EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University women's cross country team began their 2013 campaign today (Sept. 13) at the MSU Spartan Invitational.  

Setting the pace for the Cardinals was junior Emily Short (Tawas, Mich. / Tawas Area HS), finishing the race at 22:11 in 17th place.  Next to finish for Saginaw Valley were juniors Chantelle Fondren (Chesaning, Mich. / Chesaning HS) who placed 27th in a time of 23:04 and Tori Peet (Lapeer, Mich. / Lapeer West HS) who finished right behind at the 23:06 mark, good for 28th place.

Freshman Christina Micale (Macomb, Mich. / Dakota HS) was the next to cross the finish line in her first race as a Cardinal, taking 56th place in a time of 23:13.  Following right behind was Mandy Lacertosa (Imlay City, Mich. / Imlay City HS) who placed 58th in 23:16.  Senior Amanda Paris (Hemlock, Mich. / Hemlock HS) clocked in at 23:41 (79th), while sophomore Jessica Reeves (Sanford, Mich. / Meridian HS) finished in 23:50 (90th).  

Christina Swain (New Hudson, Mich. / South Lyon HS) finished her first collegiate race at the 24:00 mark, good for 97th place.  Rounding off the Cardinals in 121st place was another freshman Abby Ernatt (Lake Orion, Mich. / Lake Orion HS) in a time of 24:30.

The Cardinals will be back in action at the Lansing Community College Invitational on Friday, Sept. 27.