By Alanna Huggett, UWEC Sports Information
COLFAX, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire women's cross country team raced at their home meet, the Blugold Invitational, on Friday, October 4. The women competed against 27 other teams and were the overall champions, scoring 49 points.
Despite rainy weather earlier in the week, the weather held off and racing conditions were ideal for the Blugolds. The course itself also held up against the poor weather.
"Whitetail Golf Course always does a good job of getting the course ready for us. I was a little worried how the course would be, but it was great," said Head Coach Dan Schwamberger.
Leading the way for the women was Lexie Tremble (Sr. – Muskego, WI), who finished second with a time of 22:09.9.
The next runner to cross the line was Lizzy Cisewski (Jr. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli High School) placing eighth with a time of 22:30.5. Emma Drangstveit (Jr. – Lakeville, MN/Lakeville North High School) was the third Blugold finisher, placing 11th in 22:37.6.
Hannah Lamack (Jr. – Kewaunee, WI) and Liz Galloway (Jr. – Mt. Prospect, IL) rounded out the top five for the team. Lamack placed 17th with a time of 22:53.2 and Galloway finished 21st in 22:56.6.
Galloway said she felt confident going into the race because of her training. She also said the team performed well.
"A lot of girls stepped up and ran PR's which is always impressive, and there was such a positive racing environment," said Galloway.
Galloway also commented on the excitement of racing at a home meet.
"It's so great to have friends and track teammates out there cheering us on. We only get one home meet a year so it's always a highlight to be racing with so many fans there supporting us!" Galloway said.
Naomi Long (So. – Medina, MN/Wayzata) was the next runner to finish, placing 27th, running a time of 23:09.3. Kylie Judd (Fr. – Anchorage, AK/AJ Diamond) was the seventh Blugold, finishing 32nd with a time of 23:23.5.
Head Coach Dan Schwamberger was pleased with how the women raced on Friday.
"Obviously the women winning was big; they followed the plan and ran smart," said Schwamberger.
"I think we're where we need to be right now, so if we just keep doing our thing, the upcoming weeks should be fun," said Schwamberger.
The Blugolds will race again on Saturday, October 19 at the UW-Oshkosh Invite which will be held at Lake Breeze Golf Course in Winneconne, Wis.
