Barnett Returns, Leads Tigers in Virginia

CLEMSON, S.C. — Senior runner Grace Barnett posted a top-10 finish in her first action of the 2016 cross country season, leading Clemson’s women to an eighth-place effort at the Panorama Farms Invitational in Earlysville, Va.

“The women are trending in the right direction,” said head coach Mark Elliott. “With Grace running seventh in her first race of the year, it’s a testament to her talent and work ethic.”

Barnett, who is coming off an injury that forced her to miss the 2016 outdoor season, showed she was in fine form Friday morning. The Pawleys Island, S.C., native placed seventh overall, racing to a 5K time of 17:17.5. It was Clemson’s best time of the young season.

Logan Morris put forth another strong effort, as the freshman finished 31^st overall with a time of 18:04.3. She was joined in the next scoring position by another newcomer, Georgia native Jenna Gearing, who was 49^th in 18:31.4. The final two scoring positions on the women’s side were held by Morgan Wittrock (56^th, 18:40.9) and Alexa Womack (66^th, 18:57.2).

The men finished 11^th as a team, just seven points out of ninth place. Micah Williams led the Tiger efforts for the third time in as many meets. He placed 52^nd overall with an 8K time of 25:42.9. Just eight spots behind him was a freshman, Andrew Emery, posting a time of 26:05.4. The final three scoring spots were held by Clayton Wilson (64^th), Justin Lippert (76^th) and Ryan Mullen (82^nd).

The Tigers return to action a week from today, September 30, at the Notre Dame Invitational in Indiana.