Nov. 24, 2008

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The Villanova women's cross country team finished sixth at the NCAA Championships on Monday afternoon with 248 points. The 6K race was held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course and was hosted by Indiana State University.

Washington claimed the women's team title, followed by Oregon in second and Florida State claiming third place. Fellow Mid-Atlantic Region squads West Virginia and Princeton finished in fourth and fifth place respectively.

"I thought that everyone ran great today," head coach Gina Procaccio said. "It was the first trip to nationals for everyone except for Frances so we had a young team out there, but I fully expect to be back next year stronger and with more experience. I was really pleased with our performance today."

The Wildcats were led by senior Frances Koons who crossed the finish line in 20:30 to earn 20th place. Sophomore Amanda Marino ran the course in 20:38 to finish 35th. Koons and Marino earned USTFCCCA All-American honors for finishing in the top 40. This is the fifth All-American honor for Koons.

Freshman Bogdana Mimic finished in 20:57 for 67th place, while junior Kaitlyn Tallman crossed the finish line in 21:10 for 92nd place. Sophomore Callie Hogan ran the course in 21:13 to finish 101st. Sophomores Sarah Morrison and Ali Smith finished in 21:29 and 22:14 respectively.

NCAA Championship Central