University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Paul Short Invitational
Roa Paces Women's XC At Paul Short
September 30, 2011 | Women's Cross Country
Sept. 30, 2011
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Running alongside 396 harriers, the UMass women's cross country team competed at the annual Paul Short Invite on Friday morning in Bethlehem, Pa. The Lehigh University hosted meet, featured many nationally ranked teams including #1 Georgetown University, #3 Providence College, and #5 Villanova as ranked by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The Minutewomen were led by senior standout Karen Roa, who placed 42nd overall.
For the third straight meet, Julie LaFreniere's squad was paced by the senior Karen Roa. The Jamaica, N.Y. native placed first on the team and 42nd overall in a time of 21:20. The last time a Minutewoman placed as high or better than Roa did on Friday was back in 2007 when Christian DeRosa stole 21st place at Paul Short with a time of 21:17.
Trailing Roa were freshman phenom Rachel Hilliard, who has yet to place below third on the team in any meet during her inaugural campaign, and familiar face Courtney Baldwin who was finally back in action on Friday. The former of the duo place 208th overall by crossing the line at 23:19, while Baldwin followed just three seconds later in 215th with a time of 23:22.
Rounding out the UMass top five were freshman Katie Powers and sophomore Sarah Barrett, who placed 223rd and 264th overall with times of 23:25 and 23:58.
UMass next hits the course on October 8 for the New England Championships.
