Axewomen grab first place finish at second AUS meet

(HALIFAX, N.S.) – The Acadia Axeowmen and Dalhousie Tigers claimed team wins at the DAL/SMU Cross Country Invitational on Saturday afternoon at Point Pleasant Park. 

The Axewomen got their first win of the season, while the Tigers claimed their second-straight team win. The Axewomen's win is the first in it's 15 year recent history.

In the women's 6k race, newcomer Savanna Jordan (Dalhousie) took first place in the field of 61 runners with a time of 22:39. She was followed by former OUA athlete Sophie Watts (Halifax Road Hammers) with a time of 22:51, and Carol-Ann MacDonald (Moncton), who finished in 23:25. 

Madalyn Higgins was the top finisher for the Axewomen with a time of 23:59.00 and teammate Katie Robinson finished fifth among AUS racers.

Rounding out the top 10 were Carley Birrell (Charles P Allen High School), Shaylynn Tell (Dalhousie), Annouk Pelletier (Club Endurance), Madalyn Higgins (Acadia), Mikayla Boucher (YHZ Track & Field), Katie Robinson (Acadia), and Siona Chisholm (Dr. JH Gillis High School). 

Acadia won the team event with 45 points, followed closely by Dalhousie with 46 points. StFX placed third with 57 and l'université de Moncton was fourth with 75 points. 

Axewomen head coach Ralph Wiliams was happy with their first team gold finish. 

"Acadia Cross Country team are running with a team spirit and are putting their hearts into their races and out on the course. I can't ask anymore than that of them. The team has a goal and they are determined to reach it. I am very proud of them," said Williams. 

The Axewomen, along with other teams, have been experiencing running injuries early in the season and will have several weeks to rest and recover.

The next meet is scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at Laval as the AUS and RSEQ conferences meet in interlock in competition.