Mazzei, Musketeers Place 11th at Paul Short Run

Friday, October 2

Bethlehem, Pa.

11 a.m.

Xavier University

Paul Short Run

Mazzei, Musketeers Place 11th at Paul Short Run

10.02.15 | Cross Country

Senior Sarah Mazzei placed 30th in a field of 312 runners

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Senior Sarah Mazzei led the Xavier women's cross country team to an 11th place finish (in a field of 35 teams) at the 42nd Annual Paul Short Run on Friday morning.

"Our team goal was a top-10 finish, so we were a little disappointed," said head coach Ryan Orner. "However, all seven of the girls hit PRs with four of them under 22 minutes. Last year, we only had one runner under 22 minutes – so it was exciting to see that today."

Mazzei finished the 6K race in a time of 21:16 – the fifth fastest time in school history – to place 30th in a field of 312 runners. The next Xavier runners to cross the finish line were Caroline Gosser (40th – 21:26), Caterina Karas (78th – 21:50) and Gina Genco (94th – 21:59).

"Sarah hit her personal best by over a minute and broke into the top-five all-time at Xavier," added Orner. "For a senior, it's great to see all of her hard work payoff."

Allison Sinning (112th – 22:09), Meghan Vogel (136th – 22:25) and Rachael Sollman (181st – 22:48) were the final Musketeers to finish the race.

The Xavier men placed 25th in a field of 27 teams, led by Garrett Knapik who placed 96th in a field of 278 runners. The sophomore finished the 8K race in a time of 25:27.

"Garrett ran a very strong race despite the weather conditions and hit a personal best," said Orner. "Will (Becker) probably had the best race of the day for us as he was second on the team after being seventh for us last year."

William Becker was the next Xavier runner to cross the finish line, posting a time of 25:51 to place 127th. Becker was followed by Aaron Peterson (134th – 25:54), Avery Campbell (151st – 26:09) and Jordan Shepherd (153rd – 26:10).

"The guys didn't get out as quickly over the first mile as they need to and that hurt us down the stretch in the race," added Orner.

Georgetown captured the men's title, while the University of Guelph won the women's title. Both the Xavier men and women participated in the Gold Races – the fastest collegiate races on the day.

Xavier returns to action at the Pre-Nationals Race on Oct. 17 in Louisville, Ky.