The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Conference USA Championship
UAB Cross Country Earns Three All-Conference Performers
11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
DENTON, Texas ---- The UAB cross country team finished sixth with 152 points at the Conference USA Championships at the Eagle Point Cross Country Course on the campus of North Texas on Saturday. Junior Lucy Crookes, freshman Rebecca Evans and sophomore Sarah Livett finished in the top 20, earning All-Conference USA honors.
“We had our best day of the season,” said head coach Tony Houchin. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team. Having three all-conference performances is a big improvement over last year. Also, Lauren Scott and Jenna Wesley closed out their final C-USA Championships with the best race of their careers. Whereas we lose those two, we return the majority of the team next year, so I fully expect bigger things to come for the Blazers in the future.”
Crookes led UAB with a career best 17:10.7 to finish eighth. Evans recorded a new personal record as well, crossing the line in 17:25.0 in 12th place. She was the third freshman to finish, with only UTEP's Joan Jepkirui and Rice's Madi McLellan turning in faster times. Livett came in 16th overall, running a 17:39.5, beating her time of 18:15.28 from a year ago.
Scott finished in 49th with a 18.46.6. Wesley crossed the line in 19:47.8, earning her 72nd place. Freshman Allison Wortel ran a 20:32.3 for 81st place, while sophomore Laurie Pray turned in a 20:49.5 for 84th.
The Blazers finished sixth as a team, missing out on the top five by just two points. Middle Tennessee took the team title, amassing 55 points. Rice and North Texas rounded out the top three with a score of 62 and 91, respectively.
Three all-conference performers ties the most since 2006 when UAB claimed the team title with 54 points, placing five runners in the top 20.
UAB returns to action on November 14 in Tallahassee, Fla., for the NCAA South Regional meet.
For more information on the UAB cross country team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_TrackXC). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official Twitter account of UAB Athletics (@UABAthletics).
