WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Junior Hannah Granger's individual title led the Keydets to a second-place finish at Saturday's Big South Cross Country Championships, held at Shady Oaks Kennel in Winston-Salem, N.C. The finish was the team's best-ever result at a conference championship meet, and led to a litany of firsts in program history.
Granger, who won the meet with a 18:25 clocking, bested rival Dacia Bushman of team winner Liberty by seven seconds to capture the Keydets' first-ever individual conference title in women's cross country and the Runner of the Year award. The VMI standout averaged 5:56 per mile en route to the victory, and was named to the conference's All-Academic team following the meet as well.
"The women did a great job, and I couldn't have asked for anything more," said VMI head coach Paul Spangler, who was named Big South Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year following the meet. "Liberty ran well, and came away with the win even though we ran well too. Hannah ran a great race, helped by a big surge at about halfway to seize control, and Jenna Moye finishing fourth as a freshman was an outstanding effort."
Indeed, Moye did place fourth, earning VMI's first Big South Freshman of the Year honors with her 18:39 effort and 6:00 mile average. Leah Schubel was VMI's #3 runner, finishing 16th with a 19:34 time, and Lindsey Carty nearly posted a fourth-consecutive personal best, running a 19:41 to finish 18th. Corinne Lariviere finished 28th in 20:11, while Jenna Pickett was 31st in a time of 20:20.
"Leah Schubel and Lindsey Carty ran well, and overall, I'm extremely pleased with everyone's effort today," said Coach Spangler.
In the team rankings, VMI's second-place finish was fueled by 66 team points. Liberty won the meet with 47 markers, Coastal Carolina was third with 76 points and High Point scored 86 points to finish fourth. Winthrop (117), UNC Asheville (148) and Radford (172) were the next three finishers, while Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern brought up the rear.
"Coach Spangler has done an outstanding job, and the Big South Women's Coach of the Year award was well deserved," said VMI's Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Darrin Webb. "This women's team has surpassed all of my expectations, especially considering the number of freshmen that make up this team. I could not be prouder of everyone on the squad.
Hannah Granger had an outstanding season, and to finish the season with the individual title is an outstanding accomplishment. She has been the leader of the group from day one, and worked day in and day out to prepare for this meet. Overall, I could not be more pleased with a fourth-place finish by the men and a second-place effort by the women, to finish the season with an individual championship is an outstanding accomplishment. The Coach of the Year, Runner of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors are fitting for a squad that I could not be happier for."
VMI cross country will return to action in two weeks, as the squads compete at the NCAA Regional Championships in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 14.
