Rogers Captures Individual Title at Worcester City Meet
PAXTON, Mass. – Worcester State University’s sophomore standout, Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) captured the annual Worcester City Meet women’s individual title as she crossed the finish line first in a time of 19:38 – breaking last year's time of 19:52 at Moore State Park.
PAXTON, Mass. – Worcester State University's sophomore standout, Mia Rogers (N. Dighton, Mass.) captured the annual Worcester City Meet women's individual title as she crossed the finish line first in a time of 19:38 – breaking last year's time of 19:52 at Moore State Park.
"Mia's workouts going into this meet indicated she was ready for her best effort this season," stated head coach Gary Jusseaume. "She did not disappoint."
Rogers ran side-by-side with opponents Rachel Avard (N. Attleboro, Mass.) of Assumption and Jasmin Higuera Castillo (Riverside, Calif.) of WPI for the majority of the meet until the last mile when she pushed ahead and defeated both opponents by nine seconds.
"One of Mia's pronounced strengths is the ability to formulate and execute a tactically sound race plan as a race progresses," added Jusseaume.
WPI earned their 11th women's title to tie with Holy Cross for the most all-time women titles. Assumption came in second place with a score of 57, while Clark followed with 68. Worcester State marked 71 points, and then Fitchburg State rolled in with 153.
The next Lancer runner to cross the finish line was rookie Elisabeth Olson (Wilmington, Mass.) who was the second freshman to finish the course at 13th place.
"Elizabeth's 21:14 as her first race on this difficult course was a solid benchmark of her racing progression this season," commented Jusseaume. "I'm pleased with her progress and look for marked improvement during October."
The duo of Laura DelleChiaie (Haverhill, Mass.) and Justine Murdocca (Milford, Mass.) came in 16th and 17th places with times of 21:32 and 21:39, respectively.
"Laura and Justine continue to close that scoring gap behind Elisabeth," said Jusseaume. "They each ran well today, garnering key points."
Sophomore Emily Bumpus (Bridgewater, Mass.) rounded out the scoring for Worcester State as she came in 29th place in a time of 22:42.
The Lancers take a break from competition next week and resume competition the following weekend when they travel to Westfield, Mass. for the James Early Invitational.