Leesburg, Fla. – The Lake-Sumter State College women's team competed in Orlando over the weekend at the UCF Invitational.
Coming through the final loop, the lead golf cart went in the wrong direction. The error shortened the 5k to 2.9 miles. The times are converted to 5k times.
Placing third among NJCAA runners, Kyja Williams finished with a time of 20:44. Improving her time since running at Embry Riddle. Erica Bunk was the second Lakehawk to cross the finish line coming in 10th in 22:43, shrinking her previous time by over a minute. Stacey Clark, Alexis Doll and Meridith Richemond all finished within 12 seconds of each other to place 14 through 16 respectively.
"The Women's race was tough mentally," said Head Coach, Cristy Snellgroves. "We work on knowing, understanding, and visualizing the finish and the plans for executing a strong race to the finish line. When the women came out of the woods and realized that there was a mistake they were already at the finish line. There was a lot of confusion and frustration, but the women handled it with positive attitudes and are really looking forward to running in Tallahassee in two weeks."
Snellgroves said of her athletes' performances, "Kyja hung on to the leaders from Daytona for a good part of the race. Her plan was to move up towards the end, but because of the mistake, was unable to execute her race plan. She will be in great racing form by the Regional meet at the end of the month and ready to compete with the top women in the region. Erica just keeps improving every week and I look for her to run in the 21-minute range by Regionals. The women do a great job of running in a pack and pushing themselves and each other."
The final meet of the regular season comes in the form of the Florida State University Invitational at Apalachee Regional Park. A precursor to the Region 8 meet two weeks later at the same location.