The TMU cross country women took home their sixth straight GSAC title, winning in a dramatic one-point victory Friday in Glendale, Ariz.
The women's championship was not without its fair share of drama as the Lady Mustangs were going for their sixth straight GSAC win, but faced tough competition from Embry-Riddle's squad. The Mustangs and the Eagles had taken turns beating each other throughout the regular season, so the GSAC final remained close to the finish.
TMU had a strong 1-2 punch with Suzie Johnson (22:04) and
Alyssa Lovett (22:10), finishing the 6000m course in second and third, respectively. All-American
Emma Nelson (22:32) continued her return from injury with a sixth-place effort to keep TMU ahead.
"The course was grass and tactical and the Lord really blessed the outcome," Johnson said. "We are grateful for those who came out to cheer and support us."
TMU's
Erini Shaker (22:47) and
Saige Miller (22:48) finished only three seconds ahead of ERAU's fifth runner to give the Lady Mustangs the win by just one point. The Lady Mustangs were no stranger to 1-point championship races and the experience paid off, giving TMU their sixth in a row.
"Erini and Sage made the difference in the final half mile, passing key ERAU runners," TMU Head Coach Daniel Rush said. "Everyone raced their hearts out and the Lord granted the win."
The Lady Mustangs' entire top-5 earned All-GSAC awards including Johnson, Lovett, Nelson, Shaker and Miller.
The Master's will race next at the NAIA Championships in Tallahassee, Fla. on November 21.
