Full Results
Lawrence, Kan. – Alyssa Schneider continued her torrid pace through the postseason with a second-place finish at the NCAA Midwest Regional, guaranteeing her an individual at-large bid for next Saturday's NCAA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. As a team, the Illinois placed 10th at today's meet.
Alyssa Schneider, running in her final cross-country regional of her career, posted her best regional finish during her time at Illinois, placing second overall with a mark of 20:12.8. As one of the top-four finishers in her regional, Schneider will be selected as one of the 38 individual at-large bids for next Saturday's NCAA Championships.
"Each of the races has been different, in terms of the conditions and the competition, and there's been a certain consistency in her approach. As befitting a smart fifth-year senior she was able to make adjustments because of the context, and just ran a very poised and competitive race. I think she's got another big race in her next Saturday."
Second on the team to finish was junior Valerie Bobart, finishing 57th overall with a time of 21:33.8, and setting a personal-record for the 6K distance.
"Valerie's race was her best of the season," said Jones. "That shows what she's capable of."
Third through the chute was senior Britten Petrey, ending her cross-country career at Illinois with a 62nd place finish with a time of 21:39.6.
"It wasn't her best race in terms of her time and place, but she gave that 100% competitive effort. She stayed focused and kept fighting through to the end. Even when things weren't going perfectly for her, she just showed that grit and competitive spirit."
Hanna Winter was the last of the five pointer scorers today, crossing the finish line with a time of 22:17.8 Audrey Blazek (143rd/22:40.8) and Megan Lemersal (157th/22:56.2) were the final two Illini to finish this afternoon.
"We need for us as a team to grow. We need to get more consistency from people like Valerie, and Denise [Branch], and Hanna [Winter] and Audrey [Blazek]. I think that will come with experience and maturity, and just having been in these competitive situations.
Next up: For Alyssa Schneider, the cross-country season and her Illini career has its final act next Saturday at NCAA Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. The rest of the team will begin preparing for the indoor track season that starts next month.
"I'm really optimistic of what they can do during the track season because I've seen the work they've put in and know where they are. Having a bittersweet [end to the] season, in terms of team success, will hopefully carry over and be a motivating factor to keep working hard."
Team Results:
- Oklahoma State – 51*
- Iowa State – 98*
- Minnesota – 125
- ILLINOIS – 310
Individual Results:
2. Alyssa Schneider, 20:12.8*
57. Valerie Bobart, 21:33.8
62. Britten Petrey, 21:39.6
84. Denise Branch, 21:58.2
109. Hanna Winter, 22:17.8
143. Audrey Blazek, 22:40.8
157. Megan Lemersal, 22:56.2
*Qualified for NCAA Championships
