Toledo Finishes Runner-Up in MAC Championships

Saturday, October 28

Oxford, Ohio

University of Toledo

MAC Championships

10/28/2017 1:10:00 PM | Women's Cross Country

OXFORD, Ohio - The Toledo women's cross country team finished runner-up with 99 points behind nationally ranked Eastern Michigan in the Mid-American Conference Championships on Saturday morning at the Miami University Cross Country Course.

"I'm very proud of the women's team today," said Toledo head coach Linh Nguyen. "We talked about running hard for each other, and I think that's what we did."

The Rockets were led by sophomore Athena Welsh who came across the finish line in 10th place. Welsh clocked in at 21:10.7 as the first Rocket to complete the 6k course.

Following Welsh were seniors Janelle Noe and Stephanie Barlow. Noe clocked in with a 21:31.1 to take 15th place, while Barlow recorded a 21:36.7 to finish in 20th place.

Senior Joan Jepkirui and junior Jennifer Lichter rounded out the scoring with 25th- and 29th-place finishes, respectively. Jepkirui stopped the clock at 21:49.6, while Lichter was just behind at 22:00.5.

Eastern Michigan won the meet with 45 points behind three top 10 finishes.

"This has been a fun team to coach this year," continued Nguyen. "I'm excited to see what they can do at regionals."

The Rockets will compete in the Great Lakes Regional on Friday, Nov. 10 in Terre Haute, Ind. for a chance to advance to advance to the NCAA Championships.

Team Results
1. Eastern Michigan 45
2. Toledo 99
3. Miami 115
4. Northern Illinois 125
5. Buffalo 137
6. Central Michigan 149
7. Western Michigan 164
8. Ohio 182
9. Bowling Green 189
10. Akron 262
11. Ball State 276
12. Kent State 307

Toledo Individuals
10. Athena Welsh 21:10.7
15. Janelle Noe 21:31.1
20. Stephanie Barlow 21:36.7
25. Joan Jepkirui 21:49.6
29. Jennifer Lichter 22:00.5
35. Petronela Simiuc 22:09.7
49. Delainey Phelps 22:28.9
60. Michelle Hostettler 22:42.1
64. Zita Molnar 22:47.6