Saturday, October 16, 2004

Danielle Nunnelly (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) turned in the second fastest five-kilometer time in Valparaiso University history, helping to lead the Crusaders to a second place finish at the Evansville Invitational on Saturday afternoon.

The sophomore crossed the finish line in fourth place overall with a time of 17:52.10 as Valpo tallied just 52 points as a team on the afternoon. Southern Illinois won the meet with 29 points, while Creighton was third with 70.

Rachael Button (Farmington Hills, Mich./Farmington H.S.) was second for the Brown and Gold and 12th overall with a time of 18:29.38, while Jobeth Schmiesing (Mankato, Minn./Mankato West H.S.) was two spots back with a time of 18:35.52.

Ashley Billstrom (Hales Corners, Wis./Whitnall H.S.) and Rachel Nelson (Lee's Summit, Mo./Lee's Summit H.S.) rounded out the scoring in 17th and 18th place respectively with times of 18:45.65 and 18:45.95.

The meet was Valpo's final preparation for the Mid-Continent Conference Championships which will take place on October 30 in Rochester, Mich. The women's race begins at 9 a.m. CDT.