race. Both are already right there with their personal-best times."

Freshman Ellen Goins made her Cougar debut on Ray Richards Golf Course running the 5k in a time of 20:52.00 to finish 34th.

"Ellen had a good showing," said McAllister. "She ran smart and in the path she needed to be in despite there being a small field."

SIUE returns home for its next meet when it hosts the SIUE Cross Country Challenge Sept. 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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