Crusaders Compete at Nicole Leman Invitational

LONGVIEW, Texas - The University of Dallas women's cross country team competed in their season opening meet at the Nicole Leman Invitational on Saturday.

Maria Pecha and Melisa Gabino represented UD in a field of 22 runners for the three mile race.  Pecha finished 12th with a final time of 25:10, and Gabino placed 18th with a time of 28:05.  Pecha was 40 seconds outside a top 10 finish, and two and a half minutes outside the top five.  

"This is definitely a rebuilding year for us, with athletes graduating and studying abroad in our Rome program," said head coach Nick Schneigert.  "The team is very different with All-American, Anna Wilgenbusch, graduating.  There were some ups and downs for this race, but overall I was impressed.  I am looking forward to seeing how they grow from this race and the years to come."

The Crusaders are back in action next Saturday as they host the University of Dallas Invitational.