Williams College: Plansky Invitational showcases athlete debuts and alumni
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Marie Ferro 2013 of RPI took first place in a time of 23:55, followed by Faye McKenna 2011 of Conn College. RPI took the next three places to secure a solid win over Conn College. Assumption took third with 84 points.
Williams alumna and All-American Lauren Philbrook 2009 returned to her former home course and showed that her college success has not waned; she finished first overall and dominated for the better part of the race, but unfortunately took a wrong turn and was disqualified despite trying to make up the difference by adding on 400 meters before the finish.
Two race options for the women - a coed 5k or a women's 6k - featured a limited Williams roster as the majority of women harriers trained through this weekend to prepare for Little Threes next Saturday. Even with few athletes racing, those who did compete produced solid times, and several debut performances from athletes returning from injury showed great prospects for the team in the coming weeks.
Assistant Coach Kathleen Newton said, “It was a gorgeous day, which made for strong times all around. It was good to see the alumni racing, as well. It was just an overall good day!”
In the 6k, Jess Ray 2010 and Tina Meade 2011 both had strong races, finishing first and second for Williams in 25:44 and 25:51, respectively. Both athletes have had strong comebacks after a brief break from racing—their performances these past two weekends show a good trend and exciting prospects for the rest of the season. Megan Holmes 2011 cruised across the course in 25:59, while first year Sarah Lyon ran her first 6k race, finishing strong in 29:25.
First year Annie Dear had an impressive showing in the 5k race, returning from injury to tear up the course in 19:16, beating out most of her competition and even finishing ahead of several male competitors. She was 24th overall and the third female finisher, behind Amy Wilfert 2011 of Tufts (18:50) and Williams alumna Amy Zindell (19:03).
Co-captain Jess Clarke 2010 also had an exciting season debut after injury, proving that hard work and patience pays off when it comes to recovery. She finished second for the Ephs and fifth in the women’s race in 20:11, followed closely by alumna Robin Kuntz 2009 (20:14).
Other exciting 5k performances included KK Durante 2011, returning from a short hiatus from racing to finish third for Williams and ninth overall for women in 20:58, and Emily Niehaus 2012, who was the 16th female finisher in 21:18.
Co-captain Jane Manfred 2010 said, “There were some strong debuts and awesome races. It was a great day for team spirit, and those who weren’t racing today really got out there and supported their teammates.” She added, “It was fun to have the alumni back, too.”
The Ephs head to Amherst next Saturday for the Little Three Championship against Wesleyan and Amherst.
