Historic 12th Place Finish at ACC Cross Country Championships
EARLYSVILLE, Va. – The University of Miami women’s cross country team recorded its highest finish in recent history at the ACC Cross Country Championships, placing 12th Friday morning.
This is the best finish for the women since the league expanded in 2013. The Hurricanes finished just one point behind Boston College who placed 11th.
“We made program history today and although it’s tough to miss out on 11th place by one point, I couldn’t be more proud of the growth of this young team,” said Coach Cody Halsey. “I know they are all hungry and can’t wait to get back to work with them.
Sophomore Daphnee Lavassas was the first Hurrricane to cross the finish line, finishing in 28th, which was the second-highest women’s finish in program history at the ACC Championship race. She finished in a time of 20:24.6, a new personal best that puts her just under 30 seconds off the 6K school record.
“Daphnee had a phenomenal showing today,” Halsey said. “She’s fearless and it’s been such an honor to coach that. She was 28th in one of strongest fields of women the ACC has ever seen. I’m incredibly proud of her.”
Sophomore Elle Mezzio finished second for the Hurricanes and sophomore Bianca Banato crossed the line shortly thereafter to round out Miami’s top three. Mezzio finished in a time of 21:21.2 and Banato ran 21:27.5, which are both new personal bests in the 6K.
“Elle and Bianca also had extraordinary races today,” Halsey said. “They took big risks, ran with pride and whole heartily left it all out on the course.”
Sophomore Austen Cannon was the first to finish for the Hurricanes on the men’s side. Cannon ran a time of 24:49.7, while junior Justin Rittenhouse followed with a time of 25:06.2, breaking his previous personal record in the 8K. The men finished in 15th place.
Sophomore Amaya Turner, freshman Candace Keiffer, and freshman Nico Valentine all recorded personal bests in their respective races.
The Hurricanes turn their focus to the NCAA South Regional Championships, which will be held in Huntsville, Ala., on Friday, Nov. 11.
