Jackson, Strock, Viparina Lead JMU at UVa Duals

Wednesday, September 2

Earlysville, Va.

5 p.m.

James Madison University

UVa Duals

9/2/2015 8:11:00 PM | Cross Country

Results

EARLYSVILLE, Va. - The James Madison cross country team opened its season Wednesday evening by placing three runners in the top 15 at the UVa Dual at the Panorama Farms Cross Country Course.

Freshman Erica Jackson led the way for the Dukes, as she completed the 4-kilometer course with a time of 15:23.10 to finish 12th overall (9th scoring). Junior Carol Strock placed 13th (10th scoring), crossing the line right behind Jackson in 15:23.64 and freshman Olivia Viparina followed suit by taking 14th place (11th scoring) with a time of 15:24.00.

As a team, JMU finished third overall in the four-team event with 65 points (9-10-11-15-20). Charlotte won the meet with 20 points after having its top-five scorers in the top 10. Liberty was second with 56 points while host Virginia rounded out the team scoring with 97 points.

Sophomore Erica Gray took 20th (15th scoring) with a time of 15:37.00 and freshman Erin Saunders finished the Dukes' scoring with a 25th-place showing (20th scoring) after clocking a time of 15:50.00.

"We came in with a race plan to run tempo for the first 3K and to run hard for the final 1,000 meters," Head Coach Dave Rinker said. "The girls worked extremely hard to prepare and they accomplished what they set out to do. They stuck to the race plan without worrying what the other runners were doing around them and that bodes well for the future."

The Dukes return to action on Saturday, Sept. 5 when they compete in the annual Alumni Meet at Massanetta Springs, Va. The race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Women's 4000 Meter Run Team Scores
1. Charlotte – 20 points (Avg. time 15:05.40)
2. Liberty – 56 points (Avg. time 15:16.60)
3. JMU – 65 points (Avg. time 15:31.55)
4. Virginia – 97 points (Avg. time: 18:19.38)