MACOMB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's cross country team opened its 2023 season Friday at the Western Illinois Alumni Cross Country Invitational at Spring Lake Park in Macomb.
"Today was a good start to our season," said NIU first-year head coach Juan Carrillo. "Our top three looked good running together in a pack. I think the overall team's fitness is better than what it was a year ago at this time of season and it's always good to see progress and growth from the previous year. Overall, I'm happy with the effort they put in today and how we fought through the hot weather conditions. We will continue to improve and get better for our next meet at Bowling Green."
Seniors
Julia Finegan (Palatine, Ill./Fremd HS),
Emma Planck (Downington, Pa./Downington West HS) and
Katelyn Robbins (Liberty, Ill./Liberty HS) finished ninth, 10th and 11th, respectively to lead the way for NIU. The trio finished within five seconds of each other with Finegan running the 4K course in 14:54.7, Planck in 14:57.4 and Robbins crossing the line in 14:59.8.
Junior
Joy Jackson (North Aurora, Ill./Benet Academy) and sophomore
Lydia Bauer (DeForest, Wis./DeForest HS) rounded out the Huskie top five. Jackson placed 15th with a time of 15:47.8 while Bauer's time of 16:07.5 was good for 17th place.
The Huskies' team score of 59 tied host Western Illinois for second place in the meet. Bradley earned the win with 17 points.
NIU returns to action on Friday, September 15 at the Mel Brodt Collegiate Open in Bowling Green, Ohio, site of the 2023 Mid-American Conference Championships.
Western Illinois Alumni Invitational Results
Team Standings
1. Bradley 17
2 (tie). NIU 59
Western Illinois 59
4. Carl Sandburg 120
NIU Individuals
9.
Julia Finegan 14:54.7
10.
Emma Planck 14:57.4
11.
Katelyn Robbins 14:59.8
15.
Joy Jackson 15:47.8
17.
Lydia Bauer 16:07.5
19.
Carly Leonard 16:11.5
20.
Morgan Gioia 16:17.3
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