University of Connecticut Athletics
Sullivan Claims First at Spiked Shoe Invitational
9/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (September 23, 2006) – Senior Jillian Sullivan (Bristol, Conn.) claimed first place at the Spiked Shoe Invitational hosted by Penn State in a time of 21:04.90 to help lead the Huskies to a fifth place overall finish on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Sullivan beat an extremely talented group of runners that included Syracuse, Penn State, Maryland and Navy. She finished ahead of former Georgetown All-American Miesha Marzell who ran for Pony Express Nvtc.
“Jillian represented big time and beat a great field of athletes,” distance coach Kim McGreevy said, who brought her squad to her home course where she ran as a collegiate at Penn State. “She looked great from start to finish and we’re very proud of her.”
Freshman Nicki Junod (Cicero, N.Y.) was the next UConn finisher in 32nd in a time of 22:44.40. Junior Orlaith Cunningham (Branford, Conn.) was next in 40th (23:04.05) followed by sophomore Kate Vaughan (Bethel Park, Pa.) in 46th (23:10.20).
Sophomore Rebecca McCollum (Monroe, Conn.) finished in 23:45.45, good enough for 72nd while freshman Megan Steenburgh (Victor, N.Y.) took 81st in 24:00.85. Freshman Sara Leslie (Portland, Conn.) finished in 84th (24:03.95).
“Everyone had a great race from top to back,” McGreevy said. “Today was a great day for our team.”
Next up for the Huskies is the New England Championships on Saturday, October 7, in Boston, Mass.
