HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Freshman Alexandra Walsh and sophomore Ava McIntosh led the Auburn women’s cross country team at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama Friday as Walsh finished with a time of 17:48.14 and McIntosh crossed in 17:48.38 on the 5k course at John Hunt Cross Country Running Park.
"Today was a bit of a rust buster for our group,” Auburn cross country coach Aaron Kindt said. “We set out to work on a handful of things, particularly an aggressive first mile. Although we did not hit on every goal today, I believe we were able to take a lot of useful experiences from this meet.”
The Auburn women finished 13th of 49 teams with 387 points.
"Alexandra Walsh was very strong for us this morning,” Kindt said. “She showed no fear in her first collegiate race. She is someone to watch in the future here at Auburn.”
Racing for the first time in orange and blue, Walsh was the Tigers’ top finisher, placing 49th overall. Closely following Walsh was Huntsville native, McIntosh, who finished 50th.
“Ava McIntosh also with a steady performance for us,” Kindt said. “She worked her way back up with Alex and gave us a strong 1-2.”
Sophomore Audrey Dunn (18:17.31), sophomore Cady McPhail (18:42.50) and freshman Mary Malone (18:49.23) finished the top 5 for the women.
Junior Hailey Marston crossed the line in 19:51.54, while indoor track All-American Vimbayi Maisvorewa made her cross country debut, running a time of 20:59.38.
“We get back to work next week,” Kindt said. “I’m really excited about having the rest of our women’s team join the fold when we head to Missouri at the end of the month.”
Up Next
Auburn will be back in action Friday, Sept. 27 to compete in the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri at the John Hunt Cross Country Running Park.
JSU Southern Showcase
John Hunt Cross Country Running Park – Huntsville, Alabama
September 13, 2024
Auburn Women’s 5k Results
13. Auburn, 387 points
Auburn Women’s Individual Results
49. Alexandra Walsh 17:48.14
50. Ava McIntosh 17:48.38
98. Audrey Dunn 18:17.31
142. Cady McPhail 18:42.50
155. Mary Malone 18:49.23
246. Hailey Marston 19:51.54
310. Vimbayi Maisvorewa 20:59.38