Charleston Southern University Athletics
USC Gamecock Invite
Bucs take 7th at Carolina Challenge
8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Charleston Southern opened its 2013 women's cross country season with a 7th place finish at the Carolina Challenge on Friday afternoon.
The Bucs were without two of their top runners from last season in sophomore Jessie Dotson and senior Hannah Burkholder, and featured a lineup with four freshmen. Considering CSU's youth, coach Ryan Thompson was encouraged by the results.
"It was hot and humid and I was happy with our effort, especially with such a limited squad," Thompson said. "Team-wise, it would have been a different story if Jessie and Hannah had run. We had four freshmen toeing the line for their first college meet, and were still able to run faster than we did two years ago at this event with all juniors."
Freshman Hannah Palm paced the Bucs with a 27th place time of 20:17, while classmate Madison Burkholder – the younger sister of Hannah – was not far behind at 20:48. Another first-year runner, Emily Lyons was CSU's next finisher at 21:38, and Columbia native Mary Grace Hutchinson rounded out the Bucs' freshmen group with a time of 22:29. Senior Mary Davidson was CSU's other competitor, finishing the course in 21:36.
Coastal Carolina came out on top in the 11-team event, besting hosting South Carolina by two points. The Bucs finished ahead of USC Beaufort, Georgia Southern, Big South rival Presbyterian, and South Carolina State.
Next up for CSU is the Asheville Cross Country Carnival on September 14. Charleston Southern's men will open their season in the event as well.
