Sophomore Sadie McGuinn recorded a top-15 finish to lead the Georgia Gwinnett College women's cross country team in the program's inaugural meet at the Young Harris XC Invitational on Friday evening in Young Harris, Georgia.

The Grizzlies placed fourth in the competitive field that featured three NCAA Division II institutions and one Division III school. GGC compiled 101 points across its five scored runners.

RESULTS

McGuinn covered the 5-kilometer course in 24:25.3 and averaged just under eight minutes per kilometer. The meet featured humid conditions and temperatures in the low 90s on a course that consisted of one steep incline and two sharp downhill turns.

"It is exciting to be a part of the first cross country meet in school history. I had a goal going into the race and unfortunately I did not meet that. However, I learned a lot about myself and will be determined to do better next time," said McGuinn. "The downhill stretch of the course crushed my legs and I came out a little too fast at the beginning."

Sophomore Molly Kemp added 20 points to the team score by placing 24th in 29:17.2. Freshman Jana Thomas followed closely behind in 26th place in 30:53.8.

"It is cool to be a member of this team and compete in the first-ever race. The vibe on the team is really good and we are doing this together," said Kemp.

Junior Kaylee Martineau registered a top-30 finish in her first collegiate meet, finishing in 32:00.7. Senior Daphne Fowler rounded out the team's scorers with a 30th-place finish and 23 points in 32:46.1.

Freshman Camila Madriz Figueroa and senior Kaitlyn Crumley each made their collegiate debuts in Friday's meet and posted times of 33:45.2 and 36:40.9, respectively.
 
Coach's Corner
"It was an incredible day seeing the three weeks of practice and training come together in our first meet. These student-athletes were excited and were very supportive of each other. We now have times from an actual race to look at and build upon for the rest of the season," said Interim Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to compete in the University of North Georgia XC Invitational on Friday, September 18, in Gainesville, Georgia, starting at 6:30 p.m.