Nov. 18, 2006

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Pensacola, Fla. - The Grand Valley State Women's Cross Country team raced today at the National Championships in Pensacola, Fla. The women's team finished in third place overall with Laura Aderman leading the way with a third place finish individually.

The Lakers finished in third place with 165 total points, 64 points behind second place Western State and 71 behind back-to-back National Champions, Adams State. Laura Aderman led the way for the Lakers clocking in at 20:19.6, good for third in the nation. Susie Rivard (21:17.2) and Stacey Kandas (21:28.0) finished within 12 seconds of each other placing 21st and 32nd respectively. Rounding out the Laker top five were Leah Borns (21:48.3, 52nd) and Ashley Wharton (21:56.9, 57th). Also competing for the Lakers was Lauren Bader (22:00.5, 60th) and Kelly Gibbons (22:27.4, 78th).

"Of course we are a bit disappointed in the end result, but we always talk about the process being the most important part," Head Coach Jerry Baltes said. "I am very poud of our student athletes' committment to the goal of competing for a National Championship throughout the season. I know we competed very hard out on the course."

Running their last cross country races as Lakers were a pair seniors, Lauren Bader and Stacey Kandas. The Lakers will return plenty of experienced runners in 2007, including top three finisher Laura Aderman.

"Laura Aderman ran a very gutsy race today and finished a very impressive third place," Baltes added.