Sept. 5, 2004

MOUNT PLEASANT - Freshman Meghan Juuti placed sixth in 19:21.0 to lead the Lake Superior State cross country team at its season-opening meet on Friday at Central Michigan University.

Juuti, who is from Elliot Lake, Ont., was the third fastest NCAA Division II competitor in the women's race. LSSU's fastest male was senior Colin Vohlken, who was 21st in 16:14.3. Senior Anthony Pavicic, who was running unattached, placed 18th in 16:11.7.

Top overall finishers were CMU's Teresa Bongiovanni in 18:34.1 (women's) and Jacob Crowe in 15:20.0 (men's).

LSSU Women's Results: 16. Jen Buerger, 19:59.5; 21. Amy Busfield, 20:28.2; 22. Brooke Brenner, 20:29.6; 30. Michelle Ballance, 21:01.0; 31. Kristin Carson, 21:05.1; 35. Christina Etapa, 21:34.5; 38. Kate Baker, 23:30.4.

LSSU Men's Results: 25. Matt Merian, 16:44.9; 30. Richard Stein, 17:00.1; 33. Scott Hosie, 17:12.3; 34. Ross Malatinsky, 17:19.2; 36. David Partyka, 17:35.2; 42. Jason Ferguson, 18:07.9.

LSSU unattached runners: (women's) 11. Mandi DeBlock, 19:40.3; (men's) 22. Chris Olds, 16:30.2; 23. Ben Tarbutton, 16:33.1; 24. Tom Thornton, 16:42.6; 35. Emory Nelkie, 17:19.6; 37. Matt Flemming, 17:37.2; 41. Matt Leyndyke, 17:51; 44. Alex Hanes, 20:13.3.