Saturday, September 2
Hamilton, NY
11:00 AM
Lehigh University
at
Harry Lang Invitational
Photo by: Don Paul
Women's Cross Country Places Third At Harry Lang Invitational
9/2/2023 4:41:00 PM | Women's Cross Country
HAMILTON, N.Y. – Only a day removed from their season opener, Lehigh women's cross country competed again today at the Harry Lang Invitational at Colgate University. The Mountain Hawks finished in third place overall in today's 5k and finished three runners in the top-10 despite only half of the team competing.
"Apparently we are going to be the 'one point' team that squeaks by other teams this season," said head coach Debbie Utesch after a second-straight one-point margin over the team behind them. "This meet, we outran Buffalo by one for third place, but it only takes one more pass to lower that score one point and one point earns the win over another team. That's competing!"
Although only eight runners ran for the Mountain Hawks, those eight made a difference. Sophomore Lucy Afanasewicz led the group, placing fourth overall with a time of 18:17.0. Junior Maddison Hayes finished not too far behind, coming in eighth place at 18:34.7 followed by senior Christina Yakaboski in tenth place in 18:35.3. First-year Elizabeth Jenulis placed 43rd while first-years Aurora Wilson and Grace Hughes and senior Andrine Larsen finished in 59th, 66th, and 78th respectively.
"I'm seeing some women who may be gaining a bit more confidence and a willingness to take some chances to run toward the front," said Utesch. "Lucy, Maddie, and Christina did a great job jockeying for position on a tough course and all came away with top-10 finishes. Another group of first-years found themselves in critical scoring positions, which will pay dividends later in the season."
In addition to the team competing hard, this morning's race was also an opportunity for the runners to see Colgate's course, which is the site of this year's Patriot League championship. Getting the chance to run the course early in the season will certainly be beneficial later in the year.
"Colgate has a true cross country course, which is very fun to run but also very strategic," said Utesch. "We don't really race on anything else like it and even the logistics of getting to the site of the meet requires some unique preparation. The women can really walk away with an understanding of how the course feels and an ability to mentally prepare and visualize for what's around the next switchback turn."
The Mountain Hawks will take a weekend off from competing before returning to action on September 16 for the Lehigh/Lafayette dual meet. The women's race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Easton.
2023 Harry Lang Invitational Women's 5k Results
"Apparently we are going to be the 'one point' team that squeaks by other teams this season," said head coach Debbie Utesch after a second-straight one-point margin over the team behind them. "This meet, we outran Buffalo by one for third place, but it only takes one more pass to lower that score one point and one point earns the win over another team. That's competing!"
Although only eight runners ran for the Mountain Hawks, those eight made a difference. Sophomore Lucy Afanasewicz led the group, placing fourth overall with a time of 18:17.0. Junior Maddison Hayes finished not too far behind, coming in eighth place at 18:34.7 followed by senior Christina Yakaboski in tenth place in 18:35.3. First-year Elizabeth Jenulis placed 43rd while first-years Aurora Wilson and Grace Hughes and senior Andrine Larsen finished in 59th, 66th, and 78th respectively.
"I'm seeing some women who may be gaining a bit more confidence and a willingness to take some chances to run toward the front," said Utesch. "Lucy, Maddie, and Christina did a great job jockeying for position on a tough course and all came away with top-10 finishes. Another group of first-years found themselves in critical scoring positions, which will pay dividends later in the season."
In addition to the team competing hard, this morning's race was also an opportunity for the runners to see Colgate's course, which is the site of this year's Patriot League championship. Getting the chance to run the course early in the season will certainly be beneficial later in the year.
"Colgate has a true cross country course, which is very fun to run but also very strategic," said Utesch. "We don't really race on anything else like it and even the logistics of getting to the site of the meet requires some unique preparation. The women can really walk away with an understanding of how the course feels and an ability to mentally prepare and visualize for what's around the next switchback turn."
The Mountain Hawks will take a weekend off from competing before returning to action on September 16 for the Lehigh/Lafayette dual meet. The women's race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Easton.
2023 Harry Lang Invitational Women's 5k Results
- Bucknell, 38
- Syracuse, 47
- Lehigh, 100
- Buffalo, 101
- Navy, 112
- Lafayette, 173
- Colgate, 201
- Cornell, 213
- Binghamton, 248
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
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