The race for a top-10 finish was a close one this morning at the Drenth Memorial Invitational in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Chargers were well-represented, placing second as a team with 42 points behind Michigan State with two runners in the top 10.
Junior Arena Lewis led the way for the Chargers, coming in sixth overall in 18:14.52. She was followed closely by freshman Sophia Maeda. Maeda started her collegiate career off strong, finishing her first race in a Hillsdale uniform at 18:19.07.
Sophomore Christina Sawyer began her season coming in 11th overall and third for the Chargers with a time of 18:28.04. Coming in 16th was senior Allysen Eads, and right behind her was sophomore Maryssa Depies in 17th. The two finished in 18:50.16 and 18:52.15, respectively.
Hillsdale only trailed Michigan State in the team rankings at the meet. The Spartans took first with 29 points. Host Central Michigan University was third with 59.
With five Chargers in the top 20 and a few close behind, there is a reason this fifth-nationally ranked team is projected to win the Great Midwest Athletic Conference for the second year in a row.
Words: Calli Townsend
Photo: Alexandra Whitford