Sept. 2, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
BRANDON, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF cross country team opened the 2011 campaign Friday by posting a fifth-place showing at the UT Early Bird Classic at Brandon Trails. Seven of the Knights' nine participants made their UCF debuts at the meet, which featured 14 squads.
The Knights were led by freshman Jamie Perzanowski (St. Clairsville, Ohio), who finished sixth in 18:44. Freshman Teresa Huff (Titusville, Fla.) turned in a time of 20:18 for 28th place.
"It was good for the newcomers to get the first race out of the way," UCF cross country coach Paul Brown said. "The first race is over and now we can gain confidence and strength and make a big leap in our second race. We will learn from this race and grow and improve at practice during the week. We are taking it one step at a time as we continue to get ready for the conference meet."
USF finished first with 24 points, followed by host Tampa (69). The Knights recorded 174 points.
UCF freshman Amelia Williams (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) placed 45th with a time of 21:23, and was closely followed by sophomore Jessica Pachay (St. Cloud, Fla.), who finished 47th in 21:36, and sophomore Erica Winston (Long Beach, Fla.), who also clocked in at 21:36 to place 48th.
Freshmen Emmy Brandehoff (Orlando, Fla.) and Cody Castillo (Cocoa, Fla.) also made their collegiate debuts Friday. Brandehoff finished 51st in a time of 21:45, and Castillo finished 54th (21:52).
Freshman Ali Brandehoff (Orlando, Fla.) and sophomore Ne'Ausha Logan (Long Beach, Calif.) also competed for the Knights.
The Knights will return to Tampa next Friday when they compete at the USF Invitational.