University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
Crimson Tide Classic
Cross Country Eagles Finish Eighth at the Crimson Tide Classic
10/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field/Cross Country
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Southern Miss women's cross country team placed eighth out of 26 teams at the Crimson Tide Classic on Friday at the Harry Pritchett Running Park.
"I'm very happy with progress we made today," said cross country coach Aaron Kindt. "Just about everyone came out of here with a personal record on this course. We took another positive step forward."
Rebecca Ulrich led the way for the Golden Eagles in a very competitive field. She was the top finisher for the Golden Eagles, placing in the top 25 and covering the 5K course in a time of 17:44.32. Kristin Zarrella crossed the finish line with a time of 18:10.15 while Dana Dillistone was next with a time of 18:15.29. According the Kindt, all three runners ran significantly faster on this course as compared to last season.
Rounding out the remaining Eagles were Daphney Stanford at 18:16.36, Alondra Hoyos was next at 18:51.74 and Victoria Hoppe at 19:40.79.
"I challenged Rebecca to run outside her comfort zone today and she was really tested throughout this race," Kindt continued. "It was very encouraging to see her battle and fight to top 25 finish in what was a loaded field. I think that experience today will pay dividends as we look toward CUSA championships in a couple weeks."
Oklahoma State took the team title with 30 points after placing five runners in the top 10. Texas A&M's Karis Jochen was the individual winner with a time of 16:46.23.
"Kristin and Dana put together very strong efforts," said Kindt. "It's fun to look back on how much this team has grown in the past year. Dana had a PR by a full min on this course today from a year ago and Kristin by about 25 seconds.
"Daphney and Alondra didn't have their best today but still competed hard and helped complete another solid team day. We know as a team we have yet to really run what we are capable of and I think that has this team hungry prove themselves going into championship season," Kindt said.
Southern Miss starts preparations for the Conference USA Championship slated for Oct. 31 at WKU.
Southern Miss Results
8 - Southern Miss 265 -- 24-49-54-55-83-126
Rebecca Ulrich (24) 17:44.32
Kristin Zarrella (49) 18:10.15
Dana Dillistone (54) 18:15.29
Daphney Stanford (55) 18:16.36
Alondra Hoyos (83) 18:51.74
Victoria Hoppe (126) 19:40.79
