By Alanna Huggett, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, WI (Blugolds.com) – It was another successful race day for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team. The Blugolds raced at the City Wells Invitational, winning the meet with a score of 21 points.
Ashley Kachurik (Fr. – Wadsworth, IL/Warren Township) was the overall champion, finishing with a time of 19:11 to set a new course record. Kachurik said she was proud of how she ran her race even though she went out faster than anticipated.
"I loved running on our home course, it gave my confidence going into the race and it's one of my favorite courses."
The next Blugold to finish was Abby Lewis (Fr. – Austin, MN). Lewis finished in second place with a time of 19:24. Following Lewis was Anna Schueth (Fr. – Hartland, WI/Arrowhead). Schueth placed fifth with a time of 19:45.
Rachel Hirsch (Sr. – Brookfield, WI/Brookfield Central) and Caroline Palen (Jr. – Shoreview, MN/ Mounds View) rounded out the top 5 for the Blugolds. Hirsch finished sixth with a time of 19:50. Palen finished in seventh place with a time of 19:54.
Kachurik also commented on the performance of the team at the race. Kachurik said, "I was so proud of the way my teammates ran. It was so much fun running with them and I'm so happy so many of them ran personal records."
Julia Karls (Fr. – St. Cloud, MN/Apollo) and Alanna Huggett (Jr. – Marshall, WI) were the next women to cross the finish line for the Blugolds. Karls finished in eighth place with a time of 20:01. Huggett finished in 10th place with a time of 20:11.
Head Coach Dan Schwamberger said he is excited for upcoming races based off Friday's performance.
"The team ran incredibly strong," said Schwamberger. "It has me excited to see what's possible in our championship season."
The Blugolds will start their championship season this next Saturday, November 2 at the WIAC Conference Meet held at the Cole Acres Golf Course. The meet will be hosted by UW-Platteville.
