Sept. 9, 2006

ERIE, Pa. - It came down to the decision of the race official, but Mercyhurst's Katie Jarocki was crowned the individual champion in 20:40 at the 5K California (Pa.) Invitational, leading the Lakers to a second place finish.

Jarocki, a senior captain, was one of three Lakers to finish in the top 10. Victoria Caruso placed sixth in 21:25 and Samantha Colvin covered the 3.1 miles in 21:53 for eighth place.

Amanda Ehbar was 12th in 22:33 and Carrie Franze took 15th to round out the scoring contingent from Mercyhurst in 22:58.

The Lakers tallied 42 points to finish second behind the team champions from St. Vincent. St. Vincent scored 21 points to win the title. The hosts from California (Pa.) placed third with 93 points, Westminster was fourth with 102 points and Point Park rounded out the team scoring with a total of 164.

Jarocki, Caruso, Colvin, Ehbar and Franze all medalled by placing in the top 15.

Mercyhurst had 2:18 in time elapsed among its top five finishers.

Five other Lakers competed in the race. Laura McCarthy ran a 24:05, just one second ahead of Jessica Pachlhofer. Sara Rex needed 25:11 to finish the race, Allison Babcock ran a 25:21 and Stephanie Wilkins a 25:43.

Mercyhurst continues the 2006 season on Friday, September 15 with the National Catholic Championships.