Troy Opens 2018 Season at JSU

Friday, August 31

Oxford, Ala.

all day

Troy University

JSU Struts Season Opener

8/31/2018 8:51:00 PM | Cross Country

By: Eric Evans II

Men's Results | Women's Results

Oxford, Ala. – The Troy women's cross country team finished second while the men's cross country team finished fourth at the JSU Struts Season Opener in Oxford, Ala., at Choccolocco Park on Friday evening to begin the 2018 season.

The women tallied 67 points, paced by freshman Caroline Sall who finished seventh in 19:46.70. Sophomore Macki Walsh followed behind Sall, clocking a time of 19:55.50 in the five-kilometer course. Sophomore Michaela Ashley rounded out the top-three finishers for the Trojans, crossing the finish line in 15th place in 20:20.60. Kennesaw State took first with 46 points in the 16-team field.

"I was pleasantly surprised with how well our women ran today," head coach Elliott Blount said. "It was hot at the gun, so we had to abandon any time goal and race on feel. For the most part, we did and were successful with that approach. It's important we see this as a start with a ways to go."

The men recorded 108 points on the evening with Mercer taking first with 49 in the 16-team field. Senior Brackin Stewart won the five-kilometer race in a personal best time of 15:33.30 which is more than five second faster than second place. Sophomore Delaney Moore set a personal record and earned a top-10 finish, crossing the finish line in eighth with a time of 16:10.40.

"Even being down a few men we underperformed," Blount said. "We have a long way to go. We are going to have to shake some things up to get this team to where it can be. But a great individual effort by Brackin, can't be overlooked or downplayed, winning is a habit!"

UP NEXT
The Trojans will be back in action next Friday, Sept. 7 at the Azalea City Classic in Mobile, Ala.