FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
VICTORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women’s cross country team wrapped up the regular season with a strong performance at the Tiger Open Saturday morning. FHSU hosted the event, now in its fifth year, at the Sand Plum Nature Trail. The Tigers finished fourth in a loaded field including four nationally-ranked opponents, totaling 126 points.
Fort Hays State beat out all four other MIAA programs in attendance, including No. 19 Pittsburg State.
A total of 661 runners took to the course during the four races Saturday, breaking the record for participants in a Tiger Open by 46 (2015, 615). One hundred thirty-four women competed in the five-kilometer Gold Race.
Shea Bonine led the Tigers to the finish line, finishing 14th with a time of 17:36.5. Sophie Dalmasso followed closely behind her teammate, running in 17:37.6 and finishing 15th. Micki Krzesinski was the 20th runner to cross the finish line, completing the race in 17:45.4. Chelsea Jackson (40th, 18:18.8) and Yessenia Gonzales (59th, 18:44.7) rounded out the scoring for Fort Hays State.
Georgia Porter of Western State captured the individual title after breaking the 5k course record with a time of 16:33.7. Adams State, the top-ranked team in the nation according to the USTFCCCA Coaches poll, took the Tiger Open team title for the third time after totaling 54 points.
The Tigers will return to the course in two weeks when they travel to Elsah, Ill. for the MIAA Championships on Saturday, October 22.