RESULTS

NEW CASTLE, Pa. – We promise you're reading a new recap … but the story remains the same! Freshman standout Ava LaMilza (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) impressed once again, this time posting an 11^th place finish in a talented field of 150 runners from the NCAA Division I and NCAA Division II levels at Saturday's (Oct. 7) Bill Lennox Invitational. The invite, hosted by Slippery Rock University, was held at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in New Castle, Pa.

LaMilza earned the 11^th place finish – her fourth medalist finish in as many collegiate races – with a 6K time of 23:14. The time saw the talented freshman cross the finish line before an entire NCAA Division I team and before 139 other runners in the field. Most notably, LaMilza crossed the finish line in 11^th place after breaking a 19:00 5K pace in Saturday's 6K event.

Marla Berry (Warren, Mich./Mott) continued her return to All-Region form and put together one of her best performances of the season with a 6K time of 26:29 to finish in the middle of the talented field. Also continuing to return to race form was newcomer and transfer, Maria Croci (Troy, Mich./Troy). Like Berry, Croci is ascending as the season progresses and went on to record a 27:00 6K at Saturday's event.

Karley Schornak (New Baltimore, Mich./Faith Christian) closed out an impressive day all around for the Monarchs with a 6K time of 29:53.

The Monarchs' improvement has head coach Matt Fecht excited about the opportunities ahead for the team.

"We had a great day top to bottom competitively," said Fecht following the race. "To go out there today and compete the way we did, on a tough course against top competition, was impressive to see. Still plenty of room for improvement and we will get back to work next week as we continue to prepare for the conference/region championship at the end of the month."