RESULTS
THE RUNDOWN
In comeback fashion, the Lady Patriots claimed an eighth-place finish, tying LSC rival UT-Tyler with 252 points. Fellow Division II programs Ouachita Baptist and St. Edward's followed close behind in ninth (261) and tenth (267), respectively. Host team Texas A&M dominated the field with five runners inside the top 11, cruising to the team title with just 33 points.
Leading the way for DBU was Courtney Richman, who crossed the line in 18:36.9 to place 34th. Anastasia Tronicek delivered one of the best rallies of the day, surging past nearly 20 competitors in the final half of the race to take 47th in 18:54.1. Freshmen
Avery Frank (19:02.8) and
Mia Oliver (19:16.6) placed 53rd and 58th, while veteran
Kylie Himes rounded out the scoring five in 60th with a time of 19:20.2.
At the 2k split, the Lady Patriots were out of contention, projected at 291 points and trailing every other Division II squad, including a 55-point gap to Ouachita Baptist. However, DBU rewrote the story in the second half of the race. DBU's top five gained an average of 10 spots each over the closing 3k, storming back to reel in Sam Houston, St. Edward's, and Ouachita Baptist.
While the meet does not factor into postseason standings, it proved to be a pivotal learning opportunity for a young DBU squad. With three of the top seven and five of the top ten runners being freshmen, early-season experience is invaluable. Their fitness was evident, and the ability to stay patient early while closing with pace and confidence will pay dividends when championship season arrives.
UP NEXT
The Lady Patriots return to training before heading north for the Oklahoma State Jamboree on Friday, September 26. There, they will face their first 6k of the season, a preview of the longer distance awaiting them at the conference meet.
