May 14, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Tupp Invite Results

Senior Frances Koons has definitely returned to full strength following her battle with cancer that began last season. On Tuesday, May 13 Koons raced to a time of 4:13.23, a personal best by five seconds in the Tupp Invite at Swarthmore College.

Koons' time is the second fastest time for a collegiate in the nation this season. She qualified for the Olympic trials `B' standard and sits at 22nd overall on the list. The top 30 athletes will compete in the Olympic trials.

Koons was paced by former Villanova standout Carmen Douma throughout 1,000m and was impressive in her splits of 67.7, 2:14.00 and 3:22.8 en route to her time of 4:13.23.

"She was flying," head coach Gina Procaccio said. "She had a five-second PR and kept hammering through the last 500m after Carmen dropped out. She is definitely back."

Koons also moves to fifth all-time in the 1,500m on the Villanova record book.

The Wildcats will be back on the track competing in the ECAC Championships in Princeton, N.J. this weekend, but Koons will be off until the NCAA Regionals beginning on May 30.

For full results from the Tupp Invite visit the link above.