Monday, September 18, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. – Placing five of its runners in the top-14 en route to a first-place finish at the Sundodger Invitational, Simon Fraser women’s cross country has been selected as the Red Lion/GNAC Team of the Week.

Prior to earning its second-straight meet victory, Simon Fraser jumped seven spots to No. 7 in the USTFCCCA Division II Polls earlier in the week. The Clan finished the Sundodger Invitational in Seattle with 42 points, 13 ahead of second place Point Loma. GNAC rival Seattle Pacific finished in third with 132 points.

Senior Julia Howley paced the Clan with a third-place finish, covering the 6,000 meters in 21:22.9. Her recent performance has led to GNAC Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. Howley achieved her first collegiate cross country victory at the Ash Creek Invitational last weekend, covering the 4,600-meter course in 16:24.6.

“Julia ran a strong race,” said Clan head coach Brit Townsend. “She went out hard, faded a little bit in the middle, and then came back strong to finish third overall.”

The Clan women saw its second place competitor end in ninth, as freshman Olivia Willett finished in 21:44.5. Just one minute later, three consecutive Simon Fraser runners came in with a time just shy of 22 minutes. Junior Addy Townsend placed 11th in 21:56.7 while senior Miryam Bassett completed the course shortly after, placing 12th in 21:56.9. Junior Chelsea Ribiero capped off the five Clan runners in the top-14 with a time of 21:57.4.

“Olivia had a great run and she’s really in her element at this distance,” added Townsend. “I’m very happy to have her as part of our squad as she looks to be one of our top five throughout the season.”

Senior Paige Nock and senior Sophie Dodd rounded out the Clan’s top seven performers. Nock placed 30th in 22:40.2 while Dodd finished the course 42nd in 22:54.5.

Simon Fraser travels to Minneapolis, Minn. to compete in the Roy Griak Invitational hosted by Minnesota on Sat., Sept. 23.