Harriers Start Strong

SALISBURY, Md. - Shenandoah University opened up its 2009 cross country season with a pair of strong performances at the Salisbury University Invitational.

The women, led by freshman Roni Frye, finished third of nine teams in a 6000 meter race that featured one regionally ranked team. Messiah, currently the No. 2 team in the Mid-East, won the race over Rowan with the Hornets coming in just ahead of host Salisbury.

Frye, competing in her first collegiate race, finished 5^th of 90 competitors with a 23:22. Junior Jennie Ott was 8^th at 23:44 while Tracey Swope rounded out the squad's top three finishers with a 24:35 that was good for 21^st overall.

On the men's side, sophomore Josiah Renton led his team to a fourth place finish with a 27:49, 17^th place in the 8000 meter event.

Renton's classmate, Jake Garcia, was 20^th at 28:09 and Kyle Gutierrez 25^th with a 28:16.

Both teams are off this coming week and return to action on September 19 at the Dickinson College Long/Short Invitational.