Sept. 6, 2008

Fairfield, CT - Complete Fordham Invitational Resutls

Despite the tropical storm that rolled into the region today the men and women cross country teams were able to compete in their season opener at the Fordham Invitational. In large fields SHU posted a 6th place finish out of 16 teams in the men's race and a 7th place finish in a 20 team competition on the women's side. Luis German (Southampton, NY/Southampton) was the top Pioneer runner, finishing in 20th place with a time of 27:44.60. Sophomore Samantha Troy (Lebanon, CT/Lyman Memorial) built off her strong freshmen season with a 21st place finish clocking in at 19:49.72.

Conference rival and NEC preseason favorite Quinnipiac had a very strong showing, finishing second in both races. Navy not only won, but dominated both races putting 4 runners in the top 6 in the men's race and boasted 6 of the top 10 runners on the women's side.

All NEC honoree John Kenworthy (Gloversville, NY/Gloversville) started off his season with a time of 28:24.20 claiming 38th place. Matthew Chorney (Bristol, NH/Newfound Regional) was the Pioneers third finisher as he crossed the line in 49th with a time of 28:48.26. Junior Ryan Murdoch (Salem, CT/East Lyme and freshman Taylor Dressman (Brooklyn, NY/William E. Grady) rounded out the top five for the Pioneer with times of 28:54.72 and 29:14.01 respectively.

On the women's side it was youth that propelled the Pioneers to their 7th place finish. The Troy sisters, both sophomores, finished one-two for the Pioneers. Dana Troy (Lebanon, CT/Lyman Memorial), a three-time Brine/NEC Rookie of the Week last season, finished with a time of 20:16.88 in 40th place. The last three scoring spots were rounded out by a trio of freshmen. Sara Pollock (Sandy Hook, CT/Newtown) clocked in at 20:28.95 taking home a 46th place finish. Mekenzie Krause (Bennington, VT/Mt. Anthony Union), posted a time of 20:38.56 and was the Pioneers fourth best finisher. Brigid Paddock (Stony Brook, NY/Ward Melville) rounded out the Pioneers top 5 with a time of 21:02.51.

Both teams will be back in action next Saturday, September 13th, at the Fairfield University Mini Invitational. Race time is scheduled for 10:30 am as the Pioneers look to build on the success of their debut race.