Darling leads women's cross country
The CMU women’s cross country team put together its best NCAA Great Lakes Regional finish in more than 10 years Saturday in placing ninth out of 32 teams.
CMU scored 320 points, finishing ahead of Mid-American Conference programs Kent State, Eastern Michigan, Akron, Ohio and Western Michigan in Bloomington, Ind.
CMU cross country director Willie Randolph said Saturday’s performance is one of the best the team has had since 1996-97.
“It’s a great experience piece for them to get to the next level,” he said.
Junior Melissa Darling finished the 6K in 47th with a time of 22 minutes, 13 seconds, pacing the team for the fifth time this season and third consecutive race. Darling earned first-team all-conference honors Oct. 31 at the MAC Championships.
“She’s just a leader,” said assistant coach Matt Kaczor. “We couldn’t do it without her help and guidance.”
Finishing after Darling were juniors Raeanne Lohner (59th, 22:27) and Kylee Kubacki (64th, 22:30), who solidified themselves as top runners returning next season.
“They’ve both been improving this year,” Randolph said. “Looking at those two and the rest of the team, it’s going to be an exciting year next season.”
Junior Danielle Dakroub, who started the season hot, but had some disappointing finishes in big races this season, rebounded with a 76th place finish of 22:41.
Sophomore Holly Anderson (22:43) placed 79th.
In her last race at CMU, senior Emily Van Wasshenova (99th) set a new personal-best record in the 6K at 23:02.
“To run a new PR on that type of course speaks volumes to her hard work, dedication and trust in coach Kaczor and (Sean) Anthony,” Randolph said.
Notre Dame, which did not have one scoring runner place higher than 36, won the meet. Michigan State’s Emily Macleod (20:42) won the individual race.
