Women’s Cross Country Looks Strong at Wilmington Fall Classic

WILMINGTON, Ohio – The women's cross country team continued showing progress with some strong individual performances and a 12th-place team finish at the Wilmington College Fall Classic on Friday. Five DC harriers posted their best time of the season, in what was their last meet before the HCAC Championships.

Defiance finished just behind conference opponents Hanover (9th – 312) and Franklin (11th – 315), and in front of Rose-Hulman (18th - 514), Transylvania (19th - 525), Anderson (25th - 625), Earlham (26th - 686), and Mount St. Joseph (27th – 722).

Kaitlin Switzer paced the team once again, covering the 5k course in 19:57.43 to place 38th overall. The next four finishers for Defiance each posted new personal records for the season, led by Ericha Griep, who crossed the line in 20:38.71 for a 65th-place finish.

Kate Busto came in third for DC with a time of 20:42.22, while Ellen Stryffeler (20:43.38) and Erika DeBos (21:38.25) came in fourth and fifth respectively to round out the scoring for the Yellow Jackets. Kaye Bockbrader and Katie Tibbets finished sixth and seventh for Defiance, followed by Samantha Davis who posted a season-best time of 24:39.15.

The Lady Jackets will now focus their efforts on preparing for the HCAC Championships, which will take place on Saturday, October 30, at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky. The meet is set to begin at 11:00 a.m.