Sept. 8, 2007

California, Pa. - Led by freshman Cherie Jackson, the Mercyhurst women's cross country team took fifth out of eight teams at the 36th Annual CALU Cross Country Invitational Saturday in California, Pa.

Jackson, in her first collegiate meet, took third place with a time of 20:08.50, finishing three seconds ahead of Julia Seward of Grove City. Sophomore Amanda Ehrbar took 26th after posting a time of 22:05.80.

Freshmen Jennifer Mieczkowski and Clara Strasenburgh turned in times just 36 seconds apart and placed 32nd and 42nd respectively. Sophomore Morgan Walsh took 60th and junior Sara Rex placed 62nd. Sophomore Jessica Pachlhofer's time of 24:55.00 was good enoug for 68th place.

As a team, the Lakers totaled 1:52:00.60 and posted an average time of 22:24.12 on the 5K course. Finishing just ahead of the Lakers was St. Vincent College, and Grove City College, which also took first in the men's event, grabbed first with five top-1o finishers.

The Lakers return to action at the National Catholic Invitational in South Bend, Ind., on Sept. 14.