FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

LISLE, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2009) -- Battling cold and wet conditions, the North Central College women's cross country team emerged on top of the 11-team field at the Benedictine University Eagle Invitational, Friday afternoon, for the squad's first team title of the season. Four Cardinals finished among the top 10 in the race held at Lisle Community Park, including a runner-up finish by Freshman Lauren Hooks.

Reigning College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Runner of the Week Lauren Hooks continued her early season dominance, finishing second overall after covering the 6,000 meter course in 23:12.66. Alicia Zimmerman recorded a third place finish, clocking a 23:38.74 while Kate Lueders finished sixth in 24:11.81. Amy Schwent placed eighth overall in 24:19.99 while Krista Cota and Maggie Lapinski finished back-to-back in 15th and 16th places, respectively, running times of 24:37.60 and 24:38.83.

Illinois Central College's Brittany Carius took home top individual honors, finishing the race in 23:07.56 and helping the Cougars to a runner-up finish.

North Central amassed just 33 points to easily out-distance ICC's 50. CCIW-rival Elmhurst College was third with 54 points while Beloit College (Wis.) was fourth with a team total of 121.

The Cardinals, ranked seventh in the Central Region by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, return to action on Saturday, October 17, heading up to Oshkosh, Wis. for the Brooks Invitational.