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HomeSportsAPSU Women's Cross Country open season in Nashville at Belmont Opener

APSU Women’s Cross Country open season in Nashville at Belmont Opener

APSU Women's Cross CountryNashville, TN – Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s cross country team opened the 2019 season with strong runs in the 5 kilometer race at the Belmont Opener, Friday evening.

In her first race since the 2017 season, Emmaculate Kiplagat was the first Governor to cross the finish line recording a 22nd-place finish in 19:40.48.

Austin Peay Women's Cross Country ran strong at Belmont Opener, Friday. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Women’s Cross Country ran strong at Belmont Opener, Friday. (APSU Sports Information)

Sophomore Molly Howard was next up for the Govs as she placed in the top-30 (29th) with a time of 19:58.93.

Sara Martin secured her first team top-three performance of the season and recorded a 20:55.86 run to finish 39th. Sophomore Mikaela Smith checked in at 21:03.60 and placed three spots behind Martin (42nd). Junior Keleah Shell placed 63rd with a time of 22:29.46.

Four Governors finished in sequential order (71st-74th) to round off final scoring for the team. Larin Harr was the first out of the quartet at 23:08.05 and less than a second later, Destiny Nicholas crossed the line (23:09.83). Alura Endres was next at 23:14.95 and less than ten seconds later, Sophia Wilson finished 23:23.40 to round out the quartet. Emily Woodward finished 25:24.96 (79th) to finish out the day for the Govs.

10 teams battled in the Belmont opener with Vanderbilt coming out on top.

“It was great having Emma back this year after taking off because of an injury,”  said head coach Valerie Brown. “After sitting out last year, her efforts today were strong, and I look forward to watch her build on.

“Molly, Keleah, and Sara all had a great start. These young ladies are just getting started to what I think will be a really good season for them all. We have some talent on this roster, and I’m excited to watch them grow and build from today.”

Austin Peay will head to Edwardsville, Illinois to the SIUE John Flamer Invitational September 13th.

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