CHARLESTON, S.C. – The
High Point University's women's cross country team has achieved an impressive milestone, winning its eighth consecutive Big South Conference Championship as the Panthers defeated Charleston Southern University by 17 points Friday morning.
Brianna Malone distinguished herself by clinching the Indiviual Big South Women's Cross Country Champion for the second year in a row to pace five HPU runners in the top 10. This marks High Point's eighth consecutive championship and their 10th in the last 11 years.
Head Coach Remy Tamer: "I'm feeling pretty satisfied. I'm feeling proud. I'm always proud. I'm proud to go to work every day and I'm proud to work with these women. Today is no different. It was a job well done and although it wasn't perfect, we made a memory that's going to last for a while as a team and that's what this is all about. We are happy to come through this big challenge. As a team, I think we want everyone to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Every year, every course and every championship is one of one. I'm very proud to be a part of this women's team and program that has been able to accomplish eight championships in a row. And that's a testament to the women and what they've done and the quality of our culture. More than anything, I'm happy to watch and cheer on the sidewalks."
Malone successfully defended her title as the reigning Big South Cross Country Champion, earning both the Individual Champion title and the Big South Runner of the Year honors with a time of 16:52.0. Leading the race from start to finish, Malone finished strong to secure first place overall for her best race this fall.
"She is not the only one we have, but she is one-of-one," Tamer said. "There is no other
Brianna Malone on this team. And in fact, each individual does bring something to the table that maybe someone else doesn't and what
Brianna Malone brings to our team — besides an exception attitude, a fantastic, and bright light of a personality — she brings a championship level performance background that makes her dangerous in almost any type of race. We talked to a lot going into the race that if she can be with the leaders or in the league coming out of the woods with about 800m to go that this is her championship to win and she's tough. I believe in everything that she can do throughout the year, accumulating these hard reps in these hard days and building something beautiful. Today she was able to display was a celebration of her fitness and preparation. I'm very proud of her."
Charli Montalvo secured third place with a new personal best of 17:05.8. She stayed close to Malone and Hendrix for much of the race, finishing strong in the final 1k.
Alyssa Hendrix finished fourth overall, becoming the third Panther to cross the finish line in her first Big South Conference meet. She recorded a season-best time of 17:12.8 to earn Big South Newcomer of the Year.
Danielle Jensen made a remarkable debut at her first conference meet, finishing sixth and earning Freshman of the Year honors — the highest placement of the season. She clocked in at 17:39.1 in her first-ever 5k.
Alice Jones secured eighth place overall with a personal best of 17:44.0. She maintained pace with the front pack throughout the race and finished strong as High Point's fifth runner.
Shauna Skow was the next Panther to finish, surpassing her previous personal best by more than 30 seconds to place 16th. Freshman
Reese Bradbury followed closely, finishing in the top 25 at 18:34.3.
Mikayla Moxley achieved a significant feat by breaking the 19-minute mark in the 5k for the first time in her collegiate career, finishing in 33rd place.
Nikki Frail crossed the finish line at 19:26.9, achieving a new personal best.
Lauren Vossen narrowly missed the top 50 but also recorded a personal best in the race.
In addition to the team championship, the Panthers collected several individual honors at the awards ceremony.
Brianna Malone was recognized as the Big South Runner of the Year and Individual Champion and received First-Team All-Conference accolades.
Charli Montalvo,
Alyssa Hendrix, and
Danielle Jensen were all named First-Team All-Conference selections, while
Alice Jones earned Second Team All-Conference honors. Coach
Remy Tamer was honored as Coach of the Year. Additionally, Jensen received Freshman of the Year and Hendrix was named Newcomer of the Year.
Final Team Results
1 – High Point (22)
2 – Charleston Southern (39)
3 – Radford (89)
4 – UNC Asheville (126)
5 – Longwood (129)
6 – USC Upstate (172)
7 – Winthrop (183)
8 – Gardner-Webb (184)
9 – Presbyterian (286)
Individual Champion
Brianna Malone, High Point
Freshman of the Year
Danielle Jensen, High Point
Newcomer of the Year
Alyssa Hendrix, High Point
Coach of the Year
Remy Tamer, High Point
All-Conference Team (Top 14 Finishers)
First-Team
Brianna Malone, High Point
Keerstin Augustin, Charleston Southern
Charli Montalvo, High Point
Alyssa Hendrix, High Point
Sarah McCartney, Charleston Southern
Danielle Jensen, High Point
Elizabeth Shaylor, Charleston Southern
Second-Team
Alice Jones, High Point
Kate McLearen, Radford
Sophie Farley, Longwood
Jessica Perriello, Gardner-Webb
Katrina Husby, Charleston Southern
Sarah Jacobs, Charleston Southern
Beth Ludwick, USC Upstate
#GoHPU
