Nov. 22, 2004

2004 Women's XC NCAA Championship Complete Results
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Sophomore Lauren Blankenship was the lone representative and the first ever in Bulldog history to compete at the 2004 Cross Country NCAA Championships, hosted by Indiana State University at LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terra Haute, Ind. Blankenship finished the race in 161st place out of 250 runners with a time of 22:28.1. Colorado took the women's-event title, while Duke finished second and Providence finished third.

"The conditions were very wet and muddy," said head coach Glenn McWaters. "Blankenship caught a cramp during the race and fell behind. She has done a wonderful job this season and we are very proud of her performance this season."

"This season was great," said sophomore Lauren Blankenship. "I am truly grateful in all of my accomplishments this season. The team also performed great and now I am looking forward to some time off before track season begins."

For the 2004 season, Blankenship has led the women's team to four total victories, after claiming the 2004 OVC title and finishing sixth overall at the NCAA South Regionals. Blankenship took the 2004 OVC crown, as she won the race and was named 2004 OVC Female Athlete of the Year. The sophomore received an automatic entry into the NCAA Championships, after finishing fourth overall at the NCAA South Regionals.