Sept. 9, 2001

Running in front of their home fans for the first and only time this season, the Gamecock women’s cross country team finished second out of six teams. The team was once again led by freshman Jenny Lake. Her time of 17:49 was a lifetime best. Running a great tactical race, Lake followed the lead pair for the first mile, before losing a one on one duel with eventual winner Heather Lee a senior from Campbell University.

Following close behind Lake was senior Rachel Smith. She also ran a very smart race, trading surges with a pair of Coastal Carolina runners. Her time of 18:25 earned her fifth place. Smith’s time was only three seconds away from her lifetime collegiate best, set on the same course in 1999.

Coastal Carolina outscored the Gamecocks 25 to 44, with Campbell in third place with 79 points. Rounding out the scoring for USC was freshman Nikki Campbell in ninth place (19:06), freshman Criston Dailey in 12th place. Dailey’s time of 19:21 was an one minute improvement of her lifetime best. RS-Sophomore Kinsey Eschenburg crossed the line in 16th place.

“This was a very good effort today. Each race we get better,” commented Cross Country Coach Stan Rosenthal. “Jenny, Rachel and Criston were all tremendous.”