VU sets school record at regionals

Nov. 13, 2010

Photos: Women’s Race | Men’s Race

Women’s Results Get Acrobat Reader | Men’s Results Get Acrobat Reader

HOOVER, Ala. – The Vanderbilt women’s cross country team continued its stellar season this morning with a third place finish at the NCAA South Regional, while the men capped off their season with a 15th place finish.

While at-large bids to nationals haven’t been given out yet, sophomore Jordan White punched her ticket to the national championships with an 11th place finish in the 6K race. Her time of 20:25.15 led all Commodore runners, who earned 102 points in the race. Louise Hannallah crossed the finish line in 20:47.59, good for 23rd place overall. Alexa Rogers, Kristabel Doebel-Hickok and Liz Anderson rounded out Vanderbilt’s top five, placing 25th, 26th and 28th, respectively.

“It was an excellent team race for the women this morning,” said head coach Steve Keith. “It was our best ever finish at regionals and closer to making the NCAA Nationals. As the third place team, we just have to wait for the at-large teams to be announced.”

The top two teams from each regional (Florida State and Florida of the South Region) earn automatic bid to nationals, while the third and fourth place teams have a chance to earn at at-large bids.

White, Hannallah and Rogers were recognized as members of the All-Region team after placing in the top 25 of the 186 person race.

In the men’s 8K, the Commodores placed 14th, with Chris Baker and Jenner Kizer leading the team. Baker posted a time of 33:01.29, good for 84th place, while Kizer clocked in at 33:04.62 at 85th place.

Just 38 seconds separated Baker from the fifth Vanderbilt finisher. Alan Ash (33:15.09), Conrad Goeringer (33:28.72) and Billy Malmed (33:39.12) rounded out the Vanderbilt top five, totaling 364 points.

“It was a solid run for the men today,” said coach Keith. “They paired up and ran very strong in the second half of the race. It was a super way for them to end their season.”

Check back with vucommodores.com or the official Twitter page of Vanderbilt cross country and track (@Vandyxctrack) later this weekend for an update on the at-large process for nationals.