Temple University Athletics
Thursday, October 25
New Orleans, La.
Temple University
at
American Athletic Conference Championships
Women's Cross Country Battles Tough Weather Conditions to Finish Third at AAC Championships
10.25.18 | Women's Cross Country
NEW ORLEANS – The Temple University women's cross country squad prevailed through pouring rain and swampy, muddy conditions to earn a third place finish at the American Athletic Conference Championships early Thursday morning. The meet took place in New Orleans, La., and had the women racing a 6,000-meter course at The Golf Club at Audubon Park. Sophomore Lucy Jones was the top finisher for the Owls, crossing the line 10th with a time of 23:02.22.
Results
> In one of the tightest team battles in AAC history, the championship title was decided by a slim two points. After a 6,000 meter race between 97 of the conference's most elite runners, Wichita State took home the championship title with a mere 63 points. The Shocker's Winny Koskei also took home the individual tile, placing first with a time of 21:51.96.
> Scoring just two points behind Wichita State was Tulsa, who compiled just two more points with 65. The Golden Hurricane put four runners in the top 20, and their number one runner finished sixth overall.
> With just a four point deficit between the top three team finishers, the Owls finished third overall by two points. Temple put on a solid team performance, illustrating their depth by finishing their top six runners in the top 20.
Match Notes
> Despite the harsh weather conditions, the Cherry and White worked together to show their strength on the course throughout the conference meet. Jones was the first Owl to cross the finish line, putting her in Temple's number one spot for the first time this season. The sophomore led the pack on the day to place 10th overall, earning her a spot on the All-Conference team for the second year in a row.
> Crossing the finish line next was sophomore Michelle Joyce, who ran the course in 23:07.35 for an 11th place finish. Joyce braved the conditions and pushed her pace, ultimately earning her All-Conference honors for the first time in her career.
> The sophomore group continued to push one another towards the finish line, as Helene Gottlieb was the next finisher for the Owls. Gottlieb finished the conference 6K in a time of 23:18.77, placing her 13th overall. Gottlieb's efforts also earned her a spot on the All-Conference squad for the first time in her career.
> Junior Grace Moore finished fourth for Temple, overcoming hardship to complete the course in 23:29.08 and place 16th overall. Wrapping up the top five for Temple was junior Kira Von Ehren, who finished 17th with a time of 23:31.49.
> Three All-Conference performers marks the most to earn this recognition in program history, and their third place overall finish ties their program-highest from last year. With the sophomores sweeping Temple's top three spots and seven of Temple's runners finishing in the top third of the competition, the Owls have a lot to look forward to rounding out their season.
Quotable
> "It's disappointing how the results played out, but I'm pleased overall with how everyone competed today," said head coach James Snyder. "A four point difference is a buzzer beater shot or a last second goal in double overtime. It could be anyone on the team passing one person in the last 100 meters, but that's what championship racing is all about."
> Snyder spoke on the All-Conference finishers and the overall performances from the sophomore top three. "We put more athletes on the podium today than ever before, marking a step in the right direction for our program. The sophomore ladies really stepped up today and performed well."
Up Next
> Continuing their post-season schedule, Temple will head to State College, Pa. to compete in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional meet on Friday, Nov. 9th. The No. 7 regionally ranked Owls will be race a contingent of familiar opponents, as they look to build off of multiple impressive performances from the 2018 season thus far.
Results
> In one of the tightest team battles in AAC history, the championship title was decided by a slim two points. After a 6,000 meter race between 97 of the conference's most elite runners, Wichita State took home the championship title with a mere 63 points. The Shocker's Winny Koskei also took home the individual tile, placing first with a time of 21:51.96.
> Scoring just two points behind Wichita State was Tulsa, who compiled just two more points with 65. The Golden Hurricane put four runners in the top 20, and their number one runner finished sixth overall.
> With just a four point deficit between the top three team finishers, the Owls finished third overall by two points. Temple put on a solid team performance, illustrating their depth by finishing their top six runners in the top 20.
Match Notes
> Despite the harsh weather conditions, the Cherry and White worked together to show their strength on the course throughout the conference meet. Jones was the first Owl to cross the finish line, putting her in Temple's number one spot for the first time this season. The sophomore led the pack on the day to place 10th overall, earning her a spot on the All-Conference team for the second year in a row.
> Crossing the finish line next was sophomore Michelle Joyce, who ran the course in 23:07.35 for an 11th place finish. Joyce braved the conditions and pushed her pace, ultimately earning her All-Conference honors for the first time in her career.
> The sophomore group continued to push one another towards the finish line, as Helene Gottlieb was the next finisher for the Owls. Gottlieb finished the conference 6K in a time of 23:18.77, placing her 13th overall. Gottlieb's efforts also earned her a spot on the All-Conference squad for the first time in her career.
> Junior Grace Moore finished fourth for Temple, overcoming hardship to complete the course in 23:29.08 and place 16th overall. Wrapping up the top five for Temple was junior Kira Von Ehren, who finished 17th with a time of 23:31.49.
> Three All-Conference performers marks the most to earn this recognition in program history, and their third place overall finish ties their program-highest from last year. With the sophomores sweeping Temple's top three spots and seven of Temple's runners finishing in the top third of the competition, the Owls have a lot to look forward to rounding out their season.
Quotable
> "It's disappointing how the results played out, but I'm pleased overall with how everyone competed today," said head coach James Snyder. "A four point difference is a buzzer beater shot or a last second goal in double overtime. It could be anyone on the team passing one person in the last 100 meters, but that's what championship racing is all about."
> Snyder spoke on the All-Conference finishers and the overall performances from the sophomore top three. "We put more athletes on the podium today than ever before, marking a step in the right direction for our program. The sophomore ladies really stepped up today and performed well."
Up Next
> Continuing their post-season schedule, Temple will head to State College, Pa. to compete in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional meet on Friday, Nov. 9th. The No. 7 regionally ranked Owls will be race a contingent of familiar opponents, as they look to build off of multiple impressive performances from the 2018 season thus far.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
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