Illini Challenge Results
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini started off their season strong with a victory over Missouri and Northern Illinois in the Illini Challenge. The Orange and Blue notched four top-10 finishes with Alyssa Schneider winning the 5K run.
"We're excited to get the first race in and we've been chomping at the bit, said Coach Scott Jones. We've training twice a day for the first couple weeks and it's really nice to put on the orange uniform with the big 'Illinois' on it, and get out and compete and compete in front of the home fans. I thought it was a very productive day for us. We're looking forward to going to Illinois State next week and building on what we accomplished today."
Alyssa Schneider, returning for her fifth year with the team, notched the meet victory with a time of 17:43.3, almost five seconds ahead of runner-up, Kelsey Hildreth of Northern Illinois. Second on the team to finish was Britten Petrey, crossing with a time of 18:19.2.
"We saw senior maturity and senior leadership tonight, said Jones. They did a very good job of executing race plan, and helping our entire team, putting them in a place to be successful. Alyssa is somebody who's been there and done that in cross-country. And, Britten Petrey is really stepping up in that role this year. She's had success on the track, but I'm really expecting a big cross-country season from her."
Rounding out the top-10 were two sophomores, Audrey Blazek and Denise Branch, with eight and ninth-place finishes. Blazek's time of 18:44.8 broke her personal-best time by almost 30 seconds.
Valerie Bobart (19:02.8) and Kim Seger (19:44.5) were the fourth and fifth runners to come through the chute, finishing 11th and 14th overall. Megan Lemersal and Elena Palacios rounded out the group, finishing 19th overall, with a mark of 20:08.8 and 21:07.2 respectively.
Next up, the Fighting Illini will travel to Normal, Ill. on September 12th for the Country Financial ISU Invitational at 5pm.
ILLINOIS RESULTS:
1. Alyssa Schneider, 17:43.3
4. Britten Petrey, 18:19.2
8. Audrey Blazek, 18:44.8
9. Denise Branch, 18:47.4
11.Valerie Bobart, 19:02.8
14. Kim Seger, 19:44.5
19. Megan Lemersal, 20:08.8
24. Ellie Palacios, 21:07.2
TEAM RESULTS
- Illinois – 33
- Northern Illinois – 45
- Missouri – 46
