HOOVER, Ala.—The Auburn women's cross country team had five runners finish in the top 28 as the Tigers finished fifth overall at the Blazer Classic Friday with 117 points, just three points shy of third place.
For the third meet in a row, junior Abbey Zane was the Tigers' top finisher, crossing the Veterans Park 6k course in 21:53.69. The Huntsville, Ala., native posted her collegiate best time at 6k, one second faster than her time at the 2019 SEC Championships.
Auburn was tightly packed with the next five runners separated by just nine places. Senior Presley Weems (22:13.36) and sophomore Hannah Dyal (22:14.52), racing in her first meet of the season, finished 23rd and 24th, respectively. Seniors Faith Bett (22:17.13) and Louisa McPherson (22:18.95), also running in her first meet of 2020, crossed in 27th and 28th place to round out the Tiger scoring.
"I thought our women competed well, particularly Hannah and Louisa in their first races of the year," Auburn cross country coach David Barnett said. "We had a tight pack and I'm optimistic they will continue to move up over the next two weeks. The men had some issues that kept us from racing a full team, but they continue to improve and practice well as we prepare for SECs."
Senior Tommy McDonough and freshman Ryan Kinnane were the lone competitors on the men's side for Auburn. McDonough was 31st overall finishing the 8k race in 25:32.67, while Kinnane was 10 seconds behind, taking 38th in 25:42.89.
The Tigers will conclude the abbreviated 2020 schedule on October 30 when they compete in the Southeastern Conference Championships in Baton Rouge, La.
2020 BLAZER CLASSIC
Veterans Park
Birmingham, Ala.
Men's Individual Results (8k)
31. Tommy McDonough, 25:32.67
38. Ryan Kinnane, 25:42.89
Women's Team Results (6k)
5. Auburn, 117 pts
Women's Individual Results
15. Abbey Zane, 21:53.69
23. Presley Weems, 22:13.36
24. Hannah Dyal, 22:14.52
27. Faith Bett, 22:17.13
28. Louisa McPherson, 22:18.95
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31. Hannah Tarwater, 22:27.33
38. GiGi Maddox, 22:39.26
45. Samantha Rogers, 22:57.77
58. Mercy Kiprop, 23:28.75
