University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Cross Country Season To Open At Dartmouth Invitational
September 10, 2008 | Women's Cross Country
Sept. 10, 2008
Hanover, N.H. - The UMass women's cross country team returns eleven major contributors from last year, preparing the Minutewomen for a strong 2008 season. Despite losing individual champion Christina Derosa, UMass returns many key runners that, infused with a nucleus of young talent, should set the foundation for success in 2008.
Returning for the Minutewomen is redshirt sophomore Shiyi Zan, who consistently finished second on the team, placing 13th at the Atlantic 10 Championships and 27th overall at the ECAC championships. She is joined by sophomore Lauren Stocker, who finished in the top-five in every meet she ran last season. Stocker placed third on the team in both the ECAC and Atlantic 10 Championships, placing 40th and 29th overall, respectively.
The two seniors, Taryn Trapp and Beth Harlow, will contribute needed guidance for the younger runners. Finishing second on the team at the NCAA Regional Championships, Harlow is poised for a breakout season. Trapp, who did not compete last season but was an excellent addition to the team in 2006 as a transfer from Yavapai Junior College, finished in the top-five in five meets for UMass two years ago.
The Minutemen gain a freshmen class of seven that should add great depth to the roster. Jennifer Harkey, Jaime Mastrorio, Claire Pettit, Emily Pipes, Jordan Quinn, Karen Roa, and Elyse Yanosky all stand to make an immediate impact.
The women's cross country season begins Sept. 13 at the Dartmouth Invitational in Hanover, N.H. The Minutewomen then host a meet with Colgate, Maine and Vermont coming to Amherst on Sept. 20.
The schedule will not become easier as the team travels to Bethlehem, Pa., to compete in the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University on Oct. 3 before heading to the New England Championships in Boston on the Oct. 11.
Next, the Minutewomen ship out to Albany, N.Y., to compete in the Albany Invitational at SUNY Albany on Oct. 18. On Nov. 1, the Atlantic 10 Championships will be held in Charlotte, N.C. Finishing out the season, the Minutewomen will compete in the Regional Qualifier (held at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx) on Nov. 15 and the NCAA Championships on Nov. 24 at Indiana State.
Players Mentioned
