Sept. 12, 2005

Fairfax, Va.--George Mason University's women's cross country team began its 2005 season at the Towson Invitational on Sept. 10 and finished fourth (90 points) in a field of seven Division I teams at Oregon Ridge.

Sophomore Melissa Ferry (West Chester, Pa.) was the first Patriot to cross the finish line in the 5,000 meter race as she placed seventh in a time of 20:17, while sophomore Alicia York (Havertown, Pa.) finished in 10th (20:28.00), out of 52 athletes. Danielle Turner (So.; New Bern, N.C.) was 23rd with a time of 21:41.00, while freshman Laura Goodman (Radnor, Pa.) collected a time of 22:31.00 for 26th place. Freshman Stephanie Gunter (Oxon Hill, Md.) and Jessica Young (Sr.; Alexandria, Va.) finished 34th and 36th, respectively, in times of 23:08.00 and 24:07.00.

Host-school, Towson, won the Invitational with 26 points, while Delaware State (79) and Norfolk State (87) rounded out the top-three teams.

The Patriots will return to action when they compete at the James Madison Invitational in New Market, Va. on Sept. 17.