Sept. 22, 2007

Meadville, Pa. - Mercyhurst freshman Cherie Jackson continued the impressive start to her rookie campaign on Saturday, turning in a time 42 seconds better than the runner-up finisher to take first place at the Allegheny College Classic in Meadville, Pa.

Jackson crossed the finish line in 23:30.31, easily besting the field and runner-up finisher Erin Long of Washington & Jefferson, who clocked in at 24:12.34.

In just three events, Jackson has two top-three finishes to her credit. In the season-opening event at California (Pa.), Jackson placed third and last week at the Division I laden National Catholic Invitational, she took 35th. She becomes the first Laker to win a meet since Katie Jarocki won the CALU Invitational as a senior in 2006.

As a team, the Lakers finished third with 75 points, behind Geneva with 45 and Allegheny with 40.

Fellow Mercyhurst freshman Jennifer Mieczkowski recorded a time of 25:15.75, which was good for 11th place, and teammate Christie Turak finished in 25:45.72 in 14th place.

Sophomore Amanda Ehrbar grabbed 24th, and freshman Clara Strasenburgh rounded out the top five in 38th place.

Mercyhurst returns to action on Sept. 29 in head-to-head competition against Gannon.

Allegheny College Classic Results