KENNESAW,Ga.- After a solid showing at the Greater Louisville Classic, the women’s cross country team heads south for the Samford Invitational in Birmingham, Ala. Competing at the course will give the squad a chance to look at the new site for the NCAA South Regional competition.

Leading the way for the Owls is three time All-Conference runner Mackenzie Howe who finished 15th in Louisville last weekend. The team will be competing against four schools from around Alabama but the biggest advantage will be getting to see the Regionals course before the race in November.

Knowing that his team can only benefit from running the course at this point in the season, head cross country coach Stan Sims hopes this will give them a jump on the competition.

“This is a preview race for the women since we have never competed on this course,” Sims said. “We raced hard at Louisville so we are using this race as a tune-up for conference. All of our women will compete. Having them all their to see the course will provide us with a great advantage when its time for the Regional."

Freshmen Heather Morris, Alison Wald and Haley Carson look to improve on a solid race they had in Louisville last weekend. With the return of sophomore Stephanie Sawyer, the squad will be strong to compete in this weekend's contest. As the season progresses, coach Sims can see the changes in his team and that they are moving in a positive direction.

"Alison Wald had a good race at Louisville and will be looking to build on that effort," Sims said. "Haley Carson came through with a good effort as well had a good week of training. I expect a solid showing from the ladies this weekend.”




Quick Facts

Event Name: Samford Invitational

Host: Samford University

Location: Veterans Park

Start Time: 8:55 A.M. CST

Distance: 5k

2009 Owl Finish, Score: N/A

2009 Owl Top Finishers: N/A

Schools Participating (5): Alabama A&M, Birmingham-Southern College, Kennesaw State, Samford University, UAB