Women Finish Third at UTC Opener

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Ashley Comstock's 12th-place finish paced four Middle Tennessee women in the Top 20, as the female squad finished third at the UTC Opener Friday evening on the Moccasin Bend course in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Comstock finished the two-mile course in 12:22, while fellow freshman Kaitlyn Hammond was just eight seconds behind in 14th place. Sara Lunning placed 16th in a time of 12:44, and Marjorie Gombert was 19th in 13:24. The final two female competitors, Miranda Galloway and Tiffany Sawyer, finished 21st (13:27) and 24th (13:41), respectively.

"Out top three ran well again, especially Sara," head coach Dean Hayes said. "It was probably the best race Sara has run since she's been here."

Jonathan Guillou paced the men's squad for the second straight week, placing 17th in 15:57 on the 5K course. Derek Dell followed in 20th place in a time of 16:03, while Steve Safstrom finished 21st in 16:04. Tony Carufe (42nd, 17:39), Matthew Young (44th, 18:21) and Luke Pleger (47th, 18:42) rounded out the men's competitors.

"Jonathan and Derek both ran well, and Steve was right in there behind Derek, so that was good," Hayes said. "Those three guys are really leading us right now."

Both squads return to action on Saturday, September 17, at the WKU Old Timers Classic in Bowling Green, Ky.

UTC OPENER RESULTS
WOMEN - 2 miles (3rd/6 teams)
12. Ashley Comstock, 12:22
14. Kaitlyn Hammond, 12:30
16. Sara Lunning, 12:44
19. Marjorie Gombert, 13:24
21. Miranda Galloway, 13:27
24. Tiffany Sawyer, 13:41

MEN - 5K (6th/8 teams)
17. Jonathan Guillou, 15:57
20. Derek Dell, 16:03
21. Steve Safstrom, 16:04
42. Tony Carufe, 17:39
44. Matthew Young, 18:21
47. Luke Pleger, 18:42

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