Results

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's cross country team led the pack on Saturday in the squad's first meet in 659 days, placing four runners inside the top 10 to win the team title at the Puget Sound Invitational at Fort Steilacoom Park. 

"It was so great to see the Lutes competing in cross country again," said Head Coach Adam Frye. "The season opener is always fun, but after the canceled 2020 season this was extra special. You could feel the joy and gratitude within the team today."
 
Annika Deazley made her Lute debut in style, finishing fifth overall and first among Lute competitors after navigating the 4,000-meter course in 16 minutes, 35.0 seconds. Teammate Alicia Krivanek was a second behind in sixth in 16:36.0 while Sulin Degollado was seventh overall in 16:42.0. Anna Iverson was the fourth Lute inside the top 10, placing ninth in 16:49.1 in her first collegiate cross country race.
 
Victoria Lindley and Joan Park finished back-to-back in 12th and 13th places respectively. Lindley finished the course in 17:21.0 while Park was a split-second back in 17:21.5.
 
The Lutes accumulated 34 points in the team standings, owning a 10-point edge on Division II Saint Martin's University. Host University of Puget Sound was fourth among the five team field with 82 points.

"We weren't focused on the outcome today but it was still fun for the women to win the team title! The women worked really well together as we had discussed and were rewarded with a nice result."
 
The Lutes take next weekend off before hosting the PLU Invitational on Sept. 18.