Clemson Ties for Fourth at Great American Cross Country Festival

Sept. 25, 2006

HOOVER, AL – The Clemson women’s cross country team competed at the Great American Cross Country Festival over the weekend at the Spain Park Sports Complex. The Lady Tigers finished in a tie for fourth with Samford and South Carolina. A total of 12 teams competed, with Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) winning the team event.

“The girls are continuing to show progress and come together as a team,” said Marcia Noad, head coach of the Lady Tiger program. “It’s important to gain as much experience as we can so we can be prepared for the ACC Championships next month. It’s been exciting to see the improvement so far this season.”

The Lady Tigers were once again led by freshman Laura Laughlin, a native of Aiken, SC. She finished 19th for the second consecutive race and was the team’s best finisher for the second straight meet as well. She completed the 5K course with a time of 19:37.60.

Also for the second straight race, Patrice McMillan were the Lady Tigers’ #2 and #3 runners, respectively. Ford, a native of Piedmont, SC, finished 28th with a time of 20:07.60. McMillan was 30th overall with a time of 20:15.60.

Rounding out Clemson’s top five on Saturday were Lauren Klas and Maggie Bernard, a pair of freshmen. Klas scored for the second time in three events this season, as she crossed the finish line in 54th position with a time of 21:32.60. Bernard scored in her second straight meet after she finished 60th with a time of 21:41.60.

Candice Johnson did not score for the Lady Tigers but was 67th with a time of 22:05.60.

Clemson will return to action October 7 to take part in the Gardner-Webb Duels in Boiling Springs, NC.