MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UCFKnights.com) – Four Knights made their American Athletic Conference Championship debut and the UCF cross country team finished 11th in the team standings on Friday morning at Shelby Farms Park.
"Today was a hard day, but we have to grow from these moments too," assistant coach Bryan Jackson said. "This team has grown a lot this season; it's unfortunate to end this way. I am proud of how our young ladies have grown all season. Disappointment is a part of sports; how we respond from this moment will define us."
In addition to the four newcomers debuts, five Knights posted their collegiate best marks in the 6K race.
Charlotte Crook was the first Knight to cross the line, posted a personal best mark of 22:06 for 37th overall. Jamie Tomassetti followed close behind, finishing 41st in a personal-best 22:12 at her first conference championship meet. Kaitlyn Soltis crossed the line in 23:05.
Jewel Walters posted a personal-best 23:12 to finish in the top 70 in her league championship debut. Vanessa Bolen followed suit, using a personal-best 23:32 to place in the top 75. Haley Riorden, running her first collegiate 6K race, posted a time of 24:59 to finish in the top 80.
The Knights finished just behind South Florida in the team standings, giving the Bulls six points in the War on I-4 rivalry series. UCF holds an overall lead of 15-6.
The Knights return to action on Nov. 15 at the NCAA South Regional, hosted by Florida State in Tallahassee.
