KENOSHA, Wisc. (10/29/2016) -- Senior
Devon Sutton ran her way to All-Horizon League honors and a big personal record as the University of Detroit Mercy women's cross country team competed in the Horizon League Championship on Saturday.
The 6k race – the first 6k event of the season for the red, white and blue – was held at the Wayne Dannehl Championship Cross Country Course on the campus of UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
As a team, Detroit Mercy claimed sixth with 154 points.
"The conditions were tough today," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country
Guy Murray '89. "The warm temperatures on a course softened up by the rain this week had everyone working hard."
Sutton took nearly a minute off of her previous 6k career time in taking seventh in 22:23 to achieve First Team accolades for the first time in her career. Her time is also good for 17th in Titan history and her seventh-place finish marked the fifth-straight year a Titan harrier was in the top 10.
"Great for Devon to get a well deserved All-HL award," said coach Murray. "She has worked hard to put in the miles, and all has come together for a great senior season. She ran aggressively and was tough at the end."
Junior
Sydnie Fetherolf was 24th in 23:16 as just 18 seconds separated her and the top 14. Junior
Jenny Ponkowski kept up her PR streak for the sixth-straight race as she tallied a 23:44 for 36th, 30 seconds faster than her previous 6k low.
Sophomore
Veronica Towianski was the fourth scorer on the team placing 45th in 24:18, while junior
Taylor Smith was right behind her in 46th clocking a 24:21.
"Not quite what we hoped. We were moving into position, but couldn't get there. We didn't get out like we have been and the conditions were too much to overcome," added coach Murray.
Detroit Mercy will now get ready for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship, set for Friday, Nov. 11, at the University of Wisconsin's Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course.
TITAN FINISH
Team – 6th – 154 Points
Devon Sutton – 7th – 22:23
Sydnie Fetherolf – 24th – 23:16
Jenny Ponkowski – 36th – 23:44
Veronica Towianski – 45th – 24:18
Taylor Smith – 46th – 24:21
Victoria Ostrander – 69th – 25:47
Kayla Hughes – 75th – 26:08
Annmarie Taylor – 80th – 26:34
Sydney Shaw – 86th – 27:01
Alexis Kearney – 87th – 27:25
