Women's Team Shocks the Competition for Home Event
The Penn State Fayette Cross Country team hosted its Invitational Saturday and both the men's and women's teams had solid showings as the women's team won its event while the men finished third.
"Our women's team shocked the competition and the men's team was third," said head coach Joe Carei. "This was stiff competition with three Division II teams and several Division III teams. The women have won all their invitationals that they have had a full team."
Fayette finished with 57 team points, three better than Fairmont State and its 60 team points.
Carlina Jacquez from Fairmont State won the women's 6k in a time of 24:07.3, but Fayette had three runners finish in the top eight. Nicole Walker (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin HS) was third in 26:00.7, Josie Pindro (Hopwood, PA/Geibel Catholic) was fourth in 26:27.1 and Kelsey Wilkins was eighth in 28:15.1. Chloe Kalp (Melcroft, PA/Connellsville HS) was 15th in 30:16.2, Haley Miller (Masontown, PA/Albert Gallatin HS) was 27th in 33:05.2 and Abagail Berry was 45th in a time of 44:13.0.
"We had Chloe take it easy the first half of the race due to a hamstring injury, but we let her race the second half and she passed double digit runners and that made the difference. Kudos to Kelsey who toughed out a top-10 finish."
Glenville State took first place in the men's race with 32 team points, Fairmont State finished second with 66 team points and Fayette took third with 89 team points.
Mitch Minda (Elizabeth, PA/Elizabeth Forward HS) looked best for the men with a third-place finish in 29:27.1. Joe O'Connell (West Mifflin, PA/West Mifflin HS) also had a top 10 finish as he came in eighth in 30:54.8. Drew Erdman (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem HS) was 15th in 32:31.4, Ethan Mates (Mt. Pleasant, PA/Mt. Pleasant HS) finished in 25th with a time of 34:47.8, Logan Miller (Uniontown, PA/Laurel Highlands HS) was 38th in 37:41.7 and Jacob Noel was 50th in 41:35.9.
"Mitch ran well and according to plan," said Carei. "HIs consistency helps our goals."
Fayette returns to action Saturday, October 2 in the Penn State Scranton Invitational.
For more on the cross-country team, go to https://www.psfathletics.com/sports/xc/index or follow us on Instagram @fayetteathletics.