HPU Women’s cross country places third at Elon Opener

ELON, N.C. – The High Point University women’s cross country team kicked off the 2016 season with a third-place showing at the Elon Opener Thursday.

The Panthers notched 93 points, finishing behind regionally-ranked teams North Carolina (23) and Elon (40). HPU placed ahead of Coastal Carolina (100), UNCG (109), UNC Pembroke (154) and Meredith College (213).

“We accomplished what we set out to do, which was to get a race pace effort and access that RPM we need to learn to get back to when it’s time to race again,” head coach Remy Tamer said. “We have a lot of work to do these next two months if we want to earn a top-2 Big South finish or possibly win the conference. But ultimately this is a good start for us and I’m excited to get back to practice.”

Sophomore Keaton Case made her cross country debut for the Panthers and led the charge with a 14th place finish in the event (15:21). Senior Natalia Ocasio placed 17th in 15:38 while freshman Charis Dinger earned an 18th-place finish (15:39) for the Purple & White.

Freshman Kylie Hennessey was High Point’s fourth runner (15:42) while placing 21st and sophomore Courtney Kerr rounded out the Panther top-5 in 15:51 (23rd).

Freshman Emily Boger placed 30th (16:32) and fellow freshman Emily Boger wrapped up the HPU contingent in 34th (16:45).

High Point returns to action Sept. 10 at the Furman Classic in Greenville, S.C. The race is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.