University of Illinois
Bradley Pink Classic
Branch Leads Illini at Bradley
October 14, 2016 | Women's Cross Country
Illini place 10th as a team
Red Race Results | White Race Results
PEORIA, Ill. – Three Fighting Illini Women's Cross-Country runners finished in the top-50 at the Bradley Pink Classic, as the team placed 10th out of the 31-team field. Denise Branch led the way for the Illini, placing 15th with a personal-best time of 21:18.9.
"I was disappointed that we weren't able to maintain the integrity of our group," Head Coach Scott Jones said. "We had a solid group of four that has the capability to race together. It's a little bit more of a challenge in a bigger race, but we have to find a way to do that in order for us to be successful."
For the second time this season, Illini junior Denise Branch was the first on the team to cross the finish line. After leading the Illini at the Illini Challenge on September 2, the Brooklyn, New York native again paced the Illini with a personal-best 6,000-meter time of 21:18.9. This is the second straight meet Branch has improved upon her career-best.
"I think her confidence is growing, as she raced assertively and really let the competition draw the best out of her," said Coach Jones.
Also finishing in the top-50 for the Orange and Blue were seniors Amanda Fox (32nd/21:45.0) and Audrey Blazek (41st/21:52.0). Remaining towards the middle of the field through the first third of the race, the Naperville, Illinois native surpassed 24 runners in the middle 2,000 meters, and then another 18 in the final third of the race, to finish second on the team.
"Amanda [Fox,] didn't get up to where she could have finished, but she kept fighting and that's something that's important," said Jones. "Things don't always go your way, but to keep competing all the way through the finish line, make the best of the situation, and I think she did that."
Valerie Bobart (55th/22:02.8) was Illinois' fourth finisher on the afternoon, while Kim Seger (122nd/22:46.0) concluded the Illinois point-scorers.
Although she did not score for the Illini today, freshman Julia Schultz again made strides in her second 6,000m race, as she passed 49 runners in the final 4,000 meters. Schultz's time of 22:53.4 improves upon her debut time at Iowa two weeks ago by nine seconds.
"We've been really happy with what Julia has demonstrated," explained Jones. "She's brought a very gregarious personality and an optimistic outlook. She's turning into somebody we can count on in cross-country."
Competing in the open race earlier in the day, Megan Lemersal (14th/23:27.4) and Grace Rogers (16th/23:30.8) both finished in the top-20.
"I thought they raced aggressively and were rewarded with season-best performances," said Jones.
Up next, the Fighting Illini return home, as they host the Illini Open on Friday, October 21. The meet will be held at the UI Arboretum beginning at 4 p.m. central time.
For complete coverage of Fighting Illini Women's Cross-Country, visit fightingillini.com and following @IlliniWXC on Twitter and Instagram.
Illinois Red Race Results:
15. Denise Branch, 21:18.9
32. Amanda Fox, 21:45.0
41. Audrey Blazek, 21:52.0
55. Valerie Bobart, 22:02.8
122. Kim Seger, 22:46.0
132. Julia Schultz, 22:53.4
187. Diane Lipa, 23:38.4
221. Hanna Winter, 24:23.4
Illinois White Race Results:
14. Megan Lemersal, 23:27.4
16. Grace Rogers, 23:30.8
91. Robin Manarik, 26:14.3
