Tampa Takes Top Spot at Mountain Dew Invitational
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's cross country team won its second straight race, taking the top spot at the Mountain Dew Invitational. The Spartans men also competed and placed fourth.
The women's 6K saw Tampa finish ahead of Flagler and Nova Southeastern while Tennessee and Auburn were the top Division II teams.
Courtney Ragan finished 25th to lead all Spartans as her time was 22:24.55. Freshman Claudia Cancello followed at 26th with a showing of 22:25.75.Chantalle Blundell (36th, 22:37.39), Vanessa Righeimer (39th, 22:40.90) and Kelly Hagan (48th, 22:56.62) were also part of the Spartan top-five.
Also running for head coach Jarrett Slaven's women were Danielle Kissel (61st, 23:11.76), Ronni Mercier (65th, 23:21.71), Elaina Cancello (76th, 23:34.18), Jessie Luttenschlager (135th, 24:58.01) and Brianna Jackson (165th, 25:44.50).
Embry-Riddle won the men's event, followed by Florida Southern, Nova Southeastern and Tampa. The host, Florida, took top honors among Division I schools.
For the second straight week, Mike Zwijacz was the top performer for the Spartans as the senior completed the 8K in 26:22.24 to place 57th. Geremy DeWitt (71st, 26:41.60), Lars Benner (79th, 26:50.81), Matt Hoffman (87th, 27:06.23), Jessie Boria (110th, 27:33.10), Aaron Oldanie (113th, 27:34.64), Cory Munsch (122nd, 27:50.07), Steven Dennig (133rd, 28:17.96), Kyle Taylor (136th, 28:21.80) and Brendan McGonagle (150th, 28:50.43) also raced for UT.
The Spartans return to action on Friday, Sept. 27, at the UT Pre-Regionals. Tampa will serve as the host for the event held at Dover Trails.
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