Sept. 28, 2002
For Immediate Release
Contact: J.R. Belew (417) 625-9359

Women's cross country team places second at Miner Invitational

Three Missouri Southern runners placed in the top 15, helping the Lady Lions' cross country team to a second-place team finish at the University of Missouri-Rolla Miner Invitational on Saturday.

Southern, which finished with 63 points and 10 points back of winner Truman State, was led by a second-place showing from sophomore Ashley Caffey (Lebanon, Mo.), who completed the course in 19:04.7 and finished 3.4 seconds off the winning pace. Junior Jen Noelken (St. Charles, Mo.) brought home seventh place in 19:37.6 and junior Rachel Patterson (Raytown, Mo.) placed 15th with a time of 20:07.1.

Freshman Johanna Kanala (Halsua, Finland) made it four Lady Lions in the top 20 as she placed 20th with a time of 20:26.0. Junior Emily Cassin (Jefferson City, Mo.) (23rd) and freshman Jessica Deatrick (Lee's Summit, Mo.) (29th) rounded out the Southern contingent with times of 20:31.2 and 21:11.9, respectively.

MSSC had a tight grasp on second place in the final team standings, as third-place went to Northwest Missouri State with a total of 91 points. Washington (Mo.) University came in fourth with 104, and Drury rounded out the top five with 124 points.

The Lady Lions are next slated to compete Oct. 5 in Stillwater, Okla. at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree.

University of Missouri-Rolla Miner Invitational
Sat., Sept. 28, 2002 Women's (6K)

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
1. Truman, 53
2. Missouri Southern, 63
3. Northwest Missouri State, 91
4. Washington (Mo.), 104
5. Drury, 124
6. Missouri-Rolla, 171
7. Lincoln, 175
8. Maryville, 188
9. Evangel, 223
10. St. Louis Coll. of Pharmacy, 255
11. Webster, 295

MISSOURI SOUTHERN INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
2. Ashley Caffey, 19:01.3
7. Jen Noelken, 19:37.6
15. Rachel Patterson, 20:07.1
20. Johanna Kanala, 20:26.0
23. Emily Cassin, 20:31.2
29. Jessica Deatrick, 21:11.9