SPOKANE, Wash. - The Saginaw Valley State University women's cross country team competed today (Nov. 19) in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships.  The Lady Cardinals, who were making their first appearence in the NCAA Championships, had a strong showing, earning a 13th place finish on the snow-covered course in Spokane, Washington.

Saginaw Valley was led by senior Megan Pittoors (Macomb, Mich./Dakota HS) who placed 63rd overall and crossed the line at 23:17.50.  Coming in behind Pittoors was teammate Alycia Wright (Macomb Township, Mich./Lutheran High North) who timed in at 23:30.60 for the 6K which was good for 74th place.  

Following close behind Wright were upperclassmen Lauren Hill (Flat Rock, Mich./Flat Rock HS) and Jean Hollerbach (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe HS) who placed 84th and 88th overall recording final times of 23:41.30 and 23:47.2, respectively.  Junior Chelsea Savage (Monroe, Mich./St. Mary's Catholic Central) would clock in at 23:49.7 which was good for 90th place. Senior Ashley Meyer (Shepherd, Mich./Shepherd HS) and freshman Emily Short (Tawas, Mich./Tawas Area HS) timed in at 24:19.20 and 24:19.50, respectively, good for 122nd and 123rd places.

With the completion of the NCAA DII Cross Country National Championships the 2011 Saginaw Valley women's cross country team ends their historic season and start preparation for the indoor track and field season.