Lions race at Covered Bridge Invitational

BOONE, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's cross country team continued their 2023 campaign at the Covered Bridge Invitational at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. run over the 5k race distance. The women's team faced off against formidable DI teams including Florida State, Wake Forest, and host Appalachian State and finished as the 12th team overall and third team among DII competition. 

Continuing a strong start to her season, Hannah Frazer led the Lions with her 73rd place finish with a time of 20:01.26 in her first ever collegiate 5k race. Running most of the race together with Frazer and following closely behind on the line was Lindsey Jenkins, who finished 78th overall with a nearly two minute collegiate PR of 20:15.91. 

The trio of Sophia LeBrun, Emma Bridges, and Megan Van Etten worked well together throughout the race and finished close together as the third, fourth and fifth Lions' runners to round out team scoring. This was the 5k collegiate debut for LeBrun and a 58 second personal best for Bridges. 

Thoughts from Coach Benge: 

"It was exciting to watch the ladies run together in packs throughout the race as they helped push each other to stronger performances. I always emphasize how the people you train with each day are who help shape you into the person you are, and we really saw that play out on the cross country course today. I am excited for the future of the ladies team after so many new personal records today. We will get back to focused training for the next two weeks before we have an opportunity to set some new records on the cross country course!" 

To view the full list of results, please click here.

The Mars Hill cross country teams race next against some of the best teams from around the nation at the Live in Lou Classic in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, September 30th.