October 13, 2012 -- CNU XC Invitational (from CNUsports.com)

Post date: Oct 14, 2012 2:51:55 PM

Captain Women Win CNU Cross Country Invitational; Men Finish Fifth on Saturday

Karen Bumiller and Erin Rolaf both cracked the 24-minute mark and finished in the top-10 for the Captains

10/13/2012 6:11:00 PM

CNU Invitational Results

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Behind top-10 efforts by Karen Bumiller and Erin Rolaf, the Christopher Newport women's cross country squad captured the CNU Invitational championship on Saturday, while the men cruised to a fifth-place showing during their home meet at Lee Hall Mansion.

Bumiller was the top Captain finisher after crossing the line in eighth during the women's 6k, while Rolaf was right on her heels with a ninth-place effort. Aaron Zook led the men's squad after completing the 8k course in 10th.

Guided by the veteran standouts, the CNU women posted a score of 84, which edged out Washington & Lee's 86. Overall, the Captains beat four teams ranked in the most recent regional poll. In addition to the Generals, who entered the meet ranked third in the South / Southeast, Christopher Newport also took down No. 5 Rhodes, No. 6 Eastern Mennonite, and No. 7 Bridgewater.

On the men's side, the Captains placed fifth after notching a score of 131. Virginia Commonwealth led the way with 48, while Lynchburg placed second and was the top Division III team with 54 points. York and Bridgewater rounded out the top-four with 79 and 80, respectively. Rhodes, who entered the competition ranked third in the South / Southeast Region, eventually placed sixth in the field.

During the 6k, both Bumiller and Rolaf cracked the 24-minute plateau. Bumiller was the first to cross after finishing with a time of 23:41.16, while Rolaf completed the course in 23:47.82. Following in the veterans' footsteps, a slew of freshmen also recorded top-25 showings after Eliza Eaton, Alexa Tabackman, and Melissa Rizor all finished strong. Eaton placed 23rd in 24:19.16 before Tabackman closed in 24:21.94. Rizor rounded out the group in 25th with a time of 24:23.67.

On the men's side, Zook set a new personal-best after completing the 8k in 26:16.81. Senior Daniel Austin was up next for the Captains, finishing 29th after clocking in at 27:18.13. Sophomore Donovan Lewin was right behind his teammate, placing 30th in 27:21.22. Bradley Turner and Josh Showalter rounded out the team's top-five finishers after crossing in 32nd and 34th, respectively.

Christopher Newport will return to action in two weeks when the men and women look to defend their conference crowns at the USA South Championship. The title meet will be hosted at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro, N.C. on October 27.