The Mars Hill women’s cross country team had a great season in 2008.  Several young Lion runners stood out this season on courses throughout the Southeast.

Covered Bridge Open
The Mars Hill women’s cross country team opened the 2008 campaign competing in the Covered Bridge Open hosted by Appalachian State University.

The women finished ninth in a field of 11 teams but also placed second among D-II schools in the 5K race. Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.) led the Lions and finished in 59th place with a time of 21:21. Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio) followed in 63rd place finishing the event in 21:39.

Eye Opener Meet
The Eye Opener Invitational featured 150 College and High School teams and over 2,400 total runners.  The Lions turned in a solid performance. 

The team was led by freshman Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio) who ran a personal best time of 20:46.  Close behind Woodward were Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.) in 21:29 and Laurel Sitze (Raleigh, N.C.) in 21.46.  Also finishing in the top five for the team were Hannah Washburn (Clemson, S.C.) and Hannah Moore (Franklin, N.C.).

Wingate Invitational
The Mars Hill College women's cross country team traveled to Wingate University to preview the region course and competition.  On a hot and humid day, the women continued to show steady improvement.

In the 6k women's race, Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio) and Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.) worked together towards impressive finishes.  Woodward finished 14th (26:04) with Casey nearby in 16th (26:19).  Laurel Sitze (Raleigh, N.C.), Hannah Washburn (Clemson, S.C.), and Hannah Moore (Franklin, N.C.) completed the scoring for the Lions.  Sitze finished 34th in 27:05. Washburn placed 45th in 27:34 and Moore finished 69th in 28:30.   

The women defeated some top conference and region competition en route to finishing fifth place out of 16 teams with 168 points. 

Greater Louisville Classic
The Mars Hill College women's cross country team traveled to Louisville to participate in the Greater Louisville Classic.

Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio) finished first on the team with a time of 20:09.23. Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.) was next in line for the Lions, finishing the 5k event in 20:48.82. Placing third on the Lions' squad was Laurel Sitze (Raleigh, N.C.). She finished the race in 21:00.30.

Blue Ridge Open
The women were led by freshman Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio).  She finished with a time of 20:28. Next in line for the team was Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.). She finished the race in 21:11. Laurel Sitze (Raleigh, N.C.) finished third on the team with a time of 21:21.

SAC Cross Country Championship
The women’s team finished fifth out of seven teams in the 2008 SAC Cross Country Championship race.

Angela Woodward (Gahanna, Ohio) finished first on the team and eighth overall in a time of 20:12. Anita Casey (Greer, S.C.) placed second on the team and 23rd overall in 21:16. Laurel Sitze (Raleigh, N.C.) rounded out the top three on the Lions’ squad and also finished in 26th overall. Her time in the meet was 21:29.

For her performance, Woodward made the SAC All-Conference Second Team. She was also named to the SAC All-Freshman team.

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