Women's Cross Country Places First at Great American

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 27, 2002) -- On the road to defending their title, the BYU women's cross country team won both their races at the Great American Classic Friday night in Charlotte, N.C. BYU's A Team had four runners in the top seven and finished with 44 points. Kassi Andersen finished first for BYU and second overall with a time of 17:57.1. Behind Andersen was Michaela Mannova. Andersen said she wanted to run with Mannova but then was surprised when she ended up finishing second. It rained for two days in North Carolina and Mannova said the course was a little muddy and slippery. "It was crazy, but we had fun." In sixth place was Breanne Sandberg and in seven, Nan Kennard. In the "A" Race Columbia University placed second and N.C. State place third. Head Coach Patrick Shane said, "We ran really well. We're were we want to be, I just wish it were November 25 [referring to the national championships]." The B Team also won the 5K "B" Race, with six runners finishing in the top eight, and a total score of 22 points. Katie Martin placed first with a time of 18:41.5. Kristen Ogden placed third and Tiffany Rust, Emily Mars, Jaime Cottle and Katie Moon finished fifth through eight, respectively. ADDITIONAL QUOTES: Coach Shane: "We were ready to go for both races. We ran away with it." "I hoped we wouldn't be so dominate because I don't like to be ranked first." "Kassi is one of the biggest surprise of the season and she will surprise many teams this season." "Breanne is running at an All-American level." "Michaela and Nan are both ahead of where they were last year."